Trim Report

Kia Optima S2012

Includes:OPTIMA|S
$6,959
Starting From
168
Active Listings
—
Avg Mileage

Sourced from 168 dealer listings in the latest market snapshot as of

Min $6,959
Max $25,000
From $6,959
Fresh

S Market Overview

All Trims Combined
From$1,080
$1K–$15K
62 listings131,452 avg miles
EX
From$1,000
425 listings|$1K–$24K
LX
From$525
988 listings|$525–$21K
Premium
From$6,445
24 listings|$6K–$22K
S
From$6,959
168 listings|$7K–$25K
SE
From$4,500
39 listings|$5K–$22K
SX
From$1,900
201 listings|$2K–$23K

2012 Kia Optima S Pricing

Price Trend

Building price history...

The price range is enormous.

Some are steals, some are wildly overpriced. A scout cuts through the noise and surfaces the ones worth your time.

Cut through the noiseFrom $5/week

Where to Find Kia Optima S

Location data for all 2012 Kia Optima trims combined

37States

If you're near Florida, you're in luck: 13% of listings are there. But with 37 states represented, there's likely one near you too.

Kia Optima Safety & Reliability

Safety data for all 2012 Kia Optima trims

Elevated

Federal safety data shows 1 recalls and 916 complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, a elevated safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

1
Recalls
916
Complaints
25
Crashes
76
Fires
Recall Findings
22V5600002022-01-08
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.

A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 916 issues reported over 1 model years, engine problems are the most common for the 2012 Kia Optima. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Engine270
02Steering146
03Unknown Or Other45
04Service Brakes, Hydraulic25
05Power Train22
916 total across 1 model years (2012–2012)Full data at NHTSA.gov
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Kia Optima Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy data for all 2012 Kia Optima trims

26–36mpg combined
·
22-34city
·
33-38hwy
·
$1,900-$2,600/yr

The 2012 Kia Optima delivers 26 to 36 MPG combined across 4 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim
Optima Hybrid - Automatic 6-spd
36mpg
2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive
34 city38 hwy~$1,900/yr-1/10 Poor
Optima - Automatic 6-spd
27mpg
2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive
24 city34 hwy~$2,500/yr-1/10 Poor
Optima - Manual 6-spd
27mpg
2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive
24 city34 hwy~$2,500/yr-1/10 Poor
Optima - Automatic 6-spd
26mpg
2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
22 city33 hwy~$2,600/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

S Trim Buyer Questions

What to know about the 2012 Kia Optima S

How does the S compare to other Kia Optima trims?

Every Kia Optima trim targets a different buyer. The 2012 model page compares all available trims side by side.

What should I know about maintaining the 2012 Kia Optima S?

The S shares its core mechanicals with other Kia Optima trims, so major service intervals are similar. Watch for engine issues, the most commonly reported problem area. There are 1 recall to verify before purchase. The 2012 model page has the details.

What are the best years for the Kia Optima S?

Check the price-to-mileage ratio for each Kia Optima S year. The last year before a generation change is usually the most refined; the first year after is when resale drops fastest. The Kia Optima overview compares all years side by side.

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