Everything NHTSA's vPIC database knows about this exact vehicle:
Decoding from NHTSA…
Vehicle history — accidents, title & owners
The decode above is what this vehicle is. For what it's been through — accidents, title brands, odometer, theft/total-loss and previous owners — pull a full history report.
NHTSA publishes the first 11 characters of the VIN with every complaint — that identifies the plant, model year, body and engine. So these are reports from cars built exactly like this one, not an average across the whole model.
5XXGN4A7XCG••••••2012 Kia OPTIMA
This build draws 2.8× more complaints than the average 2012 Kia OPTIMA build (32 vs 11).
32on this build
846on the model
75builds in total
1involved a fire
1injuries
Most reportedEngine 8Electrical System 6Visibility/wiper 4Steering 3
What owners of this build wrote
Service BrakesfireFeb 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
SteeringJun 2026
I bought this car February 2026 when I drove it on the freeway they car felt wiggly not the axle is broke and the wheel bearings stop the car from going
Engine And Engine CoolingApr 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving downhill at approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The battery, oil, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the pedal was firm. There was an abnormal…
EngineDec 2024
On the evening of December 5, 2024 my 2012 KIA OPTIMA's engine completely seized out of no where while traveling on a very busy road where the speed limit is 50mph putting my life and other drivers that share the roads life in danger. Thank god I was able to succesfully merge…
Electrical SystemDec 2023
I received a safety call notice my car was still working fine I’m waiting for the next notice according to this notice and my car breaks down still no notice said to call the number on it I did nothing, the car stopped in middle of the freakin traffic on a green light all cars…
Read all 32 complaints on this exact buildFull text, search by keyword, and the systems that fail most on cars built like yours.Unlock with Pro →
Owner complaints…
Now the whole model — all 75 builds of it, not just this build. Same NHTSA reports, wider net:
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Exact value for this VIN, adjusted for mileage
The original window sticker and factory options
Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
Decoded via NHTSA vPIC. Recalls, complaints and safety from NHTSA; MPG from EPA fueleconomy.gov. Full history reports from our partner. VIN 5XXGN4A7XCG071471 · decoded Oct 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by Denis Kataev, founder of ForCar.