KIA Optima Steering Problems
Owners have filed 758 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the KIA Optima across 20 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (213). The words owners use most often: “steering column” (16% of reports).
- 758steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 23mention a crash
- 9mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- $690typical repair cost reported by owners
- 57%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering column: mentioned in 118 of 758 complaints (16%)
- Clicking noise: mentioned in 48 of 758 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the KIA Optima at $690, and half of them between $440 and $1,300.
Based on 23 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2014–2025), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 513 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 758 complaints, 23 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 9 an injury.
KIA Optima steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 2 | 1% | — |
| 2019 Optima | 6 | 3% | 33,000 |
| 2018 Optima | 12 | 5% | 42,100 |
| 2017 Optima | 11 | 4% | — |
| 2016 Optima | 24 | 3% | 35,168 |
| 2015 Optima | 69 | 7% | 39,125 |
| 2014 Optima | 96 | 16% | 12,125 |
| 2013 Optima | 213 | 15% | 40,000 |
| 2012 Optima | 188 | 20% | 54,000 |
| 2011 Optima | 100 | 17% | 71,500 |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% | 31,576 |
| 2009 Optima | 7 | 6% | 60,000 |
| 2008 Optima | 4 | 3% | 34,500 |
| 2007 Optima | 2 | 1% | 102,000 |
| 2006 Optima | 2 | 1% | 59,020 |
| 2005 Optima | 2 | 1% | 58,243 |
| 2004 Optima | 7 | 3% | 35,000 |
| 2003 Optima | 2 | 1% | 169,700 |
| 2002 Optima | 8 | 7% | 130,000 |
| 2001 Optima | 1 | 1% | 191,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists steering for the KIA Optima. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contactâs son stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and significant effort was required to control or turn the steering wheel. The contactâs son also became aware of an…
Steering effort loss. Canât drive vehicle as steering wheel is hard to move. EPS and Traction light came on. Could cause accident as I was driving and with no warning could not make turns unless using excessive force.
This is a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding a manufacturer's active refusal to remedy a known safety defect under an active recall campaign guidelines.My 2015 Kia Optima Turbo experienced an active internal mechanical engine knock, violent sputtering, and a complete engine seizure. The…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and…
Steering flexible coupling was a recall over 10 years ago, it was replaced. The steering wheel âsticksâ and itâs catching again and they will not do anything. Iâm not happy that this is an ongoing problem and can be dangerous if it sticks at the wrong time!
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Optimas have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 758 owner complaints about steering for the KIA Optima. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Optima steering?
No recall currently lists steering for this vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the KIA Optima?
Owners report a typical cost of $690 (half paid between $440 and $1,300), from 23 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the KIA Optima?
The most frequent phrase is “steering column”, in 118 of 758 complaints, followed by “clicking noise” (48).
Other KIA Optima problems
- Engine problems (3,164)
- Electrical System problems (936)
- Air Bags problems (563)
- Structure problems (559)
- Power Train problems (508)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (381)
- Exterior Lighting problems (359)
- Service Brakes problems (314)
See all KIA Optima problems.