2012 Kia Optima steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 29, 2026INSteering

   Steering flexible coupling was a recall over 10 years ago, it was replaced. The steering wheel “sticks” and it’s catching again and they will not do anything. I’m not happy that this is an ongoing problem and can be dangerous if it sticks at the wrong time!

   NHTSA complaint #11753553 · source
2. Filed Jun 5, 2026PAAirbagsOther / UnknownSteering

   I had a engine replaced 1600 miles ago delarsship advised it was ok to drive gave me a vechicle back with abs light tracation control light on along with a exuast leak

   NHTSA complaint #11742371 · source
3. Filed Jun 3, 2026CABrakesSteeringWheels & Tires

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11741928 · source
4. Filed May 7, 2026FLAirbagsElectrical SystemSteering

   The horn stops working, steering heat stop working, control functions and air bag warning. I changed the clock spring and it fixed all those issues the first time but within 6 months all those issues happened again. Is there something more wrong?

   NHTSA complaint #11736227 · source
5. Filed Apr 16, 202572,000 miMDSteering

   The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal clicking sound while the steering wheel was vibrating. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the abnormal clicking sound was heard while making right turns. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage…

   NHTSA complaint #11654976 · source
6. Filed Mar 12, 2025202,000 miGASteering

   The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions and making a turn, there was a loud popping sound coming from the steering column and the wheels. Additionally, while attempting to shift into reverse, there was a popping sound coming from the steering column and floorboard. A mobile mechanic went to the residence where the vehicle was parked and stated that the failure might be associated with the steering…

   NHTSA complaint #11647921 · source
7. Filed Feb 2, 2025AZSteering

   MY VEHICLE HAS 75,583. I received a recall for 3 items and made an appointment and took the car in for the work. I noticed that their wasa slight dead spot in the centeing of the steering and asked if there was any adjustmen. I was told there wasn't but they would check it because there was a known problem thith the plastic gear in the electric motor's connection to the rack that wears out and can completely disintegrate. when I picked up the vehicle they had obviously…

   NHTSA complaint #11640235 · source
8. Filed Nov 29, 2024NYSteering

   The steering is making a clunking noise when backing up and going forward at low speed. There is a TSB by Kia about the steering motor rubber gear spacer that simply disintegrates over time but Kia is only performing repairs on vehicles in warm humid areas up to South Carolina. Why up to South Carolina? Being we live on the Eastern End of Long Island in Southampton Town in New York : we are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the South and Long Island Sound to the North. On…

   NHTSA complaint #11627904 · source
9. Filed Jun 13, 2024GAElectrical SystemSteering

   The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, the vehicle experienced excessive steering efforts, which required keeping both hands on the steering wheel to prevent the vehicle from drifting out of the lane. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on one occasion, causing the passenger's side-view mirror to strike another vehicle, and the side-view mirror was damaged. There was no injury sustained. A Police report was…

   NHTSA complaint #11594203 · source
10. Filed Dec 15, 2023NYSteering

    The MDPS steering motor flexible coupling on our 2012 Kia Optima has deteriorated and a metal to metal clunking noise is made when turning the steering wheel left or right. See Kia Technical Service Bulletin (XXX) dated August 2016. Stated in the Bulletin is warm ocean waters in high humidity areas from Texas to South Carolina causes the problem. Apparently, those warm ocean waters and humidity do not go further north carried by the Gulf Stream and the warmer spring ,summer…

    NHTSA complaint #11560278 · source
11. Filed Nov 7, 2023CASteering

    The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and driving over a bump in the roadway, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. Additionally, the front end of the vehicle and the steering column vibrated significantly, and the vehicle was pulling to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to steer the vehicle back into the lane. The contact…

    NHTSA complaint #11554019 · source
12. Filed Aug 9, 2023FLSteering

    The steering wheel has a loud clicking sound when I drive on the highway as well as when I turn the wheel left or right. It is so loud that I have to turn my radio volume high to somewhat drown it out. The flex coupler is the issue. Apparently this was a recall in the past. Since mine just started acting up, I just found out there was even a recall on this part. Tried to get Kia to replace the part, but was denied. Currently escalating the issue as I do not agree with the…

    NHTSA complaint #11537431 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology