2014 Kia Optima steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 5, 2026153,000 miILSteering

   The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact’s 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 contact’s son also became aware of an electrical burning odor during the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11769044 · source
2. Filed Sep 28, 2026FLSteering

   Steering effort loss. Can’t 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.

   NHTSA complaint #11767428 · source
3. Filed Jul 13, 2026WASteering

   Steering coupler issue. When turning the steering wheel. It is making a clunking noise even when in park and making it feel not smooth to turn the wheel either way. Very distracting and awkward when driving. When speeding up you can feel the issue with the steering coupler more. You can feel the noise and clunk feel when driving over bumps and turns. There has been a campaign/recall for other makes and models. But this car hasn’t been included.

   NHTSA complaint #11750123 · source
4. Filed Jan 28, 2026PRSteering

   The vehicle is currently experiencing failure consistent with a U.S safety call {Technical Service Bulletin) related to the steering column. A diagnostic scan has confirmed error code C1259 (angle sensor signal error) that match those referenced in the recall documentation. The vehicle was taken to a local authorized Kia dealership in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where we were informed that no recall appears in their system and that the recall “only applies to the mainland United…

   NHTSA complaint #11714078 · source
5. Filed Jan 15, 2026PASteering

   I am getting a clunking in the steering column.. I feel that my vehicle may be unsafe to drive.. Upon inspection it was brought to my attention that kia had known of a problem with a coupler in the steering that goes bad..they have extended the warranty.. But only for cars purchased in certain states. I feel that this problem should be covered...

   NHTSA complaint #11711110 · source
6. Filed Nov 6, 2025CASteering

   Steering column damage, it started with the horn not working and not allowing me to use the bottoms on the wheel I thought it was an electric thing ,but then I notice a noise when I was driving over 60 mph then when I was braking or turning

   NHTSA complaint #11697904 · source
7. Filed Oct 17, 20255,800 miTXSteering

   The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the steering wheel was loose while turning. Additionally, the contact stated that on approximately three occasions while in reverse(R), the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the EPS and ESC warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked at the residence and could not be moved, due to the failure with the steering…

   NHTSA complaint #11694029 · source
8. Filed Aug 19, 2025ARBrakesElectrical SystemSteering

   While driving Kia Optima, unable to turn steering wheel. No notice when first starting vehicle. While driving, a traction and steering wheel light turns on without a sound(ding) to notify driver. Then once driver attempts to turn, unable due to steering wheel locked. Unsafe to drive on the road. Dangerous for all passengers. Our safety is put at risk due to unable to turn steering wheel while driving. Must turn vehicle off in middle of road, then it resets so steering wheel…

   NHTSA complaint #11681739 · source
9. Filed Jul 22, 2025TNSteering

   The steering coupler for this vehicle is a cheap part that wears out easily. After just 110,000 miles my steering wheel now has a significant amount of "play" and makes a loud clicking sound while driving, even without moving the steering wheel, due to the amount of "play" in the steering. This is an expensive repair due to having to disassemble the steering column all because the cheap part wears out prematurely. This is a known problem for KIA Optimas and results in very…

   NHTSA complaint #11675298 · source
10. Filed May 20, 2025FLSteeringSuspension

    Pep boys told me in Panama City that this is a recall for Kia and it's a safety issue and my steering is loose I'm taking it to Kia on May 28th to get them to fix it

    NHTSA complaint #11662021 · source
11. Filed Mar 13, 2025CASteering

    Steering is clicking when turned from side to side. Also steering wheel shakes when coming to a stop or going over bumps. Checked with several people, including a service manager at Roseville Kia. The MDPS Flexible coupler needs replacing. They confirm its an ongoing problem. See Kia Technical Service Bulletin: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT CUTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CS 1604). I spoke with Kia customer service and they refused to repair under warranty.

    NHTSA complaint #11648033 · source
12. Filed Jan 2, 2025MASteering

    1. On [XXX] the steering wheel stuck 2 minutes after me and my wife exited the highway and tried to park on a mall’s parking. 2. On 13 November 2024 I brought car to Herb Chambers Kia of Burlington dealership to fix (93 Cambridge St, MA-3A, Burlington, MA 01803. Phone: [phone removed]) . 3. On 27 November 2024 got Kia back from the dealership. Drove it back home on a highway, and a few minutes later after exiting the highway the steering wheel stuck again. 4. On 29 November…

    NHTSA complaint #11633705 · 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