10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
43,069 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Kia Optima steering problems

steering problem

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2012 Kia Optima Owner Comments (Page 1 of 9)

problem #172

Nov 212022

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In November 2022, I noticed that my steering wheel would stick after reaching 35 mph. After an unrelated issue in January, a mechanic confirmed this issue. Went for a second option and they confirmed that same issue, stating it was the steering column insulator. After consulting with another mechanic that can fix the problem, he encouraged me to reach out to KIA for recalls, as that he has repaired 3 other vehicles in the past 12 months with the same issue and they all had recalls. KIA does not have any recalls for this, or anything related to steering. They said that a component in my steering was covered but the warranty expired 2 years ago. Still checking for recalls, as that I'm seeing a lot of reports online of the same issue with Optimas.

- Washington, NC, USA

problem #171

Nov 272022

Optima

  • miles
My Kia 2012 optima started having steering problems. The steering started sticking at higher speeds. When I tried to steer the steering wheel felt like it was stuck in the center position and I had to use extra force to steer it either left or right. It felt very unsafe while driving. I research this Kia problem and I found a kia TSB CHA 060 that addresses this same problem. So Kia is aware of this steering safety issue. I contacted my local Kia dealer and I was told that my vehicle was not covered under this. They told me that the safety TSB was only good for 10 years and my car is now 12 years old. I was told that there was another safety recall on my car about the headliner needing repairs and that was covered. So at this point Kia will repair my headliner for free, but not repair my steering safety problem under warranty.

- Clermont, FL, USA

problem #170

Jul 012022

Optima

  • miles
The steering wheel flex coupler is defective. There is a loud clicking sound when turning the steering wheel. Kia currently does not offer free repair since out of warranty. I am hoping they will instead offer a recall. Thank you.

- Fircrest, WA, USA

problem #169

Sep 272022

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle was broken into and stolen-€¦steering wheel column damage, wheel locked, wreck-€¦usb cord used to crank car..police report filed #2209013764ME

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #168

Aug 312022

Optima

  • miles
We noticed the steering seemed loose and at 80 MPH there was a serious vibration in the steering column. We noticed there was a service bulletin on the problem on the internet, but our car was 8 months past the 10 year limit on what KIA would cover. Our car has 123,000 miles on it. Our dealer, KIA of Billings Montana fixed the problem, but it cost us $610. I believe KIA should have notified us of the problem long ago and fixed it. The vibration has been happening for some time, but we thought it was just tires out of balance or an alignment problem. We had the tires aligned and tires rotated and balanced, but still had the problem. If the government or KIA knew about the problem, they should have warned us long ago, even if we had to pay for the repair.

- Park City, MT, USA

problem #167

Jul 242022

Optima

  • miles
Vehicle suddenly cut off and lost power. Upon cutting back off check engine was blinking as well as oil light. Was left to sit over night as it wasn-€™t safe to drive home and would not restart. The following morning the car started but was hesitant driven less than 20 miles home which struggled to accelerate and check engine light was illuminated along with oil light coming on. Oil was in the car at the time. Parked in front of home additional oil added oil light then oil light cut off until ac is turned on. Car was turned on and sitting and a knocking noise began. Left to sit the next day then taken to jiffy lube where a reading came on the scanner that it was the crank shaft was then ordered to go to a repair shop where it was diagnosed the engine is blown and that oil was basically being burned even with a maintain of oil changes therefore this caused metal to metal contact. The engine is now seized up and the vehicle is sitting outside of home. Vehicle is unsafe to drive upon further research cars 2011-2019 with the same engine have caught fire or failed. Due to this there is now a class act suit theta ii with Kia.

- Bear , DE, USA

problem #166

Jul 052022

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

MDPS Flex Coupling for steering needs replacement. Not covered by the 10 year warranty because it was 6 months late

- New Brighton, MN, USA

problem #165

Jul 012021

Optima

  • 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel made clicking sounds whenever turned. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

- Holland, MI, USA

problem #164

Aug 102021

Optima

  • miles
sterring has become loose and makes noise when sterring wheel is moved back and forth

- Cloverdale, CA, USA

problem #163

May 152021

Optima

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was stiff and making clicking sounds. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was waiting to speak to a representative. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to contact the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

- Plattsburgh, NY, USA

problem #162

Jul 062021

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased 2012 kia optima hybrid june 14, 2021. 1 week after I purchased vehicle i started to hear "clicking noise" & felt a "bump" each time I moved steering wheel slightly left or right. example moving steering wheel to change lanes, turning vehicle left or right, and moving steering wheel when straightening out car when parking. As of 7/6/2021 "clicking noise" in steering wheel/steering column is louder.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

problem #161

Jul 032021

Optima 4-cyl

  • miles
MY VIN IS [XXX] ITS A 2012 KIA OPITMA HYBRID 2.4L AND I SEE IT HAS THESE RECALLS ON IT NEEED TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT IT MY NUMBER IS [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Clinton, SC, USA

problem #160

Feb 242021

Optima

  • 52,313 miles
I was in the parent pick up line to pick up my daughter and I placed my shift in park however my car continued to drive forward and shift gear was stuck. Steering wheel became stiff and I kept foot on brake to slowing maneuver car to a parking spot. Once in parking spot car would not turn off and even though car was in park on the shift gear the drive mode was illuminated. The car finally turned off for a few seconds and than restarted by itself and repeated to do so. I was finally able to move gear shift after accessing the shift gear release lock however the shift gear remained in drive mode. Then engine just completely stopped turning on. Car would not turn, not drivable and had to have it towed for repair.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

problem #159

Feb 012020

Optima

  • miles
It occurs only whenever the car is in motion. When ever I am turning the wheel it clicks. Whenever I go over a bump the steering wheel clicks/knocks aggressively.

- Atlantic Highlands, NJ, USA

problem #158

Sep 232020

Optima

  • miles
When I move my steering wheel side to side I hear a weird clunking like noise. I first noticed this while parking in my driveway. It occurs while the car is sitting still, however have not tried it while car is moving. Also while driving on the highway last week (approx 60 mph) my steering wheel began to vibrate moderately. I had not noticed the vibration prior to last week or the clunking noise before 9/26/20. I have a video with clunking noise occurring if needed

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #157

Sep 162016

Optima

  • 7,000 miles
When driving slow and turning a knocking clunking sound, or slipping condition while driving in high speed also making wheel vibrate. When in stop and just turning wheel you hear the load clunking. I feel this is a safety issue

- Wentzville, MO, USA

problem #156

Sep 072020

Optima

  • 132,500 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Optima. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, there was a rattling sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not yet taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,500.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #155

Jan 152020

Optima

  • 154,000 miles
Steering wheel makes a clicking noise. Absolutely ridiculous

- Canton, OH, USA

problem #154

Jun 132020

Optima 4-cyl

  • miles
My vehicle steering makes a loud noise when turning it. It happens when driving and while car is in park. I was told this happens with Kia's(steering coupling) and should be a recall. I need to know if established as a recall so I can take to a dealer for repair because I do not want to continue driving like this.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #153

Jun 182020

Optima

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while pulling out of her driveway, the vehicle loss power steering assist and ceased without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The vehicle was towed to dorschel Kia (3817 w henrietta rd, rochester, NY 14623) where the vehicle was diagnosed with power steering failure however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

- Rochester, NY, USA

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