10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,617 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #118

Jul 152018

Optima

  • 51,000 miles
While driving, steering makes noise and rattle. Contacted Kia dealer in fremont and Kia corporation about the issues. No response.

- Fremont, CA, USA

problem #117

May 012018

Optima 4-cyl

  • 114,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. While driving unknown speeds, the steering wheel made an abnormal rattling noise. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 114,000. The VIN was not available. * consumer steering wheel makes abnormal noises when driving over bumpy roads and turning even when car isn't moving it, makes a noise just by moving steering wheel. Updated 10/26/18

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #116

Aug 032018

Optima

  • 67,000 miles
Continuous clicking noise while steering at all speeds. Sounds like something is loose in steering column. Was told it could be steering coupler/

- Lutz, FL, USA

problem #115

Jul 012018

Optima

  • 155,000 miles
I have noticed that when the car is not moving and I move the steering wheel from side to side I can hear a light popping noise. Also the steering wheel has excessive vibration and raddling when I am driving between 65-75 on the highway, it decreases at 80 mph. This also happens if I have to brake suddenly. It is not an issue with the tires or alignment.

- Cameron, MO, USA

problem #114

May 062017

Optima

  • 36,000 miles
The steering column inside started making noises like something cracked inside nowthe sterling wheel make noises on every turn.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

problem #113

Jun 132012

Optima 4-cyl

  • miles
Problems start in 2012 engine recall in 2017 was replace, steering recall in 2018 steering coupling was replace how ever my rack and pinion was affected and needs to be replace. We call them in 2012 regarding the steering wheel witch they didn't fix at that time which caused rack and pinion to wear out. We went to three different dealer ships regarding this car and nothing was done. This car is still giving us problems and we want the manufacture to either give us our money back or fix this problem this car is a hazard to our family, if something ist done some one is going to get hurt in this car!!!. this car stop on us in traffic someone could of gotten hurt, aaa had to pull this car to the selma dealer ship at that time. On the freeway the steering wheel would pull side to side that's dangerous. From 2012 until now this car is still giving us problems. We have all the paper work that was done on this lemon.why don't someone help these consumers out here with these problem on the Kia. I need help as asap. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #112

Nov 062017

Optima

  • miles
There is a knocking noise coming from my steering wheel for about 7 months

- Watkinsville, GA, USA

problem #111

Jun 152018

Optima

  • 81,000 miles
My steering wheel shakes when I am coming to a stop at a high speed.

- Vacaville, CA, USA

problem #110

Nov 012017

Optima

  • 120,000 miles
While driving on the highway(60mph and above) steering wheel appears to stick around 12 O'clock position. Have had the flex coupler repaired under the recall. I started to notice this shortly after it was replaced. Seems to be increasing in frequency.

- Bay Saint Louis, MS, USA

problem #109

Mar 012018

Optima

  • 135,000 miles
There is a loud clanking sound coming from the steering wheel whenever it is moved, shaken or turned. It makes the sound when the car is both moving and stationary and it occurs while on all road types, at all speeds.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #108

Feb 162018

Optima

  • 67,500 miles
Steering wheel shakes while in motion ( 60-80 mph ). ride is smooth until tires roll over imperfection in road. Steering wheel and front-end begins to shake violently. Shaking stops when turning right or left and begins again once vehicle has straightened out.

- San Bernardino, CA, USA

problem #107

Jan 262018

Optima

  • 52,000 miles
At highway speeds, intermittently, the steering will get stuck in the 12 O'clock position for approximately 1 second, repeatably happens once it starts happening, until off highway. Steering can be fine for months, and then issue can come back. Then when dealer inspects it, issue is gone. This is a very unsafe and serious issue, even a split second of reduced response time can mean the difference between life and death. Dealer said they performed the steering logic improvement update, but issue still happens on occasion.

- Aurora, IL, USA

problem #106

Jan 222018

Optima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. While driving 65 mph, the contact heard a clicking sound and the steering wheel began slipping. The contact drove home and called geweke Kia (1234 sunsweet blvd, yuba city, ca 95991). The dealer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 142,000.

- Maryville, CA, USA

problem #105

Dec 272017

Optima

  • miles
Since I got the car in may of 2016, it has made a clicking sound when I turn the wheel. As time has gone on the sound is getting louder. I have seen a number of videos regarding this issue. I believe it is suggested for the part to be replaced. I believe this is a safety issue.

- El Sobrante, CA, USA

problem #104

Nov 152017

Optima

  • 120,000 miles
When ever I turn the steering wheel right or left there is a clunking sound coming from the steering it seems like the steering coupler on this cars go bad within time. This happens all the time in motion or not.

- San Bernardino, CA, USA

problem #103

Oct 232017

Optima

  • miles
Clicking in steering column while making turns.getting worse each time. When in motion or not.clicking is always there. Started a week ago.

- Pgh, PA, USA

problem #102

Aug 072017

Optima

  • 62,000 miles
When turning the steering wheel just slightly and going either way it makes this small slipping or clunking noise and I am concerned about safety of the steering. Happens in motion when turning even slightly and either direction and when it is stationary. City street, highway, freeway, backing up, going forward and turning. And it has happened now for approximately 2 - 3 months. I am told by internet that it may be flex coupling in steering. I am not mechanic. Still happening. On-going.

- Van Nuys, CA, USA

problem #101

Sep 102017

Optima

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. While driving various speeds, a loud noise was coming from the steering wheel without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

- Rutledge, TN, USA

problem #100

Sep 302017

Optima

  • miles
Electrical rack and pinions recall. Steering wheel feels loose. Steering wheel starts shaking at approximately 65-70 mph

- Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA

problem #99

Sep 012017

Optima

  • 89,000 miles
I have just recently started having a problem when I hit bumps in the road or a rough road. The steering wheel makes a noise and I can feel a shaking sort of. I clicked on suspension because of how rough it feels riding right now and I dont know if im just feeling the steering or if its affecting the whole ride. It has been very comfortbale since bought new in 2012.

- Greenwood, AR, USA

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