4.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
23,871 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #7

Sep 012016

Optima

  • miles
I have a 2012 Kia Optima and my steering wheel is making a loud clanking noise when I hit a bump in the road or slightly turn the wheel. I have searched on line and it's saying it is a cluster not sure wat that is I have been told it should be under recall because that can cause the steering wheel to loose it's directions and I could either cause and accident or be part of one

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #6

Apr 052016

Optima

  • 73,000 miles
I have a knocking sound in my steering wheel. The noise happens when I turn the wheel back and forth. Also, I have noticed an odd grinding/slipping sensation in the front left wheel when I accelerate on a right turn from different elevations. Pulling out of a parking lot on a "decline" while accelerating to the right to enter traffic is a good example. 73,000 miles currently but I've noticed the grind/slip a lower mileage.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

problem #5

Sep 182015

Optima

  • 31,000 miles
Just bought my car this year with 26350 miles on it. When it got to 30000 needed new tires. The car check engine light keeps coming on. I have took it to the shop and they turn it off. Then when I drive it and it comes back on again. It has broke down on the road four times. Twice I called road side help the other two times someone has helped me. It runs hot because it is bubbling if I drive for more then a hour. Bought the car from power of bowser

- Mc Kees Rocks, PA, USA

problem #4

May 112013

Optima

  • 20,000 miles
At 20000 miles my fog lights would not work, the weird put the directional signal to turn right they would come on for a short time, replaced bulbs nothing they don't work. Also had to replace brakes and the tires, tire brand are junk, poorly made they were beyond the limit for safty, then at 40000 miles both front wheel bearings had to be replaced, now at 78000 miles the struts are making a horrible clanking and the ac is blowing hot air even after 2 cans of the stuff the mechanic said to add. I travel on the highway to work 36 miles one way daily hense the milage but the high way is smooth as well. Very disappointed Kia owner, when called to ask about the fog lights was told your problem so im sure the struts will be and the ac will also be my problem. Sadly thought they would back up there product

- Dalton, NH, USA

problem #3

Feb 152013

Optima 4-cyl

  • 35,000 miles
After 15,000 miles tire developed a huge bubble on the side wall of the front left tire. Bought the car brand new with original tires from dealership(nexen).these tires should be outlawed. Right after I got it to a mechanic shop, it exploded and was sitting on the rim. I was very fortune to not be driving on the highway when this occured. I can send picture also. I have had two flat tires within the first year of purchase. Not including the 2nd pair that the bubble developed at the front. The nexen tires tread life is very short too.. they seemed to drive better in slightly wet conditions than dry; odd. :/ I received no compensation from the Kia dealership I bought it from.

- Clayton, NC, USA

problem #2

May 092012

Optima 4-cyl

  • 7,100 miles
My wife had a flat tire when she had help to get it changed there was no spare tire so the person left because he could not do any thing. That left my wife and my little girl alone on a road in the middle of no where for 4 hours until I could get there and pick them up. I called Kia and they said they dont put spare tires in there cars any more the government should make them put them in because it is dangerous for people to be stranded in middle of no where. When I bought the car no body told me there was no spare in the 2012 Kia Optima. If I knew I would not have bought it.

- Nlies, IL, USA

problem #1

Feb 062012

Optima

  • 1,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle did not come equipped with a spare tire. The vehicle came equipped with an air pump and a can of fix a flat. The manufacturer was notified who stated that a spare tire did not come with the vehicle. They offered no other assistance. The failure mileage was 1,000.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA