6.4

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
86,300 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. replace steering column (1 reports)
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problem #5

Jun 072022

Optima SX 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

Loud knock every time you hit a bump, that you can feel in the steering wheel.

- Kirk V., Germantown, WI, US

problem #4

Apr 012020

Optima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

When you get to 65 mph, the steering shakes really badly and starts rattling/knocking. Then it recently started the knocking sound when you go over little humps. It's just aggravating all the time.

- mrmzamaker, Columbia, US

problem #3

Jul 212019

Optima LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

I purchased my Kia Optima used. Over the last 3 months I have gone from no issues to I want to run the car off a cliff. The electronic steering box in the steering column rattles when you hit any little bump. It's a lout metal on metal clanking sound. It vibrates through the entire column and through your arms. It mechanic shop told me Kia is aware of the issue and suggests a full steering column replacement but has never done a recall. if you research this it's common. I have a starter lock issue I shall talk about in another post

- Tracie M., Brady, US

problem #2

Nov 192018

Optima LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,500 miles

I purchased my 2013 Kia Optima in January. It is my pride and joy. I do all regular maintenance (new tires, new battery, religious oil changes). Never once had a problem until a week ago. My dad notice while in park when the wheel is being turned there a pop noise, compared to popping your knuckles. You can hear and feel the pop when the wheel is moved left to right. Also if you have the car in park and put your hands on one of your front tires and have someone turn the steering wheel you can feel the pop through the tire. I have now noticed the pop while driving and when I hit a bump in the road. The steering wheel also has a little give or play in it. I brought my car into the dealer for the steering coupling recall in late march/ early April. That is the only time the steering has ever been serviced or touched. I just can't help but wonder if these assholes at the dealer caused this. Going to the dealer later today. Will update.

- Lauren G., Folsom, US

problem #1

Aug 152017

Optima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

Steering wheel issues with no recall. REALLY?? I am very annoyed and somewhat scared to drive this car.

Loud knocking while driving on bumpy roads, taking tomorrow to Kia dealership for work. They knew immediately what issue I was trying to explain, so we will see.

- Kim F., Warner Robins, US