10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
39,622 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.

2013 Kia Optima steering problems

steering problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Kia Optima:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2013 Kia Optima Owner Comments (Page 4 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #134

Mar 302020

Optima

  • 110,000 miles

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

When I am driving more than 65 mph, my steering wheel shakes for 3 seconds, stops, and then continues until I go under 65 mph. When I drive over a bump or object, it shakes as well. There is a loud clicking when turn the wheel left or right.

- Norman, OK, USA

problem #133

Jun 012019

Optima

  • 97,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 50 mph, the steering wheel vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed a front wheel alignment however, the failure recurred. The cause of the failure was not determined. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.

- Ridge, NY, USA

problem #132

Dec 172019

Optima

  • miles
When driving the vehicle the steering wheel is making a clacking noise. The steering wheel is loose

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #131

Feb 032020

Optima

  • 104,000 miles

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

The steering wheel makes a clicking sound when you turn it while stationary and driving. While driving the steering wheel shakes really bad and makes a really loud rattling sound.

- Bryant, AR, USA

problem #130

Mar 042019

Optima

  • 40,000 miles
Every time hi turn the car left or right it makes a severe clunking sound now vibrates going down the road my mother's car same type does the same thing.

- Piqua, OH, USA

problem #129

Nov 012019

Optima

  • 125,000 miles
Steering wheel slips while turning left or right

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

problem #128

Dec 222019

Optima

  • 88,000 miles

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

There is a loud clanking noise when steering or hitting bumps. This happens over time and has significantly gotten worse. It seems to be unsafe now and my vehicle is even below 100K miles so this should not be an issue at all.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #127

Sep 012019

Optima

  • miles
Stering wheel feels like is getting stuck when turning left or right.stering wheel has a sizeable play.it seems that is getting worst both problems.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #126

Sep 062019

Optima

  • miles
While steering the steering wheel make a clicking sound almost like something is broken. This steering issue happens whether stationary or moving. The sound only happens while turning the steering wheel.

- Austell, GA, USA

problem #125

Oct 212019

Optima

  • miles
The steering is making a vibrating, clicking noise. It does this while driving, turning even if the vehicle is off and stationary.

- Camden, AR, USA

problem #124

Oct 182019

Optima

  • 66,600 miles

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

There is a problem with the steering. Making a clicking when turning the wheel from left to right the wheel feels like it's slipping

- Mabank, TX, USA

problem #123

Aug 072019

Optima

  • 66,000 miles
My electronic stability control box had to be replaced with only 66,000 miles. The steering became bumpy with noise. It happened when slightly turning the wheel in either direction.

- Agawam, MA, USA

problem #122

Oct 102019

Optima

  • 136,381 miles
On interstate 675 North-ga car stalled, lost power to the engine, eps light, check engine light, oil light came on on the instrument panel, no power steering. I had to cross two lanes of interstate traffic to try to make it safely to the shoulder. My car wouldn't turn over or start. I let the car sit for an hour and tried again to start it. I received no notice of any recalls from the dealer or the manufacturer. It was a dangerous situation to be in on the interstate or anywhere for that matter.

- Jackson, GA, USA

problem #121

May 172019

Optima

  • 22,000 miles
My car has been making a very loud clicking sound in the steering. I also have a hard time steering as it pulls and it shakes and will steering.. it very scary and it feels like its going to lock up at times. The car only has 23,000 miles on it.. garage kept.

- Port Charlotte, FL, USA

problem #120

Sep 152019

Optima

  • 93,000 miles
While driving or at an idling position when the steering wheel is straight and you move it left or right about an inch there is a clicking noise. It also does this while driving at any speed. It's been going on for about 3wks now. I called the recall corporate office and apparently there are no recalls for this however, there are now 120 complaints for this same problem... is something going to be done or are we waiting for an accident to happen??

- Longwood, FL, USA

problem #119

Aug 092019

Optima

  • 107,236 miles
Back in 2016 the steering recall issue was repaired on my vehicle. In fed 2017 during the 50K mile warranty inspection Kia replaced the power steering assembly. About a week ago my steering began to have the same issue, lots of play in the steering wheel, vibrations felt through the pedals into the steering. Kia is now saying it has nothing to do with the recall that it is normal wear and tear. I have never heard of normal wear and tear to a vehicle steering shaft or assembly. While driving the steering is vibrating and does not feel totally connected to the wheels.

- Jonesboro, GA, USA

problem #118

Jul 292019

Optima

  • miles
The steering sticks and there is obvious evidence of resistance while driving. I took it to patterson Kia in arlington, tx and they performed a software update. This is a mechanical issue and of great safety concerns. This is subsequent to prior recall service performed on the steering.

- Crowley, TX, USA

problem #117

Jul 152019

Optima

  • miles
The ignition switch won't turn, car seems to be on even though lets aren't in ignitiinnswitch, radio comes on but car let stick in on position and won't turn..doors won't lock unless key is used

- Henderson, NC, USA

problem #116

Jun 182019

Optima

  • 68,000 miles
There is a small rubber-like coupling in the steering mechanism. It failed and produced about a quarter turn of slack in the steering wheel. In reading to online posts it appears that failure is common. The parts technician at the Kia dealership didn't need to look up the part number...he just reached in a drawer nearby and pulled a new one out. The problem changed from a occasional click to very sloppy steering while driving on a 2 mile stretch of rutted road at approximately 10 mph.. I have attached a picture of the failed part and one of the new part.

- St George, UT, USA

problem #115

Jul 272018

Optima

  • 100,000 miles
Takara recall: My engine had been knocking/shaking for a good minute now. When I have it running and hood open it's just vibrating extremely hard and constantly.I've noticed it wants to stall or no shift correctly after a dead stop and something going into 3rd gear. Even while just idling I can feel the engine shaking the whole car from inside.

- Spiro, OK, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?