The Kia Optima has a severe steering issue that the company fails to address. At any speed the steering feels as if it is sticking, but it is most noticeable at highway speeds. When you try to correct it over corrects, sticking again. It is very dangerous and the constant corrections make driving this car a real pain. I took it to the dealership where I bought it and they checked steering parameters. They said it was within manufacturers specs so there was nothing they could do. I immediately traded the car. It’s a shame Kia won’t fix this well documented problem because I loved the car (minus the horrendous steering problem). Don’t be fooled by the fancy interior and sharp styling. This car is very dangerous and you will regret it.

At about 30k miles, my 2013 Optima developed a sticking steering problem, which puts me into the other lane when it breaks loose at low speeds and causes erratic driving at high speeds. At 60k miles the sticking is less, but I can not hold a straight line and the car the becoming a chore to drive. I have changed tires, had it aligned, etc. The Pep Boys mechanic who aligned it said there WAS a known steering problem.

The dealer said he had not heard of this problem but I am not convinced of that, given the complaints I just reviewed here. Does anyone know of a fix, recall, class action, etc.? I am concerned that this will cause an accident!

Bought the car used with 17,000 miles and have not had any problems until last month. Had dealer do regular maintenance, then tell me I needed an alignment. I did not have any issues with the steering before then and didn't have it done. About a week later, I feel the steering getting stiff. Car still went pretty straight but the wheel felt stiff. I went to another garage and had alignment done hoping this would fix the issue. No such luck. It's still feeling stiff and as some others have commented, it seems to get worse the further you drive. I now have 33,000 and feel this is going to get worse. I believe KIA should fix this before someone does get hurt or killed. I haven't called the dealer yet due to responses I've seen from other people on this site, but I am about to just to get my complaint on record.

The steering gets stiff and sticks, traveling or even sitting still. The stiffness and sticking of the steering feels very awkward and very unsafe. The problem also seems to worsen the longer you drive. Anyone who has found a fix or knows how to resolve this issue, please advise because my dealer has tried and returned my vehicle and I still have the same issue(s). I am a mechanic with over 30 years+ experience but am not familiar with electronic steering issues. Do later models have this issue if not, what was done to correct those models? I am contacting the dealer again today and will use this site as my reference to back up my claim. My issue seems to be worsening and I don’t want a family member or myself to be a statistic to get resolution. I am simply asking for a joint effort in finding out route cause of this problem and correcting the problem if I am not alone.

My wife and I happily purchased this vehicle in which I thought was "upgrading" from a Mazda 3 I have owned for the past 7 years.. This car is larger for my child, has more Horsepower, fairly basic options and surprisingly decent consumer report ratings.. I test drove it, slept on it, test drove it (out of town and back again) and purchased it. My wife commutes quite a ways for school every week and we both felt confident we found a reliable car. I was wrong, this car (as a car enthusiast) is dreadful, a month after I bought it the electronic steering (which was a dumb ass design) is acting up. crank the wheel left and right nothing happens hardly, sticking as if the tire is caught on a fender type of feeling. This car drifts back and forth on the smoothest of highways steering has to be "white knuckled" in fear you will keep going straight on the bends of the interstate... To make a long story short, I will not let my wife drive this to her class especially with the Wisconsin winter months approaching. If the car wants to kill you in the summer and fall just wait until the black ice is glazed across the highways. My child and my wife are my life and I simply don't trust the steering, and this car is the only car I could hardly wait to get out of; its uncomfortable, the passenger seat practically lies on the floor for the passenger.. with no adjustments available. The 2.4L I4 engine is making lifter ticks at 36,000 miles, even with oil stabilizer added or fresh proper bulk oil.. I learned my lesson and lost my ass on this purchase.. KIA you need to do a recall and fix your mistakes.. you messed up the 2013 Optima with the re-design and quite simply are well aware of it.

LOVE THE CAR - HATE THE STEERING. Steering is stiff and gets stiffer upon speed. I spoke to the dealer, they said it's the design and nothing can be done. Steering also sticks at highway speeds and it takes extra force to redirect the vehicle. ADDITIONALLY: I read the entire manual and it states that steering will become MORE FIRM at higher speeds for stability control. FOLKS, this car is awesome but the steering is terrible... I recently took an 8hr trip up North and can't tell you how glad I was to get out of that car. I was exhausted.... KIA should fix it as it's a known complaint. My 1977 VW Super Beetle Convertible is more comfortable to drive than this car!

I can understand why there is a HUGE turn-over rate during the first 10K miles as owners probably just can't take it!

Update from Apr 27, 2015: Dealer says they can reprogram the module to take it out of Sport Mode! Also found out, 2014 and 2015 models are being recalled and the power steering unit is being replaced, just not 2013 - MY CAR, Uggggggg