Problems · by component

2013 Kia Optima steering problems

213 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Optima cite steering, 15% of all 1,387 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
213
15% of all complaints
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the coupling in the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no coverage under the warranty extension for the MDPS flexible coupling. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 11, 2026SteeringODI 11756253
“While driving my KIA Optima on the interstate the rear subframe suffered catastrophic structural failure, resulting in the steering wheel going out of alignment, the rear passenger side wheel tilting with the bottom of the tire being far out compared to the top. This resulted in the rear of the vehicle swaying side to side and being difficult to maintain in a straight path. This vehicle was previously serviced under KIA Campaign SC141 (internal subframe corrosion) at Griffin KIA on April 27, 2017. Despite this safety remedy being performed the subframe rotted through and snapped. This is a remedy failure. The anti-corrosion was applied by the manufacturer failed to prevent the exact structural failure it was designed to mitigate. I have physical evidence (Repair Order #92144) proving the remedy was performed and photographic/video evidence of the subsequent structural break. The manufacturer (KIA) has denied assistance, claiming the failure is "unrelated" to the corrosion campaign despite the part being the exact component covered by the campaign." SC141 involved the inject of wax into the metal components of the subframe of the vehicle and was KIA's response…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 23, 2026Steering, Suspension, Unknown or otherODI 11733232
“Vehicle: 2013 Kia Optima SXL VIN: [XXX] While driving on a highway at approximately 55–58 mph, the rear driver-side electronic parking brake (EPB) motor housing failed with a loud bang. Immediately after, there was heavy smoke and a strong burning smell. The vehicle became very difficult to drive, and the wheel began screeching and dragging as if the brake had locked. The failure appears to have caused the rear brake caliper to seize while the vehicle was in motion. This created a dangerous driving situation at highway speed and could have caused a crash. The brake system component that failed appears to be the electronic parking brake actuator/motor assembly attached to the rear caliper. This was a sudden mechanical failure, not normal brake wear, and it occurred while driving at speed. Kia care case number: XXX”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 20, 2026Steering, Power train, Service brakesODI 11725980
“Bushing related to steering wheel was a safety issue that causes steering wheel play and possible loss of control. I was never informed of the issue and Kia said it would not repair it since the warranty expired.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 20, 2025SteeringODI 11706264
“There is an issue with our 2013 Kia optima steering coupler system. There is currently a TSB, but no recall and repair not covered. It seems to be a very common problem and I feel it should be recalled so repairs will be covered.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 14, 2025SteeringODI 11693339
“I had the car inspected by an independent service center because of extreme shaking from the steering wheel and steering wheel being unstable when going over bumps and making clanking noises all while driving. The steering wheel began to feel very loose and dangerous to drive so I took it in and they had to replace the steering coupling Assembly.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2025SteeringODI 11686317

Showing 6 of 213 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.