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Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1. Home
  2. >Kia
  3. >optima
  4. >2012
  5. >Steering

2012 Kia optima Steering Problems

Steering complaints and recalls from NHTSA

Summary

The 2012 Kia optima has 184 NHTSA steering complaints and 0 steering-related recalls.

Problem Areas for the 2012 Kia optima

Engine
295
Steering
184
Electrical
94
Other
77
Brakes
61
Powertrain
47
Airbags
30
Structure
25
Speed Control
20
Visibility
20
Lights
17
Fuel System
12
Suspension
8
Tires
7
Seats
6

184

Complaints

0

Recalls

1

Injuries Reported

Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 9, 2026

All Steering Complaints

Date ↓ComponentSummary
Mar 26, 2025STEERINGThe contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the co...
Jan 25, 2025STEERINGMY VEHICLE HAS 75,583. I received a recall for 3 items and made an appointment and took the car in f...
Nov 28, 2024STEERINGThe steering is making a clunking noise when backing up and going forward at low speed. There is a ...
Dec 18, 2023STEERINGThe contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on sever...
Sep 3, 2023STEERINGThe MDPS steering motor flexible coupling on our 2012 Kia Optima has deteriorated and a metal to me...
Aug 30, 2023STEERINGsteering wheel play, steering coupler wear
Jul 27, 2023STEERINGThe steering wheel has a loud clicking sound when I drive on the highway as well as when I turn the ...
Mar 15, 2023STEERINGThe component that failed is the steering coupler. I believe this is a huge issue as it can affect ...
Nov 27, 2022STEERINGMy Kia 2012 optima started having steering problems. The steering started sticking at higher speeds...
Nov 21, 2022STEERINGIn November 2022, I noticed that my steering wheel would stick after reaching 35 mph. After an unrel...
Sep 27, 2022STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTUREVehicle was broken into and stolen…steering wheel column damage, wheel locked, wreck…usb cord used t...
Aug 31, 2022STEERINGWe noticed the steering seemed loose and at 80 MPH there was a serious vibration in the steering col...
Jul 24, 2022STEERING,ENGINEVehicle suddenly cut off and lost power. Upon cutting back off check engine was blinking as well as ...
Jul 5, 2022STEERINGMDPS Flex Coupler worn out & caused play in steering wheel.
Jul 5, 2022STEERINGMDPS Flex Coupling for steering needs replacement. Not covered by the 10 year warranty because it w...
Jul 1, 2022STEERINGThe steering wheel flex coupler is defective. There is a loud clicking sound when turning the steer...
Aug 10, 2021STEERINGsterring has become loose and makes noise when sterring wheel is moved back and forth
Jul 6, 2021STEERINGI purchased 2012 kia optima hybrid june 14, 2021. 1 week after I purchased vehicle i started to hear...
Jul 3, 2021STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMY VIN IS [XXX] ITS A 2012 KIA OPITMA HYBRID 2.4L AND I SEE IT HAS THESE RECALLS ON IT NEEED TO KNOW...
Jul 1, 2021STEERINGThe contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wh...

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