2004 Kia Optima Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 225 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Kia Optima, 3% of the 225 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Irregular occurrences of steering problem, leaking power steering rack. Since the initial repair of the power steering rack, the consumer has continued to experience problems with the steering, however the dealer was unable to duplicate the consumers concern. The consumer stated when the vehicle was started in the mornings, there was a second delay in the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10096741, filed 2004-10, 4,200 miles“Wheel misalignment and other noticeable stress in steering, or accelerated abnormal tire wear. Rattling noise coming from left front end area, not cv axle or strut.”
NHTSA complaint #10286191, filed 2009-10, 89,250 miles“The NHTSA campaign number is 09v183000 and the component is suspension. I was told that the recall portion for my vehicle was performed but only as an inspection by glassman Kia, southfield michigan, in july 2009. I experienced the actual corrosion of the front sub-frame but thank god I did not have a crash. I am told by kmc that there is a possibility they may not fix the car. I have an appointment at glassman tomorrow, july 17, 2014.”
NHTSA complaint #10611056, filed 2014-07“The contact owns a 2004 Kia Optima. While driving at approximately 20 MPH, the power steering seized. Also, the subframe was fractured. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact believed that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 09v183000 (suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 91,700.”
NHTSA complaint #10681555, filed 2015-02, 91,700 miles“The contact owned a 2004 Kia Optima. While driving at an unknown speed, an abnormal clicking noise emitted from the vehicle. The power steering failed and the wheels shook violently. The brakes failed to stop the vehicle and it crashed into a wall. The air bags deployed and an unknown substance emitted into the contacts eyes. The contact sustained burns to the body and lacerations to both eyes that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown. …”
NHTSA complaint #10895163, filed 2016-08Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 6 | 3% |
| 2018 | 12 | 5% |
| 2017 | 11 | 4% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 69 | 7% |
| 2014 | 97 | 16% |
| 2013 | 213 | 15% |
| 2012 | 188 | 20% |
| 2011 | 100 | 17% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 7 | 6% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 8 | 7% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2004 Kia Optima
81 complaintsElectrical system
45 complaintsBody and structure
42 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology