2008 Kia Optima Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Kia Optima, 3% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,500 miles.
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.
“This is the 3rd to 4th time the car loosing power steering after driving thru a puddle at a low speed. We have taken this to our local mechanic two times with really no known cause. Mechanic replaced the belt but apparently this did not resolve this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10650038, filed 2014-10, 114,000 miles“Had in possession for 2 days a 2007 Kia Optima, pulled to the right. Couldn't be financed. Received a 2008 Kia Optima right off of delivery truck,it pulls to the right even worse. Told dealership of problem. Told it was most likely low tire pressure and sent it for an alignment. Still pulls to right. I was told as a joke to turn on blinker if I was to let go of wheel! The front end of both new cars, from 2 different years, looking down on the hood, are tweaked. The drivers side is flush and passenger side is off and sits funny. No accidents yet!”
NHTSA complaint #10225780, filed 2008-04, 1 miles“First thing in the moring when I start my car up. You don't hear the knocking sound coming from the engine but soon as the car get the engine warmed up you can heaar a very loud ticking noise. Even as you driving the car down the highway you can still hear it. Also the steering is very hard to operate it has been like that since I bought the car. I said something to Kia about it they stated they didn't see a problem. It's very hard to backed up and try turning the steering while operating the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11092281, filed 2018-05“The contact owns a 2008 Kia Optima. The contact stated the steering wheel would intermittently lock and the entire instrument cluster would illuminate. The vehicle was shut off and when restarting it resumed normal operation. The contact stated she had experienced the failure over a dozen times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer four different times but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer advised that without a proper diagnosis, they were unable to assist. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10349564, filed 2010-08, 34,500 milesSteering: 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 2008 Kia Optima
57 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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