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SteeringPart report

2014 Kia Optima Steering Problems

Complaints
97about this part
Share
16%of 591 total for the year
Median mileage
11,250miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 97 complaints about the steering of the 2014 Kia Optima, 16% of the 591 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,250 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Takata recall'. When driving 70 miles the car gets uncontrollable at times so you have to lower your speed , when parked an I put my foot on brake there's a ticking noise an you can feel pressure . The engine has been ticking a lot more am hesitant I know a lot of complaints has been made on the steering an it's getting out of hand ! The car is not safe on the highway could result in crash”

NHTSA complaint #11119478, filed 2018-08, 62,000 miles

“On september 30th, 2019 driving on interstate 4 west bound exiting altamonte springs fl, my steering began making a thumbing sound along with a vibration. As soon as I parked, I began looking for the cause of sound. It coming from a 12 inch steering column. I call Kia on october 3rd asking on any TSB or recalls on this dangerous issue. None found. This occurred with no warning. Please initiate a recall on this issue. Other owners are experiencing the same issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11265877, filed 2019-10, 99,000 miles

“It is almost impossible to drive the car straight at highway speeds. The steering sticks and in order to make the smallest correction, you have to over-correct. This results in going down the highway in an s pattern. It is not as noticeable at lower speeds. I just took a 3 hour trip on the highway and by the time I finished I was exhausted from the amount of concentration required to simply drive the car in my lane.”

NHTSA complaint #10679365, filed 2015-01, 11,250 miles

“I took my car in for an oil change to the dealer and they said there was a recall on the steering panel. I asked why I did not get a notice and they said it was not their problem that I would need to call Kia motors. I called Kia and they said they do not send them out all at once...certain times. This did not make sense I asked if one had been out to me and they were very unhelpful. Shouldn't everyone recieve notice when there a problem?”

NHTSA complaint #10823051, filed 2016-01, 13,200 miles

“I complained to the dealer about the rough ride and harsh ride but was told not to worry. I then took it on the highway and the steering pulled to the left and I never felt confident about the steering only to say that it did not feel right and it was worrisome to me. It simply did not feel right to me. I've been driving 50 years and have never felt this uncomfortable driving/steering a car at highway speeds.”

NHTSA complaint #10569111, filed 2014-03, 123 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202021%
201963%
2018125%
2017114%
2016243%
2015697%
20149716%
201321315%
201218820%
201110017%
201023%
200976%
200843%
200721%
200621%
200521%
200473%
200321%
200287%
200111%

Other parts of the 2014 Kia Optima

Engine
284 complaintsOther or unknown
90 complaintsElectrical system
60 complaintsFuel system
48 complaintsBody and structure
48 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
20 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2014 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