2016 Kia Optima Steering Problems

“Sometimes when I start the car it only runs at about 500rpm and the digital speedometer starts going up in numbers when I'm in park and I have no power steering. I can put the car in drive and park or open the door and it starts acting normal. It also acts like it's going to shut off when I come to a stop. I am aware that the rpms drop when you stop almost like a gas saver but with in the last 20 thousand miles it has gotten really rough. …”

“On the evening of may 17, I needed a jump after work. I went home, turned off my car but was unable to start it again so I replaced the battery. I thought I had fixed the problem until the next day when I was driving 65mph on a local interstate with my daughter in the car, all my dash lights came on, I lost navigation & radio and my power steering locked up. I went to turn on my hazards and those did not work either. I checked my mirrors to make sure no one was going to hit me and I was able to get off the highway and pull onto the shoulder. …”

“I have had the steering go out multiple times - reported it to Kia where I lease from and a local shop. Just happened again today (11/25/19) - it has happened at least 3 times in the last year - I have had it towed to the place I leased from as well. Also, twice now - while driving the engine shuts off. Very scary. As I stated, I have taken in and the Kia dealerships say that they cannot not get it to duplicate, they treat me as I am making up. Now reading that it does happen to others, I think this is an issue. I will not lease or buy another Kia”

“Steering wheel locks while driving. Initially happened 1 year ago while driving. Had to use severe force to turn the wheel. I took the car to the Kia dealership, who said they did see something on diagnostics; however, they could not duplicate the problem, so they could not fix the car. They kept & drove the car. They checked the coupling unit & contacted Kia hotline but still could not find the problem, so they returned the car to me. On april 14th, while backing out of my parking space, the wheel again locked up. I jiggled the wheel and it released, so I pulled out & proceeded to drive. …”

“Steering wheel when turned to the right is very loose to the left very tight. Occassionally it locks completely causing vehicle to either be unable to turn or merge lanes, or even more dangerously causes the car to veer to the right with no ability to move it. This happens when the vehicle is on the highway typically at speeds or 55 or higher. The tightness/looseness usually happens at any speed or type of roadway.”