2020 Kia Optima Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 151 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Kia Optima, 1% of the 151 complaints for this model year.
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 my 3rd or 4th complaint on here with NO RESPONSE, HELP, OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT! My 2020 finally got engine put in and car does not drive the same. Steering wheel acts weird, the engine has a sound, the anti collision lights went off twice, but could be due to weather. Kia told me that it's my responsibility since my yr is not on recall. I'm surrendering this car asap to give me piece of mind before another engine is due. I met several people at kia that are on their 2nd and 3rd engine and the mechanics told me they know I will be back for another engine! …”
NHTSA complaint #11570154, filed 2024-02“Steering wheel bearing broken. Had replaced in November and again now needs to be replaced. Major safety concern that Kia should fix properly so the car runs efficiently”
NHTSA complaint #11560695, filed 2023-12Related service bulletins
- 10202227Oct 6, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power…
- 10202226Oct 5, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 10200422Aug 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF THE DUAL PINION MOTOR DRIVER POWER STEERING SYSTEM - This bulletin provides information regarding the availability of partial repair…
- 10189545Mar 25, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 10183333Nov 25, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 10183332Nov 4, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 10168850Nov 26, 2019TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin…
Steering: 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 2020 Kia Optima
102 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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