2012 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 919 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 25 involved a crash and 77 involved a fire. 34 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsAug 1, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.
Campaign 22V560000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJun 1, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Campaign 18V363000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Campaign 17V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
188 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Apr 14, 2015
WHILE TAKING A CURVE ON THE INTERSTATE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD HOLD ITSELF IN POSITION AS IF IT WERE ALMOST IN THE LOCKED POSITION. HAD BEEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR ALMOST 2 HOURS WHEN THIS OCCURRED. TOOK NEXT EXIT TO CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID AND TIRES. EVERYTHING CHECKED OK. GOT BACK ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN UNTIL THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF AND PARKED OVERNIGHT. VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY FOR SOMEONE NEW TO DRIVING. THE STEERING G WHEEL WOULD HOLD ITSELF INTO ANY POSITION I LEFT IT IN. IT WOULD NEVER TRY TO RE-CENTER ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. MAY BE COINCIDENCE, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT MAINTAIN THE SET SPEED AT THE SAME TIME THIS WAS OCCURRING. DEALERSHIP STATED NO ERROR CODES WERE STORED ON THE CARS COMPUTER. *TR
Steering, Mar 15, 2015
THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS AT HWY SPEEDS. I HAVE TO PULL THE WHEEL HARD TO BE ABLE TO CHANGE LANES. IT DRIFTS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITH OUT EVEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND EVERYBODY ELSE ON THE ROAD. IT WOULD BE A REAL BAD SITUATION IF I COULD NOT TURN IN THE EVENT OF SOMETHING IN MY WAY. I HAVE ALSO NOTIFIED KIA OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN POST DATING AS EARLY AS 2012 ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND STILL KIA HAS NOT NOTIFIED ME THAT THIS COULD BE A REAL CONCERN. I AM POSTING ALONG WITH ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE IN HOPES THAT THIS WILL BECOME PUBLIC NOT ONLY FOR MY CAR BUT FOR EVERYBODY ELSE WHO DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SITUATION BEFORE ITS TO LATE FOR SOMEBODY ELSE. *TR
Steering, Jan 18, 2015
UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CAR CONSISTENTLY DRIFTS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND RIGHT TO LEFT. STEERING WHEELS FEELS AS THOUGH IT BECOMES LOCKED IN POSITION. AS YOU ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE STEERING, THE STEERING WHEEL RANDOMLY BREAKS FREE CAUSING OVER CORRECTING WHICH COULD VERY EASILY RESULT IN A CRASH. HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERS AND THEY SAY THE CAR IS WITHIN SPECS AND YOU DON'T HAVE ANY WARNING LIGHTS ON SO THEREFORE THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH IT. THIS IS GOING TO RESULT IN SOMEONE LOSING THEIR LIFE. *TR
Steering, Jan 6, 2015
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTIONS AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAUSING A SNAPPING SENSATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND INABILITY TO HOLD A A STEADY HEADING. STEERING BECOMES STICKY REQUIRING G CONSTANT ADJUSTMENTS AS THE CAR DRIFTS FROM ONE STICKY HEADING TO ANOTHER. DEALER REPEATEDLY UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE.
Steering, Jan 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWERVED INDEPENDENTLY TOWARDS THE LEFT AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,682. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Dec 9, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWAY ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
Steering, Nov 27, 2014
THE VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STEER WHEN YOU GO OVER 45/55 MILES PER HOUR. IT BECOMES SO UNCONTROLLABLE THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE IT WITH BOTH HANDS AS I CONTINUE TO TRY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE FROM EITHER GOING INTO ANOTHER LANE OR HITTING THE ONE COMING TRAFFIC. THE STEERING WHEEL GETS SOOOO TIGHT /STIFF THAT THE CAR CANNOT TRAVEL DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT ME CONSTANTLY SHIFTING STEERING WHEEL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. ANY SLIGHT OVER PULL / CORRECTION OF THE WHEEL IS GOING TO CAUSE SOMEONE THERE LIFE OR A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT .I PRAY THAT KIA CORRECTS THIS BEFORE SOMEONE OR CAUSE SOMEONE TO LOSE THEIR LIFE. HOPE THIS WILL BE RECALLED BEFORE IT'S TO LATE. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY FIGHTING TO STAY IN MY LANE AND CROSSED OVER INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC (WHICH COULD'VE CAUSED ME MY LIFE)AND IT WAS A SHERIFF DEPUTY. HE IMMEDIATELY TURNED AROUND TO STOP ME. HE THOUGHT I WAS DUI. THIS WAS VERY EMBARRASSING .I EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT I HAD THE TXT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD GOT THE CAR FROM AND THEY TRIED TO PUT IT ON THE HIGHWAY/ TIRES BUT THEY SUGGESTED I TAKE IT TO KIA DEALERSHIP CLOSER TO ME. THE OFFICER SUGGESTED I GET IT CHECKED ASAP AND DIDN'T CHARGE ME . NOT ONLY AM I AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BUT I'M EXHAUSTED AND BODY EXTREMELY TIRED FROM DRIVING IT. NO ONE SHOULD FEEL THIS WAY. KIA PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS BECAUSE THEY CAN MAKE YOU OR BREAK YOU. PLEASE DON'T BE LIKE THAT OTHER CAR COMPANY AND SOMEONE HAD TO LOSE THEIR LIFE FIRST. PLEASE LISTEN!!!!! *TR
Steering, Nov 18, 2014
VEHICLE IS HARD TO HOLD STRAIGHT AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE STEERING LOCKS INTO A POSITION AND REQUIRES EXTRA EFFORT TO TURN THE WHEEL CAUSING OVER CORRECTION. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 31, 2014
I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW AND HAVE ABOUT 30,000 MILES ON IT. I TOOK THIS CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WITHIN A WEEK AFTER I BOUGHT IT FOR PROBLEMS WITH STEERING AND IT'S INABILITY TO STAY STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD WITHOUT HAVING TO CONTINUALLY ADJUST THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD FIND WRONG WITH IT. BUT AFTER FINDING THIS WEBSITE, I NOW UNDERSTAND THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST ONE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE. RECENTLY I HAVE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER. IT WORKS FINE WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVING BUT WHEN IT IS STOPPED OR IDLING, THE AIR SUDDENLY BLOWS WARM AIR AND DOESN'T START TO BLOW COLD UNTIL A FEW SECONDS AFTER THE CAR HAS STARTED MOVING. *TR
Steering, May 23, 2014
VEHICLE IS HARD TO HOLD STRAIGHT AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE STEERING LOCKS INTO A POSITION AND REQUIRES EXTRA EFFORT TO TURN THE WHEEL CAUSING OVER CORRECTION. THIS CAUSES MENTAL AND PHYSICAL FATIGUE ON LONGER TRIPS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, May 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWAY ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Steering, Mar 14, 2014
VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL HAS ABNORMAL NONFLUENT CONSISTENCY. THE DRIVER HAS TO CONTINUOUSLY CORRECT STEERING TO CONTINUE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE TRAVELING STRAIGHT, OTHERWISE VEHICLE WILL START TO DRIFT IMMEDIATELY. WHEN CORRECTION IS MADE TO KEEP VEHICLE TRAVELING STRAIGHT, STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE TURNED WITH MORE THAN NORMAL FORCE, WHICH THEN RESULTS TO A OVERSTEERING RESPONSE DUE TO THE INCAPABLE OF MAKING A MINOR ADJUSTMENT. THIS CONTINUES TO MAKE VEHICLE TO DRIFT FROM SIDE TO SIDE EXCESSIVELY WHILE DRIVING WHICH IN TURN CAN MAKE THE DRIVER APPEAR IMPAIRED OR DISTRACTED. THE PROBLEM IS FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING THE WHEEL TO STICK IN PLACE NEAR CENTER PLACEMENT. FOR EXAMPLE, IT IS LIKE RIDING A BIKE ON PAVEMENT THEN TRANSITIONING TO MUD, ONE HAS TO APPLY MORE PEDDLING MOTION TO GET THROUGH THE MUD, AND WHEN THEY ARE BACK ON PAVEMENT SUDDENLY, THEY JUMP TO AN UNEXPECTED SPEED, FASTER THEN WHAT THEY INTENDED. THIS IS HOW THE STEERING REACTS TO MINOR ADJUSTMENTS THAT NEED EXTRA FORCE TO UNSTICK THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CONCLUDES THAT THE ELECTRIC-ASSISTED POWER STEERING IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE'S AIR PRESSURE IN ALL 4 TIRES ARE EQUAL AND AT 35PSI, WHEELS ARE PROPERLY BALANCED ALIGNMENT IS AT MANUFACTURES SPECIFICATIONS. THIS PROBLEM DID NOT EXIST WHEN THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW (BECAUSE NO ONE WOULD BUY A $30,000 CAR THAT DOES NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT) AND JUST CURRENTLY STARTED TO ACT UP. *TR
Steering, Feb 28, 2014
AT, HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO STICK WHEN MAKING MINOR CORRECTIONS. IT IS VERY ANNOYING AND TIRING ON THE ARMS. GOING AROUND CORNERS OR BENDS IN THE ROAD IT SEEMS FINE THOUGH. IT ONLY HAPPENS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS MAKING MINOR CORRECTIONS IN THE LANE. THIS IS SOMETHING KIA SHOULD TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF THE COMPLAINTS ARE AROUND THIS ISSUE. I PUT 10,000 MILES BUT IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND IT CURRENTLY HAS 16,000. HAVE NOT HAD DEALER LOOK AT IT YET. *TR
Steering, Dec 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Steering, Nov 22, 2013
10549868 CONTINUED: ANOTHER WAY TO DESCRIBE THE STEERING PROBLEM FOLLOWS. WHEN I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT, BACK AND FORTH EVER SO SLIGHTLY, ALL WORKS FINE. STEERING IS EASY AND TAKES LITTLE FORCE TO CORRECT. IF ONE WAS TO MEASURE THE REQUIRED FORCE, IT WOULD BE SLIGHT, LETS SAY 2 UNITS. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN STATIONARY FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS, AND I TRY TO MAKE A MINOR CORRECTION, THE FORCE REQUIRED IS MUCH GREATER, LETS SAY 12 UNITS. SO WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR IS DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT OF LANE. MAKING THE CORRECTION, OVERCOMING THE STUCK FEELING, THE CAR STARTS TO DRIFT TOWARDS THE LEFT OF LANE. THIS BACK AND FORTH PROCESS NEEDS TO BE CONTINUOUSLY PERFORMED, HOWEVER, AS SPEED INCREASE, THIS PROCESS HAS TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN, CAUSING FATIGUE IN THE ARMS AND WRISTS AND MAKING THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE QUITE STRESSFUL. IT?S AS IF THE STEERING ASSIST OF THE ELECTRIC PS MOTOR GOES TO SLEEP WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS STATIONARY, THUS THE ADDED FORCE REQUIRED WHEN MAKING A MINOR CORRECTION IS TO WAKE THE MOTOR UP. I AM TAKING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER WITH THESE TWO DESCRIPTIONS OF THE STEERING PROBLEM. THEY WILL HAVE THE CAR FOR 4DAYS AT LEAST. *TR
Steering, Oct 28, 2013
MOST NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING ON PAVED HIGHWAYS AT MPH OVER 45. STEERING SEEMS STUCK NEAR STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE MINOR CORRECTION TO REMAIN IN LANE, A SLIGHT OVER CORRECTION OCCURS DUE TO GETTING PAST THIS STICKY POSITION. OF COURSE THE OVER CORRECTION REQUIRES ANOTHER SLIGHT MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH AGAIN MEETS RESISTANCE, AND SO THE OVER CORRECTION OCCURS AGAIN. CONTINUING THIS LEFT AND RIGHT MOVEMENT OF THE CAR IN THE LANE CREATES STRESSFUL DRIVING AT BEST, AND PAINFUL WRISTS, AT WORST ON LONG DRIVES. WHEN ENGINE OFF AND IN A QUIET LOCATION, MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL, LEFT AND RIGHT REGARDLESS OF STEERING WHEEL POSITION OR WHEEL POSITION, YOU CAN BOTH HEAR A SLIGHT SNAP AND FEEL IT WHEN OVERCOMING THE STUCK PLACE. THIS PROBLEM IS ALWAYS PRESENT, HOWEVER NOT AS NOTICEABLE IN LOCAL TRAFFIC OR WHILE ACTUAL TURNING AROUND A BEND FOR EXAMPLE. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM LAST YEAR, AND HOPEFULLY WHEN I TAKE IT IN FOR THE 20,000 MILE CHECK UP, MY MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM SHOULD HELP. I DID CALL THE DEALER ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO, AND THEY SENT ME TO SOMEONE HIGHER UP. HIS COMMENT WAS THAT HE GETS MANY CALLS EVERY DAY ABOUT THIS, AND THAT IT'S THE WAY IT IS. *TR
Steering, Jul 31, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Suspension, Apr 30, 2013, crash
WHILE DRIVE ABOVE 45MPH THE CAR WONDERS LEFT AND RIGHT, MAKING IT VERY HARD TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD. IT ALSO FEELS LIKE THERE IS A CATCH IN THE STEERING MAKING IT VERY EASY TO OVER CORRECT THE CAR. I HAVE HAD IT INTO KIA TO HAVE THE CAR LOOKED AT TWICE NOW. THEY HAVE CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT, TIRE PRESSURE... THEY DROVE A SALESMAN'S CAR AND A CAR OFF THERE LOT AND THEY TELL ME THIS IS THE WAY THEY ALL DRIVE. I FIND THIS VERY HARD TO BELIEVE, (ITS A WORKOUT TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD). I HAVE BEEN DOING SEARCHES ON THE INTERNET TO TRY AND FIND A SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM, WHILE DOING THIS I HAVE FOUND A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND ARE GETTING THE SAME FEEDBACK FROM THE DEALERS. FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND IS ITS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2011, 2012, 2013 KIA OPTIMA'S. *TR
Steering, Apr 22, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DRIFT FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ALONG WITH THE MANUFACTURER, STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 20, 2013
STEERING IS VERY UNSTABLE. EXTREMELY AFRAID OF THIS CAR - I FEEL LIKE I AM NOT IN CONTROL WHEN DRIVING, I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO FIGHT TO STAY STRAIGHT. VEERS/PULLS LEFT AND RIGHT AS IF IM BOUNCING IN BETWEEN THE LINES ON THE INTERSTATE. MY STOMACH STAYS IN KNOTS IN FEAR I WILL HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, OR WORSE A CONCRETE BARRIER IN THE CONSTRUCTION ON THE INTERSTATE. IT FEELS AS IF 3-5 SECONDS I AM NOT IN CONTROL, MY ARMS ARE EXHAUSTED BY THE TIME I ARRIVE TO MY WORK, HOME, OR ELSEWHERE. HAVE COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES TO KIA DEALER WHEN HAVING OIL CHANGED & I AM ALWAYS TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG OR CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. FOUR MECHANICS HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR ELSEWHERE AND AGREE THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND KIA SHOULD RECALL AND FIX BEFORE IT COST SOMEONE/A FAMILY THEIR LIVES. MY DASH LIGHTS ALSO SURGE TO MAXIMUM BRIGHTNESS AT ANY RANDOM MOMENT WHILE DRIVING - ALL ON THEIR OWN. I RECENTLY STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH STARTING MY CAR, I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MARCH 2012 AND CURRENTLY HAVE 14K MILES (HIGHWAY FOR WORK). RECENTLY, TWICE MY CAR FELT AS IF IT WAS NOT GOING TO START, SPUTTERING, SMELL OF EXHAUST INSIDE CAR. I ALSO HAVE ISSUES IF I AM AT A RED LIGHT/STOPPED AND WHEN I ACCELERATE SOMETIMES THE CAR FEELS AS IF IT DIES OUT FOR A SECOND - MISFIRING. I CAN NOT PASS IN TRAFFIC OUT OF FEAR MY CAR WILL NOT RESPOND WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE. MY CAR CONSTANTLY WILL NOT CONNECT TO MY PHONE, OR KEEPS A CALL DISPLAY ON THE RADIO AFTER THE CALL HAS ENDED (FREEZES) UNTIL I RESTART MY CAR. I FEEL THERE IS SOMETHING TERRIBLY WRONG WITH THE WIRING/ELECTRICAL/STEERING WITH MY CAR AND SEVERAL OTHERS ACCORDING TO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON HERE! TOYOTA RECALLED ONLY AFTER A DEATH, HYUNDAI/NISSAN/DODGE ALL JUST RECALLED IMMEDIATELY - WHAT ABOUT US KIA? I HAVE A FAMILY IN THIS SEDAN THAT IS GOING TO END UP COSTING MY LIFE OR WORSE, MY ENTIRE FAMILY'S LIVES! PLEASE ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM!!!!! STEERING IS NOT NORMAL OR SAFE!!!
Steering, Mar 7, 2013
I AM A NEW OWNER OF A 2012 LX KIA OPTIMA WITH 27K MILES. MY CONCERN IS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GREATER THAN 65 MPH YOU HAVE TO USE TWO HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL JUST TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT AND FROM PULLING LEFT OR RIGHT. IT FEEL AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL SLIPS AND IS QUITE ALARMING. I HAVE TO WORK HARDER TO KEEP IT IN THE LANES MAKING ME MORE TIRED. *TR
Steering, Feb 1, 2013
2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATING A VERY NERVOUS STEERING (LEFT AND RIGHT PULLING), MORE MARKEDLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, EVEN SINCE BRAND NEW, BUT INCIDENT DATE REPORTED WAS THE FIRST TIME THE PROBLEM WAS EXTREMELY NOTICEABLE. INCIDENT EVENT REPORTED WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT, BUT CLOSE ONE. EVEN AFTER INSTALLATION OF NEW TIRES, BALANCING AND ALIGNMENT, STEERING KEEPS RESPONDING NERVOUSLY, CAUSING DRIVER FATIGUE AND NOT IMPARTING TOO MUCH CONFIDENCE TO THE DRIVER AT HIGH SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Jan 29, 2013
THE OWNER OF A 2012 LX KIA OPTIMA WITH 14K MI BUT VERY CONCERN AFTER DISCOVERING THAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GREATER THAN 65-75 MPH YOU HAVE TO USE TWO HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL JUST TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT AND FROM PULLING LEFT OR RIGHT. I'M NOT A TECH BUT, IF I HAD TO GUESS, MY MONEY IS ON THE ELECTRONIC/POWER STEERING DEVICE. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS CAR AND IF KIA/HYUNDAI MOTORS WANTS TO KEEP THEIR SELLS, THEN THEY BETTER "OWN IT!" THIS IS DEFINITELY A RECALL/ NHTSA SAFETY MATTER THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. ELECTRONIC/POWER STEERING IS AN AREA THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED AT AND RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jan 14, 2013, crash
THE VEHICLE DRIFTS LEFT AND RIGHT CONSTANTLY AND SUBSTANTIALLY, WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT. SAME CONCLUSION EVERY TIME. ADJUSTED, AND VEHICLE IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. THEY HAVE NOT AND REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. AS OF JANUARY 8TH 2013, OVER ONE YEAR SINCE PURCHASING THE PROBLEM, IT STILL EXISTS. WE RECENTLY WAS IN A MINOR ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. ON A TIGHT ROAD WITH LITTLE OR NO ROOM FOR WAIVER, WE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLES MIRROR WITH OURS AT 70MPH. LUCKILY THERE WAS ONLY SUPERFICIAL DAMAGE BESIDES BOTH OF US DECIDING WE ARE NOT DRIVING THIS CAR AGAIN DUE TO THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN AND OURSELVES. WE ARE CURRENTLY PURSUING A LEMON CLAIM ON THE VEHICLE. BALE KIA AND CRAIN KIA BOTH HAVE TOLD US THE SAME THING, COULD NOT DUPLICATE AND VEHICLE IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS, TSB #032. ACCORDING TO THEM THEY ARE ASSUMING WE ARE MAKING THIS UP. ALONG WITH THE 30+ OTHER COMPLAINTS FOUND ON HERE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Nov 11, 2012
I BOUGHT THIS KIA OPTIMA SX IN MAY 2012 BECAUSE IT'S A BEAUTIFUL CAR, BASICALLY WITH NO HESITATION. MY FIRST DAY DRIVING IT, I THOUGHT THE STEERING FELT A LITTLE DIFFERENT, TIGHT, AND PULLED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AND VERY HARD TO KEEP IT GOING STRAIGHT. I THOUGHT TO MYSELF, WELL IT'S A BRAND NEW CAR AND HAS TO BE BROKEN IN A LITTLE MAYBE. ABOUT 500 MILES IN, PROBLEM DIDN'T GO AWAY, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY INSPECTED THE ALIGNMENT, SAID ALIGNMENT WAS OK, BUT THE PSI IN TIRES WAS A LITTLE OFF AND THAT IT SHOULD FIX THE ISSUE. NOTHING HAS CHANGED. WEEK LATER I TOOK IT IN AGAIN. WAS TOLD EVERYTHING IS UP TO SPEC, AND WAS TOLD I AM THE FIRST PERSON TO REPORT THIS KIND OF ISSUE WITH THE CAR. I GO HOME THAT NIGHT AND GOOGLE OPTIMA STEERING PROBLEM...THE SEARCH ENGINE GOES NUTS!!! THIS IS A ISSUE WITH THE OPTIMA SINCE 2011!!! I'M A TRUCK DRIVER AND I CAN BARELY STEER THIS CAR!!! HOW CAN THIS BE SAFE ON THE ROADS??? THERE IS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT PROBLEM!! WHEN MY WIFE DRIVES IT SHE TELLS ME SHE CAN'T EVEN TAKE A DRINK OF HER SODA BECAUSE SHE HAS TO PAY SO MUCH ATTENTION TO HOLDING THE WHEEL STRAIGHT!! I FEEL THE SAME WAY!! COME ON KIA!!! COME ON D.O.T. IT'S ONLY JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS CAR CAUSES A SERIOUS ACCIDENT!! OBVIOUSLY THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ISN'T SAFE!! SO RECALL IT!! *TR