2012 Kia Optima steering problems
188 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2012 Kia Optima — 20% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Steering flexible coupling was a recall over 10 years ago, it was replaced. The steering wheel “sticks” and it’s catching again and they will not do anything. I’m not happy that this is an ongoing problem and can be dangerous if it sticks at the wrong time!”
filed Jul 29, 2026
“I had a engine replaced 1600 miles ago delarsship advised it was ok to drive gave me a vechicle back with abs light tracation control light on along with a exuast leak”
filed Jun 5, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 Optima | 6 | 3% |
| 2018 Optima | 12 | 5% |
| 2017 Optima | 11 | 4% |
| 2016 Optima | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 Optima | 68 | 7% |
| 2014 Optima | 94 | 16% |
| 2013 Optima | 212 | 15% |
| 2011 Optima | 100 | 17% |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 Optima | 7 | 6% |
| 2008 Optima | 4 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.