2013 Kia Optima steering problems
213 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2013 Kia Optima — 15% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and…”
filed Aug 11, 2026
“the engine revs high and transmission wont shift and when you turn the steering wheel ya get a loud click and the steering wheels jumps”
filed Jul 19, 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 | 69 | 7% |
| 2014 Optima | 94 | 16% |
| 2012 Optima | 188 | 20% |
| 2011 Optima | 100 | 17% |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 Optima | 7 | 6% |
| 2008 Optima | 4 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2013 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.