Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Kia Optima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was a notchy feel in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was linked to TSB Number: CHA060. The mechanic determined that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The mechanic ordered the part for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under TSB Number: CHA060; due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the steering wheel seized. After the steering wheel was released, an abnormal sound was heard coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle had previously had the steering column and steering rack replaced at the dealer; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who replaced the steering column however, the repair failed to correct the failure. The contact stated that extra effort was needed while attempting to turn the steering wheel. The traction control warning light illuminated whenever the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact's daughter stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would produce a clicking noise and shaking coming from the steering column. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the flex coupler replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 252,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while reversing, the contact heard a popping sound, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an impendent mechanic, and he reinstalled the inner shaft. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 110,000.
1- Steering wheel. Yes 2- Not sure if something was going to happen while driving whether da or night or long distance traveling 3- I spoke with the service center a while back and didn't have a good time to bring it by. 4- No No just loud shaking from the steering wheel. It's been going on for at least a month
March 2016 while traveling on highway at 65 MPH and passing a slow moving vehicle car lost power, became difficult to steer and unresponsive. We were lucky that we were right by rest area and coasted safely. Inspected the vehicle while and noticed a smell reminding an electrical short/fire. Car was towed to Kia dealer and diagnosed to be engine failure. The engine was inspected and per dealer it was pristine, Kia decided to cover under warranty @ approx 98K miles. Dealer stated that per Kia it was due possibly to non OEM oil filter (nice). When we got the car back it did not want to start occasionally, where it hesitated especially as temperatures increased. Noticed dealer, dealer took it in verified battery and starter were to spec. In June on a hot day car almost did not start, set an appointment with dealer for later in the week. …
I was driving in highway in July 2017. The steering wheel was drifting and slippery. It was about 84,000 miles in it. So, I brought my car in Kia dealer. They showed me worn out steering coupling. I asked them to change steering coupling only but they changed whole steering wheel column and charged me $1,402. However, I found that Kia extended warranty for 10 years/unlimited mileage in 2016. I am not sure why they charged me for steering issue. I complained Kia motors America and sent all information that I have including the bills. They did not respond any letter yet. I like to have my money back. Another issue that I found in May 2018 was fast engine oil burn out. I was driving to work in highway and engine oil warning sign was blinking. So, I immediately pulled over and checked engine oil level. It was almost gone and so dark. …
My headlights have gone completely dim. I can't see more than 4 ft in front of my car so no longer drive at night. I have taken it to the Kia dealership here in orlando and they stated this has happened because the heat of the bulb cause the paint in the unit to peel away. I have not had any accidents yet, but have had a few occasions where a car cut me off and another almost ran me off the road because my light to not illuminate. The dealership said since I am no longer under warranty it would cost me $1200 to fix. I have researched and found some forums where other drivers have complained of the same issue for years and nothing has been done. There is also an issue with the steering. There is a clicking noise and rattling when I drive and hit a small bump. I was told by the same dealership that it would cost $400 to fix that $3.00 piece of plastic that holds that together. …
I have a beautiful Kia Optima 2011. I been have a few problems with my car. The steering wheel and all jack up. The problem is the parts they putting in the car are cheap parts yes yu get what yu buy. But Kia have been doing a good job replacing parts because they know how cheap they are. No one should be riding around the city and the car making loud noises when you hit I hole in road or even a man hole its sound crazy. Its louder then my radio. My radio stay on max so I took my Kia to Kia west in cleveland ohio. The mechanic call back this morning 03 12 2019 stated that the steering rack/ assembly need to be replaced. I understood why it needed replace. Not because I weared it out . The steering couplers was start of this problem. With a quality parts these problems wouldnt come up. The repair bill was 1035 with out labor cost. Kia have to do right thing by the people. …
Steering complaints in other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has 100 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Kia Optima, 17% of the model year's 594 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Kia Optima steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2011 Kia Optima, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Optima steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.