2014 Kia Optima steering problems
94 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2014 Kia Optima — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Steering coupler issue. When turning the steering wheel. It is making a clunking noise even when in park and making it feel not smooth to turn the wheel either way. Very distracting and awkward when driving. When speeding up you can feel the issue with the steering coupler more. You can feel the…”
filed Jul 13, 2026
“The vehicle is currently experiencing failure consistent with a U.S safety call {Technical Service Bulletin) related to the steering column. A diagnostic scan has confirmed error code C1259 (angle sensor signal error) that match those referenced in the recall documentation. The vehicle was taken to…”
filed Jan 28, 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% |
| 2013 Optima | 212 | 15% |
| 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 2014 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.