2015 Kia Optima steering problems
68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2015 Kia Optima — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Driving down the road and my steering wheel light comes on sporadically and then I lose control of the steering wheel like it locks up and is almost impossible to turn or rotate and then other dashboard lights come on and I lose headlights. When that happens traction control light on dashboard, the…”
filed Apr 17, 2026
“Yesterday, [XXX], My 2015 kia optima engines reved up wothout me pushing the gas & within seconds later a loud noise and metal fell from under the hood. After pulling over, popping the hood on the passenger side and under the engine a fire had started. My daughter was seated in the back passenger…”
filed Jan 25, 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% |
| 2014 Optima | 94 | 16% |
| 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 2015 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.