2018 Kia Optima steering problems
12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2018 Kia Optima — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Steering column coupler went bad. Unable to swap out the coupler alone ($12 part) and had to get a whole new column (over $1200). Some of the Kia's around this one's make and model were recalled but not this one. Without this repair driving would have been dangerous.”
filed Dec 31, 2025
“Check engine light began flashing halfway down the highway. Oil changes and maintenance are done regularly. Vehicle handling seemed to be unsafe. Vehicle would not accelerate. Had inspection done in September.”
filed Nov 25, 2024
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% |
| 2017 Optima | 11 | 4% |
| 2016 Optima | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 Optima | 68 | 7% |
| 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 2018 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.