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.
2011 Kia Optima steering problems
100 complaints (17% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 72,000.
- owner complaints
- 100
- of this car's complaints
- 17%
- typical mileage
- 72,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Column1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Kia Optima steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2011 Kia Optima steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Steering noise 27Pulling 23Power steering loss 9Steering lock-up 5
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2011 Kia Optima owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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.
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’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 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.
I had purchased this car on thursday january 14, 2021the car started jerking and turn it off and one turned back on I took it back to the dealership and they told told me it's not their problem in a very rude way. So I asked them can I have the owners number and they told me that they can't give it to me and if I keep asking they're going to call the police on me. So I took the car to kia to see what they can do for the car about the recall and they told me they if the part is covered but I looked online and it is on recall.
The electric power steering pump has a short going to the motor, which is a fire hazard. Also, you must move the wheel nonstop or it will lock up which could cause you to wreck and die. Very dangerous. At this point there is absolutely no power steering making it very hard to drive and steer.
The steering wheel is stiffing . I looked it up to see if other people have been having this problem and they have.
Steering wheel has a clicking noise and a play. Also engine light comes on and off.
Questions about the 2011 Kia Optima steering
Does the 2011 Kia Optima have steering problems?
Owners have filed 100 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Kia Optima, 17% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Optima steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 72,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Kia Optima steering?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Kia Optima have bad steering?
The Kia Optima model years with the most steering complaints are 2013 (213 complaints), 2012 (188 complaints) and 2011 (100 complaints).
Other 2011 Kia Optima problems
Engine 262Lights 88Electrical 63Brakes 47Airbags 31Fuel system 27Transmission 25Body 21Acceleration 19Suspension 18Visibility 11Driver assistance 9Wheels 9Tires 3Seat belts 2Seats 2
VIN decoder
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