2014 Kia Optima: steering wheel locks up

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Steering · 153,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact’s son stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and significant effort was required to control or turn the steering wheel. The contact’s son also became aware of an electrical burning odor during the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Steering · 5,800 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the steering wheel was loose while turning. Additionally, the contact stated that on approximately three occasions while in reverse(R), the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the EPS and ESC warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked at the residence and could not be moved, due to the failure with the steering wheel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,800.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · AR

While driving Kia Optima, unable to turn steering wheel. No notice when first starting vehicle. While driving, a traction and steering wheel light turns on without a sound(ding) to notify driver. Then once driver attempts to turn, unable due to steering wheel locked. Unsafe to drive on the road. Dangerous for all passengers. Our safety is put at risk due to unable to turn steering wheel while driving. Must turn vehicle off in middle of road, then it resets so steering wheel to turn. Code C12 60 returns for power steering sensor malfunction.

Filed Feb 20, 2022 · Steering · SC

While driving making an left or right turns steering wheel locks up and very hard to turn. The steering wheel light is on with the slippery light too! Trying to pull to the side of road., turn car off and waited to restart car

Filed Nov 5, 2021 · Brakes · 151,000 miles · CO · crash · 2 injuries

The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that as he attempted to merge onto a highway at 45 MPH, the brake pedal and steering wheel locked up upon the depression of the brake pedal without warning. Due to the failure, the contact hit an electrical box encased in concrete as the vehicle continued to roll into bushes before it came to a halt. The airbags deployed upon impact. The contact exited the vehicle and removed his son from the back seat. The contact was not treated for injuries at the scene. The contact's son had a few lacerations on his neck that did not need medical attention. A police report was filed. A few days, his insurance towed the vehicle from the scene to an independent junkyard where the vehicle was deemed a total loss. A week later, the contact sought medical treatment for pain in his chest and right arm; the contact was diagnosed with a hairline fracture to his sternum. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that his vehicle was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact attempted to reach out to the manufacturer by email but did not receive a response. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Filed Apr 17, 2020 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 71,500 miles · TX

I was driving on the highway going 65 MPH and an alert pops up. It said "possible bms condition." I immediately pulled to the side, but also noticed my car speed reducing. I safely got into the right shoulder and then the car steering wheel froze up. Another alert to check brakes went on. I pushed the brakes over and over to get the alert off. It then over a time span of 3-5 min started to slowly run low on electricity because the hazards lights were blinking slower. I got it towed and waiting to see what is the problem. Been looking it up and most likely it's the fuse in the back trunk under the cover underneath.