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2015 Kia Optima steering complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 69, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2015 Kia Optima steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 10, 2024 · Steering · OH

My car was stolen using a usb cord and they tore my steering column, key ignition and brok my driver side passenger window.

Filed Nov 9, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 149,878 miles · CA

The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of several bystanders. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was leased, and it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light and the steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and drove to the residence, where the vehicle remained parked. The vehicle was not repaired. The Kia dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 6, 2023 · Body, Steering · MN

Windows were broken and steering column was broken in to. Car was stolen and spray painted the seats and front end was smashed.Car was totaled

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Steering · 80,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering column was previously replaced due to power steering failure. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently, and veered to the right lane unintendedly. The anti-skid and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the earliest availability for diagnostic testing was September 8, 2023. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2023 · Engine, Steering · AZ

Knocking noise coming from engine. Pulley is wobbly. Oil leak coming from timing cover. Knocking noise come from Connecting rod knocking. Engine will have to be replaced or rebuilt.

Filed Jan 5, 2023 · Steering · KY

The steering wheel sticks at the 12 o'clock position. Typically in cooler weather. It is very noticeable at highway speeds. The same thing was documented in the 2012 - 2014 models under TSB CHA 060. I took it to the dealer in 2016, but they couldn't duplicate the issue. I have recently moved from SC to KY. The problem is more pronounced in cold weather. I have to use both hands to keep the car straight on the highway.

Filed Sep 24, 2022 · Steering · MO

Vehicle lost power steering completely. Has been inspected. Steering wheel sensor needs to be replaced. ABS light active as well as steering wheel light. No reason as to why this happen but it seems to be and ongoing issue for Kia Optima owners after reading other reports online.

Filed May 26, 2022 · Steering · IL

Sticking Steering. Steering Wheel seems to 'stick' at a 12 o'clock position causing an 'over steering' problem. You drift from left to right as the Electronic Steering tries to correct the drivers reactions to the Sticking. This is an obvious 'DEFECTIVE' part and can cause a loss of steering. Kia Consumer Assistance Center does not recognize this as a serious problem, maybe you will. This will be my 3rd Steering Column replacement. (1) Original, (2) Replaced at 7,500 miles, (3) replacing at 99,600 miles. Please look into this. Kia needs to 'Recall' their cars before people get killed.

Filed Apr 29, 2022 · Steering · IL

2015 Kia Optima EX Steering column replaced under warranty at approx. 7,000 miles. Now at 99,500 I need a new Steering Column because of the same symptoms; STICKING STEERING. Steering wheel sticks when trying to maneuver towards the right. Then you over steer and need to pull back to the left. This goes on over and over at all speeds. The worst is at high speeds because the slight tug on the wheel makes you drift more because of your speed. Kia needs to recall all Optima's and re-engineer and replace their Steering Columns.

Filed Mar 7, 2022 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL · crash · 1 injury

Kia said they fixed recall on my car and lights are still on and I hydroplane and totaled my car

Filed Jan 13, 2022 · Steering · 34,000 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the steering wheel in the straight position, the steering wheel experienced resistance when attempting to turn from the 12 o'clock position in either direction. The contact indicated that the resistance would suddenly cease causing the driver to over steer and potentially lose control of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 34,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2021 · Steering · 101,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, it was difficult to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. The contact stated that the power steering feature was not operating as designed. The contact pulled over and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that th steering angle pressure had started to fail in the electric power steering unit. The mechanic recommended that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to napleton's mid rivers kia (4955 veterans memorial pkwy, st peters, mo 63376) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,000.

Filed Mar 6, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 78,500 miles · KY

I was headed to ky december 2020 to visit my father. The car started making rattling noise. As I hit the gas petal, the car was stopping in on coming 1-65 traffic heading north. I pulled over and had to call my insurance company to tow to the nearest auto repair shop. I was nearly 50 miles from bowling green kentucky (12-23-20). I called my insurance and we set up arrangements for towing to pick up the next morning (less than 24 hours- christmas eve). Within less than 24 hours, the car was impounded by kentucky police near glasgow, ky. After paying towing fees and tickets, I finally got my car to auto company to run diagnostics report. After completion, I found out the engine failed along with more stuff. I immediately called the dealer who sold me the car (kia-huntsville, al) to ask for advice on next steps. He told me to contact the nearest kia service department near where the car was immediately to get it fixed because of the recall on the vehicle. The car was finally towed to martin kia (bowling green kentucky). They put me in line to have the vehicle properly and completely fixed. On january 4, 2021 the vehicle was in kia possession to fix recall repairs. March 6, 2021 I was scheduled to pick up the vehicle because it was promised that the vehicle is completed. After picking up the car, I had to wait 45minutes because my car was locked and tire light came on. I was pulled to side and told the vehicle was fixed by brand new employee and to check to make sure a engine light does not come on because if so, it's probably the new hire fault for it messing up. After all of that, I was headed home and the car stopped a second time! After contacting local police, I was told to go back to kia to return the keys and make them tow the vehicle to get it off of the interstate.

Filed Nov 7, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 86,000 miles · ME

About a month and a half ago my traction control light came on and I lost power steering. For a brief period of time that day the light went off and I regained power steering. Later that same day the traction control light reappeared and has been on since causing me to lose power steering. I have spoken with the manufacturer and they claim that this problem does not fall under any recall therefore they are not responsible for anything.

Filed Nov 7, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 86,234 miles · ME

About a month ago my traction control light came on and I would lose power steering. For a brief period of time maybe a day or two the light went out and I regained steering. Since then it has come back on again and I have had no power steering since this period I know there is an active recall on certain aspects of this and believe this is part of it, however I am told that my problem is not part of the recall and that I need to pay to have the safety issue fixed on my own.

Filed Aug 29, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 75,500 miles · CA

8/27/2020 car had been at the kia dealership 2 weeks before for the same issue...car shut down on the freeway after 'check hybrid charging system' lights flashing 'shut down engine' lights flashing. Kia had determined car just needed a 'hybrid battery update' fast forward...I was driving to visit my mother in idaho, driving about 75 MPH on the freeway, when the same thing happened: 'check hybrid charging system, shut off engine.' all the lights started flashing, and 'possible battery management system issue' diagnostic flashed on the radio screen. The car started losing power before locking up completely, wheel locking, shutting off and spinning out on the highway. Luckily another other cars were close by or else this would have easily turned into a fatal crash. 3 hours on the side of the road and a $450 tow into the nearest kia dealership which was 2 hours away.. And I find out it's a blown hev fuse and the hybrid system/battery has failed completely. Now I'm stuck with a dead car. Failed at around 79,500 miles. This is not the first kia optima hybrid to do this!!! Recall these cars before they kill somebody!! I should not have to worry about a 5 year old car shutting down and locking up on the freeway while driving. Especially with kids in the car. I will never buy another kia again. It has the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty which kia is saying covers no part of any repairs. Odd since this is a known issue with these hybrids!! Recall these death traps!!!

Filed Aug 26, 2020 · Steering · 81,868 miles · TX

I am sending this complaint in regards to complaint #11317148. On march 09, 2020 I filed a complaint about a possible recall issue to my 2015 kia optima.I contacted kia motors @800‑333‑4542 case #[xxx] spoke with [xxx] about the issue on march 16, 2020 and [xxx] on march 17, 2020 and the response was that premier kia lufkin texas said I decline to have the power steering fluid changed which was they decline to replace the steering column under any warranty, so I decided to pay the $1298.00 on june 09, 2020 to have premier kia lufkin texas to replace the steering column for my safety and my family. I also contacted kiaparts.com about where to locate the power steering reservoir and received a email on may 27, 2020 from [xxx]at hansomotors parts department informing me that my 2015 kia optima have an electronic power steering. There is no pump or reservoir. But like I say for safety issues I paid the $1298.00 to replace the steering column. My question now is have there been any recalls for this issue that would warrant me a refund of $1298.00 the amount I paid premier kia on june 09, 2020? I would also like to receive updates on any and all recalls concerning my 2015 kia optima. Thanks. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 11, 2020 · Body, Lights · 44,000 miles · NC

While driving at speeds higher than 45 MPH, the steering wheel locks for a brief moment. This does not allow for a smooth way to keep the vehicle straight on the highway. Very scary. Antenna cover on top of car flew off on the highway. Read that it has happened to several other 2015 optima models. Back up camera is foggy and I can no longer use it when reversing. Back taillights have condensation in them. I have already had one of them replaced early on.

Filed Mar 9, 2020 · Steering · TX

My steering wheel is sticking and my husband took it to the dealership to see what the problem is and they have checked it and said it needs steering column. They gave us a printout saying followed tsb cha 090 preformed effort measurement test. Measurement 4.6 nm supposed to be 3.3 nm needs steering column at a cost of $1400.00 with a 10% discount because it is not covered under warranty, which we then declined to pay that amount. When we purchased the car from perry-ellis kia we got a bumper to bumper unlimited warranty "at least that was our understanding" through fidelity warranty services, inc. So when lara who works in the warranty department for the dealership which is now premier kia gave me the warranty per my she is now telling me the steering column is not covered. I have noticed that there was some kind of recall performed stating sa188 service action sa188 '15 qf steering feel improvement dealer code tx137 repair date july 10, 2015 dealer type rd. Which raises concern to me now that I am still having steering problem and they will not honor the warranty. I believe this problem should be fixed under this service campaign since the problem already existed this is not the first time I have complained about this problem with the steering wheel. Dealer stated they are not obligated to cover under any warranty. Your cooperation into this matter will be greatly appreciated. *ln consumer stated several complaints were made regarding front end shaking and new tires balance and rotation.

Filed Feb 18, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 65,000 miles · CA

Vehicle stalled on the highway and locked the steering capability.

Filed Jan 9, 2020 · Driver assistance, Steering · 120,000 miles · CA

While driving the vehicle dash lights for the steering wheel and traction control come on and the steering gets hard as if no power steering. I pull over turn car off, check power steering fluid and belt, no issues. Turn car back on no aforementioned dash lights turned off and steering is fine. This has happened a few times within the last two months.

Filed Jan 3, 2020 · Steering · 81,270 miles · AL

Whenever traveling over speeds of 45 miles per hour the steering system starts sticking at the 12 o'clock position, and causes you to make over adjustments which makes you weave across the road.

Filed Jan 2, 2020 · Steering · 48,000 miles · AZ

While driving at any speed but most dangerous when at freeway speeds the steering becomes jerky and not responsive and forces you to turn the steering wheel aggressively then it will start to work again causing the vehicle to swerve. At slower speeds this is not nearly as dangerous and the swerving is minimal but still present. When it happens at freeway speeds, the swerving is very significant and very dangerous. This has caused several near misses of potentially very dangerous accidents and will eventually cause a serious accident.

Filed Dec 26, 2019 · Steering · 48,000 miles · FL

Driving down the road the steering has a catch in it and you need to use force to turn the steering wheel

Filed Sep 11, 2019 · Steering · 91,400 miles · NY

Power steering disengages while driving

Filed Aug 22, 2019 · Steering · 50,000 miles · WA

Sticky feeling in the steering at any speed. Takes a little more than normal force to move steering wheel in any direction.

Filed Apr 23, 2019 · Steering · IL

Cannot control steering. Seems to want to hold in the 'center' position. When trying to correct the steering, left or right, I get a 'sticky' or 'dead spot' in the steering wheel. A few months after I bought this car, the dealer replaced thew steering column because it was 'undriveable', now a few years later, the problem is recurring. Many complaints about 'sticky' steering for kia optimas.

Filed Mar 26, 2019 · Acceleration, Brakes · 35,000 miles · OH

If I push the proximity ignition button accidentlally the car will shut down, no brakes, not power steering. I am wondering if this should happen when I am travelling 70 MPH on the interstate. The dealer did not give me any satisfactioon..."told me not to push the button" and "trade it in on a 2019." some makes will not shut down if going over 5 pmh unless the button is pushed twice. Others, you must hold the button. I could not find anything in the manual and their customer service was no help. There have been deaths related to this problem according to some websites. I can't test the car myself. Was hoping the dealer would or tell me the situation with the button and speed. Can you help me?>.

Filed Feb 6, 2019 · Steering · 57,000 miles · TX

Steering wheel sticks at the 12 o'clock position. It takes some additional force to get over the 12 o'clock hump clockwise and counterclockwise. This occurs during all driving conditions

Filed Jan 29, 2019 · Steering · 30,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 kia optima. While driving at any speed and attempting to make a turn, the steering wobbled and lost power without warning. The vehicle was taken to redding kia (888‑778‑5635, located at 418 e cypress ave, redding, ca 96002) and kept for diagnostic testing while the contact was provided a loaner vehicle. The technician diagnosed that the yoke in the steering box was fractured and needed to be replaced. The part was back ordered. The contact was later informed to return the loaner vehicle because her vehicle was safe to drive while waiting for the part. The failure recurred. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not safe to drive and promised to follow-up with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

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