How common are steering complaints on the 2012 Kia Optima?

NHTSA shows 188 steering complaints for the 2012 Optima, which is 20% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year — the highest steering share among all Optima years listed.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima steering problem?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this steering issue on the 2012 Optima.

At what mileage do steering problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 54,000 miles, though several sample complaints describe pulling or drifting appearing at very low mileage, even under 500 miles.

Have steering problems caused crashes on the 2012 Optima?

NHTSA data tied to this steering issue for the 2012 Optima includes 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury.

Do other Optima model years have similar steering complaint rates?

The 2013 Optima had more raw steering complaints (213) but a lower share (15%) of its total complaints; 2011 had a 17% share, while later years like 2015-2020 show much lower shares of 1-7%.

2012 Kia Optima Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 188 steering complaints for the 2012 Kia Optima, 20% of that year's 919 total complaints — the highest share of any Optima model year. These involve drifting, pulling, and electric power steering loss, with a median failure mileage of 54,000. No related recall is listed.

Steering complaints: 188; 20% of 919
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 54,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report the car drifting or wandering left and right at highway speed, requiring constant steering correction.
Multiple owners describe a persistent pull to one side (usually left) starting from very low mileage, sometimes noticed within days of purchase.
Some drivers report the electric power steering assist failing intermittently, with warning lights for traction control, EPS, and TCS, and steering effort becoming very heavy until the car is restarted.
Dealers reportedly told several owners the pulling or wandering was normal behavior of the new electronic steering system rather than a defect.
A few complaints mention over-correction while cornering after adjusting tire pressure or alignment failed to resolve the pulling.

When 2012 Kia Optima steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 6, 2012, latest Jul 29, 2026.

188 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2016 Q2 (13).

Steering recalls for the 2012 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Optima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20102 (3%)
2011100 (17%)
2012188 (20%)
2013213 (15%)
201494 (16%)
201569 (7%)
201624 (3%)
201711 (4%)
201812 (5%)
20196 (3%)
20202 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering complaints on the 2012 Kia Optima?: NHTSA shows 188 steering complaints for the 2012 Optima, which is 20% of the 919 total complaints filed for that model year — the highest steering share among all Optima years listed.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Kia Optima steering problem?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this steering issue on the 2012 Optima.
At what mileage do steering problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 54,000 miles, though several sample complaints describe pulling or drifting appearing at very low mileage, even under 500 miles.
Have steering problems caused crashes on the 2012 Optima?: NHTSA data tied to this steering issue for the 2012 Optima includes 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury.
Do other Optima model years have similar steering complaint rates?: The 2013 Optima had more raw steering complaints (213) but a lower share (15%) of its total complaints; 2011 had a 17% share, while later years like 2015-2020 show much lower shares of 1-7%.