How many steering complaints does the 2013 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 213 steering complaints for the 2013 Optima, which is 15% of all 1,383 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for steering problems on the 2013 Kia Optima?

No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data for the steering complaints on the 2013 Optima.

Did the steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries tied to steering complaints for the 2013 Optima.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2013 Optima?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2013 Optima is 40,000 miles, though some owners reported issues almost immediately after purchase.

Is the 2013 Optima worse than other years for steering complaints?

Steering complaints peaked in 2012 (188 complaints, 20% share) and 2013 (213 complaints, 15% share), then dropped sharply in 2015 and later years, suggesting these two years saw more reported steering issues than later Optima model years.

2013 Kia Optima Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 213 steering complaints for the 2013 Kia Optima, 15% of all complaints filed for that year, with 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries reported. There is no related recall on file for this issue.

Steering complaints: 213; 15% of 1,383
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 40,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners describe the vehicle drifting or wandering left and right at speeds above 50-55 mph, requiring constant small steering corrections to stay centered in the lane.
Some drivers report the car pulling to one side even after dealers rotated tires or performed alignments, with the problem returning shortly after the repair.
Several complaints mention the steering feeling inconsistent or requiring the wheel to be held tightly, with dealers referencing a new electronic power steering setting to recalibrate the system.
One driver reported the steering suddenly froze with the wheels turned while on the freeway, causing the car to leave the road and hit a ditch.
One complaint described a burning odor from the steering wheel along with erratic wiper behavior while driving in rain.

When 2013 Kia Optima steering complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 15, 2012, latest Aug 11, 2026.

213 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q4 (11).

Steering recalls for the 2013 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 many steering complaints does the 2013 Kia Optima have?: NHTSA lists 213 steering complaints for the 2013 Optima, which is 15% of all 1,383 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for steering problems on the 2013 Kia Optima?: No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data for the steering complaints on the 2013 Optima.
Did the steering issue cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries tied to steering complaints for the 2013 Optima.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2013 Optima?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2013 Optima is 40,000 miles, though some owners reported issues almost immediately after purchase.
Is the 2013 Optima worse than other years for steering complaints?: Steering complaints peaked in 2012 (188 complaints, 20% share) and 2013 (213 complaints, 15% share), then dropped sharply in 2015 and later years, suggesting these two years saw more reported steering issues than later Optima model years.