How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 24 steering complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, which is 3% of the 754 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2016 Kia Optima?

No related steering recall is listed in the NHTSA data for the 2016 Kia Optima.

Did the 2016 Optima steering problems cause any crashes?

NHTSA records show 2 crashes tied to steering complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, with no fires or injuries reported.

At what mileage do steering problems usually appear on the 2016 Optima?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2016 Kia Optima is 35,168 miles.

Is the 2016 Optima's steering complaint rate high compared to other years?

At 3% of total complaints, the 2016 Optima's steering share is lower than earlier years like 2012 (20%) and 2013 (15%), based on NHTSA data.

2016 Kia Optima Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 24 steering complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, 3% of that year's 754 total complaints, with 2 crashes and no fires or injuries reported. Median mileage at failure was 35,168 miles. No related steering recall is listed for this year.

Steering complaints: 24; 3% of 754
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 35,168 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Steering wheel suddenly locks up or becomes extremely hard to turn while driving, sometimes at highway speed.
Power steering assist cuts out at low speeds, around 15 mph or less, making the wheel very heavy to turn.
Steering feel becomes uneven, described as loose in one direction and tight in the other, with occasional complete lockup.
Loss of steering assist occurs alongside electrical warning lights, dash malfunctions, or the engine briefly shutting off.
Owners report the problem is intermittent and hard for dealers to duplicate on diagnostic checks.
Steering tightness at highway speed causes the car to drift in the lane, requiring constant correction.

When 2016 Kia Optima steering complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 18, 2018, latest Mar 11, 2026.

24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2018 to Mar 2026; peak Sep 2019 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2016 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 NHTSA have for the 2016 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 24 steering complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, which is 3% of the 754 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2016 Kia Optima?: No related steering recall is listed in the NHTSA data for the 2016 Kia Optima.
Did the 2016 Optima steering problems cause any crashes?: NHTSA records show 2 crashes tied to steering complaints for the 2016 Kia Optima, with no fires or injuries reported.
At what mileage do steering problems usually appear on the 2016 Optima?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2016 Kia Optima is 35,168 miles.
Is the 2016 Optima's steering complaint rate high compared to other years?: At 3% of total complaints, the 2016 Optima's steering share is lower than earlier years like 2012 (20%) and 2013 (15%), based on NHTSA data.