Steering Wheel Vibrate problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima

Six problems related to steering wheel vibrate have been reported for the 2012 Kia Motor Optima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima based on all problems reported for the 2012 Optima.

1 Steering Wheel Vibrate problem

Failure Date: 09/23/2020

When I move my steering wheel side to side I hear a weird clunking like noise. I first noticed this while parking in my driveway. It occurs while the car is sitting still, however have not tried it while car is moving. Also while driving on the highway last week (approx 60 mph) my steering wheel began to vibrate moderately. I had not noticed the vibration prior to last week or the clunking noise before 9/26/20. I have a video with clunking noise occurring if needed.

2 Steering Wheel Vibrate problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2018

My steering wheel shakes when I am coming to a stop at a high speed.

3 Steering Wheel Vibrate problem

Failure Date: 02/16/2018

Steering wheel shakes while in motion ( 60-80 mph ). Ride is smooth until tires roll over imperfection in road. Steering wheel and front-end begins to shake violently. Shaking stops when turning right or left and begins again once vehicle has straightened out.

4 Steering Wheel Vibrate problem

Failure Date: 09/30/2017

Electrical rack and pinions recall. Steering wheel feels loose. Steering wheel starts shaking at approximately 65-70 mph.

5 Steering Wheel Vibrate problem

Failure Date: 04/12/2016

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at 65 mph, the steering wheel began to shake violently with a loud noise. The contact coasted over to the side of the road. The contact was able to resume driving. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was wear and tear in the steering and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,853.

6 Steering Wheel Vibrate problem

Failure Date: 08/10/2015

Steering wheel shakes, rattles, and clicks when turning. It sounds like something is loose. Going over any thing that is not level (ex. Railroad tracks, speed bumps etc) causes the steering wheel to rattle and shake also even if you are not speeding. It will occur in motion and even if the vehicle is in park, and off. I am not really sure what this issue is or what really caused it.




Safety Ratings of Optima Cars
Fuel Economy of Optima Vehicles
Optima Defect Investigations