One problem related to steering rack and pinion has been reported for the 2013 Kia Motor Optima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima based on all problems reported for the 2013 Optima.
I agree with the may 24, 2013 - scottsdale, az overview regarding wind. The car is easily affected and moves in the wind and is a challange to stay straight in the lane. I feel like other drivers must think I am a drunk driver. The car does not really drift but the steering is sluggish with play and dead spots/harder to make first part of a turn, (almost like steering sticks). Also as someone else said, the steering is a challenge on the highway at higher speeds and is hard to maintain in the lane. . . . May also be a suspension problem. It is easy to lose control at high speeds if the roadway is not perfect. Constantly fighting the loose steering to the point where again, it looks like I am a drunk driver. Increasing the air in the tires was of no help toward the steering stability. I spoke to the local kia dealer service manager (February 2012), and he noted that the conditons sounded typical of what he has heard with the newer model Optimas which have the electronic steering. He was going to check with kia for their thoughts. No response yet. What ever happened to the good old tight, rack and pinion steering? enough of this mushy steering, this is suposed to be a sporty car. . . Am I finding out that it is just good looks? I have owned and driven similar priced Chrysler and Ford products prior to this and never uncomfortable with the steering.