Hello, today I will be checking out a 2013 Kia optima LX. Prior, my eyes were on a 2011 LX. During my research, the left pull issues came up a lot, but most complaints/concerns were dated in 2011 with no recent follow up updates from people experiences including this Kia forum. I searched this community board thru out and nothing, so I created this thread, my apologies if this was created still.
So saying that, is this an issue with 2011+ optima's or was it just the 2011's? I didn't come across any recalls or TSB's or any consumer vs Kia law suits so hopefully this is not an issue.
I really like the new look and hopefully I can get a good deal and join the KIA family.
The "left pull issue" was limited to certain US production models in 2011. If you do some research on OptimaForum, someone listed the serial numbers. I think if you create an account on the Kia TSB website, Kia outlined the "effected" serial numbers too.
In a nutshell, the subframe was not designed properly and it prevented the camber on the front wheel from aligning properly. If you owned a 2011, they installed a new subframe (or modified the existing - I don't remember which).
The "left pull issue" is something limited to the 2011 model.
However, a lot of people complain about the electronic steering in these cars. Some people have had luck visiting dealerships and changing the sensitivity level (dealerships can log into the ICU and change the sensitivity in 3 levels - comfort, normal, sport). This option is available in newer models on the steering wheel, but for 2011-2013, it requires a visit to the dealership.
When I bought my 2013 SXL last November, I had steering issues. After multiple trips to multiple dealerships, all of my problems pointed to the tires, not the car. I believe MANY of the steering issues people are experiencing (outside of the 2011 subframe problem) are related to the horrible OEM tires. It seems once everyone started replaced the OEM tires, many of the steering issues disappeared.
And further... most of the tire problems I read are on the SX and SXL. The LX and EX seemed to have much less complaints. I think that is due to bigger rims and lower profile tires.
You should be perfectly fine w/ a 2013 LX.
Take it for a ride... you'll notice right away. Accelerate fast from a stop and see what the steering wheel does. Take it on the highway and let go of the wheel. If it stays relatively straight, you're good.
Mine wanted to jump out of my hands upon acceleration. But now she's all fixed
As I recall, when we first got the car, I made a left turn (using too much throttle) and noticed a rather violent steering wheel jerk. At the time, I didn't think too much about it, as this is somewhat common in front-wheel-drive cars.
When wifey gets home, I'll try a straight line hard acceleration and see what happens.
I really don't have any complaints with pulling to the left (or right, for that matter).
Heck, I have a brand new 2015 EX with less than 150 miles on it since new and this car has torque steer (left pull). I have even upgraded the tires and wheels and it still does it.
Torque steer is not an alignment issue. It's a result of one wheel driven axle, an unlocked differential. It only happens when the throttle is heavily applied.
The original Optima steering pull problem in '11 was due to geometry and sub frame location faults. This condition happened regardless of road crown, and on braking, accelerating and coasting.
After driving the car a bit more I have come to realize that I may be overthinking things a bit and it's more paranoia than anything wrong with the car. I have only put 130 miles on the car since new.
Codger, I think you misread the second paragraph. Recall I got rid of the kia and got a G37 in its place. The second paragraph above refers to the issues I've had with the G (which most definitely has hydraulic power steering )