10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 3 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 41,617 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
steering wheel play, steering coupler wear
- Palm Bay, FL, USA
MDPS Flex Coupler worn out & caused play in steering wheel.
- New Brighton, MN, USA
The MDPS steering motor flexible coupling on our 2012 Kia Optima has deteriorated and a metal to metal clunking noise is made when turning the steering wheel left or right. See Kia Technical Service Bulletin (XXX) dated August 2016. Stated in the Bulletin is warm ocean waters in high humidity areas from Texas to South Carolina causes the problem. Apparently, those warm ocean waters and humidity do not go further north carried by the Gulf Stream and the warmer spring, summer and fall seasons ; up to Long Island in NY as well as up to Maine. Kia has extended the warranty from 5 years/ 60,000 miles to 10 years/unlimited mileage for vehicles in other states but not from the TSB year of 2016 when the issue was first documented. So our 2012 is not covered because 2022 is over. Please note, our car has 40,000 miles and has been garage kept. This mileage is 20,000 miles less than the 5 year warranty while the 10 year warranty mileage is unlimited. This steering part needs to be made into a mandatory recall by Kia. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- East Quogue, NY, USA
The steering wheel has a loud clicking sound when I drive on the highway as well as when I turn the wheel left or right. It is so loud that I have to turn my radio volume high to somewhat drown it out. The flex coupler is the issue. Apparently this was a recall in the past. Since mine just started acting up, I just found out there was even a recall on this part. Tried to get Kia to replace the part, but was denied. Currently escalating the issue as I do not agree with the decision, waiting on answer. I drive a total of 150 miles to and from work daily. When I hit normal bumps/dips in the road, the steering wheel shakes horribly. The sound is a major distraction to my abilities on the road. I don't think I should have to pay out of pocket for a part Kia knew was defective. It literally feels as though the steering column is going to fall off eventually.
- Fort Pierce, FL, USA
The component that failed is the steering coupler. I believe this is a huge issue as it can affect the steering of the car, causing frequent vibrations and jittering of the steering wheel. No, it doesn't need to be inspected, it is obvious as this has been recalled in their vehicles and for some reason this model is not included while many have the same issue. Yes, clicking noises and vibrations at the steering wheel, many videos can be found online with the same issue and a repair for it. It is exactly the same as many others, this should've been recalled in more models. Problem appeared at around 100k miles and 10 years of use.
- Homestead, FL, USA
In November 2022, I noticed that my steering wheel would stick after reaching 35 mph. After an unrelated issue in January, a mechanic confirmed this issue. Went for a second option and they confirmed that same issue, stating it was the steering column insulator. After consulting with another mechanic that can fix the problem, he encouraged me to reach out to KIA for recalls, as that he has repaired 3 other vehicles in the past 12 months with the same issue and they all had recalls. KIA does not have any recalls for this, or anything related to steering. They said that a component in my steering was covered but the warranty expired 2 years ago. Still checking for recalls, as that I'm seeing a lot of reports online of the same issue with Optimas.
- Washington, NC, USA
My Kia 2012 optima started having steering problems. The steering started sticking at higher speeds. When I tried to steer the steering wheel felt like it was stuck in the center position and I had to use extra force to steer it either left or right. It felt very unsafe while driving. I research this Kia problem and I found a kia TSB CHA 060 that addresses this same problem. So Kia is aware of this steering safety issue. I contacted my local Kia dealer and I was told that my vehicle was not covered under this. They told me that the safety TSB was only good for 10 years and my car is now 12 years old. I was told that there was another safety recall on my car about the headliner needing repairs and that was covered. So at this point Kia will repair my headliner for free, but not repair my steering safety problem under warranty.
- Clermont, FL, USA
The steering wheel flex coupler is defective. There is a loud clicking sound when turning the steering wheel. Kia currently does not offer free repair since out of warranty. I am hoping they will instead offer a recall. Thank you.
- Fircrest, WA, USA
Vehicle was broken into and stolen-??steering wheel column damage, wheel locked, wreck-??usb cord used to crank car..police report filed #2209013764ME
- Memphis, TN, USA
We noticed the steering seemed loose and at 80 MPH there was a serious vibration in the steering column. We noticed there was a service bulletin on the problem on the internet, but our car was 8 months past the 10 year limit on what KIA would cover. Our car has 123,000 miles on it. Our dealer, KIA of Billings Montana fixed the problem, but it cost us $610. I believe KIA should have notified us of the problem long ago and fixed it. The vibration has been happening for some time, but we thought it was just tires out of balance or an alignment problem. We had the tires aligned and tires rotated and balanced, but still had the problem. If the government or KIA knew about the problem, they should have warned us long ago, even if we had to pay for the repair.
- Park City, MT, USA
Vehicle suddenly cut off and lost power. Upon cutting back off check engine was blinking as well as oil light. Was left to sit over night as it wasn-??t safe to drive home and would not restart. The following morning the car started but was hesitant driven less than 20 miles home which struggled to accelerate and check engine light was illuminated along with oil light coming on. Oil was in the car at the time. Parked in front of home additional oil added oil light then oil light cut off until ac is turned on. Car was turned on and sitting and a knocking noise began. Left to sit the next day then taken to jiffy lube where a reading came on the scanner that it was the crank shaft was then ordered to go to a repair shop where it was diagnosed the engine is blown and that oil was basically being burned even with a maintain of oil changes therefore this caused metal to metal contact. The engine is now seized up and the vehicle is sitting outside of home. Vehicle is unsafe to drive upon further research cars 2011-2019 with the same engine have caught fire or failed. Due to this there is now a class act suit theta ii with Kia.
- Bear , DE, USA
MDPS Flex Coupling for steering needs replacement. Not covered by the 10 year warranty because it was 6 months late
- New Brighton, MN, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel made clicking sounds whenever turned. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
- Holland, MI, USA
sterring has become loose and makes noise when sterring wheel is moved back and forth
- Cloverdale, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was stiff and making clicking sounds. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was waiting to speak to a representative. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to contact the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
- Plattsburgh, NY, USA
I purchased 2012 kia optima hybrid june 14, 2021. 1 week after I purchased vehicle i started to hear "clicking noise" & felt a "bump" each time I moved steering wheel slightly left or right. example moving steering wheel to change lanes, turning vehicle left or right, and moving steering wheel when straightening out car when parking. As of 7/6/2021 "clicking noise" in steering wheel/steering column is louder.
- Anaheim, CA, USA
MY VIN IS [XXX] ITS A 2012 KIA OPITMA HYBRID 2.4L AND I SEE IT HAS THESE RECALLS ON IT NEEED TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT IT MY NUMBER IS [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Clinton, SC, USA
I was in the parent pick up line to pick up my daughter and I placed my shift in park however my car continued to drive forward and shift gear was stuck. Steering wheel became stiff and I kept foot on brake to slowing maneuver car to a parking spot. Once in parking spot car would not turn off and even though car was in park on the shift gear the drive mode was illuminated. The car finally turned off for a few seconds and than restarted by itself and repeated to do so. I was finally able to move gear shift after accessing the shift gear release lock however the shift gear remained in drive mode. Then engine just completely stopped turning on. Car would not turn, not drivable and had to have it towed for repair.
- Fort Myers, FL, USA
It occurs only whenever the car is in motion. When ever I am turning the wheel it clicks. Whenever I go over a bump the steering wheel clicks/knocks aggressively.
- Atlantic Highlands, NJ, USA
- Columbus, GA, USA