2012 KIA OPTIMA Steering Problems

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal clicking sound while the steering wheel was vibrating. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the abnormal clicking sound was heard while making right turns. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Mileage: 72,000

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions and making a turn, there was a loud popping sound coming from the steering column and the wheels. Additionally, while attempting to shift into reverse, there was a popping sound coming from the steering column and floorboard. A mobile mechanic went to the residence where the vehicle was parked and stated that the failure might be associated with the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a parts store where a handheld diagnostic scanner retrieved a fault code for steering wheel angle sensor signal failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 202,000.

Mileage: 202,000

MY VEHICLE HAS 75,583. I received a recall for 3 items and made an appointment and took the car in for the work. I noticed that their wasa slight dead spot in the centeing of the steering and asked if there was any adjustmen. I was told there wasn't but they would check it because there was a known problem thith the plastic gear in the electric motor's connection to the rack that wears out and can completely disintegrate. when I picked up the vehicle they had obviously checked it because the slight dead spot had turned into a clunk. As there was no recall they would nothing about it as the vehicle was out of warranty (10 years, 100,000 miles). Had it had a higher annual mileage it would have been replaced under warranty. My concern is that this fault may be hidden by the warranty coverage. If the plastic gear fails completely the steering could become locked or inoperable. This is clearly a well known problem as there is a youtube video showing the replacement process. This actual mechanism may be used on several other years and models. The video is here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The steering is making a clunking noise when backing up and going forward at low speed. There is a TSB by Kia about the steering motor rubber gear spacer that simply disintegrates over time but Kia is only performing repairs on vehicles in warm humid areas up to South Carolina. Why up to South Carolina? Being we live on the Eastern End of Long Island in Southampton Town in New York : we are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the South and Long Island Sound to the North. On Long Island, the temperature frequently approaches 100 degrees in the summer and is very humid also. I would say we qualify for a recall based on what the TSB says. There should be a recall for every Kia Optima along the Coastal United States that has this issue as it could become quite dangerous. From what I have heard and seen on line , it is a multi hour repair for several hundred dollars. The NTSB should get a recall done not a TSB.

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, the vehicle experienced excessive steering efforts, which required keeping both hands on the steering wheel to prevent the vehicle from drifting out of the lane. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on one occasion, causing the passenger's side-view mirror to strike another vehicle, and the side-view mirror was damaged. There was no injury sustained. A Police report was filed, but the police report information was not available. Additionally, the contact stated that after the vehicle had been turned off for 10 minutes, the vehicle failed to restart and was jumpstarted. The contact stated that the failures recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with steering and electrical failures. The vehicle was not repaired and was sold. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

steering wheel play, steering coupler wear

MDPS Flex Coupler worn out & caused play in steering wheel.

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)

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and driving over a bump in the roadway, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. Additionally, the front end of the vehicle and the steering column vibrated significantly, and the vehicle was pulling to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to steer the vehicle back into the lane. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer several times, and unknown repairs were completed; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact that the failure could be related to the tie rod and to unknown bushings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vehicle was broken into and stolen…steering wheel column damage, wheel locked, wreck…usb cord used to crank car..police report filed #2209013764ME

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.

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 .

MDPS Flex Coupling for steering needs replacement. Not covered by the 10 year warranty because it was 6 months late

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.

Mileage: 180,000

sterring has become loose and makes noise when sterring wheel is moved back and forth

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.

Mileage: 89,000

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.

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).

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.

Mileage: 52,313

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.

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

WHEN DRIVING SLOW AND TURNING A KNOCKING CLUNKING SOUND, OR SLIPPING CONDITION WHILE DRIVING IN HIGH SPEED ALSO MAKING WHEEL VIBRATE. WHEN IN STOP AND JUST TURNING WHEEL YOU HEAR THE LOAD CLUNKING. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE

Mileage: 7,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,500.

Mileage: 132,500

STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE . ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS

Mileage: 154,000

MY VEHICLE STEERING MAKES A LOUD NOISE WHEN TURNING IT. IT HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING AND WHILE CAR IS IN PARK. I WAS TOLD THIS HAPPENS WITH KIA'S(STEERING COUPLING) AND SHOULD BE A RECALL. I NEED TO KNOW IF ESTABLISHED AS A RECALL SO I CAN TAKE TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT TO CONTINUE DRIVING LIKE THIS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING OUT OF HER DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST AND CEASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DORSCHEL KIA (3817 W HENRIETTA RD, ROCHESTER, NY 14623) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH POWER STEERING FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

MY STEERING WHEEL HAS A CLANKING SOUND EVERYTIME I TURN LEFT, RIGHT, OR EVEN GO OVER BUMPS. I HAVE READ MULTIPLE REVIEWS ON PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE SINCE THE CAR WAS RELEASED! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS CAN CAUSE CAR ACCIDENTS. PEOPLE CAN LOSE LIVES OVER THIS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL.

THE VEHICLE REQUIRES THAT YOU HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTLY AT ALL TIMES TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM VEERING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. THIS IS NOT AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE, NO UNEVEN WEAR OF THE TIRES. IN ADDITION THE STEERING IS QUITE HARD REQUIRING UNUSUAL GRIP ON THE WHEEL. ALSO EVERY SLIGHT BUMP IS FELT THROUGHOUT THE CAR. THE FAILURE OF KIA TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM FOUND IN MANY OF THEIR PRODUCTS, MAKES THIS COMPANY/MNF OF QUESTIONABLE CHARACTER.

SINCE ABOUT 40K MILES MY STEERING HAS CLICKED, LOCKED, AND MISSED AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE TO THE POINT THAT I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN A FEW WRECKS FROM INABILITY TO CONTROL STEERING. A MECHANIC FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS AND TO CALL KIA OF CHATTANOOGA (WHO I PURCHASED FROM) TO LOOK INTO IT ALONG WITH OTHER RECALLS I MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT BEFORE TAKING A TRIP ACCROSS COUNTRY WITH MY SON. I HAVE TRIED CALLING AND THE DEALERSHIP HEARS RECALL AND HANGS UP ON ME. I WAS ABLE TO LEAVE ONE VOICEMAIL FOR THE MANAGER BUT WAS NEVER CONTACTED BACK AND CONTINUE TO BE HUNG UP ON. MY CONCERN IS MOSTLY WITH THE STEERING AND POSSIBLE BEARINGS WITH ENGINE. STEERING WILL CLICK EVEN AT A STAND STILL, LOCKS AND MISSES WHILE IN MOTION RATHER BADLY. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE AROUND 40K MILES. UNSURE OF ANY OTHER SAFETY RELATED RECALLS AS I HAD MOVED MULTIPLE TIMES AND BELIVE THAT IS WHY I DID NOT GET LETTERS.

Mileage: 40,000

ON FEB18 2020 HEAD LIGHTS AGAIN STOPPED WORKING NEW BULBS WERE PUT IN OEM REPLACEMENTS LIGHT GO OFF WHEN EVER THEY WANT THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF YOUR A RURAL ROADS INTERIOR LIGHT STAY ON OR GO OFF ON THERE OWN BUT MOSTLY IT'S THE HEAD LIGHT THAT WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO THIS ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN STATIONARY KIA HAS TO DO SOMETHING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM THIS ISN'T A WEAR AND TEAR PEOPLE'S THIS IS SUBPAR CRAFTSMANSHIP ON A SAFETY ISSUE AND I'M AFRAID SOMEONE WILL DIE. I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS WHERE THE CAR OWNERS PAYED 400.00 TO REPLACE THE WIRING AND BULBS ONLY TO HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN. MY OTHER ISSUE IS THAT KIA USED A PLASTIC STAR LOCKING BEARING IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT BROKE AND I HAD TO FIX AT MY EXPENSE MECHANIC SAID IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE CARS. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR MAKING A TURN YOU WOULD FEEL THE GRINDING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND HEAR CLICKING. THIS WAS ON REGULAR CITY PAVED STREETS.

Mileage: 93,000

STEERING STICKS AND YOU HAVE TO FORCEFULLY PULL THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TO UNSTICK IT. OIL IS BURNING WITH NO OIL LEAKS, NO LEAKS IN OTHER FLUIDS, NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHERE IT IS GOING BUT IT IS BURNING THROUGH A QUART OF OIL EVERY 7 DAYS.

Mileage: 138,500

STREERING GET HOT

WHEN I'M GOING AROUND A CURVE MY STEERING WHEEL STICKS AND STAYS IN THE TURNING POSITION. I HAVE TO FORCEFULLY TURN IT BACK

Mileage: 100,000

THE STEERING FEELS LIKE IT LOCKS AS YOUR DRIVING PULLING THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. I CAN JIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL TO HELP CORRECT IT BACK TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEELS.THE DEALERSHIP ALIGNED THE FRONT END BUT THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY COULD POSSIBLY FIX IT IF I SPENT OVER A $1000 DOLLARS TO REPLACE PARTS ON THE RIGHT FRONT END. THEY WOULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THAT IS A LOT OF MONEY TO "MAYBE" FIX IT.

Mileage: 130,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED ABNORMALLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 120,000

STEERING COLUMN COUPLER

Mileage: 137,456

THERE IS A CLICK OR CLUNK UPON TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THIS HAPPENS WHEN STILL OR TURNING ANYPLACE.

Mileage: 69,149

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

NOISE IN THE STEEING WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL IN MOTION

Mileage: 49,520

STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIES VIOLENTLY AT ABOUT 50 TO 60 MPH . THIS IS NOT AN ALIGNMENT OR WHEEL BALANCE ISSUE . I HAD A KIA SERVICE PERSON THAT WORKS IN ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT IS NOT BEING DEALT WITH BY KIA .

Mileage: 75,800

WHILE PARKING MY CAR INTO THE GARAGE I NOTICE AS I WAS TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE. I ALSO NOTICE IT WHILE I MOVED THE STEERING WHEEL SIDE TO SIDE STATIONARY I WILL STILL HEAR THE NOISE ON THE RIGHT.. I'VE NEVER HEARD THIS NOISE UNTIL TODAY.

Mileage: 93,867

AS I DRIVE THE CAR, SHE HAS A TENDENCY OF GOING EITHER TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT. I HAVE TO FORCEFULLY RECTIFY MY STEERING WHEEL AND SOMEONE BEHIND ME WOULD SEE THAT I'M DRIVIMG ERRATICALLY. IT IS ANNOYING WHILE DRIVING TO HAVE TO GIVE TO THE STEERING WHEEL A NOTCH TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT WHEN ACTUALLY YOU WANT TO GO STRAIGHT. IS THERE A RECALL ON THE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT THE CAR 2 YEARS AGO AND THEY TOLD ME THAT WAS THE ONLY PROBLEM THEY HAD WITH IT.THEY HAD TO CHANGE THE RACK AND PINION. AND NOW SHE'S DOING IT AGAIN. IT DOES THAT ON ANY STREET OR HIGHWAY.

Mileage: 68,864

EVERY TIME I TURN MY WHEEL LEFT/RIGHT, OR HIT A BUMP IT CLICKS LOUDLY.

Mileage: 80,000

THE STEERING COLUMN IS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE INSIDE IT. I AM AFRAID IT WILL BREAK COMPLETELY AND I'LL LOSE ALL STEERING WHILE I'M DRIVING. IT MAKES THE NOISE WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR VEERING LEFT OR RIGHT. IT FEELS LIKE IT JERKS. I TRAVEL QUITE A BIT AND HAVE A ONE YEAR OLD CHILD. I'VE ALSO READ MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MODEL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH OTHER PEOPLE. I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I FEEL THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM AND AM ASKING SOMEONE TO LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM AND ADDRESS IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

Mileage: 45,000

THE PROBLEM: IN AFFECTED KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES, A CONDITION MAY EXIST WHERE DRIVERS MAY FEEL A 'NOTCHY' OR "CLUNKY" SOUND OR 'SLIPPING' CONDITION WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. IT IS BELIEVED BY OTHER KIA OPTIMA OWNERS AND OR MECHANICS WHO MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH THE ISSUE THAT THIS MAY BE DUE TO EITHER A SOFTWARE GLITCH IN THE OPTIMA'S ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM OR A FAULTY POWER STEERING MOTOR ASSEMBLY, U-JOINT IN THE STEERING ASSEMBLY, OR THE STEERING COUPLER. OWNERS ARE UNABLE TO FIND ANY KNOWN RECALL ON THIS ISSUE, BUT MECHANICS BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAULT IN THE KIA OPTIMA YEARS 2011-2014.

2012 KIA OPTIMA WITH 43000 MILES # AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON AND CHECKING DIFFERENT SEATING POSITION/ RESTARTING THE IGNITION THE WARNING LIGHT STILL STAYS ON. # STEERING WHEEL FEELS STICKY WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, WHICH NEEDS IMMEDIATE CORRECTION BY MOVING LEFT /RIGHT. IF NOT IT KEEPS GOING TOWARDS ONE DIRECTION CONSTANTLY. DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED TO GET THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT DONE, BUT NO IMPROVEMENT AS PER STEERING WHEEL EVEN AFTER GETTING ALIGNMENT DONE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, A RATTLING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO A DEALER. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 143,000.

Mileage: 143,000

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS WHEN I AM TRYING TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT IN MY LANE. IT'S TRICKY TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEED. THE STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T MOVE FREELY TO PERFORM SHORT STEERING CORRECTIONS. YOU DON'T NOTICED THIS IN THE TURN BUT ON STRAIGHT ROAD DRIVING

Mileage: 56,628

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AND THERE WAS EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITY. ALSO, THE OIL LIGHT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER (OSSETT KIA SOUTH, 2680 MT MORIAH RD, MEMPHIS, TN 38115, (901) 328-8173) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES MORE THAN FIVE TIMES, BUT THE VISIBILITY WAS STILL POOR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT WITHOUT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED WITHOUT THE PART BEING REPLACED. THE FAN ALSO FAILED TO FUNCTION, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE DEALER ALSO PERFORMED A REPAIR PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING; HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION FOR THE STEERING COUPLER AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NO LONGER STRAIGHT. ALSO, THE SUN ROOF AND MOON ROOF GLASS HAD A CRACK GOING DOWN TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE IT MET THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL NOISE PROGRESSING DUE TO THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE STEERING FAILURE, HEADLIGHT FAILURE, AND MOISTURE IN THE REAR CAMERA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING TURNS OR JUST TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Mileage: 120,000

KIA OPTIMA 2012 HAS VERY STICKY STEERING WHEEL ISSUES. IT JUST DRIFT LEFT OR RIGHT CONSTANTLY ON THE STRAIGHT DRIVE . IT HAPPENS ON ANY SPEED LIMITS AND MORE NOTICEABLE ON STRAIGHT DRIVES. IT JUST STUCKS UNTIL YOU CORRECT WITH EXTRA FORCE.THIS IS VERY SERIOUS AND SCARY . THIS MODEL DOES HAVE ELECTRIC STEERING SO I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN MANY OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE AND GOT IT FIXED AFTER REPLACING COUPLING LOWER SHAFT STEERING SHAFT . THIS COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

Mileage: 40,000

WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING COLUMN GETS STUCK AND CLICKS.IT PREVENTS YOU FROM TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND MAKES IT UNSAFE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE WHEEL.IT DOES THIS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION.

Mileage: 48,500

"TAKATA RECALL"WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY I NOTICE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. I'VE HAD PROBLEM WITH THIS SAME THING SINCE 2012, FIRST THE STRING IT WOULD PULL LEFT AND RIGHT ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVE STRAIGHT. KIA SAID THEY WOULD FIX IT. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM,NOW MY RACK AND PINION IS BROKEN,AND THAT'S BECAUSE KIA REFUSE TO FIX THAT PROBLEM BACK IN 2012 WITH THE STRING. KIA SENT US A SETTLEMENT LETTER , WHICH STATES THEY WILL PAID US $531.95 BY MEANS OF A CHECK, IT STATES IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT THIS SETTLEMENT IS A COMPROMISE OF DISPUTED CLAIMS AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, AN ADMISSION OF LIABILITY ON THE PART OF KIA. WE DID NOT SING THAT LETTER BECAUSE KIA CARS ARE NO GOOD! AND THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS SINCE THAT LETTER WAS SENT. THEY TRIED TO BLACK MAIL US WE DIDN'T FALL FOR THE SCAM. THE COMPANY KNOW THIS CAR IS NO GOOD. IF YOU NEED THAT LETTER SENT TO YOU I CAN DO THAT TO. SOMEONE COULD DIE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM ITS DANGEROUS,I WORK IN THE MOUNTAINS THIS PROBLEM NEEDS FIXING NOW NOT LATER NOW!!!. SINCERELY, NEED THIS PROBLEM FIX *TR

Mileage: 500

STEERING IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE UNRESPONSIVE, INCREASING ROTATIONAL OF PLAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. INITIALLY NOTICED JULY 2017 BUT HAS BEEN STEADILY INCREASING. WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE THE DELAYED RESPONSE OF THE STEERING WHEEL MADE IT DIFFICULT TO AVOID A VEHICLE SWERVING INTO MY LANE.

Mileage: 100,000

STEERING IS LOOSE, CLICKS, WHEEL SHAKES WHILE STATIONARY OR IN MOTION

Mileage: 95,000

MY 2012 OPTIMA POPS AND MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND IS HARDER TO TURN THEM NORMAL AND RATTLES OVER BUMPS. BASED OFF MY RESEARCH ONLINE IT'S A BAD CHEAP PLASTIC STEERING COUPLER. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE AS WELL AS YOUTUBE VIDEOS ADDRESSING THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I BELIEVE IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT THE SOUL GOT RECALLED FOR. HERE IS JUST ONE LINK OF MANY VIDEOS I FOUND ON GOOGLE. HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/BMMVJLF2ZRO PLEASE GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED FOR THE PEOPLE THAT CAN'T AFFORD THE $600 THE DEALERSHIP CHARGES TO REPLACE IT WHEN IT SHOULDN'T BE AN ISSUE. THIS SHOULD NOT BE A WEAR AND TEAR PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. I HOPE KIA CAN FIX THIS IN THE FUTURE AND FIX THE CARS OUT THERE THAT HAVE FAULTY STEERING WITH A CHEAP PIECE OF PLASTIC, IT'S TO DANGEROUS TO CUT CORNERS WHEN IT COMES TO THE STEERING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE AND FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN IT'S A BIG PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF THERE PRODUCTS. PLEASE RECALL SO THEY CAN CORRECT THIS TO PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS AND MAYBE SO THEY CHANGE THIS FOR THERE FUTURE VEHICLES. IT CLICKS WHILE MOVING AND STATIONARY AND SOMETIMES IS HARDER TO TURN THEN OTHERS WHICH IS NOT SAFE BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW HOW HARD YOU HAVE TO JERK THE WHEEL OR NOT.

Mileage: 50,000

WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL IT MAKES A CLICKING NOISE & VIBRATES AT TIME. MAKES NOISES WHEN II MA DRIVING ON LESS THAT SUPREMELY SMOOTH ROADS

Mileage: 95,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VEER LEFT AND RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND RESISTED, WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE DEALER (UNIVERSITY KIA, 6519 UNIVERSITY DR NW, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35806) WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THEM FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,590. *TT*JB

Mileage: 40,590

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF CERRITOS (LOCATED AT 18201 STUDEBAKER RD, CERRITOS, CA 90703, (562) 860-2424) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

Mileage: 79,000

STEERING WHEEL WOULD CLICK WHEN TURNING. THE BEGINNING OF THE TURN WAS NOT SMOOTH.NOW THE STEERING COLUMN RATTLES WHENEVER I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD

Mileage: 157,000

WHILE DRIVING, STEERING MAKES NOISE AND RATTLE. CONTACTED KIA DEALER IN FREMONT AND KIA CORPORATION ABOUT THE ISSUES. NO RESPONSE.

Mileage: 51,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL RATTLING NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. **TR CONSUMER STEERING WHEEL MAKES ABNORMAL NOISES WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPY ROADS AND TURNING EVEN WHEN CAR ISN'T MOVING IT, MAKES A NOISE JUST BY MOVING STEERING WHEEL. UPDATED 10/26/18*JB

Mileage: 114,000

CONTINUOUS CLICKING NOISE WHILE STEERING AT ALL SPEEDS. SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE IN STEERING COLUMN. WAS TOLD IT COULD BE STEERING COUPLER/

Mileage: 67,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT SAFELY PULLED OVER AS THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE VEERED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ABILITY. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SELMA KIA (2775 AUTO MALL DR., SELMA, CA 93662, (559) 891-2300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.

Mileage: 155,000

I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN THE CAR IS NOT MOVING AND I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL FROM SIDE TO SIDE I CAN HEAR A LIGHT POPPING NOISE. ALSO THE STEERING WHEEL HAS EXCESSIVE VIBRATION AND RADDLING WHEN I AM DRIVING BETWEEN 65-75 ON THE HIGHWAY, IT DECREASES AT 80 MPH. THIS ALSO HAPPENS IF I HAVE TO BRAKE SUDDENLY. IT IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THE TIRES OR ALIGNMENT.

Mileage: 155,000

THE STEERING COLUMN INSIDE STARTED MAKING NOISES LIKE SOMETHING CRACKED INSIDE NOWTHE STERLING WHEEL MAKE NOISES ON EVERY TURN.

Mileage: 36,000

PROBLEMS START IN 2012 ENGINE RECALL IN 2017 WAS REPLACE,STEERING RECALL IN 2018 STEERING COUPLING WAS REPLACE HOW EVER MY RACK AND PINION WAS AFFECTED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. WE CALL THEM IN 2012 REGARDING THE STEERING WHEEL WITCH THEY DIDN'T FIX AT THAT TIME WHICH CAUSED RACK AND PINION TO WEAR OUT. WE WENT TO THREE DIFFERENT DEALER SHIPS REGARDING THIS CAR AND NOTHING WAS DONE. THIS CAR IS STILL GIVING US PROBLEMS AND WE WANT THE MANUFACTURE TO EITHER GIVE US OUR MONEY BACK OR FIX THIS PROBLEM THIS CAR IS A HAZARD TO OUR FAMILY, IF SOMETHING IST DONE SOME ONE IS GOING TO GET HURT IN THIS CAR!!! . THIS CAR STOP ON US IN TRAFFIC SOMEONE COULD OF GOTTEN HURT ,AAA HAD TO PULL THIS CAR TO THE SELMA DEALER SHIP AT THAT TIME. ON THE FREEWAY THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL SIDE TO SIDE THAT'S DANGEROUS. FROM 2012 UNTIL NOW THIS CAR IS STILL GIVING US PROBLEMS. WE HAVE ALL THE PAPER WORK THAT WAS DONE ON THIS LEMON.WHY DON'T SOMEONE HELP THESE CONSUMERS OUT HERE WITH THESE PROBLEM ON THE KIA. I NEED HELP AS ASAP. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM MY STEERING WHEEL FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS

MY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES WHEN I AM COMING TO A STOP AT A HIGH SPEED.

Mileage: 81,000

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY(60MPH AND ABOVE) STEERING WHEEL APPEARS TO STICK AROUND 12 O'CLOCK POSITION. HAVE HAD THE FLEX COUPLER REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. I STARTED TO NOTICE THIS SHORTLY AFTER IT WAS REPLACED. SEEMS TO BE INCREASING IN FREQUENCY.

Mileage: 120,000

THERE IS A LOUD CLANKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHENEVER IT IS MOVED, SHAKEN OR TURNED. IT MAKES THE SOUND WHEN THE CAR IS BOTH MOVING AND STATIONARY AND IT OCCURS WHILE ON ALL ROAD TYPES, AT ALL SPEEDS.

Mileage: 135,000

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.

Mileage: 67,500

AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, INTERMITTENTLY , THE STEERING WILL GET STUCK IN THE 12 O'CLOCK POSITION FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 SECOND, REPEATABLY HAPPENS ONCE IT STARTS HAPPENING, UNTIL OFF HIGHWAY. STEERING CAN BE FINE FOR MONTHS, AND THEN ISSUE CAN COME BACK. THEN WHEN DEALER INSPECTS IT, ISSUE IS GONE. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE AND SERIOUS ISSUE, EVEN A SPLIT SECOND OF REDUCED RESPONSE TIME CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. DEALER SAID THEY PERFORMED THE STEERING LOGIC IMPROVEMENT UPDATE, BUT ISSUE STILL HAPPENS ON OCCASION.

Mileage: 52,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING SOUND AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SLIPPING. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND CALLED GEWEKE KIA (1234 SUNSWEET BLVD, YUBA CITY, CA 95991). THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000. *TT *TR

Mileage: 142,000

SINCE I GOT THE CAR IN MAY OF 2016, IT HAS MADE A CLICKING SOUND WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL. AS TIME HAS GONE ON THE SOUND IS GETTING LOUDER. I HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF VIDEOS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. I BELIEVE IT IS SUGGESTED FOR THE PART TO BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

WHEN EVER I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT THERE IS A CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING IT SEEMS LIKE THE STEERING COUPLER ON THIS CARS GO BAD WITHIN TIME. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME IN MOTION OR NOT.

Mileage: 120,000

CLICKING IN STEERING COLUMN WHILE MAKING TURNS.GETTING WORSE EACH TIME. WHEN IN MOTION OR NOT.CLICKING IS ALWAYS THERE. STARTED A WEEK AGO.

WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL JUST SLIGHTLY AND GOING EITHER WAY IT MAKES THIS SMALL SLIPPING OR CLUNKING NOISE AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY OF THE STEERING. HAPPENS IN MOTION WHEN TURNING EVEN SLIGHTLY AND EITHER DIRECTION AND WHEN IT IS STATIONARY. CITY STREET, HIGHWAY, FREEWAY, BACKING UP, GOING FORWARD AND TURNING. AND IT HAS HAPPENED NOW FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 - 3 MONTHS. I AM TOLD BY INTERNET THAT IT MAY BE FLEX COUPLING IN STEERING. I AM NOT MECHANIC. STILL HAPPENING. ON-GOING.

Mileage: 62,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

ELECTRICAL RACK AND PINIONS RECALL. STEERING WHEEL FEELS LOOSE. STEERING WHEEL STARTS SHAKING AT APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH

I HAVE JUST RECENTLY STARTED HAVING A PROBLEM WHEN I HIT BUMPS IN THE ROAD OR A ROUGH ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A NOISE AND I CAN FEEL A SHAKING SORT OF. I CLICKED ON SUSPENSION BECAUSE OF HOW ROUGH IT FEELS RIDING RIGHT NOW AND I DONT KNOW IF IM JUST FEELING THE STEERING OR IF ITS AFFECTING THE WHOLE RIDE. IT HAS BEEN VERY COMFORTBALE SINCE BOUGHT NEW IN 2012.

Mileage: 89,000

LOUD CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL BOTH WAYS MAKING STEERING AND DRIVING VERY UNSTABLE.

Mileage: 75,000

WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A LOUD CLICKING NOISE AND IF YOU HIT A BUMB ITS LOUDER. IF YOU BARELY TURN THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING YOU CAN HEAR IT MAKE A CLICKING SOUND. WHEN YOU HIT A BUMB IT INTENSIFIES THE SOUND AND AND MAKES YOU THINK SOMETHING IS LOOSE IN THE STEERING COLUMN.

Mileage: 20

AIRBAG LIGHT IS CONSISTENTLY ON WHICH MEANS IT WON'T DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT, BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL AREN'T WORKING, AND STEERING WHEEL HEATER ISN'T WORKING. DEALERSHIP CLAIMS CLOCKSPRING IS WORN OUT. PREVIOUS MODELS OF OPTIMAS HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEM AND EVENTUALLY A RECALL WAS MADE. HOPEFULLY THIS GETS RESOLVES BEFORE A WRECK HAPPENS AND INJURY IS CAUSED BY THIS AIRBAG DEFECT.

Mileage: 90,000

WHEN STREERING THE VEHICLE, IN MOTION OR STILL, THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING SOUND. GOING OVER ANY BUMP IT RATTLES N SHAKES.

Mileage: 49,000

ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOUD CLICKING NOISE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING HOME ON BUSY HIGHWAY TOOK CAR TO NEAREST AUTO SHOP OWNER STATES SOUNDS LIKE INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEM ADVISED TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO KIA DEALERSHIP HAD CAR TOWED ON 04/22/2017 TO DEALERSHIP. HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE OF A RECALL .CAR HAS BEEN SITTING AT DEALERSHIP FOR OVER A MONTH THEY CALLED AND STATED THAT CAR HAD INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEMS BUT STILL HAVE NOT STARTED ON REPAIRING THE CAR HAS BEEN AT DEALERSHIP FOR OVER A MONTH.

Mileage: 71,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A CLICKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND IT WAS ALSO LOOSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

AT 40,000 MILES THE STEERING BEGAN GETTING 'STICKY' OR 'STUCK' AT THE 12 OCLOCK POSITION. IT WAS PARTICULARLY NOTICABLE WHEN CRUISING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. IT GOT SO BAD THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE NOT TO OVERCORRECT AND VEER LEFT AND RIGHT (MILDLY). THE DEALER REPLACED A PART CALLED THE FLEX COUPLER AND THE PROBLEM VANISHED. ONE YEAR LATER, AT 51,000 MILES THE CAR IS DOING THE EXACT SAME THING AGAIN. NOW, HOWEVER, THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY (BY A MONTH). THE DEALER TELLS ME THAT IT NEEDS A NEW STEERING COLUMN AND THAT WILL COST ME <> 1500 DOLLARS. IF MY EXPERIENCES ARE ANY INDICATION, I WILL BE REPLACING STEERING PARTS EVERY 10,000 MILES??? BAD STEERING IS VERY PRETTY UNSAFE GUYS. THINK WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 51,000

ON APRIL 5TH 2017, MY KIA OPTIMA STARTED TO MAKE A HORRIBLE SOUND. I WAS ON HWY 26 HEADED INTO PORTLAND OR. GOING THROUGH THE TUNNEL, AS I WAS GOING INTO THE TUNNEL THE HORRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE STARTED. THERE WAS CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND CARS BEHIND ME. THIS WAS AT 4:30 AM.. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON, I HAD NO BRAKES, NO STEERING AND NO WAY TO ACCELERATE. DRIFTED TO THE SIDE AND HAD IT TOWED.

Mileage: 110,000

COLUMN SHAKED AND RATTLED WHEN I WENT OVER BUMPS OR MADE TURNS, THE DEALER, CLASSIC KIA IN LEWISVILLE TX, CHARGED ME $689 TO REPAIR. PER MY INTERNET SEARCH THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND TAKES APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO REPAIR AND THE PART COST A MAX OF $15

I TOOK CAR IN FOR THE CLICKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL. WHILE CAR WAS UP INAIR ON STANDS. THE REP STATED THEIR WAS A SMALL LEAK COMING FROM THE TURBO OIL FEED LINE. HOWEVER IT WAS NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE ITS NOT THE TURBO. I TOLD THE IT IS IF ITS FEEDING THE OIL. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH ALL OF THEIR CARS AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX THE ISSUE. I TOLD THE REP THAT IF THE OIL CAUSES A BURNING SMELL IT CAN CAUSE A FIRE. I WAS TOLD THE MANAGER WOULD CALL ME BUT NOW THEY ARE NOT TAKING MY CALLS ABOUT REPLACING THE LINE TO THE TURBO.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING COLUMN VIBRATED AND A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NEED TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,827. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 52,827

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE AND BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,696.

Mileage: 98,696

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOCK IN THE STEERING WHEEL FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

I HAVE A 2012 KIA OPTIMA AND MY STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING A LOUD CLANKING NOISE WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR SLIGHTLY TURN THE WHEEL . I HAVE SEARCHED ON LINE AND IT'S SAYING IT IS A CLUSTER NOT SURE WAT THAT IS I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT SHOULD BE UNDER RECALL BECAUSE THAT CAN CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOOSE IT'S DIRECTIONS AND I COULD EITHER CAUSE AND ACCIDENT OR BE PART OF ONE

MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA SX T-GDI ONLY HAS 70K MILES AND IS GIVING ME STEERING ISSUES (LOUD POPPING/CLICKING NOISES, WHICH YOU CAN FEEL AS WELL). THESE ISSUES ARE FELT AT ALL DIFFERENT SPEEDS, AND ALL DIFFERENT TURNING ANGLES. I WAS INFORMED, AS MANY PEOPLE HAVE, THAT THE FLEX COUPLING NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ($4 PART, BUT OVER $200 IN LABOR). I AM NOT WILLING TO PAY THIS DUE TO A FAULTY PART, SO KIA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND ISSUE A RECALL BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE! IN CONDUCTING MY OWN RESEARCH, I AM ONE OF HUNDREDS THAT ARE HAVING THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE.

Mileage: 65,000

THE STEERING COLUMN CLUNKS WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, PARKED OR WHEN DRIVING, IT HAS A BIG GAP (PLAY) THAT MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. THE GAP AND CLUNKING NOISE IS GETTING WORSE.

Mileage: 56,000

THERE AN AWFUL CLICKING/CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL WHEN YOU TURN OR HIT A BUMP/CROSS TRACKS..BEEN TOLD HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH FLEXIBLE COUPLING INSIDE STEERING WHEEL VEHICLE IS ALWAYS IN MOTION WHEN THIS HAPPENS CAR ONLY HAS 100600. MILES IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IN CITY OR OTHER HIGHWAYS

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AND MAKING A TURNS STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD THUNK. WHEN PARKING WHETHER TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT CAR MAKES LOUD THUNK. CALLED KIA AND THEY SAID THEY'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FLEX COUPLING.

Mileage: 44,000

GEAR OR BEARING DEFECTIVE IN STEERING COLUMN .EXCESSIVE MOTION , PLAY AND NOISE WHEN OPERATING VEHICLE . CONTACTED DEALER BUT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM . DEALER SERVICE DEPT. QUOTED REPAIR TO BE APPROXIMATELY 300 DOLLARS . WHEN IS KIA GOING TO RECALL VEHICLES WITH THIS MALFUNCTION ?

Mileage: 60,000

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.

Mileage: 54,000

I TOOK MY CAR TO GET A OIL CHANGE AND THE GUY THAT WAS MOVING THE CAR WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT THE STEERING. HE STATED THAT I NEEDED TO GET IT SERVICED AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP ASAP. THE STEERING SEEMS TO BE CLICKING AND WHEN I HIT A SMALL DIP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD IT CLICKS AND SOUNDS LIKE THE WHOLE FRONT END IS COMING OFF. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY WITH THE VEHICLE WHICH I THINK IS CRAZY. I COULD SEE IF IT WAS SOMETHING THAT I DID I WOULD TAKE CARE OF THAT REPAIR. HOWEVER THERE ARE A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I'M REALLY THINKING ABOUT TRADING IN THIS VEHICLE AND MOVING ON TO SOMEONE WHO DOES TAKE CARE OF THEIR CARS AND CUSTOMERS. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS.

WHEN U DRIVING IT . U CAN HERE NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT HAD THE OIL LIGHT TO POP ON WHILE DRIVING ON THR FREEWAY PUT OVER. PUT SOME OIL IN IT. THEN THAT NIGHT TRYING TO CRANK IT & IT STARTED TO SMOKE & CAUGHT A FIRE.

LOUD CLICKING NOISE IN STEERING WHILE DRIVING, HARD TO TURN AT TIMES AND VERY LOUD RATTLING WHILE DRIVING ON ROUGH ROADS. MY DAUGHTER USES THIS CAR DUE TO BETTER GAS MILAGE THAN HERS TO GO TO COLLEGE SOMETIMES AND I ALSO CARRY MY 2 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER IN THIS CAR AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS BEFORE NOW AND THOUGHT I PURCHASED A SAFE CAR ALL AROUND BUT BEING THAT NOTHING IS GETTING DONE ABOUT THIS POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE I AM CONCERNED. I WOULD HAVE RECOMMENDED A KIA TO ANYONE TILL NOW AND NOW JUST NOT SURE.

STEERING WHEEL MAKES CLICKING/POPPING SOUND EVERY TIME ITS MOVED IN EITHER DIRECTION. ALSO, WHEN GOING OVER ANY SPEED BUMPS OR HOLES, VERY LOUD CLICKING AND TENSION FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE AND I HAVE FOUND THAT MANY CUSTOMERS HAVE THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS LIKE KIA HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY EVERYDAY FOR ABOUT 65 MILES BOTH WAYS. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND PASSENGERS.

Mileage: 47,499

AT 60K MILES, STEERING HAS BECOME DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN, STEERING COLUMN IS LOUD AND MAKES A POPPING NOISE, AND NOW THERE IS SOME TYPE OF CLUNK IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION THAT CAN BE HEARD WHEN STEERING ANGLE IS BEING ALTERED WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY BRIDGING A BUMP. STEERING WHEEL STICKS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55MPH, AND THUS OVER-STEERING IS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN TRACKING. DEALER INFORMS ME THAT SOME $4 PLASTIC GEAR NEEDS REPLACING SOMEWHERE, BUT THAT IT WILL BE $400 IN LABOR TO REPLACE, BUT THEY CAN'T EVEN GUARANTEE REPLACING THIS PART WILL FIX THE ISSUE. WHAT A JOKE- THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST KIA/HYUNDAI PRODUCT.

Mileage: 60,000

2012 KIA OPTIMA LX ****(ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING)****THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. WHAT IN THE WORLD IS KIA WAITING FOR, DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE KILLED OR SERIOUSLY HURT FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE TO RECALL THESE PROBLEMS!!!! THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD POPPING/KNOCKING NOISE, STICKS, PLAY/ VERY LOOSE WHEN TURNING LEFT TO RIGHT, WHILE DRIVING OR PARKING THE VEHICLE. HAVE TAKEN IT TO A SERVICE CENTER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN, TIE ROD AND FLEXIBLE COUPLING NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED/ REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 242,000. HOWEVER, I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2014, THE APPROXIMATELY MILEAGE WAS 208,412. JUST PRIOR TO THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS STRICKLEY USED FOR FUEL TESTING/STUDIES ONLY, IN A CLIMATE CONTROL BUILDING, WHERE IT WAS ON A DINO MACHINE. THESE PROBLEMS NEED TO HAVE A RESOLUTION AND BE RECALLED ASAP.

STEERING IS KNOCKING AND MAKING LOUD NOISES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. HAVE NOT YET TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, BUT FROM READING OTHER COMPLAINTS KIA HAS NOT ACTED ON THIS PROBLEM FOR A RESOLUTION.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000.

Mileage: 98,000

PLAY IN STEERING COLUMN MAKING A NOISE WHEN TURN STEERING WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT DEFECTIVE FLEX COUPLER

WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE STEERING HAS BECOME VERY LOOSE AND MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL OR GOING OVER SLIGHT BUMPS, SUCH AS A REFLECTOR IN THE ROAD, THIS IS DURING ANY SPEEDS.

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WE STARTED HEARING A POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND THERE ALSO HAS BEE SOME SLACK IN THE STEERING WHEEL.

TL* 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.

Mileage: 73,853

CLICKING NOISE AND PULLING WHEN I TURN OR HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. SOUNDS LIKE MY STEERING WOULD COME APART. LOTS OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. VERY UNSAFE. I DRIVE THE INTERSTATE TO WORK EVERYDAY AND I AM NORMALLY TRAVELING BETWEEN 70 AND 75. I FEAR MY CAR IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN WITH THE DEFECTIVE STEERING.

I HAVE HAD MY (2012) KIA OPTIMA SINCE 2012. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY HORRIBLE PROBLEMS UNTIL NOW. THE STEERING WHEEL CLICKS AND YOU CAN HEAR AND FEEL ANY BUMPS BECAUSE WHEN YOU EVEN HIT A SMALL HOLE IN THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL WILL ALSO CLICK AND MAKE A LOUD NOISE. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY WORK OR REPAIRS DONE TO THE CAR OTHER THAN THE NORMAL OIL CHANGES, TIRE ROTATION, NEW TIRES AND ALIGNMENT, BRAKE REPLACEMENT. I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF MY VEHICLE AND TO BE TOLD THAT THE STEERING WHEEL CLICKING IS SOMETHING THAT ISN'T COVERED OR THAT NO ONE IS LOOKING INTO FOR A RECALL IS SOMETHING I DON'T UNDERSTAND. I HAVE ALWAYS BACKED KIA AND EVEN BOUGHT 2 FOR MY KIDS, BUT NOW I AM STARTING TO WONDER ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE CAR. I HAVE READ 63 OTHER COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS AND STILL NOTHING FROM THE COMPANY WITH A RECALL. I GUESS IT TAKES SOMEONE GETTING KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED TO GET SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THE STEERING. I COULD SEE IF IT WAS A INTERIOR LIGHT BUT WAKE UP PEOPLE THERE IS A STEERING PROBLEM. HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF IT WAS YOU OR SOMEONE THAT'S CLOSE TO YOU IN A VEHICLE THAT HAS FAULTY STEERING AND SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THEM.

Mileage: 76,020

WHILE STEERING AT SLOW AND HIGH SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE THAT CAN BE HEARD AND FELT. THE STEERING WHEEL OFTEN GETS STUCK AND REQUIRES ADDITIONAL FORCE TO GET IT TO MOVE. THE STEERING WHEELS SOMETIMES JERKS ITSELF AND OVERSTEERS IN THE DIRECTION I'M TURNING IT IN. IT STARTED ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND WAS HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY BUT NOW IT'S HAPPENING ALL THE TIME.

Mileage: 40,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, A CLICKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A COUPLING WITHIN THE STEERING SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

Mileage: 73,000

THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING SOUND AND STICKS EVERY TIME I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. WHILE DRIVING IT CAN BE A CHALLENGE TO STEER WITH THE STEERING WHEEL AS IT WILL GRAB AND MAKE THAT CLICKING NOISE AND YOU HAVE TO USE SOME FORCE TO STEER.

Mileage: 57,000

THE FIRST THING WOULD HAVE TO BE THE STEERING WHEEL LIKE IT HAS BEEN NOTED BEFORE WHEN YOU SIT STILL IT HAS A CLICKING SOUND. AND ALL DRIVING THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MILES AN HOUR IT STICKS AND YOU HAVE TO JERK IT BACK WITCH IS NO SAFE I HAVE HAD IT ALIGNED MANY TIMES BUT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS 112,113 MILES ON I TAKE CARE OF REPLACE THING THAT NEED TO DONE AND OIL CHANGES EVERY 3,000 WELL AFTER I HIT THE 100,000 MARK MY CAR SOUNDS LIKE IT HAS NO OIL .. ARE I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE YOUR RPMS ARE REALLY HIGH BUT THERE NOT ... IT STARTS WHEN I'M GOING 20 MPH ANOTHER THING THAT IS WEIRD WHEN I'M TURNING LEFT THE NOISE GOES AWAY

Mileage: 100,000

AS REPORTED IN MANY PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS, WHEN I DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL GETS "STUCK" AND STIFFENS AND JERKS, REQUIRING ME TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL BACK TO CENTER SO THAT I CAN DRIVE STRAIGHT AHEAD. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS AND VERY TIRING. THE KIA SERVICE MANAGER SAID THIS IS THE WAY THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING IS SUPPOSED TO WORK AND I HAVE TO "LIVE WITH IT". I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 4 YEARS, HAVE 33,000 MILES, AND THIS PROBLEM ONLY JUST STARTED. THE KIA USA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE AGENT SAID THERE'S NOTHING KIA CAN DO, IT OPERATES AS DESIGNED. HE SAID MANY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS LOVE THE WAY THE ELECTRONIC STEERING HANDLES. REALLY? WHAT'S TO LOVE ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING OF YOUR CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65-75 MPH??? THIS IS A TRAVESTY ON KIA'S PART. I NOTICE THAT THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEB SITE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND ZERO INVESTIGATIONS. HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE TO INITIATE AN INVESTIGATION? DOES THERE HAVE TO BE A MAJOR AUTO ACCIDENT TO GET ANYONE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE'S A DESIGN PROBLEM?

Mileage: 33,000

WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT STICKS AND IT TAKES A BIT OF FORCE TO BREAK IT FREE. IT IS ALSO NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP IT GOING STRAIGHT DOWN THE ROAD. YOU MUST CONTINUOUSLY KEEP ADJUSTING THE STEERING WHEEL TO STAY IN YOUR LANE. I DID SOME SEARCHING AND THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS PROBLEM. I DON'T INK THIS IS SAFE AND SHOULD BE FIXED. I TOLD THE DEALER ABOUT IT, BUT THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY MECHANICAL ISSUES AND MAYBE IT WAS THE ALIGNMENT. I HAD ALREADY HAD THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED, WHICH WAS OK. THEY SAID MAYBE IT WAS THE TIRES. I BOUGHT NEW TIRES WHICH DIDN'T HELP. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 1.5 YEARS, BUT DIDN'T REALLY DRIVE IT A LOT ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS ISN'T NEARLY AS NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING AT IN TOWN SPEEDS, JUST AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

Mileage: 55,000

I HAVE A KNOCKING SOUND IN MY STEERING WHEEL. THE NOISE HAPPENS WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL BACK AND FORTH. ALSO, I HAVE NOTICED AN ODD GRINDING/SLIPPING SENSATION IN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WHEN I ACCELERATE ON A RIGHT TURN FROM DIFFERENT ELEVATIONS. PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ON A "DECLINE" WHILE ACCELERATING TO THE RIGHT TO ENTER TRAFFIC IS A GOOD EXAMPLE. 73,000 MILES CURRENTLY BUT I'VE NOTICED THE GRIND/SLIP A LOWER MILEAGE.

Mileage: 73,000

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH STEERING WHEEL AT 12 O'CLOCK POSITION, THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT IS STUCK OR LOCKED WHEN TRYING TO MAKE MINOR STEERING CORRECTIONS. I HAVE TO SOMEWHAT JERK THE WHEEL AT WHICH TIME THE STEERING APPEARS TO WAKE UP AND RESPOND. IT FEELS AS IF THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MODULE SHUTS DOWN GIVING THE FEELING OF A LOCKED/STUCK STEERING WHEEL. BY JERKING THE WHEEL TO "WAKE UP" THE STEERING IT CREATES AN OVER COMPENSATED STEERING CORRECTION ISSUE AND A CONCERN FOR SAFETY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.

Mileage: 48,643

WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND APPEARS VERY LOOSE WHERE I HAVE TO TURN THE WHEEL ALMOST AN EXTRA 1/8-1/4 TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE AND THEN SEEMS TO LOCK UP AT SPEEDS OF 55-60. I FIRST NOTICED THIS ABOUT A YEAR AGO BUT AFTER TODAY THE KNOCKING NOISE BECAME WORSE.

Mileage: 35,000

THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS!!! HARD TO STAY IN YOUR LANE AND OVER CORRECTING HAPPENS EVERY DAY. JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSES. WHERES THE RECALL???? I'VE GOT BIDS FROM $450-$650 TO FIX THIS CRAP. KIA WILL COST PEOPLE THEIR LIVES.

Mileage: 92,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WAS DEFECTIVE. THE STEERING WHEEL EMITTED A LOUD CLICKING NOISE AND VIBRATED WHILE TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE WHEN I HIT A BUMP FEELS LIKE THE CAR JUST WANTS TO TURN. SEEMS LIKE IF THE WHEEL COULD JUST LOCK UP OR WILL JUST COMPLETELY NOT TURN AT SOME POINT

Mileage: 70,000

MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING COUPLER REPLACEMENT NEEDED

Mileage: 70,000

TAKATA RECALL

Mileage: 60,000

URGENT: STEERING WHEEL CONSTANTLY STICKS WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD!!!!!!!!!! I SEE THERE ARE DOZENS AND DOZENS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OPTIMA OWNERS!!! DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO HAVE A FATAL ACCIDENT FOR THIS TO BECOME A RECALL ITEM ????

Mileage: 60,000

I'VE BEEN DRIVING MY CAR FOR SOME TIME NOW WHEN IT REACH 60,000 + MILES, I NOTICE THE CAR STEERING WOULD STICK WHEN SLIGHTLY TURN OR A FULL TURN. IT ALSO DRIFTS AND THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT . I HAD FRONT END LINE MEANT DONE. THAT DID NOT STOP THE NOISE OR STICKING STEERING COLUMN. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING.

THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS, AND IT MAKES IT HARD TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT. THERE'S NO SMOOTHNESS WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. IT'S LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS IN INCREMENTS.

Mileage: 30,700

URGENT: FROM WHEN I PURCHASED IT NEW, STEERING WHEEL CONSTANTLY STICKS WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD!!!!!!!!!! I FILED A REPORT WITH NHTSA WHEN I BOUGHT IT, BUT NEVER HEARD BACK FROM ANYONE. I SEE THERE ARE DOZENS AND DOZENS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER OPTIMA OWNERS!!! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *JB*JB

Mileage: 25

UNSAFE LOOSE STEERING. I FIRST NOTICED THIS ISSUE WHILE DRIVING ON I75 SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR IN JUNE OF 2012. THE CAR PULLS TO THE LEFT, WHEN CORRECTED, IT THEN PULLS TO THE RIGHT OR VICEVERSA. IT'S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP THIS CAR IN A STRAIGHT LINE. I REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO MY LOCAL KIA DEALER ABOUT 4 TIMES (DURING EVER SERVICE VISIT) THEIR RESPONSE IS ALWAYS THE SAME: "THE CAR IS PERFORMING ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS, WE COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT" I DISAGREE BUT COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. TODAY, 3 YEARS LATER, IT'S WORSE, I HEAR A LOUD CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL. THIS SITUATION HAS ESCALATED TO SEVERE. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE WHEN DRIVING THIS CAR. PLEASE HELP!

WANDERS OFF CENTER, EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT. WILL NOT STAY STRAIGHT. WEARS YOU OUT CONTINUALLY CORRECTING THE DRIFT OR WANDERING.

Mileage: 44,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, AN ABNORMALLY LOUD CLICKING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 29,000

NOTICED IN OCTOBER 2014 THE CAR STARTED DRIFTING AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO LOCK UP. IT HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND NOW I'M HEARING A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS TOLD BY MY COWORKER WHO HAS A 2011 OPTIMA THAT HE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AND HE WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT IT WAS A PLASTIC GEAR IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND WOULD COST ROUGHLY $300 TO FIX. UPON RESEARCH WITH THIS ISSUE I HAVE COME ACROSS SEVERAL OWNERS THAT SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WHICH KIA KNOWS ABOUT. I FEEL THAT KIA SHOULD CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AT THEIR EXPENSE BEFORE THIS ISSUE KILLS SOMEONE.

I HAVE NOTICED A LOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING OF MY 2012 OPTIMA IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER FOR NEW TIRES,ALIGNMENT AND BALANCE WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS PUTTING ON THE TIRES ,I ASKED HIM ABOUT THE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND HE SAID IT WAS BECAUSE OF A FIBER GEAR IN THE STEERING MOTOR THAT IS ON THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT IT WAS A WARRENTY PROBLEM AND WOULD BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE THERE IS A SMALL FIBER GEAR ABOUT THE SIZE OF A QUARTER THAT THE TEETH BREAK OFF OF AND WILL CAUSE A CLICKING THAT I HAD HERD AND COULD CAUSE THE STEERING TO LOCKUP. WHEN THE UNIT WAS TAKEN APART, THE GEAR HAD A LOT OF TEETH BROKEN OFF AND AFTER IT WAS REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FINE AGAIN WITH NO PLAY IN THE WHEEL I SAW NO RECALL OR WARNINGS BUT IT SEEMS THAT THIS HAPPENS AT ABOUT 25000 MILE GIVE OR TAKE. THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE THIS WITH OTHER OWNERS IT CAN BE REPAIRED AT NO COST ON A WARRENTY BASES

Mileage: 26,030

I NOTICED WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY I HAD TO KEEP OVER CORRECTING THE STEERING WHEEL. IT WOULD GET STUCK AND YOU NEEDED TO KIND OF JERK IT TO UNSTICK.

Mileage: 28,000

VEHICLE HAS TROUBLE MAINTAINING PROPER STEERING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE STEERING NEEDS TO ALMOST CONSTANTLY BE TURNED RIGHT TO LEFT TO TRY TO MAINTAIN STRAIGHT DRIVING. THE STEERING WILL ALSO OCCASIONAL LOCK WHEN TURNING AND YOU HAVE TO MANUALLY TURN THE WHEEL BACK STRAIGHT. THE CONSTANT NEED TO OVER CORRECT THE STEERING MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I COULD SEE IT EASILY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT IN THE CORRECT CONDITIONS.

Mileage: 52,006

WE PURCHASED THE CAR ON 4/3/15 HENDRICK CHEVROLET IN CARY NC DROVE 5 MILES HOME BACK TO DEALER SHIP NEXT MORNING FOR PAPERWORK TO FINISH. LEFT DEALERSHIP HEADED TO MAIN HIGHWAY INTERSTATE 40 NOTICEABLE AS SOON AS YOU GET AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE STEERING WAS TIGHT HAD TO HOLD ON WITH BOTH HAND THE CAR WAS WEAVING LANE TO LANE AS THE WAS NO CENTER FOR YOU TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. IMMEDIATELY CALLED DEALER WE TOOK THE CAR BACK LEFT IT. TODAY IS A FEW WEEKS OUT 4/23/15 THE HAVE RESET STEERING CODE, ALIGN AND REBALANCED TIRES A FEW TIMES AND YESTERDAY REPLACED THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN AND WE TODAY STILL DOES THE SAME THING. THEY SAID TODAY THEY WILL REPLACES THE TIRES AND SEE HIS THIS GOES. FROM THE START THEY SAID NO ONE HAS REPORTED THIS ISSUES BUT I SHOWED THEM ONLINE OF THE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS. KIA IS INVOLVED BUT I THINK THEY JUST WANT US TO TAKE THE CAR AND GO. ITS NOT SAFE AND I AM NOT DRIVING IT. IT WILL SIT THERE TILL TIRES ROT. THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO CALL KIA FOE MORE THINGS TO THEY BUT THEY DIDN'T ACT LIME THEY ARE IN A HURRY. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS CAR HAD COMPLAINTS L. WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED IT. DID RESEARCH THE CAR BEFORE PURCHASE DID NOT SEE ANY ISSUE UNTIL I GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND MAN THE INTERNET WENT CRAZY. I WANT IT FIXED AND SAFE OR KIA TO OFFER ME A SIMILAR CAR WITH NO ISSUES............... *TR

Mileage: 47,400

WHILE TAKING A CURVE ON THE INTERSTATE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD HOLD ITSELF IN POSITION AS IF IT WERE ALMOST IN THE LOCKED POSITION. HAD BEEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR ALMOST 2 HOURS WHEN THIS OCCURRED. TOOK NEXT EXIT TO CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID AND TIRES. EVERYTHING CHECKED OK. GOT BACK ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN UNTIL THE CAR WAS SHUT OFF AND PARKED OVERNIGHT. VERY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY FOR SOMEONE NEW TO DRIVING. THE STEERING G WHEEL WOULD HOLD ITSELF INTO ANY POSITION I LEFT IT IN. IT WOULD NEVER TRY TO RE-CENTER ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. MAY BE COINCIDENCE, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT MAINTAIN THE SET SPEED AT THE SAME TIME THIS WAS OCCURRING. DEALERSHIP STATED NO ERROR CODES WERE STORED ON THE CARS COMPUTER. *TR

Mileage: 61,018

THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS AT HWY SPEEDS. I HAVE TO PULL THE WHEEL HARD TO BE ABLE TO CHANGE LANES. IT DRIFTS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITH OUT EVEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME AND EVERYBODY ELSE ON THE ROAD. IT WOULD BE A REAL BAD SITUATION IF I COULD NOT TURN IN THE EVENT OF SOMETHING IN MY WAY. I HAVE ALSO NOTIFIED KIA OF THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN POST DATING AS EARLY AS 2012 ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND STILL KIA HAS NOT NOTIFIED ME THAT THIS COULD BE A REAL CONCERN. I AM POSTING ALONG WITH ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE IN HOPES THAT THIS WILL BECOME PUBLIC NOT ONLY FOR MY CAR BUT FOR EVERYBODY ELSE WHO DOES NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SITUATION BEFORE ITS TO LATE FOR SOMEBODY ELSE. *TR

UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CAR CONSISTENTLY DRIFTS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT AND RIGHT TO LEFT. STEERING WHEELS FEELS AS THOUGH IT BECOMES LOCKED IN POSITION. AS YOU ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE STEERING, THE STEERING WHEEL RANDOMLY BREAKS FREE CAUSING OVER CORRECTING WHICH COULD VERY EASILY RESULT IN A CRASH. HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERS AND THEY SAY THE CAR IS WITHIN SPECS AND YOU DON'T HAVE ANY WARNING LIGHTS ON SO THEREFORE THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH IT. THIS IS GOING TO RESULT IN SOMEONE LOSING THEIR LIFE. *TR

Mileage: 3,000

ELECTRIC POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTIONS AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAUSING A SNAPPING SENSATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND INABILITY TO HOLD A A STEADY HEADING. STEERING BECOMES STICKY REQUIRING G CONSTANT ADJUSTMENTS AS THE CAR DRIFTS FROM ONE STICKY HEADING TO ANOTHER. DEALER REPEATEDLY UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE.

Mileage: 31,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SWERVED INDEPENDENTLY TOWARDS THE LEFT AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,682. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 23,682

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWAY ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.

Mileage: 49,000

THE VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STEER WHEN YOU GO OVER 45/55 MILES PER HOUR. IT BECOMES SO UNCONTROLLABLE THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE IT WITH BOTH HANDS AS I CONTINUE TO TRY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE FROM EITHER GOING INTO ANOTHER LANE OR HITTING THE ONE COMING TRAFFIC. THE STEERING WHEEL GETS SOOOO TIGHT /STIFF THAT THE CAR CANNOT TRAVEL DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT ME CONSTANTLY SHIFTING STEERING WHEEL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. ANY SLIGHT OVER PULL / CORRECTION OF THE WHEEL IS GOING TO CAUSE SOMEONE THERE LIFE OR A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT .I PRAY THAT KIA CORRECTS THIS BEFORE SOMEONE OR CAUSE SOMEONE TO LOSE THEIR LIFE. HOPE THIS WILL BE RECALLED BEFORE IT'S TO LATE. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY FIGHTING TO STAY IN MY LANE AND CROSSED OVER INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC (WHICH COULD'VE CAUSED ME MY LIFE)AND IT WAS A SHERIFF DEPUTY. HE IMMEDIATELY TURNED AROUND TO STOP ME. HE THOUGHT I WAS DUI. THIS WAS VERY EMBARRASSING .I EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT I HAD THE TXT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD GOT THE CAR FROM AND THEY TRIED TO PUT IT ON THE HIGHWAY/ TIRES BUT THEY SUGGESTED I TAKE IT TO KIA DEALERSHIP CLOSER TO ME. THE OFFICER SUGGESTED I GET IT CHECKED ASAP AND DIDN'T CHARGE ME . NOT ONLY AM I AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR BUT I'M EXHAUSTED AND BODY EXTREMELY TIRED FROM DRIVING IT. NO ONE SHOULD FEEL THIS WAY. KIA PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS BECAUSE THEY CAN MAKE YOU OR BREAK YOU. PLEASE DON'T BE LIKE THAT OTHER CAR COMPANY AND SOMEONE HAD TO LOSE THEIR LIFE FIRST. PLEASE LISTEN!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 33,974

VEHICLE IS HARD TO HOLD STRAIGHT AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE STEERING LOCKS INTO A POSITION AND REQUIRES EXTRA EFFORT TO TURN THE WHEEL CAUSING OVER CORRECTION. *TR

Mileage: 15,000

I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW AND HAVE ABOUT 30,000 MILES ON IT. I TOOK THIS CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WITHIN A WEEK AFTER I BOUGHT IT FOR PROBLEMS WITH STEERING AND IT'S INABILITY TO STAY STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD WITHOUT HAVING TO CONTINUALLY ADJUST THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD FIND WRONG WITH IT. BUT AFTER FINDING THIS WEBSITE, I NOW UNDERSTAND THAT I AM NOT THE FIRST ONE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE. RECENTLY I HAVE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER. IT WORKS FINE WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVING BUT WHEN IT IS STOPPED OR IDLING, THE AIR SUDDENLY BLOWS WARM AIR AND DOESN'T START TO BLOW COLD UNTIL A FEW SECONDS AFTER THE CAR HAS STARTED MOVING. *TR

Mileage: 53

VEHICLE IS HARD TO HOLD STRAIGHT AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE STEERING LOCKS INTO A POSITION AND REQUIRES EXTRA EFFORT TO TURN THE WHEEL CAUSING OVER CORRECTION. THIS CAUSES MENTAL AND PHYSICAL FATIGUE ON LONGER TRIPS AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWAY ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

Mileage: 1,000

VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL CONTROL HAS ABNORMAL NONFLUENT CONSISTENCY. THE DRIVER HAS TO CONTINUOUSLY CORRECT STEERING TO CONTINUE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE TRAVELING STRAIGHT, OTHERWISE VEHICLE WILL START TO DRIFT IMMEDIATELY. WHEN CORRECTION IS MADE TO KEEP VEHICLE TRAVELING STRAIGHT, STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE TURNED WITH MORE THAN NORMAL FORCE, WHICH THEN RESULTS TO A OVERSTEERING RESPONSE DUE TO THE INCAPABLE OF MAKING A MINOR ADJUSTMENT. THIS CONTINUES TO MAKE VEHICLE TO DRIFT FROM SIDE TO SIDE EXCESSIVELY WHILE DRIVING WHICH IN TURN CAN MAKE THE DRIVER APPEAR IMPAIRED OR DISTRACTED. THE PROBLEM IS FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING THE WHEEL TO STICK IN PLACE NEAR CENTER PLACEMENT. FOR EXAMPLE, IT IS LIKE RIDING A BIKE ON PAVEMENT THEN TRANSITIONING TO MUD, ONE HAS TO APPLY MORE PEDDLING MOTION TO GET THROUGH THE MUD, AND WHEN THEY ARE BACK ON PAVEMENT SUDDENLY, THEY JUMP TO AN UNEXPECTED SPEED, FASTER THEN WHAT THEY INTENDED. THIS IS HOW THE STEERING REACTS TO MINOR ADJUSTMENTS THAT NEED EXTRA FORCE TO UNSTICK THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CONCLUDES THAT THE ELECTRIC-ASSISTED POWER STEERING IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE'S AIR PRESSURE IN ALL 4 TIRES ARE EQUAL AND AT 35PSI, WHEELS ARE PROPERLY BALANCED ALIGNMENT IS AT MANUFACTURES SPECIFICATIONS. THIS PROBLEM DID NOT EXIST WHEN THE CAR WAS BOUGHT NEW (BECAUSE NO ONE WOULD BUY A $30,000 CAR THAT DOES NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT) AND JUST CURRENTLY STARTED TO ACT UP. *TR

Mileage: 10,000

AT, HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO STICK WHEN MAKING MINOR CORRECTIONS. IT IS VERY ANNOYING AND TIRING ON THE ARMS. GOING AROUND CORNERS OR BENDS IN THE ROAD IT SEEMS FINE THOUGH. IT ONLY HAPPENS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS MAKING MINOR CORRECTIONS IN THE LANE. THIS IS SOMETHING KIA SHOULD TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF THE COMPLAINTS ARE AROUND THIS ISSUE. I PUT 10,000 MILES BUT IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND IT CURRENTLY HAS 16,000. HAVE NOT HAD DEALER LOOK AT IT YET. *TR

Mileage: 10,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWAY FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

Mileage: 32,000

10549868 CONTINUED: ANOTHER WAY TO DESCRIBE THE STEERING PROBLEM FOLLOWS. WHEN I MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT, BACK AND FORTH EVER SO SLIGHTLY, ALL WORKS FINE. STEERING IS EASY AND TAKES LITTLE FORCE TO CORRECT. IF ONE WAS TO MEASURE THE REQUIRED FORCE, IT WOULD BE SLIGHT, LETS SAY 2 UNITS. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN STATIONARY FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS, AND I TRY TO MAKE A MINOR CORRECTION, THE FORCE REQUIRED IS MUCH GREATER, LETS SAY 12 UNITS. SO WHILE DRIVING AND THE CAR IS DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT OF LANE. MAKING THE CORRECTION, OVERCOMING THE STUCK FEELING, THE CAR STARTS TO DRIFT TOWARDS THE LEFT OF LANE. THIS BACK AND FORTH PROCESS NEEDS TO BE CONTINUOUSLY PERFORMED, HOWEVER, AS SPEED INCREASE, THIS PROCESS HAS TO HAPPEN MORE OFTEN, CAUSING FATIGUE IN THE ARMS AND WRISTS AND MAKING THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE QUITE STRESSFUL. IT?S AS IF THE STEERING ASSIST OF THE ELECTRIC PS MOTOR GOES TO SLEEP WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS STATIONARY, THUS THE ADDED FORCE REQUIRED WHEN MAKING A MINOR CORRECTION IS TO WAKE THE MOTOR UP. I AM TAKING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER WITH THESE TWO DESCRIPTIONS OF THE STEERING PROBLEM. THEY WILL HAVE THE CAR FOR 4DAYS AT LEAST. *TR

Mileage: 20,200

MOST NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING ON PAVED HIGHWAYS AT MPH OVER 45. STEERING SEEMS STUCK NEAR STRAIGHT AHEAD POSITION AND WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE MINOR CORRECTION TO REMAIN IN LANE, A SLIGHT OVER CORRECTION OCCURS DUE TO GETTING PAST THIS STICKY POSITION. OF COURSE THE OVER CORRECTION REQUIRES ANOTHER SLIGHT MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH AGAIN MEETS RESISTANCE, AND SO THE OVER CORRECTION OCCURS AGAIN. CONTINUING THIS LEFT AND RIGHT MOVEMENT OF THE CAR IN THE LANE CREATES STRESSFUL DRIVING AT BEST, AND PAINFUL WRISTS, AT WORST ON LONG DRIVES. WHEN ENGINE OFF AND IN A QUIET LOCATION, MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL, LEFT AND RIGHT REGARDLESS OF STEERING WHEEL POSITION OR WHEEL POSITION, YOU CAN BOTH HEAR A SLIGHT SNAP AND FEEL IT WHEN OVERCOMING THE STUCK PLACE. THIS PROBLEM IS ALWAYS PRESENT, HOWEVER NOT AS NOTICEABLE IN LOCAL TRAFFIC OR WHILE ACTUAL TURNING AROUND A BEND FOR EXAMPLE. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM LAST YEAR, AND HOPEFULLY WHEN I TAKE IT IN FOR THE 20,000 MILE CHECK UP, MY MORE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM SHOULD HELP. I DID CALL THE DEALER ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO, AND THEY SENT ME TO SOMEONE HIGHER UP. HIS COMMENT WAS THAT HE GETS MANY CALLS EVERY DAY ABOUT THIS, AND THAT IT'S THE WAY IT IS. *TR

Mileage: 10,350

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mileage: 10,000

WHILE DRIVE ABOVE 45MPH THE CAR WONDERS LEFT AND RIGHT, MAKING IT VERY HARD TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD. IT ALSO FEELS LIKE THERE IS A CATCH IN THE STEERING MAKING IT VERY EASY TO OVER CORRECT THE CAR. I HAVE HAD IT INTO KIA TO HAVE THE CAR LOOKED AT TWICE NOW. THEY HAVE CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT, TIRE PRESSURE... THEY DROVE A SALESMAN'S CAR AND A CAR OFF THERE LOT AND THEY TELL ME THIS IS THE WAY THEY ALL DRIVE. I FIND THIS VERY HARD TO BELIEVE, (ITS A WORKOUT TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD). I HAVE BEEN DOING SEARCHES ON THE INTERNET TO TRY AND FIND A SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM, WHILE DOING THIS I HAVE FOUND A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND ARE GETTING THE SAME FEEDBACK FROM THE DEALERS. FROM WHAT I HAVE FOUND IS ITS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2011, 2012, 2013 KIA OPTIMA'S. *TR

Mileage: 10,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DRIFT FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ALONG WITH THE MANUFACTURER, STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000. *TR

Mileage: 18,000

STEERING IS VERY UNSTABLE. EXTREMELY AFRAID OF THIS CAR - I FEEL LIKE I AM NOT IN CONTROL WHEN DRIVING, I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO FIGHT TO STAY STRAIGHT. VEERS/PULLS LEFT AND RIGHT AS IF IM BOUNCING IN BETWEEN THE LINES ON THE INTERSTATE. MY STOMACH STAYS IN KNOTS IN FEAR I WILL HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, OR WORSE A CONCRETE BARRIER IN THE CONSTRUCTION ON THE INTERSTATE. IT FEELS AS IF 3-5 SECONDS I AM NOT IN CONTROL, MY ARMS ARE EXHAUSTED BY THE TIME I ARRIVE TO MY WORK, HOME, OR ELSEWHERE. HAVE COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES TO KIA DEALER WHEN HAVING OIL CHANGED & I AM ALWAYS TOLD NOTHING IS WRONG OR CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. FOUR MECHANICS HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR ELSEWHERE AND AGREE THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND KIA SHOULD RECALL AND FIX BEFORE IT COST SOMEONE/A FAMILY THEIR LIVES. MY DASH LIGHTS ALSO SURGE TO MAXIMUM BRIGHTNESS AT ANY RANDOM MOMENT WHILE DRIVING - ALL ON THEIR OWN. I RECENTLY STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH STARTING MY CAR, I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MARCH 2012 AND CURRENTLY HAVE 14K MILES (HIGHWAY FOR WORK). RECENTLY, TWICE MY CAR FELT AS IF IT WAS NOT GOING TO START, SPUTTERING, SMELL OF EXHAUST INSIDE CAR. I ALSO HAVE ISSUES IF I AM AT A RED LIGHT/STOPPED AND WHEN I ACCELERATE SOMETIMES THE CAR FEELS AS IF IT DIES OUT FOR A SECOND - MISFIRING. I CAN NOT PASS IN TRAFFIC OUT OF FEAR MY CAR WILL NOT RESPOND WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE. MY CAR CONSTANTLY WILL NOT CONNECT TO MY PHONE, OR KEEPS A CALL DISPLAY ON THE RADIO AFTER THE CALL HAS ENDED (FREEZES) UNTIL I RESTART MY CAR. I FEEL THERE IS SOMETHING TERRIBLY WRONG WITH THE WIRING/ELECTRICAL/STEERING WITH MY CAR AND SEVERAL OTHERS ACCORDING TO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON HERE! TOYOTA RECALLED ONLY AFTER A DEATH, HYUNDAI/NISSAN/DODGE ALL JUST RECALLED IMMEDIATELY - WHAT ABOUT US KIA? I HAVE A FAMILY IN THIS SEDAN THAT IS GOING TO END UP COSTING MY LIFE OR WORSE, MY ENTIRE FAMILY'S LIVES! PLEASE ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM!!!!! STEERING IS NOT NORMAL OR SAFE!!!

Mileage: 150

I AM A NEW OWNER OF A 2012 LX KIA OPTIMA WITH 27K MILES. MY CONCERN IS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GREATER THAN 65 MPH YOU HAVE TO USE TWO HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL JUST TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT AND FROM PULLING LEFT OR RIGHT. IT FEEL AS IF THE STEERING WHEEL SLIPS AND IS QUITE ALARMING. I HAVE TO WORK HARDER TO KEEP IT IN THE LANES MAKING ME MORE TIRED. *TR

Mileage: 27,000

2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. HAS BEEN DEMONSTRATING A VERY NERVOUS STEERING (LEFT AND RIGHT PULLING), MORE MARKEDLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, EVEN SINCE BRAND NEW, BUT INCIDENT DATE REPORTED WAS THE FIRST TIME THE PROBLEM WAS EXTREMELY NOTICEABLE. INCIDENT EVENT REPORTED WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT, BUT CLOSE ONE. EVEN AFTER INSTALLATION OF NEW TIRES, BALANCING AND ALIGNMENT, STEERING KEEPS RESPONDING NERVOUSLY, CAUSING DRIVER FATIGUE AND NOT IMPARTING TOO MUCH CONFIDENCE TO THE DRIVER AT HIGH SPEEDS. *TR

Mileage: 500

THE OWNER OF A 2012 LX KIA OPTIMA WITH 14K MI BUT VERY CONCERN AFTER DISCOVERING THAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS GREATER THAN 65-75 MPH YOU HAVE TO USE TWO HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL JUST TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT AND FROM PULLING LEFT OR RIGHT. I'M NOT A TECH BUT, IF I HAD TO GUESS, MY MONEY IS ON THE ELECTRONIC/POWER STEERING DEVICE. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS CAR AND IF KIA/HYUNDAI MOTORS WANTS TO KEEP THEIR SELLS, THEN THEY BETTER "OWN IT!" THIS IS DEFINITELY A RECALL/ NHTSA SAFETY MATTER THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. ELECTRONIC/POWER STEERING IS AN AREA THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED AT AND RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC. *TR

Mileage: 14,000

THE VEHICLE DRIFTS LEFT AND RIGHT CONSTANTLY AND SUBSTANTIALLY, WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT. SAME CONCLUSION EVERY TIME. ADJUSTED, AND VEHICLE IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. THEY HAVE NOT AND REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. AS OF JANUARY 8TH 2013, OVER ONE YEAR SINCE PURCHASING THE PROBLEM, IT STILL EXISTS. WE RECENTLY WAS IN A MINOR ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. ON A TIGHT ROAD WITH LITTLE OR NO ROOM FOR WAIVER, WE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLES MIRROR WITH OURS AT 70MPH. LUCKILY THERE WAS ONLY SUPERFICIAL DAMAGE BESIDES BOTH OF US DECIDING WE ARE NOT DRIVING THIS CAR AGAIN DUE TO THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN AND OURSELVES. WE ARE CURRENTLY PURSUING A LEMON CLAIM ON THE VEHICLE. BALE KIA AND CRAIN KIA BOTH HAVE TOLD US THE SAME THING, COULD NOT DUPLICATE AND VEHICLE IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS, TSB #032. ACCORDING TO THEM THEY ARE ASSUMING WE ARE MAKING THIS UP. ALONG WITH THE 30+ OTHER COMPLAINTS FOUND ON HERE. *TR

Mileage: 21,000

I BOUGHT THIS KIA OPTIMA SX IN MAY 2012 BECAUSE IT'S A BEAUTIFUL CAR, BASICALLY WITH NO HESITATION. MY FIRST DAY DRIVING IT, I THOUGHT THE STEERING FELT A LITTLE DIFFERENT, TIGHT, AND PULLED TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AND VERY HARD TO KEEP IT GOING STRAIGHT. I THOUGHT TO MYSELF, WELL IT'S A BRAND NEW CAR AND HAS TO BE BROKEN IN A LITTLE MAYBE. ABOUT 500 MILES IN, PROBLEM DIDN'T GO AWAY, TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY INSPECTED THE ALIGNMENT, SAID ALIGNMENT WAS OK, BUT THE PSI IN TIRES WAS A LITTLE OFF AND THAT IT SHOULD FIX THE ISSUE. NOTHING HAS CHANGED. WEEK LATER I TOOK IT IN AGAIN. WAS TOLD EVERYTHING IS UP TO SPEC, AND WAS TOLD I AM THE FIRST PERSON TO REPORT THIS KIND OF ISSUE WITH THE CAR. I GO HOME THAT NIGHT AND GOOGLE OPTIMA STEERING PROBLEM...THE SEARCH ENGINE GOES NUTS!!! THIS IS A ISSUE WITH THE OPTIMA SINCE 2011!!! I'M A TRUCK DRIVER AND I CAN BARELY STEER THIS CAR!!! HOW CAN THIS BE SAFE ON THE ROADS??? THERE IS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT PROBLEM!! WHEN MY WIFE DRIVES IT SHE TELLS ME SHE CAN'T EVEN TAKE A DRINK OF HER SODA BECAUSE SHE HAS TO PAY SO MUCH ATTENTION TO HOLDING THE WHEEL STRAIGHT!! I FEEL THE SAME WAY!! COME ON KIA!!! COME ON D.O.T. IT'S ONLY JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS CAR CAUSES A SERIOUS ACCIDENT!! OBVIOUSLY THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ISN'T SAFE!! SO RECALL IT!! *TR

Mileage: 120

VEHICLE HARD TO CONTROL AND STEER STRAIGHT, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SEVERE PULL TO THE LEFT, THOUGH OCCASIONALLY IT DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT. AT CITY SPEEDS, THE STEERING PROBLEM IS NOT AS NOTICEABLE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, AND THEY CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT. MINOR ADJUSTMENTS, AND TIRE INFLATION CHANGE, RESULTED IN NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE PROBLEM...IT REMAINS SEVERE. IF YOU LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL, THEN THE CAR SWIFTLY MOVE ACROSS TO THE LEFT LANES. *TR

Mileage: 50

BRAND NEW VEHICLE PULLED TO RIGHT AND ALSO DRIFTED LEFT TO RIGHT AT 8 MILES ON HIGHWAY WITH A SPEED OF 55. I THOUGH ALL THAT IT NEEDED WAS A SIMPLE ALIGNMENT I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AT JUST UNDER 3000 MILES AND THE TECH DROVE IT AND TOLD ME IT WAS FINE I JUST NEED TO GET USED TO IT. THIS CAR DID NOT DRIVE LIKE THE 2 THAT I HAD DRIVEN BEFORE I PURCHASED IT. THE TECH DID AN ALIGNMENT AND SAID THE REAR WHEEL WAS OFF FROM THE FACTORY . THE CAR STILL DID THE SAME THING IT FELT LOOSE AND DRIFTED ON HIGHWAY AND STRAITWAYS. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER THAT DAY AND THE TECH DROVE IT FOR 30 SECONDS AND NOTICED THE STEERING IS WAS NOT RIGHT.HE SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME PERFORMING AN ALIGNMENT AND ONCE I DROVE IT WAS FINE. THERE WAS A SLIGHT PULL TO THE RIGHT BUT MOST CARS DO HAVE THAT. THE TECH GAVE ME A PRINT OUT OF THE ALIGNMENT AND THE FRONT CAMBER WAS NOT TO FACTORY SETTINGS HE TOLD ME THAT HE COULD NOT ADJUST IT. AFTER DRIVING 700 MILES LATER THE LOOSE FEELING AND THE DRIFTING RETURNED. I HAVE CONTACTED THE ORIGINAL DEALER AGAIN AND I AM HOPING FOR A RESOLUTION SOON. *TR

Mileage: 8

BRAND NEW KIA OPTIMA HAS STEERING DRIFT (DIFFUCULTY DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE). DEALER INDICATED TYPICAL OF ELECTRONIC STEERING AND DID NOTHING BUT CHECK ALIGNMENT. VERY UNNERVING AND DANGEROUS. CONDITION STILL EXISTS. *TR

Mileage: 2,204

THE VEHICLE STEERING SEEMS TIGHT WHICH IS FINE, BUT WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 30-45 MPH THE VEHICLE VEERS OFF TO THE LEFT. I AM READING THAT THIS IS NOT NORMAL FOR THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS AN ISSUE AND I BELIEVE NEEDS TO BE FIXED. *TR

Mileage: 1

CONSTANT CORRECTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL IS NEEDED TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD. I HAVE BEEN ON LINE AND HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE. WILL BE GOING BACK TO DEALER BUT BASED ON EVERYTHING I HAVE READ I DON'T EXPECT THIS TO BE RESOLVED. I AM SURE THIS AN ELECTRONIC STEERING ISSUE AND I BELIEVE A RECALL IS WARRANTED. *TR

Mileage: 100

I BOUGHT KIA OPTIMA 2012 IN MONTH OF JANUARY 2012. SINCE I OWN VEHICLE I NOTICE THAT CAR IS STEERING TO IT'S LEFT SIDE. I CALLED DEALER AND REPORTED THIS ISSUE. DEALER SUGGESTS ISSUE IS BECAUSE OF ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM. I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM SINCE I OWN AND DEALER ADVISE THAT IT SHOULD GO AWAY AFTER FEW THOUSAND MILES. IN MY OPINION THIS IS DANGEROUS AND MUST BE ADVERSELY EFFECTING TO TIRES AND OTHER STEERING MECHANISM COMPONENTS. *TR

IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE WE NOTICED AN OBVIOUS ISSUE WITH STEERING - NOT ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE CAR, VEERING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, TAXING AND EXHAUSTING EFFORT TO JUST DRIVE THE CAR. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS SOMETHING WE'D HAVE TO GET USED TO DUE TO THE NEW ELECTRONIC STEERING. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS, WE WERE TEMPTED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK DUE TO BEING "TIRED" FROM DRIVING HOME EACH DAY! AFTER TALKING WITH A NEIGHBOR WHO HAS THE SAME CAR, HE SAID HE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. HE SAID THEY DID SOME TYPE OF SPECIAL WHEEL BALANCING AND IT FIXED THE PROBLEM. DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK FOR A CHECK. ASKED ABOUT TIRE ROTATION OR ALIGNMENT CHECK. SERVICE CROSS-ROTATED THE TIRES AND IT DRIVES BETTER, BUT IS STILL A VERY DIFFERENT DRIVE. *TR

Mileage: 50

I JUST PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2012 OPTIMA FROM A DEALER IN CORAL SPRINGS, FLA. OTHER THAN ONE IMPORTANT PROBLEM, I LOVE THIS CAR. HERE IS THE IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE: WHEN YOU GET OVER 40MPH, THE CAR WILL NOT GO STRAIGHT- IT CONTINUES TO MOVE OUT OF THE LANE YOU ARE DRIVING IN. NO MATTER HOW SMALL OF A STEERING CORRECTION YOU MAKE- WHEN YOU HOLD THE STEERING "COMPLETELY STILL"- THE CAR STILL MOVES TO THE LEFT, THEN TO THE RIGHT WHEN YOU INCH IT BACK- THE CAR STEERING MECHANISM SEEMS TO NOT LET THE CAR TRAVEL STRAIGHT AHEAD. THE STEERING WILL NOT KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT, SO THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE CAR KEEPS AUTOMATICALLY TAKING YOU OUT OF YOUR LANE!!! WHEN I WAS ON THE FLA TURNPIKE HEADING HOME FROM THE DEALER TODAY, THIS SITUATION MUST HAVE OCCURRED A HUNDRED TIMES. I HAVE OWNED MORE THAN 50 CARS OVER THE YEARS, OF ALL MAKES AND SIZES- AND THIS ISSUE HAS NEVER OCCURRED BEFORE. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP GET THIS "SAFETY ISSUE" RESOLVED ASAP. I WILL GO BACK TO THE DEALER TOMORROW TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU. *TR

Mileage: 125

THE ELECTRIC ASSIST POWER STEERING HAS FAILED WHILE DRIVING MULTIPLE TIMES LEAVING THE DRIVER WITH REDUCED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE EXTREME EFFORT REQUIRED TO STEER THE VEHICLE. INDICATOR LIGHTS INCLUDE TRACTION CONTROL, EPS AND TCO. POWER STEERING CAN BE RESTORED BY SHUTTING DOWN THE CAR AND RESTARTING. DEALER'S FIRST ATTEMPT TO CORRECT AFTER THREE INSTANCES OF FAILURE AND RESET INVOLVED CALIBRATION OF THE STEERING INDICATOR. THIS LASTED APPROXIMATELY 200 MILES. SUBSEQUENT FAILURE REPORTED TO DEALER AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY THERE BEING DIAGNOSED FOR THE SECOND TIME. *TR

Mileage: 320

CAR IS VERY HARD TO KEEP CONTROL ON THE ROAD. KIA DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS THE WAY THE NEW ELECTRONIC CONTROL WORKS. ON ACCELERATION , CAR STEERS TO LEFT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, AND IT TAKES MUCH EFFORT TO KEEP IT GOING STRAIGHT ON ROAD. *TR ON THE HIGHWAY IT FEELS AS IF THE WIND IS BLOWING IT AROUND ON THE ROAD. IT ALSO MAKES A PULL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT ON ITS OWN.

Mileage: 150

UPON THE PURCHASE OF MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA SX I NOTICED A PULL TO THE LEFT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALERSHIP IS APPROX. 80 MILES FROM MY HOME, DRIVING HOME I NOTICED THE TUG AND THE CAR'S INCLINATION TO VEER LEFT. I FELT A CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE WHEEL TO VEER. I TOOK THE CAR BACK WITHIN A WEEK OR TWO AND HAD THE SERVICE DEPT. CHECK THE VEER. OF COURSE, I WAS TOLD THERE IS NO VEER. THE CAR CONTINUES TO STRAY, NOW AT 3500 MILES. THE CAR WILL BE GOING IN FOR SERVICE NEXT WEEK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND FOR MAINTENANCE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP'S SALESMAN WHO HAS CONFIRMED FOR ME THERE IS A DEFINITE ISSUE WITH THE OPTIMA'S STEERING AND TO DATE, THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT. I LOVE THIS CAR, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT, BUT THE PULL IS A PROBLEM. BY THE TIME I DRIVE THE CAR AT CRUISE SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY AND GET BACK WITH IT, I LITERALLY FEEL TIRED IN THE ARM AND SHOULDER FROM THE PRESSURE TO KEEP IT STRAIGHT IN THE LANES. ALSO, LATELY AT APPROX. 3000 MILES, I'VE NOTICED THAT IN REVERSE, THE BACKUP CAMERA DOESN'T ALWAYS COME ON WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. IT HAS A HESITATION THAT HAS LASTED AS LONG AS 30 - 40 SECONDS BEFORE I CAN SEE BEHIND THE CAR. ANYONE WHO HAS DRIVEN THE OPTIMA KNOWS, YOU CAN'T SEE ANYTHING BEHIND YOU IN THAT CAR DUE TO THE LOW SITTING SEATS AND HIGHER TRUNK - IT HAS TO BE TALL TO SEE IT BEHIND YOU. I'M TAKING THE CAR TO A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE NEXT TIME, FROM THERE, I'LL DECIDE AS TO WHAT HAPPENS NEXT AS FAR AS KEEPING THIS CAR. *JS

Mileage: 200

STEERING PULLS TO THE LEFT. I HAVE TO ALWAYS CORRECT. MANY TIMES I END UP OVER CORRECTING WHEN GOING THROUGH A CURVE. I MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT THE TIRE PRESSURE. TIRE PRESSURE WAS 42 PSI WHEN I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. I BROUGHT IT DOWN TO 38 PSI AND SEEMED TO HELP A LITTLE. I FINALLY TOOK ALL FOUR TIRES DOWN TO 35 PSI, AND ALMOST DROVE IT OFF THE ROAD WHILE GOING THROUGH A RIGHT CURVE AT 50 MPH. BY THE WAY, THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 50 MPH. THE FREEWAY IS ALSO AN ISSUE. ALWAYS HAVING TO CORRECT THE STEERING BOUNCING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THE LANE LINES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BY THE NHTSA. HAVING TO OVER CORRECT IS NOT FUN SITUATION TO BE IN. I DROVE MANY HIGH PERFORMANCE VEHICLES, AND THIS IS THE MOST CONCERNING. BEAUTIFUL CAR WITH TONS OF POTENTIAL. STEERING NEEDS FIXED!!!!!!!! *TR

Mileage: 50

I PURCHASED A 2012 KIA OPTIMA ON 1-13-12 AND IMMEDIATELY DISCOVERED IT PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE DEALER HAS ADMITTED THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT AND TODAY (2-5-2012) THE DEALER BOUGHT IT BACK. I LOST $5,000 BY SELLING IT BACK BUT I AM JUST GLAD TO NOT HAVE TO DRIVE THE CAR ANY MORE. KIA SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM OR BUY THE CARS BACK AT THE SELLING PRICE. THE CUSTOMER SHOULD NOT BE STUCK WITH AN UNSAFE VEHICLE OR FORCED TO DRIVE IT TO AVOID THE LOSS. THIS PULL LEFT ISSUE IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON THE KIA FORUM SITE. I JUST WISH I HAD CHECKED THAT SITE BEFORE BUYING. *TR

Mileage: 150