The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to operate. The contact stated that the steering wheel would knock from left to right and would unexpectedly seize. Due to the failure, the steering became difficult to control. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where the failure was confirmed to be related to the steering system. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel flex coupling had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 53,280.
Kia Forte steering noise problems
34 of the 2,565 owner complaints about the Kia Forte describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 2014 model year.
- owner complaints
- 34
- worst model year
- 2014
- typical mileage
- 76,000
By model year
- 20232
- 20211
- 20191
- 20181
- 201420
- 20131
- 20123
- 20111
- 20104
Often reported together
Knocking 9Harsh shifting 6Airbag light 3Headlights 2Power steering loss 1Loss of power 1Jerking 1Check engine light 1
Trouble codes mentioned
P1326 1
What owners say
The steering coupler clunks when I turn my steering wheel
Steering wheel making a clicking noise when turning both ways, stationed and moving, also rattles a lot when going over speed bumps, seems like a manufacturer defect as this is a common thing heard around these Kia’s
Steering column coupler has repeatedly gone bad, causing clicking and play in the steering wheel. There is an open recall for this issue on Kia optima’s, which use the same part. I’ve had this issue diagnosed and fixed by 2 different shops. It is an extremely common issue in these cars.
Clunking when going over bumps especially when turning into a driveway. Started at about 20,000 miles along with excessive clicking when turning the steering wheel.
Sterling wheel begins to shake at high speed and a lower speed causing the whole steering wheel to shake and make noise. And have realized the cruise control is no longer working
I want to report KIA of Lynchburg at 3400 Old Forest Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24501 because they do not want to honor their recall. October 14, 202I: I took my car to Kia because of a recall. After the mechanic finish, Lisa said to bring it back if the engine light goes on. (Exhibit 1) November 16, 2021: Lisa said that if the light was on due to a different problem I have to pay for the service. I agreed to hook it on the computer because I was sure all this has to do with the recall. I had to pay $99 because the oxygen sensor was not part of the recall. I asked her for a copy of the recall. She said, “you don’t qualify for the recall because you went over the mileage.” And she didn’t give me a copy. (Exhibit 2) June 5, 2024: I took my car to Harris. I let them know about t the popping sound on the steering wheel and the losing of power going uphill. I was recommended to bring my car back to Kia. (Exhibit 3) Jun 11, 2024: I took my car to KIA at Harry Tire's suggestion and because I received a letter from Kia. The Kevin said they’re going to check the breaks, oil waste, and the losing of power. 9:27am (434) 847-3292. I call KIA because I forgot to tell the guy about the knocking sound from the steering wheel. Kevin explained me that I will be charge for that because that was not cover under the warranty. I told him not to do it. I received an estimate of everything that needs to be fixed on the car and how much I will be charged. (Exhibit 4) Sept 3, 2024: I called service of Kia and Mike answered, I told him that I want to set up an appoint because I received a renotification letter at that moment he hands up the telephone on me. I called again to service, and I left a message letting them know what happened with my first call, but nobody contacted me back. (Exhibit 5) October 1, 24: I took my car to NTB for the oxygen sensor to be change, but the mechanic said code P1326 shows a history, and that his wife had the same problem and KIA had to install a new motor for her.
Popping noise from steering and play in steering wheel. Was informed by a local mechanic that is was the steering coupler for the MDPS unit. Checked and saw a recall for the same issue with the Kia Soul but saw nothing for the Forte even though Hyundai had a recall for the Elantra and Sonata for the same issue. This is a vital part of the car and if it breaks as easy as it does it needs to be recalled on all the vehicles that have it and not just certain ones. I have not had it repaired yet but will be doing so shortly as well as talking with an attorney about the issue.
The contact's mother owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel made an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the flexible coupling in the MDPS (motor-driven power steering) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Kia Campaign Number: 074. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the VIN was not covered under the campaign. The failure mileage was approximately 43,350.
Steering is popping and clicking most of the time when I turn the steering wheel, mainly when I turn left but definitely seems to be a safety hazard. Not sure if it’s the steering coupler or what but I believe it should be under a recall. Thank you.
Related recalls
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm
- What is wrong
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC259.
Recall number 22V906000 · Recall details
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Recall number 22V304000 · Recall details
Questions about the Kia Forte steering noise
Which Kia Forte years have clunking or noise when steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2014 (20 complaints), 2010 (4 complaints) and 2012 (3 complaints).
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