2011 Kia Optima: steering wheel locks up

Filed Apr 6, 2022 · Steering · 120,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the steering wheel seized. After the steering wheel was released, an abnormal sound was heard coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle had previously had the steering column and steering rack replaced at the dealer; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Aug 4, 2021 · Engine · AR

On May 28th I was on my way home and out of nowhere my steering wheel locked up and the car died while in motion. A week later we notified Kia about it and they had me tow my car so they could find out what was going on with my vehicle. We waited 12 days to find out was wrong with it and they told us the engine was seized and we had just found out that they had a recall for seized engines. After finding that out we tried to get the vehicle fixed through them and they told us that they could not fix it because it doesn’t no longer have an warranty and that they sent out an report about the recall on my car. We never received any information about a recall and we bought the vehicle March 2020. We have been making phone calls to Kia and they denied to fixing my vehicle.

Filed May 4, 2020 · FL

I was on a curvy back road doing about 45mph applying the breaks not to stop but only to break my speed down some in order to go around the curve. While doing so my steering wheel locks up, it feel as if my tires are sliding & it feels like my breaks could be locked up as well. The next day I was getting off of the interstate on a ramp and again applied my brakes to break my speed down and the exact same thing happen. My wheel locked up, felt as if my brakes were locked up as well & my tires may have slid. I'm not noticing of my car is shutting off because when it is happening I'm too focused on the road & not losing control. But I am noticing that my radio is booting up. Which it only does this when I start up my engine.

Filed Jun 11, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 101,700 miles · NH

Bought the car january of 2018.28 days of having the vehicle and I got a flat tire and come to find out my strut was never properly installed and thats what popped my tire.dan obrien tried to deny having a warranty to fix the car saying it was my fault.it was covered under warranty. I had to buy the new tire. When the recall for the engine came out,I took my car right in. They passed it. In september while driving home from my daughters 2 month appointment the car just lost all power and my engine light came on & car would not start daughter was present.engine had locked up they replaced the long block under the sc147 recall 11/30/18 recall sc165, ecu upgrade. On 2/11/19 I had the inspection for recall sc172 car passed.3/21/19 no warning engine light came on & stayed.p1326 engine code car went into limp home mode,daughter was present. Engine light flashed,got towed.3/26/19 kia told me it was due to the previous recall,it was my knock sensor. They replaced under warranty.5/22/19 front right side wheel bearing went bad,kia wouldnt cover,same side strut issue occured on.6/6/19 I went to accelerate on bypass and lost all engine control,I was able to coast. No warning lights came on.put in park, oil light,battery & eps came on & off. Turned car off & on.car would drive but with hesitation and little power.6/8/19 I went to accelerate on bypass and car lost power. 6+ cars behind me ,my car blocked the road.restarted car,went to take off and the car began to vibrate jolt and I couldnt get out of the way,I had to go into the other lane because I was blocked.steering wheel locked up, brakes lost power & I almost hit the guard rail.daughter was present. 6/10/19 kia told me it was my throttle body sensor not covered. Bought car with over 79k,now around 101k.im scared for my daughters life & mine it will catch on fire at anytime with all the symptoms.

Filed Jul 24, 2018 · Steering · 89,000 miles · HI

Traction control light started turning on in april 2018 while driving on a city street causing the steering to lock and making it difficult to drive. Had to pull over turn car on and off. Light turned off and car was able to drive normally again. Light continued to come on and off but recently started happening more frequently. Took it to kia and was told it was an internal malfunction of the steering column assembly (see paperwork). If I was driving on the freeway who knows what could have happened with the steering wheel locking while driving.