2012 Kia Optima steering problems

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Steering · IN

Steering flexible coupling was a recall over 10 years ago, it was replaced. The steering wheel “sticks” and it’s catching again and they will not do anything. I’m not happy that this is an ongoing problem and can be dangerous if it sticks at the wrong time!

Filed Jun 5, 2026 · Airbags, Steering · PA

I had a engine replaced 1600 miles ago delarsship advised it was ok to drive gave me a vechicle back with abs light tracation control light on along with a exuast leak

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · CA

I bought this car February 2026 when I drove it on the freeway they car felt wiggly not the axle is broke and the wheel bearings stop the car from going

Filed May 7, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · FL

The horn stops working, steering heat stop working, control functions and air bag warning. I changed the clock spring and it fixed all those issues the first time but within 6 months all those issues happened again. Is there something more wrong?

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Steering · 72,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Mar 12, 2025 · Steering · 202,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Feb 2, 2025 · Steering · AZ

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)

Filed Nov 29, 2024 · Steering · NY

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.

Filed Jun 13, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · GA

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.

Filed Feb 28, 2024 · Steering · FL

steering wheel play, steering coupler wear