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2012 Kia Optima steering complaints

Page 4 of 7: complaints 71 to 100 of 188, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Kia Optima steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Sep 10, 2018 · Steering · 114,000 miles · IN

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

Filed Aug 12, 2018 · Steering · 67,000 miles · FL

Continuous clicking noise while steering at all speeds. Sounds like something is loose in steering column. Was told it could be steering coupler/

Filed Aug 7, 2018 · Steering · 155,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Aug 3, 2018 · Steering · 155,000 miles · MO

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.

Filed Jul 26, 2018 · Steering · 36,000 miles · NJ

The steering column inside started making noises like something cracked inside nowthe sterling wheel make noises on every turn.

Filed Jul 14, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · CA

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

Filed Jun 18, 2018 · Steering · GA

There is a knocking noise coming from my steering wheel for about 7 months

Filed Jun 15, 2018 · Steering · 81,000 miles · CA

My steering wheel shakes when I am coming to a stop at a high speed.

Filed May 3, 2018 · Steering · 120,000 miles · MS

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.

Filed May 1, 2018 · Steering · 135,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Mar 9, 2018 · Driver assistance, Steering · 67,500 miles · CA

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.

Filed Jan 26, 2018 · Steering · 52,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Jan 25, 2018 · Steering · 142,000 miles · CA

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

Filed Dec 27, 2017 · Steering · CA

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.

Filed Dec 16, 2017 · Steering · 120,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Nov 4, 2017 · Steering · PA

Clicking in steering column while making turns.getting worse each time. When in motion or not.clicking is always there. Started a week ago.

Filed Nov 1, 2017 · Steering · 62,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Oct 20, 2017 · Steering · 90,000 miles · TN

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.

Filed Oct 12, 2017 · Driver assistance, Steering · CA

Electrical rack and pinions recall. Steering wheel feels loose. Steering wheel starts shaking at approximately 65-70 MPH

Filed Sep 12, 2017 · Steering, Suspension · 89,000 miles · AR

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.

Filed Aug 29, 2017 · Steering · 75,000 miles · FL

Loud clicking noise when turning the steering wheel both ways making steering and driving very unstable.

Filed Aug 17, 2017 · Steering · 20 miles · OK

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.

Filed Aug 8, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · 90,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Jun 21, 2017 · Steering · 49,000 miles · TX

When streering the vehicle, in motion or still, the steering wheel makes a clicking sound. Going over any bump it rattles n shakes.

Filed May 27, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 71,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Apr 27, 2017 · Steering · NC

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.

Filed Apr 11, 2017 · Acceleration, Brakes · 110,000 miles · OR

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.

Filed Apr 11, 2017 · Steering · 51,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Jan 17, 2017 · Steering · TX

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

Filed Nov 22, 2016 · Steering, Transmission · TN

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.

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