2012 Kia Optima: steering wheel locks up

Filed Oct 26, 2021 · 79,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel seized in either direction with the electric power steering warning light illuminated. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. After multiple repeated failures, the contact took the vehicle back to the dealer and the mechanic duplicated the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective steering column. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but there were no recalls on his vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Filed Oct 6, 2016 · Engine · 42,069 miles · PA

Back in december, while driving a 2012 kia optima lx, my steering wheel locked up and all of the caution lights came on the dash. The was no tapping coming from the engine until the car began to shut off. The check engine, low oil, fuel etc all came on and my steering wheel began to lock up. I was able to pull off to the side of a busy road. I could not start the car back up. I had the car towed to a local dealership where they stated there was no oil in the engine and there was sludge. I knew that I had maintained upkeep on the car. They stated they would not honor a replacement engine warranty. I had the car towed to our local garage. There I had a used engine installed in my car for a total cost of $4,300. I was able to drive the car. In april I received a notice/recall in the mail from kia stating that there was a rod in the engine which caused the engine to lock up and shut down to immediately take my car to get that replaced. I had already put a used engine in. I was instructed to send all documentation to kia for proof of an engine installed and all labor and costs done to my car out of my wallet and I would get reimbursed. Since then, I have had nothing but excuses and reasons why I shouldn't be receiving a reimbursement. There should be no reason I need to provide any documentation but I provided a highlighted checking account statement for proof of purchase of the engine, install of the engine, inspection and emissions, proof of purchase of the vehicle and towing records. The letter from kia clearly states that I should have it repaired by them and not on my own dime. Unfortunately I had to take out a loan for the engine and install and had no vehicle until mid february when the used engine I ordered was installed. I still to this day am told I will not receive my reimbursement. I have attempted to continuously call kia, only to be hung up on each time.

Filed Dec 9, 2014 · Steering · 49,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Nov 18, 2014 · Steering · 15,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed May 23, 2014 · Steering · CA

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.