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.
2012 Kia Optima: clunking or noise when steering
56 of the 923 complaints about the 2012 Kia Optima describe clunking or noise when steering.
- owner complaints
- 56
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical mileage
- 72,000
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 26 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Clunking or noise when steering by model year
What owners say
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.
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.
The steering wheel has a loud clicking sound when I drive on the highway as well as when I turn the wheel left or right. It is so loud that I have to turn my radio volume high to somewhat drown it out. The flex coupler is the issue. Apparently this was a recall in the past. Since mine just started acting up, I just found out there was even a recall on this part. Tried to get Kia to replace the part, but was denied. Currently escalating the issue as I do not agree with the decision, waiting on answer. I drive a total of 150 miles to and from work daily. When I hit normal bumps/dips in the road, the steering wheel shakes horribly. The sound is a major distraction to my abilities on the road. I don't think I should have to pay out of pocket for a part Kia knew was defective. It literally feels as though the steering column is going to fall off eventually.
The steering wheel flex coupler is defective. There is a loud clicking sound when turning the steering wheel. Kia currently does not offer free repair since out of warranty. I am hoping they will instead offer a recall. Thank you.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel made clicking sounds whenever turned. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was stiff and making clicking sounds. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was waiting to speak to a representative. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to contact the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
I purchased 2012 kia optima hybrid june 14, 2021. 1 week after I purchased vehicle i started to hear "clicking noise" & felt a "bump" each time I moved steering wheel slightly left or right. example moving steering wheel to change lanes, turning vehicle left or right, and moving steering wheel when straightening out car when parking. As of 7/6/2021 "clicking noise" in steering wheel/steering column is louder.
It occurs only whenever the car is in motion. When ever I am turning the wheel it clicks. Whenever I go over a bump the steering wheel clicks/knocks aggressively.
Steering wheel makes a clicking noise . Absolutely ridiculous
My vehicle steering makes a loud noise when turning it. It happens when driving and while car is in park. I was told this happens with kia's(steering coupling) and should be a recall. I need to know if established as a recall so I can take to a dealer for repair because I do not want to continue driving like this.
On feb18 2020 head lights again stopped working new bulbs were put in oem replacements light go off when ever they want this is extremely dangerous if your a rural roads interior light stay on or go off on there own but mostly it's the head light that work when they want to this issue happens when driving and when stationary kia has to do something to repair the problem this isn't a wear and tear people's this is subpar craftsmanship on a safety issue and I'm afraid someone will die. I have read other complaints where the car owners payed 400.00 to replace the wiring and bulbs only to have it happen again. My other issue is that kia used a plastic star locking bearing in the steering column that broke and I had to fix at my expense mechanic said it's a problem with the cars. When driving the car making a turn you would feel the grinding in the steering wheel and hear clicking. This was on regular city paved streets.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Partial repair of c-mdps motor, ECU, worm gear and/or steering column housing
- Steering gear yoke plug and assembly replacement
- Partial repair of c-mdps motor, ECU and/or steering column housing
- ECU upgrade - steering logic improvement
- Replacement of c-mdps motor, ECU and/or steering column housing
- Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. would like to thank you for your purchase of a Kia Optima...
- ECU UPGRADE ? STEERING LOGIC IMPROVEMENT -This bulletin has been revised to include additional information
- ECU upgrade ? steering logic improvement
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2012 Kia Optima steering noise
Is clunking or noise when steering a common problem on the 2012 Kia Optima?
56 of 923 owner complaints about the 2012 Kia Optima (6%) mention clunking or noise when steering. The model year with the most reports is 2012.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2012 Kia Optima?
There are 0 recalls and 26 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2012 Kia Optima
Engine failure 145Check engine light 100Stalling 90Knocking 88Fire or smoke 76Loss of power 51Won't start 45Jerking 29Warning lights 27Airbag light 23Fuel pump 19Harsh shifting 19Sunroof shattered 19ABS 17Headlights 17Hesitation 16Grinding brakes 15Oil consumption 14Pulling 14Won't shift 13Adaptive cruise 10Fuel smell 10Backup camera 7Tire blowout 7No deployment 6Misfire 6Slipping 5Steering lock-up 5Sudden acceleration 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2012 Kia Optima?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history