Steering flexible coupler worn in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) syste causing clicking noise and jittery steering
2013 Kia Optima: clunking or noise when steering
43 of the 1,388 complaints about the 2013 Kia Optima describe clunking or noise when steering.
- owner complaints
- 43
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical mileage
- 66,600
- 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
Steering wheel very loose, crackling noise and shaking going over bumps or uneven roads.
The steering wheel has a noise when turn, actually the noise is so loud now that it shakes while I'm driving. I have a video of it. I also brought to the mechanic and he told me that this is from the manufacturer problem. The videos are not support to download here. Let me know if I can send it through another way. Thank you, I'm going to kia dealer on Sep. 2nd to fix another recall, if please, send me a recall for the steering wheel as well. Thank you, appreciate it.
Steering clunks left & right, feels like steering coupler or clock spring is broken or out of wack, steering column rattles on bumpy r thoughtoads
I believe the steering wheel coupler is bad on my 2013 Kia Optima. It is a known issue for this year/make/model. The steering wheel is slipping and makes a clicking noise occasionally when turning.
steering coupler failing, making loud noise
A few months ago I started hearing a clicking noise while moving my steering wheel from side to side I went to the shop and had my steering column replaced thinking that would solve the issue but the noise is still there. I heard there was a replacement for customers I purchased my call after that bulletin was issued
The Steering wheel is making a lot of clicking noise when turning or going over bumpy roads. I have takin my car to several independent car shops only for them to tell me that this has been a common problem for this specific model as they have seen similar Kia optima’s and Hyundai’s with this issue. I was advised that if left alone, the problem can make the steering go bad and become a dangerous safety concern. I have contacted the Kia dealership and they stated they want $150 diagnostic fee to look at it, even though they admitted that they’ve had customers bring their Kia’s in for similar issue.
The following information was stated in the repair report to the kia dealership service dept.: 09:49 10nov23 12:18 10nov23 line opcode tech type hours list net total a customer states clicking noise in steering wheel when turning wheel, steering does not seem as responsive since noise started...client informed of 200.00 starting diagnostic charge...client out of warranty for wty006 warranty extension for flex coupler.... If it is possible flex coupler causing steering wheel issue, client has part on passenger front seat ki replaced flex coupler 2046 cki 400.00 400.00 parts: 0.00 labor: 400.00 other: 0.00 total line a: 400.00
2013 Kia Optima, 45K miles, owned in family since new and regularly maintained -- steering clunks, feels loose and "broken" when moved left and right, so driving may be unsafe. We believe this is due to the CS1604 Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Flexible Coupling issue previously identified. However, the extension has just now expired and we can't get Kia dealership nor Kia itself to extend coverage further. No warning lamps or messages show, and yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Kia case number is available upon request.
Flexible coupler in the MDPS (p/n 56315) is failing and it is causing clicking and clunking when the steering wheel is turned to the left and right. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealer. No warning lamps or messages are visible indicating this failure.
While driving my 2013 KIA Optima at 65+ mph steering wheel shakes & has a loud clicking noise. The problem has worsened. I have reported this prior. Now it has caused the need to have a frontend alignment.
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 2013 Kia Optima steering noise
Is clunking or noise when steering a common problem on the 2013 Kia Optima?
43 of 1,388 owner complaints about the 2013 Kia Optima (3%) 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 2013 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 2013 Kia Optima
Engine failure 185Stalling 158Check engine light 155Knocking 132Fire or smoke 126Loss of power 63Won't start 51Warning lights 36Headlights 33Oil consumption 31Airbag light 28Fuel smell 28Pulling 25ABS 23Jerking 23Sunroof shattered 18Grinding brakes 17Fuel pump 17Fuel leak 15Hesitation 15Won't shift 15Harsh shifting 13No deployment 12Backup camera 10Misfire 10Shudder 9Steering lock-up 9Adaptive cruise 8Brake failure 8Power steering loss 8Seat belt 7Key fob 6Overheating 6Slipping 5Sudden acceleration 5
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