2013 Kia Optima: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Steering · OH

I called Kia Consumer Assistance in reference the MDPS flexible coupling. I spoke with a Kia representative named Gina. I specifically asked if this item is covered under my vehicles warranty (i gave the vin number of the vehicle to her. She stated if it was diagnosed as the MDPS flexible coupling, it would be covered. I made an appointment (it took two weeks) with Spitzer Kia at 3414 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, Ohio 44134. The service advisor, Belinda Frost, stated, yes the MDPS flexible coupling needs to be replaced. I gave the case number from Kia, #[XXX]. She looked and said it is not covered. I told her Gina from Kia consumer assistance stated it is covered. She called Kia, spoke with "Brad" who stated I would need to pay a $93.00 diagnostic charge (car was already diagnosed with the issue) and leave the car for 24 to 48 hours. During that time, they would make a determination if it is warrantied - I believe that other person's name was Robert - the regional manager. He would need to approve coverage for the MDPS flexible coupling. The diagnosis is to turn the steering wheel while the engine is off for play and a clunking sound, which takes 30 seconds and was already done. Also note this is a hazard as the car wanders due to additional play in the steering, sometimes has a notch, taking more effort to turn the wheel slightly plus makes a metal on metal sound when going over bumps. This $10.00 part, should be mandated to replace without a time limit. I was also told it was covered by warranty by Kia consumer after giving the serial number, and that was NOT honored by the dealership nor Kia consumer when the dealer ship called in my presents. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Steering · OR

Steering clunks left & right, feels like steering coupler or clock spring is broken or out of wack, steering column rattles on bumpy r thoughtoads

Filed Dec 20, 2023 · Engine · 150,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. While driving at approximately 30–40 MPH, the vehicle started to smoke. There was an abnormal clunking sound heard. The vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact called an independent mechanic and was referred to the local dealer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle and to tow the vehicle to the local dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Aug 3, 2023 · Steering · VA

MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING has failed. We hear a clunking sound whenever we turn the steering wheel. The wheel heavily vibrates while driving when hitting a slight bump, pothole, or when turning. Worried that this will affect the steering and won't be able to control the vehicle now that the coupling has failed. Dealership and a separate car repair place has confirmed and reproduced the issue. No warning messages or lights. Kia is refusing the replace this since it has been more than 10 years since the vehicle was first serviced. Was never notified about this issue when they first reported the TSB in mid-2016.

Filed Jun 30, 2023 · Steering · WI

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.

Filed May 10, 2023 · Steering · CA

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.

Filed Jul 13, 2022 · Steering · CA

Steering wheel started clicking when turned right or left. When I drive over bumps or holes, steering column clanks and clunks loudly. Steering wheel vibrates at times and feels loose. Possible issue with steering coupler or steering column and I've read that this should be a recall.

Filed Sep 19, 2020 · Steering · 82,000 miles · CA

Flexible steering coupling failed. Poorly designed rubber coupling disintegrates at less than 80k miles. This creates one inch or more of play in the steering wheel and makes a loud clunking noise.

Filed Dec 30, 2019 · Steering · 40,000 miles · OH

Every time hi turn the car left or right it makes a severe clunking sound now vibrates going down the road my mother's car same type does the same thing.

Filed Nov 25, 2017 · Steering · 68,000 miles · CA

Steering has a dead spot near the center and it feels like it gets hung up when the wheel is turned either direction and it jumps when alternating left to right or right to left it feels unsafe and jumpy wheels will not ever stay in a straight centered position when you try to correct the jump in the steering over corrects causing a back and forth just to stay in one lane the noise it makes is a clunk and is most noticeable while sitting at idle turing the wheel back and forth even one inch

Filed May 9, 2017 · Transmission · 44,500 miles · NM

Transmission shifts up and down very often under 35 MPH during city driving. Hard shifting up and down.

Filed Sep 10, 2016 · Electrical, Fuel system · TX

Difficult to keep car centered while driving. Steering wheel makes a clunking noise and has become jerry with small movements. Tendency to pull hard to the left or rights. Steering wheel jenks when traveling on error any size bump in road. Back up camera cuts in and out. Never obtain epaulets fuel milage estimates.