2015 Kia Optima: loss of power steering

Filed May 31, 2024 · Engine · TX

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall because the recall had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the unknown recall because the recall had expired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 23, 2023 · Steering · 80,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering column was previously replaced due to power steering failure. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality inadvertently, and veered to the right lane unintendedly. The anti-skid and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the earliest availability for diagnostic testing was September 8, 2023. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Dec 20, 2022 · Airbags, Engine · 200,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The traction control, air bag, power steering assist, ABS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice, and the front passenger’s side wheel speed sensor and the ECU were replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to Clay Cooley Kia (1247 E Airport Fwy, Irving, TX 75062) where it was diagnosed that the ECU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and various unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to Vanguard Kia of Arlington (1501 E Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76018) where it was diagnosed that the ECU, front passenger’s side wheel speed sensor and air bag clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2022 · Steering · MO

Vehicle lost power steering completely. Has been inspected. Steering wheel sensor needs to be replaced. ABS light active as well as steering wheel light. No reason as to why this happen but it seems to be and ongoing issue for Kia Optima owners after reading other reports online.

Filed May 26, 2022 · Steering · IL

Sticking Steering. Steering Wheel seems to 'stick' at a 12 o'clock position causing an 'over steering' problem. You drift from left to right as the Electronic Steering tries to correct the drivers reactions to the Sticking. This is an obvious 'DEFECTIVE' part and can cause a loss of steering. Kia Consumer Assistance Center does not recognize this as a serious problem, maybe you will. This will be my 3rd Steering Column replacement. (1) Original, (2) Replaced at 7,500 miles, (3) replacing at 99,600 miles. Please look into this. Kia needs to 'Recall' their cars before people get killed.

Filed Apr 7, 2022 · Engine · CO · crash

Driving on highway 54 all of a sudden vehicle seized up on me at 75 mph in the dead of night, steering was difficult to control and hit an object while trying to stop off the highway IN A BLIND CURVE! Was stranded for 6 hours until local shop towed vehicle and replaced condenser-radiator-fan ( object was debris on side of highway) could not get car going and a smell of electrical short coming from under hood. Have not been able to fix problem and have spent 11 days in Carrizozo NM trying with bewildered mechanics to get me back on the road. They replaced starter -fan-radiator-condenser-changed fluids (motor & transmission) to find out motor unable to reset. I’ve spent over 6,000.00 dollars in motel-tows-parts -labor -due to this vehicle. I found out of recall when I was told to buy an engine. This car almost took my life due to sudden engine failure on the highway in the AM hours.

Filed Mar 4, 2022 · 97,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH the vehicle stalled. The vehicle lost power brake assist and power steering assist however, the vehicle was able to safely pull off the roadway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a non-affiliated dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 86,234 miles · ME

About a month ago my traction control light came on and I would lose power steering. For a brief period of time maybe a day or two the light went out and I regained steering. Since then it has come back on again and I have had no power steering since this period I know there is an active recall on certain aspects of this and believe this is part of it, however I am told that my problem is not part of the recall and that I need to pay to have the safety issue fixed on my own.

Filed Nov 7, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 86,000 miles · ME

About a month and a half ago my traction control light came on and I lost power steering. For a brief period of time that day the light went off and I regained power steering. Later that same day the traction control light reappeared and has been on since causing me to lose power steering. I have spoken with the manufacturer and they claim that this problem does not fall under any recall therefore they are not responsible for anything.

Filed Jan 9, 2020 · Driver assistance, Steering · 120,000 miles · CA

While driving the vehicle dash lights for the steering wheel and traction control come on and the steering gets hard as if no power steering. I pull over turn car off, check power steering fluid and belt, no issues. Turn car back on no aforementioned dash lights turned off and steering is fine. This has happened a few times within the last two months.

Filed Nov 4, 2019 · Driver assistance, Engine · 62,800 miles · PA

"half" of the engine was replaced in july 2019. Now burns oil like crazy. On october 29th 2019 while driving at about 40 MPH the entire electrical system shut off leaving me with no power steering. I was able to get off the road safely and call for a tow. I am second owner so warranty is out by about 2,600 miles. Dealer had I for a week at one point they said it was fixed when they were pulling it around front for me it stopped.

Filed Apr 14, 2017 · Electrical · 40,000 miles · AL

Takata recall: driving the car down a city street when it suddenly ceased to accelerate. The power steering stopped as it coasted into a side street to get off the busy road. I could smell wires burning as a electrical fire.I immediately got myself and family out of the car afraid it was on fire. The inside of the car filled with electrical smell and smoke. I called the 360 kia to have the car towed to the dealership since I bought a "gold" warranty when I purchased the vehicle they literally lost my car for six days and then called me wanting my service records stating the car had no oil in the motor. This is a outlandish lie! My car had plenty of oil in it ...I never saw a engine light come on indicating that I had motor problems nor did I smell oil . This was a "sudden " malfunction. My car never ran hot nor did my gauges ever indicate a problem. I had the car for right at 40k miles and had a oil change due again at the end of april.