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)
Kia Optima pulling problems
93 of the 7,541 owner complaints about the Kia Optima describe pulls to one side, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 93
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,300
- typical mileage
- 1,500
By model year
Often reported together
Steering noise 5Ball joint 5Hesitation 3Knocking 3Jerking 2Harsh shifting 2Backup camera 2No deployment 2
What owners say
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and driving over a bump in the roadway, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. Additionally, the front end of the vehicle and the steering column vibrated significantly, and the vehicle was pulling to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to steer the vehicle back into the lane. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer several times, and unknown repairs were completed; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact that the failure could be related to the tie rod and to unknown bushings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
When I'm driving at any speed and on any surface driving over the slightest bump the steering wheel makes a clanking sound also the car is pulling to the right my front tires are wearing out on the upperoutside of the tire the part of tire that touches the road. I have looked on web to see if anyone else has had a issue with this what I found was that it may be the steering coupler. It's getting worse I'm afraid it's not going to turn one of these days because of what's going on.
The antenna fin screws sheered off and plastic screw holder broke into pieces causing the fin to come loose and fall off, exposing electrical components. There was no prior interference with the fin, I observed the fin slightly lifted on the front end and it pulled right off. The vehicle was in the parked position after just driving it 5 minutes. There is no easy way of fixing this issue, rain damage may occur causing issues with radio and other electrical components. Others have complained of the same thing happening to their kia optima antenna fins.
Over a weeks time,I noticed my steering wheel was turned like maybe I needed an alignment and it started pulling to the left so bad that I had to force the steering wheel to the right so I wouldn't wreck into the median on the interstate. I could only go about 45 or 50 MPH or it would start shaking the entire car and was absolutely impossible to control it on the road. Had it looked at and at the bottom control arm that bolts to the subframe had rusted out and the right side was on the verge of doing the same! The fl and fr tires, that I had gotten brand new 5 months ago, were wore down to the wire!!! I'm surprised I had the chance to get it home and get it looked at before it rusted all the way through! I was so blessed I didnt have a horrible accident.
2011 kia optima favors a pull to the left which grows stronger as the speed increases. The persistence in regards to the issue is subtly decreased with a wheel alignment, but quickly returns- resulting in over 7 alignments in 5 years with only 70k miles. 3 separate kia dealerships have inspected the issue with only a control arm replacement but no satisfactory resolution. This issue is dangerous and requires constant pressure on the wheel to favor the right pull to correct the front left pull. A very good example is when increasing in speed, the car will heavily favor a inside pull to the left which is worrying. I'd like a regional kia rm to have a go at the situation.
The frame is rusted through causing the vehicle to be unsafe, though it had a recall for this exact problem and it was only inspected and not replaced. The car was initially taken to a local auto repair shop for an alignment as it pulled to the right, the shop said the frame was rusted so badly that an alignment could not be done. It was determined that a recall had been made for this vehicle. Recall #09v183000. Gurley leep kia in mishawaka, indiana was contacted and an appointment was made. The technician said the frame was rusted but kia would not repair the vehicle as the recall had already been made.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 kia optima. While driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel felt loose and started to pull to the left. The vehicle was taken to pep boys where it was diagnosed that an alignment was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 78,901.
"takata recall"while driving this car on the highway I notice noise coming from the front. I've had problem with this same thing since 2012, first the string it would pull left and right on its own while drive straight. Kia said they would fix it. There was a recall on this problem,now my rack and pinion is broken,and that's because kia refuse to fix that problem back in 2012 with the string. Kia sent us a settlement letter , which states they will paid us $531.95 by means of a check, it states it is understood and agreed that this settlement is a compromise of disputed claims and does not constitute, an admission of liability on the part of kia. We did not sing that letter because kia cars are no good! And there has been recalls since that letter was sent. They tried to black mail us we didn't fall for the scam. The company know this car is no good. If you need that letter sent to you I can do that to. Someone could die because of this problem its dangerous,I work in the mountains this problem needs fixing now not later now!!!. Sincerely, need this problem fix
At highway speed the car seems to wander both left and right and when attempting to correct the steering wheel will "stick" and requires abnormal amount of effort to get it to respond to driver input. Once it responds it over corrects slightly which causes to car to weave (within it's lane). The car now requires constant driver input to keep the car within it's lane. We bought the car new in late 2016 and don't drive it a lot as it now has only 11,000 miles and this problem has gotten progressively worse since about 5,000 miles.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Kia Optima pulling
Which Kia Optima years have pulls to one side problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (25 complaints), 2011 (23 complaints) and 2012 (14 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix pulls to one side on the Kia Optima?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,300 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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