2013 Kia Optima Steering

Steering flexible coupler worn in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) syste causing clicking noise and jittery steering

Bushing related to steering wheel was a safety issue that causes steering wheel play and possible loss of control. I was never informed of the issue and Kia said it would not repair it since the warranty expired.

There is an issue with our 2013 Kia optima steering coupler system. There is currently a TSB, but no recall and repair not covered. It seems to be a very common problem and I feel it should be recalled so repairs will be covered.

I had the car inspected by an independent service center because of extreme shaking from the steering wheel and steering wheel being unstable when going over bumps and making clanking noises all while driving. The steering wheel began to feel very loose and dangerous to drive so I took it in and they had to replace the steering coupling Assembly.

I took my 2013 into the Kia dealer on 1/19/21 to checkout an issue with the steering wheel it felt as though when you went to turn the wheel the steering of the tires took a while to catch up. The service advisor wrote it up to replace the power steering coupler and it was repaired. The mileage at that time was 28,300. It is now April of 2022 I went back to the dealer for other work and told the service advisor that the same issue was happening again with steering. She informed me the the dealership only had to repair it once. The issue that I am having is this has been a problem 2011 to at least 2022 they sold the car with a faulty part and have been doing the repair with the same faulty. My mileage now on the car is 38,800. When this issue represented again in 2022 the mileage was approximately 34,500 That’s just over 6,000 miles. The repair is around $500.00. So if I repair now at that cost of $500.00 and the repair only last 6,000 miles I will be repairing it at 44,000 miles. I feel that they should repair the faulty part because it is no less a safety issue now as it was originally. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 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)

Steering wheel very loose, crackling noise and shaking going over bumps or uneven roads.

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

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the steering column became very loose, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

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

Kia has identified an issue with the steering wheel coupler. The coupler wears and erodes and causes the steering wheel to shake violently while braking. My 2013 Kia Optima has recently experienced this issue. Kia has extended their warranty from 5 years to 10 years for this issue but did not offer any notices to vehicle owners. Kia does not currently have a resolution for vehicle owners who were not notified and are beyond the warranty period.

Flexible steering coupling was faulty and replaced on 02-22-23 under recall. The same part became faulty again on 02-22-24, but Ewald Kia of Oconomowoc refused to replace the defective part without charge. The HECU is under recall so I scheduled a service appointment for recall and when I arrived at Ewald Kia of Oconomowoc, I was advised by service manager that they did no have parts to fix recall.

Dealership states I need a new coupling device. They told me this has been a problem in 2013 Optima.

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.

2013 Kia Optima EX 2.4L the issue continues to be problematic when driving at 40 miles an hour and above around turns. The steering wheel gets sticky making it difficult to correct the steering.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was significant play in the steering wheel and the steering wheel made abnormal sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column coupler had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the repair was not covered under TSB Number: CHA060. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 35–45 MPH, the steering wheel was sloppy and there was play in the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the failure was due to the electronic steering and gears. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to the Customer Satisfaction Warranty Extension Program: CS1604/WTY006 (Power Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.

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

The MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING is needing replaced due to the play and knocking and chewing up of the plastic part and my local service center says its not covered. i gave the the nhtsa kia tech bulletin info when i scheduled my appt and was told yes its covered. they called today and said no its not because its 10yrs from the date of purchase and i said no it says 10yrs from the date of service. this was just diagnosed in the last month after spending money replacing other things thinking that was the cause. i just want the replacement that kia said they would cover.

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.

2013 Kia Optima EX 2.4L, the problem started at 100,000 miles. The vehicle now has 150,000 miles and the steering has become increasingly more resistant (sticking/glitchy) on turns. Kia corporation is well aware of the problem, due to onboard computer issues.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and driving a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel vibrated briefly before returning to normal functionality, which had since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to TSB: CHA-060, but the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.