Steering Column problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Optima

The contact owns a 2011 kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who replaced the steering column however, the repair failed to correct the failure. The contact stated that extra effort was needed while attempting to turn the steering wheel. The traction control warning light illuminated whenever the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.

My 2011 kia Optima ex started making a loud rattling sound in the steering column area. Any little bump or dip made it worse and much louder. This problem is only getting worse and the steering feels very unsafe. I noticed this when I was driving on the freeway.

Bad part in steering column , the plastic coupler is broken and it makes a horrible sound and with that part being bad it could cause the steering wheel to lock up. I first heard this noise driving to work on the freeway.

Bad part in steering column , the plastic coupler is broken after 39400 miles . This happen on many kia 's and there are no recalls yet?.

While driving,steering column starts rattling. Gets worse going over bumps. Had steering column replaced 11 months ago. This week 7/1/8, the column started rattling again. Mechanic stated it might be a coupling in the column going bad again.

I was driving in highway in July 2017. The steering wheel was drifting and slippery. It was about 84,000 miles in it. So, I brought my car in kia dealer. They showed me worn out steering coupling. I asked them to change steering coupling only but they changed whole steering wheel column and charged me $1,402. However, I found that kia extended warranty for 10 years/unlimited mileage in 2016. I am not sure why they charged me for steering issue. I complained Kia Motors America and sent all information that I have including the bills. They did not respond any letter yet. I like to have my money back. Another issue that I found in may 2018 was fast engine oil burn out. I was driving to work in highway and engine oil warning sign was blinking. So, I immediately pulled over and checked engine oil level. It was almost gone and so dark. The dealer just changed engine oil a few months ago and less than 3,000 miles driven after that. I filled up 3 quarts of blended engine oil and checked every other day. About two weeks later, it looks the level of engine oil was way lower (about 1 and half quarts were gone). I called the dealer that they said it was only engine oil burning issue not engine failure. They said it would not cover by recalls. I checked lots of complaining about engine failure issue from the internet. Based on that in many cases the engine oil burn out issue happened before engine failure. I strongly think that kia should install new engine under warranty or recalls because I really concern about me and family's safety.

Traction control light started turning on in April 2018 while driving on a city street causing the steering to lock and making it difficult to drive. Had to pull over turn car on and off. Light turned off and car was able to drive normally again. Light continued to come on and off but recently started happening more frequently. Took it to kia and was told it was an internal malfunction of the steering column assembly (see paperwork). If I was driving on the freeway who knows what could have happened with the steering wheel locking while driving.

The contact owns a 2011 kia Optima. While driving 50 mph, the steering wheel shook uncontrollably. The contact had to reduce the speed to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle made an abnormal noise during the failure. While driving over bumps, the steering column jerked uncontrollably. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 78,000.

There is play in the steering wheel and a clicking sound. The dealership claims the steering column needs to be replaced at a cost of $1350.

The Optima is not even 5 years old - the steering wheel began making an odd noise when stationary when turned slightly left or right. Then, traveling on normal city streets, a loud noise could be heard coming from the steering column, even over slight cracks or bumps, and at low speeds. But now, the car's steering column is very loud and shakes violently at highway speeds - starting at 50mph. It is so loud I cannot hear the radio at all. I can no longer go on any trips with the car.

Steering column has gone out and I haven't had the vehicle a good five months yet!.

The contact owns a 2011 kia Optima. While driving 55 mph, the steering column became difficult to turn when changing lanes. In addition, a loud knocking noise disrupted the contact's steering capability. It was diagnosed that the steering column coupler in the steering linkage malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 119,000.

While taking the car in to the service department for a transmission problem, they did a 360 check and noticed the steering column had play in it and made a clicking noise about a quarter turn each direction. It is a plastic gear piece that is smaller than a quarter, picture will be attached. They said if I didn't get it fixed it would get eventually worse by wearing out the tires or alignment so I had it replaced. They had to take apart the steering wheel to replace it. It was 20 for the piece but with labor my bill was 181.

Hard to steer, along with a noise inside the car that sounded like a loose piece in the steering column. Car has 64,000 miles on it. Dealer said part is a steering column coupler and not covered by warranty. Cost was $332. 00.

Suddenly at 89,000 miles the steering column shaft caused a severe vibrations in the steering wheel at a speed of 50 miles per hour. There was a great deal of play and a clicking sound in the steering wheel while standing or moving. The car is a 2011 car purchased in the month of December of 2011 so it has only been on the road for.

Steering column feels loose especially when going over bumps in the road or railroad tracks. Going to take it in to be looked at today. It has been doing this for a few months and getting worse when I last drove it on 9/23/15.

While backing up from a parking space, heard and felt a low thud on the steering wheel as I turned the wheel to the left and also to the right. While driving speeds about 20-30 mph it appears fine. It is most noticeable at low speeds >10mph and going over bumps of any kind while turning either left or right. It is definitely on the upper steering column close to steering. Making appointment to have kia dealership to look into this.

While driving on streets or highways at speeds from 10 mph and up, a constant rattle is heard inside the steering column. A loud clunk/rattle is heard if driving over a bump. When turning the steering wheel while parked, there is a thud and a thud is also felt. When taken to dealership, they informed me the steering coupling ring needed to be replaced. The mileage on car when brought to dealer was 63,000(61,000) when apt was initially made. They told me it was a 2 dollar part but would cost 350 to replace it. The warranty for steering wheel parts expired at 60,000 miles. Part was not replaced at that time.

The contact owns a 2011 kia Optima. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel makes clunking noise, left to right play. The vehicle's steering column also rattles loudly over bumps in the road. Vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer stated that the steering coupling ring needed to be replaced, $350 repair.

While sitting with the car running the steering wheel has play and makes a knocking sound while moving the when back and forth. Took the vehicle to my local garage and they thought the problem was in the telescoping linkage from the rack and pion steering but the linkage was fine and tight like its supposed to be. The tech stated it has to be in the steering column. If you drive over a bump you can hear the rattling in the steering wheel.