Steering Tie Rod Assembly problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima

Two problems related to steering tie rod assembly have been reported for the 2012 Kia Motor Optima. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima based on all problems reported for the 2012 Optima.

1 Steering Tie Rod Assembly problem

Failure Date: 11/07/2019

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.

2 Steering Tie Rod Assembly problem

Failure Date: 07/18/2016

2012 kia Optima lx ****(electronic power steering)****this is very unsafe and is an accident waiting to happen. What in the world is kia waiting for, does someone have to be killed or seriously hurt from their negligence to recall these problems!!!! the steering wheel started to make a loud popping/knocking noise, sticks, play/ very loose when turning left to right, while driving or parking the vehicle. Have taken it to a service center where it was diagnosed that the steering column, tie rod and flexible coupling needed to be repaired/ replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle has not been repaired as of yet. The failure mileage was approximately 242,000. However, I purchased the vehicle in 2014, the approximately mileage was 208,412. Just prior to that this vehicle was strickley used for fuel testing/studies only, in a climate control building, where it was on a dino machine. These problems need to have a resolution and be recalled ASAP.




Safety Ratings of Optima Cars
Fuel Economy of Optima Vehicles
Optima Defect Investigations