Wiring problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima. The contact stated that after turning off and exiting the vehicle, the interior lights remained illuminated. Due the failure, the battery was drained on several occasions requiring a jump start to be able to start-up and drive the vehicle. Additionally, the battery had been replaced twice within two months. The contact had taken the vehicle to vision kia of east rochester (201 e linden Ave, east rochester, NY 14445) where they informed him that the exterior wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Clockspring failure causes on-steering wheel controls to fail. Kia service did not find any service codes produced when the steering wheel volume control switches, cruise control switches and cellphone switches displayed intermittent functionality. Failure of the switches generally displayed upon initial start of the car after sitting overnight or at the end of a work day. Temperatures were consistently over 100 degrees f. During an approximate 1 hr 15 min surface street and freeway commute (each way),switches would function after a few minutes driving, but then fail again. Correct functionality was inconsistent. And did not persist. Car was taken in several times for these issues but no codes were produced. Service rep suggested that the clockspring may be involved, but recommended only the replacement of the faulty switches. Volume and cruise control switches replaced, but again showed intermittent failures that would not produce codes. Finally, the replacement volume switches and the cellphone switches completely failed; again, no codes were produced. Kia service noted that the clockspring is integral to the correct functioning of the steering wheel airbag system along with all the steering wheel switches. Kia service now confirms that a faulty clockspring shorted out the steering wheel switches; a new clockspring, volume controls and cellphone controls are being installed. Again, prior to the repair, no codes were generated for kia service to observe. Prior to releasing the car, the switches were checked for correct function, but failed. At that point, the clockspring replacement was initiated. Note: kia service also performed the recall work on the acu wiring harness during this service incident.

While driving, the backup camera came on. All the functions on the stereo were not working. This is the second time where the stereo malfunction. I took it to the dealship and was told there is a recall. When asked if I would be notified, I was told no. To find out about he recall, I had to bring the vehicle in. I check all the online databases, there were no documentation or any information about a recall. I don't think this is fair. What if the electrical wiring caused other issues? also, what breaking slightly on a downhill, the abs locked up on me for a second causing my vehicle to lunge forward. Luckily, there were no cars behind me. Like I said, it was only for a sec but it was still not normal.

Steering is very unstable. Extremely afraid of this car - I feel like I am not in control when driving, I constantly have to fight to stay straight. Veers/pulls left and right as if im bouncing in between the lines on the interstate. My stomach stays in knots in fear I will hit another vehicle, or worse a concrete barrier in the construction on the interstate. It feels as if 3-5 seconds I am not in control, my arms are exhausted by the time I arrive to my work, home, or elsewhere. Have complained several times to kia dealer when having oil changed & I am always told nothing is wrong or cannot duplicate problem. Four mechanics have driven my car elsewhere and agree there is a safety issue and kia should recall and fix before it cost someone/a family their lives. My dash lights also surge to maximum brightness at any random moment while driving - all on their own. I recently started having issues with starting my car, I bought my car in March 2012 and currently have 14k miles (highway for work). Recently, twice my car felt as if it was not going to start, sputtering, smell of exhaust inside car. I also have issues if I am at a red light/stopped and when I accelerate sometimes the car feels as if it dies out for a second - misfiring. I can not pass in traffic out of fear my car will not respond when I try to accelerate. My car constantly will not connect to my phone, or keeps a call display on the radio after the call has ended (freezes) until I restart my car. I feel there is something terribly wrong with the wiring/electrical/steering with my car and several others according to other complaints on here! Toyota recalled only after a death, Hyundai/Nissan/Dodge all just recalled immediately - what about us kia? I have a family in this sedan that is going to end up costing my life or worse, my entire family's lives! please address this problem!!!!! steering is not normal or safe!!!.