About this problem
The steering coupler is a small rubber or plastic piece that joins the electric steering motor to the steering shaft. When it wears, owners hear a clicking or clunking from the column when turning the wheel, and the steering can feel loose. It is an inexpensive part, but finding the cause can take a dealer several visits.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Kia Optima since 2012, 119 (2.1%) describe clicking steering coupler, the second most reported problem we track on the Optima. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2014 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 47. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 48,000 and 98,000 miles. One report describes a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, so repairs are usually paid by the owner once the warranty ends.
What owners report
Optima owners report clicking and play in the steering wheel from a worn plastic steering coupler. The 2012 to 2014 cars drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
The repair replaces the coupler.
Typical cost: A coupler replacement costs about $200 to $400.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"My 2012 Optima pops and makes a clicking noise when turning and is harder to turn them normal and rattles over bumps. Based off my research online it's a bad cheap plastic steering coupler."
2012 Kia Optima, 50,000 miles
"The steering wheel has developed a poping or clicking when you turn left or right. It stops after you've turned the wheel more than a 1/4 turn but it feels like the steering is not responsive until you've gotten past that initial 1/4 wheel turn."
2013 Kia Optima, 30,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Before you buy a Optima
- Turn the wheel slowly left and right with the car stopped and listen for clicking.
- Drive over bumps and feel for play or rattle in the steering wheel.
- Ask whether the steering coupler has been replaced.
Questions
Which Kia Optima years have clicking steering coupler?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2014 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 47 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 67,000 miles, and half reported it between 48,000 and 98,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A coupler replacement costs about $200 to $400.