TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly. When the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Assembly on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. On some ve
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Kia Optima steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Kia Optima have filed 187 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 61,018 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
187
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Optima | 4 |
| 2009 Optima | 7 |
| 2011 Optima | 100 |
| 2012 Optima (this page) | 187 |
| 2013 Optima | 212 |
| 2014 Optima | 94 |
| 2015 Optima | 68 |
| 2016 Optima | 24 |
3crashes
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 187 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Kia Optima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 187 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 11 model years of Kia Optima in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly. When the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Assembly on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Worm Gear Assembly or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Worm Gear Assembly or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: STEERING GEAR YOKE PLUG AND ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the steering gear box yoke plug and assembly on some models listed below, which may exhibit a ticking noise while turning the steering wheel with the vehicle stopped. This condition is caused by a worn lining on the steering gear box yoke assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Kia Optima has a pervasive steering control problem that shows up early and gets worse. Owners describe the steering wheel sticking at the center position, especially above 45 mph, forcing constant corrections that tire out the driver's arms. The vehicle drifts left and right between lanes even when the wheel is held still, and when owners finally break the resistance to correct course, they over-steer hard. Many say it feels like the car bounces between lane lines.
The steering coupler—a plastic component connecting the column to the rack—deteriorates and produces loud clicking and clunking, particularly when turning or hitting bumps. A small plastic gear inside the power steering motor also wears out, typically around 25,000–60,000 miles, causing additional clicking and potential steering lock-up.
Dealers consistently report that alignment and tire pressure check out fine. Several tell owners this is how electronic steering is supposed to feel. Kia issued a technical service bulletin acknowledging the issue in warm, humid climates and extended warranty coverage to 10 years/unlimited mileage in coastal states—but older, low-mileage vehicles often fall outside warranty by the time problems appear. Replacement parts cost $300–$1,500 depending on what fails. The problem persists across multiple repair attempts, and owners report feeling unsafe at highway speeds.
Same Kia Optima steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Center Stiction / Sticky Center Position
Steering wheel feels stuck or sticks at the center (straight-ahead) position, requiring excessive force to overcome resistance and make corrections. When the wheel is stationary and driver attempts minor adjustment, resistance is significantly higher than when the wheel is actively moving. This causes over-correction and lane drift, particularly at highway speeds above 45 mph.
When: Starts at various mileages, from early ownership (~500 miles) to 40,000+ miles; particularly at highway speeds (45+ mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel sticks at center position requiring extra force to break free; Requires continuous steering corrections to maintain straight driving; Veering left and right between lane lines; Steering wheel resistance fluctuates: low when moving, high when stationary; Over-correction occurs due to sudden release of resistance; Severe fatigue in arms and wrists during highway driving; Driver must use both hands to control vehicle at highway speeds
Codes mentioned: Steering angle sensor signal failure, EPS (Electronic Power Steering) indicator light, Traction control indicator, TCO (Traction Control Off) indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform wheel alignment, tire pressure correction, and tire rebalancing without resolving issue. Some dealers reset steering codes; steering column replacement attempted without success in some cases. Root cause appears to be electronic steering motor control malfunction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB CHA 060 addresses electronic steering stiction. TSB #032 referenced by dealers. Some dealers claim this is normal operation of electronic power steering and owners must 'live with it'. Kia extended warranty to 10 years/unlimited mileage for affected vehicles in warm coastal areas (Texas to South Carolina per TSB) but not nationwide. Many complaints reference recall announcements without actual official recalls being issued.
Steering Coupler / Flexible Coupling Deterioration
The plastic steering coupler (flexible coupling) connecting the steering column to the rack deteriorates or disintegrates over time, causing clicking, clunking, and loss of steering control. The plastic gear inside the coupling wears and breaks apart, particularly in warm, humid climates.
When: Typically at 25,000–100,000+ miles; accelerated in warm, humid coastal climates
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking or clunking noise when turning steering wheel left or right; Clicking noise when hitting bumps or potholes; Grinding sound in steering wheel during turns; Loose or 'play' in steering wheel; Difficulty turning steering wheel; steering feels hard; Steering column vibration or rattling; Popping sound from steering column when reversing or turning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering coupler / flexible coupling replacement cost typically $300–$600 at dealerships. Repair required replacement of entire steering column in some cases. Some owners report mechanic quoted repair costs ($400–$1500), with dealer labor quoted as high as $1500 for full steering column replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for steering coupler / coupling in some model years; 2012 Optima coverage status unclear from narratives. Kia Technical Service Bulletin (date referenced as August 2016) acknowledges problem and cites warm ocean water/high humidity areas (Texas to South Carolina) as risk factor. Extended warranty (10 years/unlimited mileage) offered for vehicles in coastal warm-weather states, but older vehicles with lower mileage (e.g., 40,000 miles on 10-year-old car) outside warranty period not eligible. Repair documented under warranty for vehicles with sufficient miles/time remaining.
Power Steering Motor Gear Failure (Plastic Fiber Gear)
A small plastic or fiber gear (~quarter-sized) inside the electric power steering motor in the steering column breaks down. Teeth break off the gear, eventually causing steering lock-up risk and loss of steering control. This is distinct from the coupler coupling but sometimes occurs together or as progression of same system failure.
When: Typically 25,000–60,000 miles; can occur earlier or later depending on usage
Symptoms owners cite: Play (looseness) in steering wheel; Clicking noise in steering wheel and column; Steering wheel clunking when turning; Rattling over bumps; Clicking at stationary and moving conditions; Steering 'locks up' or becomes difficult to turn; Potential for complete steering lock-up (safety critical)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of plastic gear assembly. One narrative indicates repair at approximately 25,000 miles performed under warranty at no cost. Dealer quoted $400 labor alone for gear replacement in another narrative; gear part cost estimated at $4. Repair success confirms resolution when performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acknowledged as warranty repair in at least one documented case at ~25,000 miles. No formal recall identified in narratives. Kia appears aware of the issue based on dealer knowledge and availability of replacement parts under warranty, but coverage depends on mileage and warranty status at time of failure.
Electronic Power Steering Motor Failure / EPS Electrical Fault
Complete or intermittent failure of electronic power steering assist, resulting in loss of power steering. Driver must apply extreme force to steer vehicle. Failure may be temporary and corrected by turning vehicle off and restarting, suggesting electrical or software glitch rather than mechanical failure.
When: Multiple instances documented; failures can recur after restart
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist requiring extreme steering effort; Traction control indicator light illumination; EPS indicator light illumination; Steering becomes suddenly very hard to turn; Failure is intermittent and temporary (corrected by restart); TCO (Traction Control Off) indicator
Codes mentioned: EPS (Electronic Power Steering) fault code, Traction control fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed steering indicator calibration with temporary resolution (~200 miles before recurrence). Vehicle remained at dealer for further diagnosis after second failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer attempted recalibration as first corrective action; second failure prompted extended diagnostic evaluation at dealer facility.
Steering Wheel Alignment / Drift at Highway Speed
Vehicle does not track straight even with steering wheel held centered. Car drifts left and right continuously, pulling to one side or the other. Misalignment persists despite multiple alignment checks and tire pressure corrections. Appears to be design or manufacturing issue with steering geometry rather than tire/alignment issue.
When: Present from early ownership (as early as 8 miles, 3000 miles, 14,000 miles); persistent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls to left and/or right requiring constant correction; Continuous drifting left and right between lane lines; Vehicle does not hold straight line even with hands off wheel; Veering intensifies at highway speeds (above 40 mph); Pressure and effort to hold straight increases with speed; Arm and shoulder fatigue from constant correction; Over-correction occurs due to excessive steering effort
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers perform wheel alignment checks; rear wheel found off from factory specs in one case. Cross-tire rotation or special wheel balancing reported to provide partial or temporary improvement in some cases. Multiple alignment attempts by different dealers without lasting resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers consistently report alignment is within manufacturer specifications. Dealers attribute issue to electronic power steering design, telling owners 'it is the way it is' or 'you must get used to it.' Dealers claim many customers are satisfied with electronic steering feel, contradicting owner complaints. One dealership manager acknowledged receiving many calls daily about the issue.
Synthesized from 187 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Since I got the car in may of 2016, it has made a clicking sound when I turn the wheel. As time has gone on the sound is getting louder. I have seen a number of videos regarding this issue. I believe it is suggested for the part to be replaced. I believe this is a safety issue.
The steering wheel sticks, and it makes it hard to keep the car straight. There's no smoothness when turning the wheel. It's like the steering wheel turns in increments.
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Kia Optima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2012 Kia Optima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 187 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 113 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 40,000 and 93,000 miles, with the median around 61,018. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 93,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Kia/Optima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.