TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - 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 to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of K
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Kia Forte steering problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Kia Forte have filed 62 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 61,000 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
62
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Forte | 11 |
| 2011 Forte | 5 |
| 2012 Forte | 9 |
| 2013 Forte | 13 |
| 2014 Forte (this page) | 62 |
| 2015 Forte | 4 |
| 2017 Forte | 9 |
| 2018 Forte | 5 |
4crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 62 steering complaints filed for the 2014 Kia Forte, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Of the 13 model years of Kia Forte we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 62.
Owners have filed 62 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.
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: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - 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 to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of K
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - 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 to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of K
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 13, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an immobilizer, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Igni
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft attempt. We are making this device available to customers free of charge and will ship it directly to customers who place orders within eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 Kia Forte vehicles report five distinct steering system failures. The most common is a clicking or popping noise from the steering column when turning left or right—some say it sounds like the steering wheel might detach. Owners describe the steering wheel as feeling loose, with play in it; steering feels stiff, especially at highway speed; and the steering jerks sideways while driving. This typically happens between 40,000 and 60,000 miles. Mechanics identify the culprit as the flexible coupling in the Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system. Repair costs run $400–$500 labor for a part that costs $2–$13.
A smaller but serious failure involves the reinforced beam in the steering column cracking or tearing, causing the entire steering column to fall into the driver's lap and blocking brake function—a documented hazard in a driving school fleet.
Several owners report sudden loss of power steering and steering lock-up at highway speeds (45–60 mph) with zero warning. One incident at 42,000 miles caused the owner to jump the curb and damage the vehicle; another at 20,500 miles ended in a crash that destroyed the car.
Clock spring failures illuminate the airbag warning light, disable cruise control and steering wheel buttons, and cause horn malfunction. Owners express concern that airbags may not deploy in a real accident.
Finally, one owner reported that on extremely hot days (110–118°F), power steering failed to activate on startup, the speedometer and tachometer froze, and multiple warning lights illuminated—issues that resolved when the vehicle cooled.
Same Kia Forte steering reports on nearby years: 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Steering coupler (flexible coupling) failure in Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS)
The flexible coupling in the MDPS system wears or breaks, causing clicking, popping, or knocking noises from the steering column when turning or driving. Owners report the steering wheel feels loose, jerks, or becomes unstable. In some cases the coupler failure escalates to steering jerk, loss of power steering assist, or difficulty turning the wheel.
When: Reported at mileages ranging from 10,243 to 78,000 miles; most commonly between 40,000–60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking, popping, or knocking noise from steering column when turning left or right; Loose or unstable steering wheel feel; Steering wheel jerks or jabs sideways while driving; Steering feels stiff or difficult to turn, especially at highway speeds; Excessive play in the steering wheel; Noise occurs both at rest and in motion
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report the flexible coupling/coupler is a $2–$13 part, but dealers charge $350–$500 in labor; total repair cost typically $400–$500. Some owners have replaced it themselves. Kia has issued TSB CHA074 for this issue but has not recalled the Forte despite extending warranties on the Optima, Soul, and Cadenza using the same defective part.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia has extended warranty on 2012–2017 Soul, 2014–2016 Cadenza, and 2011–2015 Optima for the same MDPS coupler failure (10 years, unlimited miles). Hyundai has covered Elantra (sister model) and Sonata. The Forte has been excluded from recall or warranty extension despite using the identical defective part. TSB CHA074 acknowledges the problem but offers no comparable remedy. Some dealers refuse warranty coverage citing the lack of recall on the Forte model, even though the part and failure mode are identical across models.
Steering column reinforced beam failure and column detachment
The metal reinforced beam that secures the steering column cracks or tears, causing the steering column to become loose and fall into the driver's lap. This results in complete loss of vehicle control and may block brake function.
When: At least two documented cases in a driving school fleet with 95 Forte vehicles (2010–2017); failures occurred during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes misaligned with wheels; Entire steering column assembly falls down into driver's lap; Complete loss of vehicle control; Brake may be blocked by the fallen column
Repairs/costs cited: Total repair cost approximately $2,000 ($500 for the reinforced beam part, $1,500 labor). One driving school had the failure occur in a parking lot (fortunately non-injurious); another occurred on highway with instructor and student in vehicle.
Clock spring failure affecting airbag and steering wheel controls
The clock spring assembly in the steering wheel degrades, causing the airbag warning light to illuminate, steering wheel control buttons to malfunction, cruise control to fail intermittently, and audio/Bluetooth controls to send wrong commands. Owners express concern that airbags may not deploy in a real accident or may deploy without cause.
When: Failure timing not specified in narratives; owners report the issue is widespread
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates and stays on; Cruise control buttons do not function as intended or shut off immediately; Audio/Bluetooth control buttons send incorrect commands (e.g., hang-up button changes radio station); Steering wheel controls are unresponsive or behave erratically; Horn may stop working
Repairs/costs cited: Kia has confirmed the failures are clock spring related. Owners report high replacement costs; one dealer stated it is not covered under extended warranty. Clock springs are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle per manufacturer specifications.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia has issued an extended warranty/recall for clock spring issues on other models (mentioned in context of one owner's 2014 Forte). The extended warranty may not cover all model years or VINs; at least one owner was denied coverage.
Sudden loss of power steering and steering lock-up while driving
Without warning, the driver loses power steering assist and the steering wheel becomes either very difficult to turn or locks completely, rendering the vehicle nearly uncontrollable. In high-speed scenarios, this creates an extreme safety hazard.
When: At speeds ranging from 45 mph to 60 mph; mileages at failure: 42,000 miles, 20,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely stiff to turn; Sudden jerking or jolting of the steering wheel; Complete loss of power steering assist; No warning lights or indicators before failure; Engine vibration may occur simultaneously
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Power steering warning light (may or may not illuminate)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner was quoted $2,000 for repair at a Kia dealership; another independent mechanic suggested prior damage (rack and pinion). One incident resulted in the vehicle being destroyed after crash; another caused driver to jump curb and damage bumper and tire rim.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer recall or warranty response documented for sudden steering lock-up in the narratives. One vehicle involved in a crash qualified for NHTSA recall #17V773000 (brake pedal stopper), but steering failure was not addressed.
Steering-related electrical and sensor failures during extreme heat
On days of excessive heat (110–118°F), the vehicle exhibits multiple sensor and electrical faults on startup, including power steering failure to activate, inability to shift gears without override button, and loss of speedometer/tachometer function. The issues resolve when the vehicle cools.
When: Recurring in summer months; first year after purchase, then years 2 and 3 in same season; temperatures 110–118°F
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering does not work on hot-day startup; All sensor lights illuminate simultaneously; Transmission range sensor/neutral safety switch malfunction; Unable to shift into gear without using override button; Speedometer and tachometer stuck at 0 even while driving; AC blows hot air; Skid control engages; Range and MPG display stops working properly
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission range sensor/neutral safety switch was replaced during year 2 service. No permanent fix achieved. Issues recurred in year 3.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service center was unable to reproduce the issue initially; used heat gun in year 2 to diagnose and replace transmission range sensor. No comprehensive fix or recall offered.
Synthesized from 62 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Flex coupler went bad - $500 replacement. The Optima was already recalled for this same part. Please recall the Forte lines so that we can be reimbursed for this obvious Kia issue.
Popping noise from steering and play in steering wheel. Was informed by a local mechanic that is was the steering coupler for the MDPS unit. Checked and saw a recall for the same issue with the Kia Soul but saw nothing for the Forte even though Hyundai had a recall for the Elantra and Sonata for the same issue. This is a vital part of the car and if it breaks as easy as it does it needs to be…
Clunking sound in steering column. Steering Coupler in Steering motor defect Has failed in my steering column. Dealer refuses to repair under other agreements.
We are a driving school with about 100 different cars from Kia, we have about 95 vehicles right now in use that are forte models between the years of 2010-2017. This is now the second vehicle this has happened to of ours over the past year. The last time was the Kia forte 2015, and now this time it is the Kia forte 2014. The steering wheel becomes misaligned with the wheels and eventually the…
My vehicles steering coupling pings and sounds like it's come loose or broken. Same issue happened to another Kia in the family a 2012 Kia soul my brother in law owns. That Kia had a recall for the steering coupling, the 2014 Kia forte does'nt have this for a recall yet by Kia. I contacted Kia complaint #13202206 for resolution but no resolution rec'd to date 12/13/2019.
Had steering trouble with your 2014 Kia Forte?
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 2014 Kia Forte?
It's a meaningful issue. 62 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 43,350 and 76,908 miles, with the median around 61,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 43,350; a quarter make it past 76,908. 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/2014/Kia/Forte.
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.