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 ↗2014 Kia Optima steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Kia Optima have filed 94 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 50,000 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
94
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Optima | 100 |
| 2012 Optima | 187 |
| 2013 Optima | 212 |
| 2014 Optima (this page) | 94 |
| 2015 Optima | 68 |
| 2016 Optima | 24 |
| 2017 Optima | 11 |
| 2018 Optima | 12 |
1crash
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 94 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.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 2014 Kia Optima steering system has a persistent wandering problem at highway speeds that tops the complaint list. Starting at 50–60 mph, owners describe the car drifting left and right unpredictably, requiring constant steering input to keep it in the lane. The steering feels "digital"—as if locked into fixed angles (2 or 4 degrees) rather than smooth and continuous. Drivers report overshooting corrections: a small adjustment left causes the car to move too far left, requiring a right correction that overshoots again, creating a tiring, oscillating weave. This is dangerous on narrow roads and in crosswinds. Dealers attempted steering mode changes (Normal/Sport) and recommended alignments and tire replacements, but most owners say nothing worked.
A second major issue is steering column noise and play. Clicking, clunking, or grinding sounds occur when turning or going over bumps, typically between 30,000 and 110,000 miles. The culprit is often a plastic flexible coupling in the motor-driven power steering system that wears prematurely. Dealers have replaced steering columns and couplers, but repairs frequently fail or noise returns within days.
Steering lockup also appears: the wheel suddenly becomes stiff or immobile, sometimes accompanied by engine shutdown and loss of power steering assist. Less frequently, owners report steering wheel vibration, shaking, and detached airbag clock springs. Kia issued a limited technical service bulletin for coupler replacement in humidity-prone coastal areas, but many owners outside those zones or with later production dates were denied coverage despite having the same failures.
Same Kia Optima steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Lane wandering and oversteer oscillation at highway speeds
Vehicle drifts left and right unpredictably at speeds above 50–60 mph, requiring constant steering correction. Owners report the car overshoots corrections, creating a pendulum effect where each correction triggers an opposite overcorrection. The steering behaves as though locked into discrete digital positions (e.g., 2° or 4° angles) rather than offering smooth, continuous response.
When: Occurs immediately upon delivery or within first few weeks of ownership; worsens at higher speeds (60–85 mph) and in windy conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Constant left-right wandering on straight highway sections; Oversteer oscillation after steering input; Digital/stepped steering feel with locked-in positions; Extreme sensitivity requiring exaggerated corrections; Vehicle maintains straight line only briefly before drifting again; Difficulty on narrow two-lane roads; dangerously unpredictable in turns
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attempted steering mode changes (Normal/Sport/EX settings), alignment checks, tire replacements, and steering column replacement. Most interventions failed. One owner reported Kia acknowledged a pending computer software fix with 1–8 month timeline.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some dealers offered steering mode adjustments (Normal to Sport or vice versa) with minimal or no improvement. Kia acknowledged software fix in development. One owner received $400 + $50 Visa card settlement. Most owners were told the vehicle 'meets specs' or the behavior is 'characteristic of the electric power steering.' No formal recall issued for this complaint cluster.
Steering column clicking, clunking, and play (motor-driven power steering coupler wear)
Clicking, clunking, rubbing, or metal-on-metal noises emanate from the steering column, especially when turning or traversing bumps. Owners describe loose or 'play' in the steering wheel. In some cases, the flexible coupling (a plastic component within the motor-driven power steering system) wears prematurely, causing excessive movement between components.
When: Typically appears between 30,000 and 110,000 miles; some reports as early as 14,700 miles; worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise when turning steering wheel left or right; Clunking or rubbing sensation during turns; Metal-on-metal grinding feel in steering column; Excessive play or looseness in steering wheel; Steering feels looser after repairs; Noise when going over bumps; Vibration and knocking noises over road imperfections
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced steering columns, flexible couplings, and related bolts/fasteners. Multiple owners report repairs failed or noise recurred days after service. One owner cited replacement costs around $340 out-of-pocket. Kia issued Technical Service Bulletin (CS 1604) for MDPS Flexible Coupling Replacement Customer Satisfaction Program.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia recalled 2011–2014 Optima vehicles produced August 12, 2010–December 18, 2013 sold/registered in high-humidity, warm ocean-water areas for flexible coupling replacement. Coverage is geographically limited and production-date dependent. Many owners outside recall zones or with later production dates were denied coverage despite identical failures. Kia referred some complaints to NHTSA.
Steering lockup and loss of power steering assist
Steering wheel suddenly becomes difficult to turn, locks up, or requires extreme effort. In some cases, the engine shuts down simultaneously, eliminating power steering assist entirely. Owners describe hazardous roadside coasting or inability to maneuver.
When: Sporadic; reported at various speeds (25–50 mph) and in parking or reverse situations; some recurrent over multiple drives
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes impossibly stiff; Difficulty turning steering wheel in any direction; Engine cuts out without warning; Loss of power steering when engine dies; EPS (Electric Power Steering) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) warning lights illuminate; Vehicle coasts to roadside without steering control; Park mode does not engage smoothly; Steering difficulty specifically when reversing
Codes mentioned: C1259 (angle sensor signal error), C1260 (power steering sensor malfunction)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers found no diagnostic codes in some cases and dismissed events as 'glitches.' Kia advised monitoring or software updates. Some dealers kept vehicles for extended observation but did not identify root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer referred one owner to NHTSA because no recall appeared in system for their vehicle production date. Kia refused assistance in another case, citing warranty-only repair pathway. One Puerto Rico owner was told the steering safety recall 'only applies to mainland United States.' Technical Service Bulletin referenced in complaint #24.
Delayed steering response and digital stepping
At speeds above 30 mph, steering input does not respond immediately. Instead, the steering system pauses briefly then 'jumps' to the new position in discrete steps, as though operating on digital commands rather than analog pressure. This creates unpredictable drifting and requires constant micro-corrections.
When: Noticeable above 30–35 mph; worsens at 50+ mph; present from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed steering response to input; Sudden jump or snap to new steering position; No smooth, continuous steering feel; Disconcerting digital positioning jumps; Significant drifting after jumps; Hyper-sensitive steering in normal mode; sluggish in standard mode; Sport mode offers tighter response but still jumps
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers offered steering mode adjustments (Sport vs. Standard). Switching to Standard reduced sensitivity but made vehicle sluggish. No hardware repairs documented to resolve the digital stepping behavior.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Described as characteristic of the electric (fly-by-wire) MDPS system. Kia offered no structural fix, only software mode switching.
Steering wheel vibration, shaking, and jerking
Steering wheel vibrates, shakes, or jerks during normal driving, over rough roads, or when braking. In some cases, the wheel becomes difficult to turn concurrently with vibration.
When: Reported across a range of mileages and driving conditions; some instances during braking or over bumps
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibrates or shakes during driving; Jerking or twitching steering input; Vibration noise from steering column; Shaking intensifies over rough pavement; Difficult to turn steering wheel during vibration events; Shaking when coming to a stop; Recurrent but intermittent behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced steering columns and associated fasteners (bolts, screws, couplers). Some repairs partially resolved symptoms; others did not.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia acknowledged defect in steering column assembly and recommended replacement. No formal recall issued for vibration.
Airbag clock spring cable detachment (steering wheel-mounted controls)
The airbag clock spring cable, which manages steering wheel button signals (horn, cruise control, airbag deployment), detaches or fails, causing warning lights and loss of steering wheel controls.
When: Reported at 97,000 and 105,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates; Cruise control stops functioning; Rattling noise from steering wheel interior; Horn and steering wheel controls inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed airbag clock spring cable detachment and noted replacement was necessary. Warranty coverage unclear; one owner was directed to file NHTSA complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated they could not assist and owner must pursue warranty claim. Repair status unknown.
Synthesized from 94 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Steering column making rubbing noise when turning. It felt like a notch was rubbing against something. The car was no reason for this part to deteriorate the way it did. It just all of a sudden started this notch rubbing feeling in steering. I took car to Calavan KIA in Lithia Springs, GA to have it examined. They said the MDPS flexible coupling needed to be replaced. There are other KIA's that…
At any speed above 30 MPH, the steering system has a delayed response. As you torque the steering to hold a position on a crowned road surface, the steering finally recognizes a steering input command and immediately jumps to the new position. Not only is it disconcerting, but depending on the road condition (traffic, lane width, overall speed) these "digital" jumps in positioning of the…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Kia Optima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 94 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 36 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 13,000 and 97,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 97,000. 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/2014/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.