NHTSA Complaint #10221789 — 2003 KIA SEDONA EX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SEDONA EX. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTS TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY RETURN TO THE PROPER POSITION. THE FAILURE OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING COUPLER ASSEMBLY WAS BEGINNING TO FREEZE. THE FAILURE IS CAUSED BY LACK OF LUBRICATION THAT CAUSES THE COUPLER ASSEMBLY TO RUST. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS INTO ONE POSITION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 103,000. UPDATED 04/03/08: KIA DID NOT MAKE THE STEERING COUPLER ASSEMBLY WITH GREASE FITTINGS AND THE STEERING IS STARTING TO FREEZE UP INTERMITTENTLY MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO GUESS WHEN IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. IT'S VERY UNNERVING.