NHTSA Complaint #10779297 — 2011 KIA OPTIMA

WHILE DRIVING ON STREETS OR HIGHWAYS AT SPEEDS FROM 10 MPH AND UP, A CONSTANT RATTLE IS HEARD INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN. A LOUD CLUNK/RATTLE IS HEARD IF DRIVING OVER A BUMP. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE PARKED, THERE IS A THUD AND A THUD IS ALSO FELT. WHEN TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, THEY INFORMED ME THE STEERING COUPLING RING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MILEAGE ON CAR WHEN BROUGHT TO DEALER WAS 63,000(61,000) WHEN APT WAS INITIALLY MADE. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A 2 DOLLAR PART BUT WOULD COST 350 TO REPLACE IT. THE WARRANTY FOR STEERING WHEEL PARTS EXPIRED AT 60,000 MILES. PART WAS NOT REPLACED AT THAT TIME.