2014 Kia Forte Steering Problems

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that there was a ticking sound coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction while driving at slow speeds. The contact stated that over time, the clicking sound became progressively louder. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the steering wheel coupler, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the manufacturer had recalled other vehicle models for the same failure. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 10,243.

NHTSA ID

11711097

Incident

Mar 18, 2018

Mileage

10,243 mi

Steering column, steering coupler piece

NHTSA ID

11690874

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Steering column is broken and keeps falling. Hard to replace entire steering column. While driving the entire steering wheel will fall into lap, makes the car nearly un-drivable. I have fixed before but the entire part is now failing and is extremely dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11689852

Incident

Sep 23, 2025

The steering coupler clunks when I turn my steering wheel

NHTSA ID

11686740

Incident

May 27, 2025

MDPS Flexible Steering Coupler Fails on all these cars but only Optima’s got covered even though the same defective coupler is used in the Forte’s Here is the memo for the Optima’s TSB: CHA072 / CS1604 (Rev 2) Optima (QF/TF/TFH) August 2016

NHTSA ID

11666663

Incident

Mar 20, 2025

The MDPS power steering coupler became worn out causing erratic steering issues.the coupler part its self is not even listed on the vehicle so the dealership would only recommend replacing the entire MDPS. i replaced the coupler myself due to lack of affordability for entire motor. steering is now fixed. additional ongoing issue with left turn signal bulbs have burned out repeatedly within days of being changed cuurently the bulb is working but the system doesnt register that signals are working causing hyper flashing. researching these issues i have found multiple online sources claiming similar issues with both turn signals and power steering couplers.

NHTSA ID

11664203

Incident

Aug 15, 2022

Burning a unnecessary amount of oil. The oil pump failed

NHTSA ID

11646475

Incident

Feb 28, 2025

Steering started acting funny, I called Kia 800 333 4542 about their Technical service bulletin and spoke with TY he stated this is not a manufacturer defect and is not covered for repair since there wasnt a recall. MDPS Flexible Coupling Replacement Technical Service Bulletin Ref: CHA074 REV 2 Date of Issue: April 3, 2019 Kia - 2014 Forte Group: Chassis

NHTSA ID

11644844

Incident

Feb 5, 2025

Sterling wheel begins to shake at high speed and a lower speed causing the whole steering wheel to shake and make noise. And have realized the cruise control is no longer working

NHTSA ID

11638537

Incident

Jan 25, 2025

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 recalled on all the vehicles that have it and not just certain ones. I have not had it repaired yet but will be doing so shortly as well as talking with an attorney about the issue.

NHTSA ID

11631548

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

I was driving the Forte and my steering wheel started to feel loose. It would click when I turned it. When I would go over a speed bump or hit a pot hole, my steering would jolt and make a loud noise. While driving on the highway, steering seemed loose and wasn't stable. I drove slower because I was afraid the problem would become worse or I would lose control of the steering.b

NHTSA ID

11624247

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

The contact's mother owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel made an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the flexible coupling in the MDPS (motor-driven power steering) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Kia Campaign Number: 074. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact the VIN was not covered under the campaign. The failure mileage was approximately 43,350.

NHTSA ID

11611444

Incident

Aug 21, 2024

Mileage

43,350 mi

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made an abnormal sound and jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the flexible coupling valves needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall and to Customer Satisfaction Program: CS1604/WTY006. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 11,503.

NHTSA ID

11606186

Incident

May 1, 2024

Mileage

11,503 mi

Steering is popping and clicking most of the time when I turn the steering wheel, mainly when I turn left but definitely seems to be a safety hazard. Not sure if it’s the steering coupler or what but I believe it should be under a recall. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11596091

Incident

Jan 14, 2021

While turning the steering wheel will pop or click loudly. The issue is hard to control completely as the steering column vibrates. I have been told that I need the steering column coupler replaced. Consulted shops and they want $480 to replace a $10 plastic piece. This is a safety issue as you could loose control of steering.

NHTSA ID

11572291

Incident

Feb 2, 2024

Steering wheel is clicking or catching when initiating a turn. Problem is with the steering coupler.

NHTSA ID

11568849

Incident

Jan 30, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11562387

Incident

Dec 29, 2022

Clunking sound in steering column. Steering Coupler in Steering motor defect Has failed in my steering column. Dealer refuses to repair under other agreements.

NHTSA ID

11560599

Incident

Dec 18, 2023

My car was in for a recall repair on another item and the repair of the steering coupler part was noted to be needed. The parts personnel stated they informed me that the steering coupler was in need of repair and that I had declined this service. My vehicle did not have 100,000 miles on it yet. They in fact said nothing to me about this repair needed to be be done. It affect the steering of the vehicle and causes a lot of play in the car’s steering.

NHTSA ID

11550427

Incident

Mar 11, 2023

I have 3 major recalls on this vehicle. I received recall from Kia but dealership will not fix the problem

NHTSA ID

11538161

Incident

Oct 24, 2022

I took my 2014 Kia Forte Ex for a warranty job for Fex steering coupler. The service advisor(Nick Lum)at DCH of Temecula said it only cover 5 years, 60,000 miles. I understand Kia extending the warranty to 10 years, unlimited Miles. The Service advisor told me they won't fix it because it's not on the computer information. I would like to get this fixed as my 10 years end on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11533455

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

Clunk and clicking in steering. There is extra play in steering. All research points to a steering coupler.

NHTSA ID

11530622

Incident

Feb 2, 2023

Steering wheels coupler problem

NHTSA ID

11527124

Incident

Jun 8, 2023

Steering Coupler in Steering motor defect. Known issue in many models and see a recall on some vehicles: this issue was corrected on my 2016 Sorento but not on my 2014 Kia Forte. My son’s friend also has his Kia Optima denied repair for the same issue. An acknowledged problem that somehow Kia has been forced to correct on ALL their models. A major flaw over poor design using a $5-7 part that Kia Dealers charge $500 to repair. Unethical.

NHTSA ID

11514984

Incident

Mar 1, 2023

Steering wheel started feeling loose then progressed to jerking back and forth. Jerks from side to side simply driving easy down the road. Making ticking, clicking, grinding noises too. I do not feel safe and can no longer drive my car. I’m taking it to the dealer tomorrow (a long wait) and suspect it is the same mdps coupler kia and Hyundai have issued an extended warranty on - for all vehicles except the Kia forte. What gives with that? Ridiculous.

NHTSA ID

11513520

Incident

Mar 23, 2023