EV Diagnostics
Verified EV diagnostic knowledge page

Kia C1290

Safe Relay Fault First, erase DTC. Then check the wiring and

DriveNot yet established by verified evidence.
ChargeNot yet established by verified evidence.
ServiceService is appropriate if C1290 is present or returns after being erased. The verified TSB specifies inspection of wiring and connectors and, if the code returns, replacement of the column and housing assembly.
Confidence95%

Quick answer

For Kia C1290, the verified TSB identifies a torque sensor error. The documented process is to erase the DTC, check wiring and connector condition, and replace the column and housing assembly if the DTC returns.

This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.

Video guides

Watch Videos

Relevant videos play here without leaving this diagnostic page.

No sufficiently relevant embeddable video has been accepted for this diagnostic yet.

Videos are supporting material and never override OEM or regulator evidence.

1. What does C1290 mean?

For Kia C1290, the verified TSB identifies a torque sensor error. The documented process is to erase the DTC, check wiring and connector condition, and replace the column and housing assembly if the DTC returns.

2. Technical explanation

Kia TSB CHA084 revisions R3 through R8 list C1290 as “Torque Sensor Error.” The TSB directs technicians to first erase the DTC and then check wiring and connector condition. If C1290 returns, the specified resolution is replacement of the column and housing assembly.

3. What system is affected?

The verified evidence associates C1290 with the torque sensor and specifies replacement of the column and housing assembly if the code returns. A broader system name is not explicitly established by the supplied evidence.

4. How serious is this code?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

5. Symptoms you may notice

  • Not yet established by verified evidence.

6. Possible causes

  • A C1290 torque sensor error is established by the verified Kia TSB.
  • Wiring or connector condition is a documented inspection item.
  • Further specific root causes are not yet established by verified evidence.

7. Can I still drive the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

8. Can I charge the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

9. What you can safely do

  • Arrange diagnosis by a qualified Kia service provider or technician.
  • Do not perform repairs to steering-column or electrical components unless properly qualified.
  • Use the documented inspection and repair sequence from Kia TSB CHA084.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. Erase C1290.
  2. Check wiring and connector condition.
  3. If C1290 returns, replace the column and housing assembly.

11. When to contact service

Service is appropriate if C1290 is present or returns after being erased. The verified TSB specifies inspection of wiring and connectors and, if the code returns, replacement of the column and housing assembly.

12. What the service center may check

  • Confirm C1290 is stored.
  • Erase the DTC.
  • Check wiring condition.
  • Check connector condition.
  • Confirm whether C1290 returns after erasure.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • If C1290 returns after the documented erase and wiring/connector check, replace the column and housing assembly.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • Kia TSB CHA084, revisions R3 through R8, published through NHTSA manufacturer communications. These revisions list C1290 as “Torque Sensor Error” and provide the same documented sequence: erase the DTC, check wiring and connector condition, and replace the column and housing assembly if the DTC returns.
  • NHTSA communication 10202226, TSB_CHA084_R8, published October 5, 2021: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10202226-0001.pdf
  • NHTSA communication 10189545, TSB_CHA084_R7, published March 25, 2021: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10189545-0001.pdf

16. Recall information

  • Not yet established by verified evidence.

17. Official manufacturer information

Official NHTSA-hosted Kia TSB evidence supports the C1290 diagnostic and repair procedure: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10202226-0001.pdf

19. Frequently asked questions

What does Kia C1290 mean?

The verified Kia TSB identifies C1290 as a torque sensor error.

What is the documented repair if C1290 returns?

The TSB specifies replacement of the column and housing assembly after the DTC is erased and wiring and connector condition are checked.

Does C1290 establish whether the vehicle is safe to drive?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

Which vehicles are covered by the supplied applicability data?

The supplied data lists US-market Kia Niro model years 2015–2022, Optima model years 2015–2022, Sorento model years 2015–2022, and Soul model years 2015–2022. The overlapping entries do not establish exact trim, powertrain, or build-date applicability.

20. Sources & verification

Verified
Kia C1290: Safe Relay Fault First, erase DTC. Then check the wiring and | EV Diagnostics