Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems of the 2003 Kia Motor Sorento

The contact owns a 2003 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving the steering wheel locked and could not turn left or right. The mechanic stated that a bolt and balancer detached from the hinges. The contact suggested that the power steering may have been low in fluid. The current and failure mileage were 79,000.

2003 kia Sorento with history of power steering failures which resulted in no power steering assistance while turning at low speeds. Problem fixed may 2004 (after thee visits to dealer) although TSB identifying corrective action was issued a year earlier. Steering rack found to be seeping fluid during annual inspection at 63,760 mi. Taken to dealer at 70,000 miles for evaluation. Dealer advised that seals not serviceable, steering rack and hoses require replacement at cost of $2000 - not covered under warranty. Kia customer service advised that steering rack covered under warranty until 60,000 mi; not part of 100,000 mi powertrain warranty. I have begun a search for a new vehicle, and kia products aren't eligible for consideration.

Ongoing problems with power steering. Feels like engine is stalling and power steering is locking up when making turns at low speed. Very difficult to steer. This happens intermittently.

Intermittently power steering failed, making hard to drive the vehicle.

Purchased 2003 kia Sorento 4x4 on 5/26/03. On 5/31/03 (odometer 600 miles)while driving and making a right hand turn the power steering failed, almost struck another vehicle, tried to regain control of vehicle and pulled to side of road. A friend was in the vehicle with me and can attest to the power steering failure because he tried to steer the vehicle also. 6/2/03 dealership replaced power steering rack, gear and assembly. On 6/10/03 (odometer 830) power steering failed again while I was exiting down in a parking garage; had to fight with the steering wheel to gain control. On 6/12/03 (odometer 850) power steering pump was replaced and later that evening while pulling out of a parking stall from the restaurant the power steering went out again. Dealership said a team of 3 kia service techs now found out there was a program error on the vehicles computer; they came to the conclusion they(kia or the dealership) didn't have a clue. Monday 6/16/03 engineer team from kia was to evaluate the vehicle. They could not figure the problem out. Afternoon of 6/16/03 dealership said kia's field inspector will be out Wednesday 6/18/03 to evaluate the vehicle further. I could have killed someone or myself driving this vehicle while the power steering repeated failed. Now I'm deathly terrified driving the vehicle, I'm in a rental car until Wednesday 6/18/03 while the kia field inspector evaluates the vehicle. In my opinion kia needs to recall this vehicle and give my money back. I don't need to risk my life in order to make the company look good. Kia consumer affairs were kept in the loop from day one but no one cares how serious this is, please help.