Steering Problems of Kia Motor Sorento - part 1

I am writing to file a formal complaint against kia America, inc. Regarding the mishandling of a warranty repair dispute for my 2017 kia Sorento (VIN [xxx]). This complaint documents a pattern of misinformation, unreturned communications, and unprofessional conduct by kia representatives that has left my vehicle sitting at the dealership for over two weeks without resolution or accommodation. My vehicle was brought to kia of nutley for a confirmed mdps (power steering) motor failure. The dealership quoted approximately $3,400–$3,500 out of pocket to repair it, as the vehicle is outside its standard warranty. I opened kia consumer affairs case #[xxx] on August 10, 2026 & have since attempted repeatedly to reach a resolution or goodwill consideration, given the age and history of the vehicle. The car has been at the dealership since August 6, 2026 without a loaner or rental accommodation. On August 10, 2026, I spoke with representative liz, who told me she would send my case number to a supervisor to determine next steps. I have since learned that liz apparently logged my vehicle's issue as a head gasket problem, rather than the actual power steering failure that is documented & confirmed by the dealership. I also spoke with representatives kiyah (total kia specialist) & ivory (customer service, California), neither of whom was able to provide consistent or accurate information about my case status. I emailed michele cameron, kia's executive director of consumer affairs &warranty operations, on August 10, 2026. As of this letter, I have received no responseafter repeated hang-ups & my request for escalation, I received a callback today, August 19, 2026, from a kia supervisor named stephanie. Stephanie confirmed that there are two open recalls on my vehicle: recall sc330, for the multi-function switch, & recall sc340 (theta), for a software upgrade. Stephanie stated that someone from the escalation team will reach back out to me within 1–2 business days. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information ac.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

All of the adas you have listed stop working on my car. I will be driving my car, stop at a red light, drive through, or just driving down the road and it starts throwing sensors. It won’t even show the mph I’m driving and some times the steering wheel locks up, as does the car itself. I can’t shift gears, move the vehicle, or anything until leaving the vehicle alone for a while and coming back to it. I have proof of multiple repairs, call ins to kia, and even a request for buy back which was denied on the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 64 mph, the contact detected a shimmy and knocking coming from the front wheels. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a common failure with similar vehicles. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and an alignment, tire rotation, and wheel balance were performed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The failure was associated with the flexible rubber coupler, 56380c1500. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,222.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Vehicle steers with more resistance to the left but very loose and easy to the right. Dealership diagnosed that a new steering column is required. Kia also issued a new vehicle limited warranty extension on the motor driven power steering. I believe the warranty extension should apply; however, dealer says it does not apply. The warning light required for the extended warrant is not on in my vehicle but there is a clearly diagnosed issue with the electronic steering as indicated in the repair quote.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph with her daughter and parents in the vehicle, an abnormal squeaking sound was heard emanating from the steering wheel. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the repair was delayed because the manufacturer required information from the dealer, while the dealer claimed to be waiting for a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 19,000.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

The vehicle began making a clicking/popping sound when turning the steering wheel left or right, especially at lower speeds and while turning into parking spaces or driveways. The exact component causing the issue has not yet been fully identified, but it may involve the steering or suspension system (such as the cv axle, tie rods, or steering components). The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because the clicking noise may indicate a failing steering or suspension component, which could potentially affect steering control or vehicle handling while driving. The problem has not yet been officially confirmed by a dealer/manufacturer, but the issue is consistently reproducible whenever the steering wheel is turned left or right. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lights or dashboard messages prior to the issue. The clicking noise first appeared while turning the steering wheel during normal driving and has continued since then.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

On my way home Friday evening from work. After exiting the expressway , I made a right turn on the street going towards my house. My steering wheel locked to the right and almost caused me to run into another car. If I had not be driving slow than the speed limit or still on the expressway, this would have been a very bad accident, if not fatal! this is after the dealership made repairs on my vehicle and deemed it safe to drive.

The clock spring needs fixed no features including the horn is working in my airbag light is staying on. Also I now have a loud knock in my motor I understand this should fall under the extended 15 yr 150k warranty; 2012 kia vehicles (specifically the Sorento) with v6 engines are covered under major safety recalls for engine failure and fire risks. The primary issue involves metal debris from manufacturing that can cause premature engine bearing wear, stalling, and fire. You should check your VIN on the NHTSA site or kia's recall page to confirm, as these recalls are still active.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and steering left or right, the steering wheel would seize. The contact would have to maneuver the steering wheel back and forth for it to unlock and continue driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed a notch in the lower steering shaft as the cause of the steering failure. The steering joint assembly was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,538.

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Car completely stalled while on the freeway with no warning, no engine lights, nothing…. Luckily we were going downhill and were able to pull over to the side safely. Still owe 6k to the finance company but mechanic claimed I needed a new waterpump…after being changed and charged the car still wouldn’t turn on despite the new waterpump…. And a bunch of new obd codes showed up & now I need a new engine. After a lot of research I’ve learned this car is notoriously known for many recalls and overall complains…. . I wish I had done research before buying it, now I’m in debt for a car I can’t even drive.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

My airbag light is on after picking it up from a kia dealership service and they are refusing to correct the issue that was caused by the dealership. I escalated the issue to kia America and filled a formal case#25916418 on 2/26/2026. On 3/4/206 tori at kia customer service informed me that it will not be covered because the dealership claims its a pre-existing issue. The dealership has failed to provide proof that that is true. Attached are: -the dealership’s diagnostic report -all text communications with the service advisor -also have video documentation of misaligned steering wheel I was unable to attach. Prior to dealership service, my vehicle was evaluated for approximately one week at a reputable independent repair facility for a cracked head gasket. At no time were there airbag warnings, steering issues, or safety system concerns. The vehicle was driven directly from the independent shop to the dealership where they preformed a warranty service. Upon pickup, I immediately observed: - misaligned steering wheel - illuminated airbag warning light - coolant system air bubble (later corrected per dealership) the steering misalignment indicates the steering system was disturbed during repair. The airbag warning light appeared immediately afterward. The dealership’s report references “history” fault codes, but provides no proof the warning light was active prior to service. History codes can result from battery disconnection or electrical interruption during major repairs and do not establish a pre-existing defect. Given that: - the airbag system functioned properly before service - the steering wheel was returned misaligned - the airbag light appeared immediately after repair - there is no documentation proving a prior active fault I am concerned a critical safety system has been compromised. An active airbag warning indicates the system may not function in a collision. I am requesting that kia fix this at no charge to me due to the reasons listed above.

My 2016 kia Sorento was stolen because it wasn’t updated and also the engine caught fire because it wasn’t updated.

3 to 4 months ago my truck steering wheel light with an exclamation point will appear and my steering wheel will lock up and it is hard to steer unless I cut the truck off and back on, it is so dangerous that it went out when I was in the middle of a turn that I almost ran into a truck. I cannot get this issue fixed because my warranty ran out. So what am I to do. It's terribly scary. I haven't had it checked put I had a paper from kia headquarters for it to be fixed free of charge within the warranty date but it has expired and I can't get it done. Something to do with the electric power steering.

My 2017 Sorento has sticky/notchy steering. When trying to move the steering wheel, it initially sticks and requires extra force to get it to provide a steering input. Once it gets past the initial resistance, it jerks the car in the direction you are trying to go which required compensation in the other direction. Upon correction, it jerks the car in the opposite direction causing a continual need to correct the steering wheel to keep the car straight and causing the car to not be able to maintain perfectly straight travel. On large sweeping corners, this problem is even more pronounced and feels dangerous. The sticking issue can be felt while stationary and in motion. I am constantly correcting, left to right to keep it straight. I cannot hold the wheel in one position for any length of time. Went to a kia dealership and they said it needed the steering rack replaced. Others have reported this issue since the Sorento released this series in 2016 for higher trims (sx, sxl). Kia closed my case without notice. Reopened today. A person on kia forms had to have there rack replaced at 65k miles to correct issue. Asking for a class action against kia if they refuse to fix this ongoing safety issue they constantly deny. Dealership said this is not the first time this has been replaced for others. Kia needs to own this recall!!!.

In August 2025 my 2022 kia Sorento s began having the electronic power steering (eps) malfunction indicator light flashing. It comes on, flashes for a while, then goes off again. Shortly after the first time this happened (a week or so), my steering began losing all power steering intermittently at random. I took it to the local kia dealership, but they did nothing even though I am still under warranty. It has progressively become worse - now the light does not even have to be flashing for me to lose all power steering - I almost wrecked twice this past week with my 3 small children, due to loss of all power steering at random, unpredictable, times during turns - while I am turning the vehicle. I took it to the dealership again today, and they still don't fix anything. I am terrified for the safety of my children and myself. Something must be done. I am paying $30,000 for a car that is trying to end our lives.

I was driving and when I lost all power steering the lights on the dash came on for power steering and traction I could not steer at all it was so hard to drive . I reported it right away and had my car check out there is a recall on the power steering but they are saying my car was made in April and the recall starts for cars made in June . Well now they are saying I need a new steering column when u turn the wheel u hear a load clunk noise my dash light go on and off when you turn the wheel and you lose power to the vehicle I also burn threw light bulbs monthly I think it’s also a electrical issue within this vehicle I have already had to get a new engine this vehicle in junk and has costed me a fortune and the keep denying to cover there at fault for any of it and it’s there fault it’s not just my car they are all like this.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

Since fall of 2025, my 2023 kia Sorento has repeatedly been in the shop for multiple issues. Most notably, a completely wrecked steering column. This issue was fixed after being in the shop for 12 days. Then in December, I started noticing the shift would lock while in park. I would need to open the top plate and stick an item down into the shifter to emergency release in order to drive. Then all of the electrical components began to state they were no longer working. No cameras, no lane assistance, no forward collision warning, etc etc. Beyond that, all automatic locks, windows and my trunk stopped working. I was locked out of my vehicle in January in CT with my son. My vehicle has now been at a kia dealership for 5 months awaiting the part to fix my car. All of these problems have been confirmed by their technicians. I continue to pay my $600 a month vehicle payment, as well as insurance as kia consumer refuses to assist in any way and does not have any answer as to when my vehicle will be fixed. I do not have a vehicle that will fit my family due to this issue. I have asked them to buy back my vehicle, as it is clearly a lemon, but they state I have waited too long to request the buy back under lemon law in CT. Never did I think it would be acceptable to be unable to fix a customers unsafe vehicle and refuse to to do anything to help for 5 months at this time and no end in sight. I also have videos it says are too large to send.

I was driving our 2017 kia Sorento 2. 4 liter, on I-94 in detroit, mi when suddenly, the vehicle would not go over 50 mph when the engine suddenly lost power on Friday 11/28/2025 . . We towed the vehicle to the auto repair shop a few days later. On Tuesday 12/9/2025 the auto repair shop contacted us and said that their was plenty of oil in the vehicle but cylinder 3 misfired and there is a loss of engine compression. Auto shop says cylinder 3 failed and now only 3 cylinders are now working on the 2017 kia Sorento now mileage is now 94, 971 miles. I have not taken it to the dealer yet because even though there was a class action lawsuit, the auto repair shop has informed us, as well as other information online, that the dealer will sometimes try to avoid replacing the engine. I did contact the dealer on 12/10/2025 and informed that we do have maintenance records and have the vehicle towed there this weekend, however, my initial conversation with the service rep did not sound promising to date.

The car engine started on fire while I was driving after all the recalls were fixed and new engine installed. The car was completely destroyed the whole engine compartment was completely burned. Kia says it was an oil leak but that’s not true the car oil change was done regularly and was serviced within 3 months of the engine fire. I also had this vehicle parked inside my garage for 5 years and not a single drop of oil in the garage floor. Kia is also refusing to send me a full report of their findings from the fire inspection. Kia adjuster is acting in bad faith by not providing the fire report. The car engine was replaced new due to an earlier recall and within 10,000 miles the new engine caught fire. They don’t want to be liable for this engine fire but cars don’t just burn without any reason. The refusal of kia adjuster to release the findings in the fire inspection is very concerning to other people driving this vehicle in the public. Where engine fire can cause their deaths and their families deaths. This is a safety problem.

My name is [xxx] I am a [xxx] widow, and I am also a 100% disabled (combat wounded, purple heart receipient) marine corps veteran. I purchased my 2017 kia Sorento brand new from lion county kia in state college pennsylvania. After a couple of years, I noticed while driving on several random trips, that my kia's steering felt like it had stopped working, and I had to fight to keep my kia centered in my lane. I took it to lion county kia, and complained about this issue, while my kia was still under warranty. The lion country kia service tech. Claimed that they could not find the issue with my steering (becasue there was no "alert light" in my kia's computer. A few years later corporate kia acknowledged there is an issue with the power steering assist motor and sent a document stating that this part will be warranty past the original warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles. I let my grandson use my vehicle and the same continual steering failure happened to him. I then took my kia to team kia in, johnstown PA, and paid to have a diagnostic test completed team kia's test showed in a writen document that my Sorento has a faulty "motor driven power steering" unit. I sent the team kia's test results to kia corp. Power steering assist motor, so kia corporate is aware that my Sorento defenitly does have a "m. D. P. S. " problem. I contacted kia corporation and they informed me that because there is no indicator light or computer code present on my kia, they will not warrant the power steering assist motor. In my opinion kia corp. Is willingly placing an unsafe vehicle on the roadway. This faulty "motor assist power steeing" not only puts the operator of my vehicle at risk, but this issue also puts all vehicles close to me on the roadway at risk. This issue has me so concerned that I am forced to ride my trike instead of driving my kia. Driving my kia, with this steering problem, is definately a severe safety issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6.

The red steering wheel with an exclamation point pops up on the dashboard and instantly I lose power steering the wheel gets really hard, it went out as I was making a turn and I almost hit the truck . I had to yank the wheel really hard to control the steering, then had to pull over turn the truck off then back on to reset the problem. This have been going on mildly for a few years now has gotten to its worst.

Driving on the freeway going 75-80 mph and my steering wheel locked up. When this happens I am unable to turn my steering wheel. Have to let my foot of the gas and try with all my muscle to get the car to go to the side of the road to put the car in park. Turn it off and turn it back on. This exact incident has happened to me 3 times in a row on the freeway on [xxx]. Once while the road had a curve. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Power train incident - • transmission holding gears, jerking between shifts, gear shifted into s mode on its own and stuck there, unresponsive acceleration, locked up steering/inability to turn the steering wheel and total loss of drive power. • happened while merging onto a highway in one of two split lanes for highway access. A merging semi truck in the other merging lane almost ran into me because I could not give it gas. Me and a local police officer who saw me broke down and stopped to provide additional cover, were nearly hit several (6) times from other vehicles and semi trucks due to malfunctions happening. • diagnosed by kia dealership and was told there was a major electrical failure which caused the electrical oil pump to fail and need a new transmission. Although my VIN doesn’t list recalls, similar issue to the recall on my same year/make/model under NHTSA campaign number 21v519. • warning lamps/messages shown in photos attached. __________________________________ forward collision warning incident - • front forward safety system light appeared on dash, then moments later a warning appeared and the vehicle braked on its own detecting a vehicle in front of me when there was not another vehicle in front of me within vision!! • happened while driving in a 55mph zone, a vehicle was driving behind me when this occurred and that vehicle almost slammed into the back end of mine causing a crash. • problem not yet inspected on vehicle due to blown transmission from above incident and inability to start/move the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

It feels like the engine is starting to cut out and as soon as that happens, the electronics in the car seem to start fighting each other. They adaptive steering and the lane assist it feels like they don’t work together anymore and I’m always fighting it or it won’t stay in the right lane and the car jerks from line to line. If I turned the lane assist off then it drives ok but the engine still is doing something funny.

See all problems of the 2025 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.

My 2021 kia Sorento (VIN: 5xyrldlc8mg069305, built July 2021) has a persistent scraping/metal-on-metal noise when turning the steering wheel. This noise comes from inside the steering column. It matches exactly what kia documents in TSB cha111, which identifies failure of the worm shaft small bearing inside the c-mdps (column-mounted motor driven power steering) system. My vehicle uses the same steering column system covered in that bulletin, though my VIN is not included in the bulletin’s range. The video embedded in cha111 features the exact noise my vehicle is producing. I recorded it and sent it to kia consumer affairs, along with proof of the c-mdps configuration and production date. Despite clear evidence that my steering system is affected by the same design flaw, kia declined support unless I pay for a dealer inspection — despite the issue being a known, documented defect. This noise has been present as far back as I can remember. And is steadily worsening. The steering column bearing is a critical safety component. If it fails, it could lead to steering resistance or failure. Other kia and Hyundai vehicles using this system have already had the part replaced under warranty or goodwill coverage. I can provide a video of my vehicle making the noise. I’m submitting this complaint because kia refuses to address a defect they’ve already acknowledged when it appears in later vins. I am asking NHTSA to investigate and consider requiring kia to expand the scope of TSB cha111 or issue a recall.

Electrical issue all dash lights came on and couldn’t shift into gear, had to replace my main computer as it was fried at 72,000 miles, also had to get the steering column replaced total of $6,000 fixes.

Steering wheel has a "sticky" feeling when driving at high speeds. You have to keep the steering wheel moving back and forth or else it sticks while driving high speeds. I have reported to dealership multiple times, but I have been told there is no issue.

Was turning right onto the road when the steering locked up and every safety warning light came on. My car literally stopped moving in the middle of the road. I wasn't literally right down the road from my house so thankfully I was able to get the car back to my house. The steering felt worse than not having power steering. I called and the dealership matt blac kia of toms river, and they had my car towed to the dealership around 10 am on April 4th. Around 4pm I was told they still had no idea what was wrong with my car, and to come pick up a loaner car. On April 5th at 4:42 pm I received a text stating the wiring harness wasn't secured properly and rubbed the steering shaft, and they had to contact kia to see how to proceed. April 11th was told the part arrived and hopefully sometime next week I would get my vehicle. As of right now I still don't have my vehicle and have no idea of when I will get it back. My main concern is that this was a serious oversight on the assembly of this car, and could have had very different results if I was not in my neighborhood and was on a busier road.

All of it. Car randomly shuts off and lose power steering. No. Dealership has inspected. All the lights in the dash light up, screen says battery discharge warning, car shuts off and lose power steering while driving down the road.

Car shut off and the radio kept going on and off red light on dash board and steering was hard.

We have received the security update for the ignition system over a year ago for the recall. Even with this recall fix our vehicle was still stolen, so this solution clearly didn't work.

The steering seems to stick, hard to explain but when you are driving on the highway feels like the steering wheel is going to stop working.

Steering sticks and makes it difficult to stay straight. Have to use extreme effort to keep it in the lane. Complained to kia in 2022 and dealer saw problem with the rack mounted motor driven power assembly but that it was within their specs. They did a software update on the eps and said system now operating as designed. The miles were 35,774 at that time. Started having same issues in February of 2025. Dealer is saying it needs a new steering column, but now out of warranty. Miles were 59,436.

Steering mdps unit malfunction causing loss of power assisted steering. Visible steering light on dash. Vehicle was inspected at a kia dealer confirming issue with mdps unit. Kia shop stated that this was an issue with the 2016-2020 kia Sorento models and most fell under the recall umbrella but this specific 2017 kia Sorento is not on the VIN checked list for a steering recall for the mdps unit failure. Kia stated that the repair would cost out of pocket at $3500 for the same issue others with the same problem kia is replacing under recall warranty. The mdps unit failed while driving causing issues with being able to steer.

My vehicle has issues with the power steering. At random times, day or night, the wheel steers to the right and I have to force my grip on the wheel to avoid crashing. It last between 3-5 seconds. No lights or alerts light up on the dashboard. Dealerships have been unable to assist me, I have gone to three different ones. They cannot identify the issue. Loss of power steering assist increases crash risk, since it’s harder to control the vehicle in tight maneuvers or emergencies. Car is available for inspection.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Sorento 🔎.