Table 1 shows one common steering related problems of the 2025 Kia Motor Sportage.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Steering problems |
Vehicle: 2025 kia Sportage x-line VIN: 5xyk6cdf0sg319130 approximate mileage: 34,000 miles date of incident: September 3, 2026 location of incident: 6140 university drive, huntsville, alabama 35806 component: steering / motor-driven power steering (mdps) / steering column / steering shaft safety issue: sudden loss of steering control immediately preceding a collision complaint I am reporting a serious steering-related safety incident involving my 2025 kia Sportage x-line, VIN 5xyk6cdf0sg319130. On September 3, 2026, at approximately 34,000 miles, I was operating my vehicle near 6140 university drive, huntsville, alabama 35806, when the steering suddenly became locked/unresponsive immediately before a motor-vehicle collision. The steering malfunction occurred while the vehicle was being operated and immediately preceded the collision. I was unable to properly control the direction of the vehicle as intended. I believe the sudden loss of steering control may have caused or contributed to the collision. Vehicle operation immediately before the collision immediately before the collision: * the engine remained running. * the brakes remained operable. * no eps or mdps warning light appeared before the collision. * no eps/mdps warning message was observed before the collision. * a low tire-pressure warning did appear. * the steering became locked/unresponsive. * I was unable to maintain the intended steering control of the vehicle. * the vehicle subsequently collided. * after the collision, the steering wheel became operable again. The fact that the steering became operable again after the collision is significant because the malfunction was intermittent or temporary rather than a permanent inability of the steering wheel to move. I am not making a technical determination regarding which steering component failed. I am reporting the observed behavior and requesting that NHTSA investigate the cause. Witness and documentary evidence there is independent corrobora.
After a hard crash from behind and then being pushed into another car, causing severe damage to the front and rear of the car (total loss), the airbags only deployed on the right (passenger) side. In addition, after the crash, the steering wheel was lying at the driver's feet, completely detached from its original position.
On [xxx], at approximately [xxx], while driving my 2025 kia Sportage with the lane assist system engaged in palm beach gardens, florida, near the at&t building at [xxx] , the system suddenly jerked the steering wheel sharply to the right while I was crossing an intersection. I had my hands on the wheel, but the force was so strong it felt as if someone else had grabbed it and tugged it hard. Despite trying to react immediately, the car slammed into a guardrail. This was an extreme safety issue, especially since I am [xxx]. The incident caused significant vehicle damage, leaking fluid, and left me stranded on the side of the road in unsafe heat conditions without being able to keep the car running for air conditioning. No warning lights appeared before the failure. The system appeared to malfunction without cause. This unexpected steering correction created a serious risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. I trusted this safety feature, but instead it caused an accident. The vehicle is available for inspection by kia, insurance, or investigators. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
The steering shaft DE-coupled from the steering wheel, leading to a complete loss of steering. After stop, engine was turned off and steering wheel lowered. At that point the steering wheel fell in my lap, completely decoupling from the steering collum.
My four month old kia Sportage suddenly lunged forward two times. Sudden acceleration incident. [xxx].
Car is 119 miles. I was driving and steering wheel stopped working out of nowhere.