Steering Problems of Kia Motor Sportage - part 1

Kia Motor Sportage owners have reported 99 problems related to steering (under the steering category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Kia Motor Sportage based on all problems reported for the Sportage.

1 Steering problem of the 2025 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 09/08/2025

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).

2 Steering problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 09/02/2025

The car emergency brake component was faculty and kicked in at an inappropriate time. When the emergency brake occurs you are unable to move the car at all. Being unable to move put myself and my passenger seater at risk for bring hit to which we were. The vehicle was not inspected due to kia corporate office not answering the phone.

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3 Steering problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 07/25/2025

Kia opted for leather like material for the steering wheel cover. This material with only 14, 828 miles on the vehicle is starting to peel off causing a bad gripping scenario. The material is more like a vinyl instead of leather. I have brought the vehicle to the dealer who is attempted a warranty submission but I believe they will maybe only replace it with the same material and it will do it again. In all my years of driving I have never seen a wheel cover peel like this material is doing. It has been slowly failing over time and not all at once.

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4 Steering problem of the 2025 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 07/10/2025

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.

5 Steering problem of the 2025 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 06/23/2025

My four month old kia Sportage suddenly lunged forward two times. Sudden acceleration incident. [xxx].

6 Steering problem of the 2025 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 04/04/2025

Car is 119 miles. I was driving and steering wheel stopped working out of nowhere.

7 Steering problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 07/01/2024

When turning the steering wheel, it makes a squeaky/grinding noise. I called into kia to inquire about this and they said they would call me back after investigating about a recall on this but never received a call back.

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8 Steering problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 06/24/2024

24 hours after purchase, the steering wheel had high vibration and was worrisome to drive. Returned to dealer and was originally told I break too hard- before they kept the vehicle for 8 days. They claim the rotor was replaced. Everything I am experiencing for my first car is sounding unreasonable. Why would a new model off the dealer lot have a rotor issue and why can my dad replace his breaks in 3 hours but a dealer takes 8 days. I’m not sure what is wrong with my vehicle but wanted to report it in case something happens.

9 Steering problem of the 2024 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 04/27/2024

While driving the car on road, I suddenly started getting all types of warning regarding different safety system and power steering wheel. The steering wheel was stuck/frooze while I was at 40-50 mph and couldn't turn it at all. With lots of difficulty was able to pull the car and get it towed. This put us as serious risk of danger as if this was on freeway would have been dangerous to not have functioning steering wheel. Before this similar issue had occurred but while in a parking lot so was not serious but happening while on road is extremely dangerous. After the repair said it was fixed, the problem was experienced a 3rd time while driving again but since car was slow was able to pull it on side. There seems to be a serious defect in car but car manufacturer is not able to repair it and putting lives in danger.

10 Steering problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 02/09/2024

I took my car to the kia dealer because I burn I was smelling burn oil. They told me that it wasn’t burn oil. It was the rubber burning I replace the inner and I’m still smelling the oil burning. I’m putting in oil four times a week, and they still not tell me why I’m putting so much oil then I want to say because I do too much highway mileage that’s why I probably burn it so much oil, but that should be impossible.

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11 Steering problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 02/03/2024

While driving on the highway, vehicle lost all electrical power. The engine stayed running, but I lost use of anything electrical including the power steering, headlights, and dashboard functions. Vehicle power resumed after about a minute and we made it home, but the vehicle would not start after this. After calling our kia dealership they advised taking the vehicle in immediately via tow. After looking through the vehicle, it was found that a fuse inside of the battery harness had melted. This caused the battery cable to heat up to ~200 degrees. The cause is still unclear, but we worry about this happening in the future. We are still waiting for the cable to be replaced at this time.

12 Steering problem of the 2019 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 01/11/2024

The contact owns a 2019 kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the electrical and mechanical systems became inoperable. The headlights, signal, and hazard lights became inoperable. The contact pulled over, placed the vehicle in park, and turned the vehicle off. After restarting the vehicle, an abnormal ticking sound was coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced and the tie rod had excessive play. The dealer denied repairing the vehicle due to sludge in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,490.

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13 Steering problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 11/21/2023

On several occasions the lane keeping assistance has attempted to steer my vehicle into energy absorbing barrier, both with me driving and with my sister driving. Vehicle speed approximately 40 mph, lane splitting, I was taking left lane. Forty feet from point of barrier, wheel jerks hard right, setting me up for dead center collision with point of barrier. If I had not immediately jerked the wheel left the results would have been catastrophic. I would have hit the barrier in a single second after the cars action. I took it to the kia dealer service who claims he cannot disable "lane following". Additionally, that I have to disable it every time I start the car. Also, when going thru intersections the car will switch traffic lanes on it's own. I feel this is an incredibly unsafe system. For god's sake, the car just veers off on its own.

14 Steering problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 10/07/2023

I had my 2020 kia Sportage in for the anti-theft recall. They installed the necessary information. My concern is I would also like the steering wheel lock harness free of charge to me. How do I go about receiving one of these? also my SUV insurance has gone up because of this and I would like it to go down next year with me having this on my SUV. Thank you for your help, judy castiglia.

15 Steering problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 08/29/2023

The awd/4wd is failing in multiple 2023 Sportages. I have a 2023 Sportage x-pro that was purchased 12/30/2022. Current mileage is 7,731. The viscous coupling is faulty/failing in these vehicles. The sensor does come on in the car. The dealer has deemed the car “unsafe to drive”. The vehicle has been at the dealership since 8/29/2023. Currently the car has been dispatched to 4 different kia master technicians for diagnosis, but no repairs have been done and no additional communication from the dealer service department. I spoke to kia consumer services and they didn’t care one bit.

16 Steering problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 07/20/2023

Multiple service repairs to replace failed tie rods on front passenger side, both inner and outer, vehicle mileage ranging from 27000 to 31000. Ultimately yesterday, vehicle was in for another inner tie rod replacement when it was found that steering rack and pinion failed on vehicle at 31000~ miles.

17 Steering problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 06/01/2023

The contact owns a 2023 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the forward collision avoidance warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving, the forward collision avoidance safety system disabled message was displayed. The contact stated that several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was shaking and there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the struts and spring were incorrectly installed. The dealer was unable to determine the causes of the other failures. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and provided the contact case number. The failure mileage was approximately 13.

18 Steering problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 05/21/2023

Please answer these questions using my words what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I was unable to accelerate the gas pedal after the car started bouncing up and down and smelling mid driving. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was on a major road at the time this occurred. Thankfully the time of day was in my side. If this was a few hours later there would have been a collision as I was in a main lane and had to veer to a turning lane. I am frightened every time I’m in the car now. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? the dealer ship has confirmed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? no just the dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no, the warning came on after it happened.

19 Steering problem of the 2023 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 04/07/2023

As I was driving my 2023 kia Sportage sx prestige at 70+mph on highwy, suddenly "hybrid system failure" appeared on the dash along with evey other lights you can think of. I lost power and steering and only by the grace of god was able to safely get to the side of the road and stop. Car was at kia dealership for 4 weeks and I was told it only needed a software upgrade and nothing was wrong with the car!! this is very dangerous and could get someone in major car accident.

20 Steering problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 04/01/2023

The contact owns a 2020 kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds and turning, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that after an hour, the steering wheel was unlocked. There were no warning lights illuminated. While taking the vehicle to the local dealer, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle drove over the curb. The contact was unsure of the diagnostic result or the repair. Additionally, while driving, a passenger noticed wires hanging from the tow hitch. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 400.

21 Steering problem of the 2022 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 11/22/2022

Vehicle compromised by tick tok theft trend causing crash a.

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22 Steering problem of the 2016 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 10/04/2022

I was driving with my cruise control set at 70 mph, on highway 95 ( the speed limit ) while driving my vehicle suddenly dropped to 40 mph, all dashboard lights began to flash. I had problems with the steering as I attempted to pull over. I had a tractor trailer behind me on a major highway. When I came to a complete stop, my engine light kept flashing. I drove my car to the kia dealership in GA, where they determined my engine failed ( software issues ) there were no prior warnings. My vehicle had been serviced just a few weeks prior. Kia is fully aware of these ongoing engine failures according to my local kia dealer rep.

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23 Steering problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 10/03/2022

Dead short in a wiring harness to the steering column where it goes up and down and back and forth to the positive wiring harness in there. That kia dealer cannot figure out. Add another mechanic figure it out. Got pictures also a bad oil pressure switch that shot oil all over the motor.

24 Steering problem of the 2018 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 09/19/2022

My car was stolen from the kia challenge.

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25 Steering problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 09/01/2022

When I turn my steering wheel in either direction, I hear and feel a clunk.

26 Steering problem of the 2022 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 07/01/2022

Vehicle stolen:. This particular vehicle is known nationwide to be an easy target for theifs. I am stuck in a lease that I don't want to be in anymore due to someone already stealing it.

27 Steering problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 03/28/2022

Over 5,000 vehicles are being stolen because of a defect in the steering and ignition of kia cars made between 2011 and 2020 just in my area where I live. I bought a $28,000 car that I can't even drive to work or to a store unless I have someone with me to stay in the car. I couldn't even take grandkids to a fest this past weekend cause I don't want it to get stolen. I even have to walk to work despite owning a car that I just bought four months ago. Kia dealer did not tell me about the flaw or defect. They did not tell me that kia can be started with a usb cord or I would not have bought it. They failed to tell me that so many kia's were being stolen and I would not have bought it. They are hiding flaws and defects and costing taxpayers thousands of dollars and nothing is being done about it. Do I have so spend more money to file a class action or is the NHTSA going to finally stop and make kia issue a recall? stolen kia's are wasting police officer times and city money to recover and while causing damage to other vehicles and lives of other people when they flee and a pursuit exists? when is enough is enough? this is a safety issue because these are kids stealing them and crashing them and hurting other people. Are you going to wait until someone gets killed from fleeing stolen cars before you do something?.

28 Steering problem of the 2020 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 01/09/2022

My vehicle was stolen some time between the evening of 01/09/2022 and the morning of 01/10/2022. The rear left window was smashed to allow entry into the vehicle, and no alarm was heard overnight. This vehicle was stolen without the use of a key, as both keys were inside my apartment at the time of the theft. The thieves stripped the steering column and used what appeared to be a screwdriver and/or a usb port (both items were found inside the vehicle upon recovery) to start the vehicle. This problem has made national news in milwaukee, WI, and is becoming more common here in columbus, OH.

29 Steering problem of the 2018 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 11/18/2021

I was driving and the radio went out along with navigation screen, then power steering went out along with headlights, tail lights. Engine was still running but would not rev up. All kinds of warning lights went off, had a harder time steering vehicle out of the road way. Engine eventually shut off. My dealer said my starter had a continuous draw on my battery and drained it. This was on 11/10/21. They replaced the starter and the battery. Got vehicle back on 11/10. Last night 11/18/21 I was driving my vehicle again at night and the same thing happened again, no lights, no power steering, no electronics in the vehicle worked. Got someone to jump my vehicle, we let it charge from the jumper and got the vehicle started again. Drove 4 miles down the road, same thing again. Had my wife come there and we again put jumper cables on for 20 minutes, was able to drive the vehicle home, did notice this time I had a check engine light. Have scheduled an appointment with my dealer again. I feel that on a dark country road with limited areas to pull over with no headlights or tail lights or 4 way flashers I could have easily been rear ended. I did have cars pass me and blow their horn at me, did finally make it to a cross road with a street light and got off the main road. The dealer has not set an appointment yet, vehicle would be available for inspection, if needed.

30 Steering problem of the 2018 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 10/03/2021

This kia Sportage's alarm system does not go off when the passenger front window is broken. My car was broken into and the youth stripped the steering column and was able to start my car without needing the key nor having the key within the vehicle. This is a security issue and allows the vehicles to be easily stolen. These safety issues should be address and fixed immediately by kia. The federal government should also hold kia responsible for the spike in stolen vehicles across the u. S. Seeing they know about the issue but have done nothing to fix it. The vehicle was then crashed and left running by the youth. I have included the estimate from progressive to get it fixed.

31 Steering problem of the 2018 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 05/11/2021

Initially, I attempted to crank the vehicle by pressing the starter button. I heard a click and noticed quick flashing lights from the dash, then nothing happened except clicks, noises and minimal light as if the battery was down. There was nothing on inside the car to cause battery failure. The brake was hard to press down to restart the vehicle. Therefore, I opted to jump-start the car and it immediately powered up. All of the lights on the dashboard flashed on a few times then the letters afls appeared on the dashboard. The radio/gps display continued to flicker and flash on and off nonstop as I continued to drive. I allowed the car to run for 5 minutes at home then proceeded to drive. After driving for 25 minutes on the highway, I turned to park, the steering wheel locked then unlocked in the process. I stopped to check to make sure that I was in the proper gear, still in disbelief that this steering wheel locking was occurring. I proceeded to back up the vehicle when the wheel locked again. I checked to see if the car was still running after that harder lock/jerk in the parking lot. I stopped the car, placed it in park without turning off the engine to gather myself because this was a very frightening and alarming experience to say the least. I didn't turn off the engine because I was uncertain if it would restart considering what occurred earlier with jump-starting the car. I drove back home making a concerted effort to drive slowly on the street. I then entered the open ramp onto the highway. I took extreme precautions and hoping that the steering wheel would not lock again which may have further caused my family and I to be placed into harm's way, not to mention the other drivers to be in danger on the road. I hope that immediate attention will be given to this matter to avoid further terror and trepidation, any injuries and/or loss of life.

32 Steering problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 03/06/2021

I was driving at 45mph, went into the opposite lane to pass a vehicle and the engine revved into the 7000rpm range, all the lights came on in the dash, and it immediately lost power. I pulled to the side of the road and the engine stopped. I tried to restart the engine and it wouldn't even crank over. No warning lights had come on prior to this and my oil is changed regularly. The engine is now "locked" up. I am reading this has been a frequent problem, but my vehicle VIN shows no recalls. This was on a 55mph highway, while passing at approximately 55mph.

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33 Steering problem of the 2015 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 11/20/2020

Randomly shuts off while driving.

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34 Steering problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 09/22/2020

So since I purchased the vehicle around this time last year the feeling while driving my kia was smooth no vibration or notice coming from the car, I havent had any kind of accidents or hit any pot holes, so now a year into having the kia and keeping all the fluids, brakes, and tires changed I noticed before getting it services and having those listed changed there is a feeling in the steering front end of what I say feels like the tires are going to fold up under the car. When turning the steering seems to feel really loose and I have to correct it out of the direction I just turn to make the vehicle to correctly drive forward. It has pulled to the right for a long time and this is one of the reasons I replaced the tires. Also there is a ticking noise coming from the engine and after learning about a recall with this kia that cause the engine to catch fire I called and the vehicle has already had this issue repaired but it is making that clicking or ticking sound still and the exhaust has moisture coming from it only on the right passenger side and the pipe it completely black from whatever it is putting out . .

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35 Steering problem of the 2007 Kia Motor Sportage

Failure Date: 09/02/2020

Steering wheel jammed in cold weather specially in morning, very hard to turn.

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Safety Ratings of Sportage Cars
Fuel Economy of Sportage Vehicles
Sportage Defect Investigations