Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2023 | 7 | 6% | 2,000 miles |
| 2022 | 10 | 5% | — |
| 2021 | 6 | 2% | — |
| 2020 | 4 | 3% | 19,000 miles |
| 2019 | 11 | 3% | 10,000 miles |
| 2018 | 26 | 10% | 22,000 miles |
| 2017 | 97 | 12% | 30,000 miles |
| 2016 | 80 | 6% | 50,000 miles |
| 2015 | 33 | 4% | 70,000 miles |
| 2014 | 35 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
| 2013 | 22 | 2% | 66,000 miles |
| 2012 | 20 | 2% | 38,000 miles |
| 2011 | 53 | 3% | 20,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 2% | 160,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% | 93,000 miles |
| 2006 | 33 | 14% | 92,000 miles |
| 2005 | 39 | 13% | 106,000 miles |
| 2004 | 24 | 11% | 99,000 miles |
| 2003 | 31 | 10% | 79,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, there was squealing sounds coming from the steering wheel and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that several system warning lights illuminated and the check lane departure warning, check speed limit, check high beam assist, and check driver attention messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed but was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,400.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal squealing sound coming from the steering wheel and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the vehicle received an unstated repair; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,328.
Warning lights go crazy. Power steering goes out for several seconds. Rpms and speedometer go nuts or lay on zero. Sometimes I can't shift into drive for several minutes. sometimes it sounds and feels like (under the pedal, in acceleration) it's losing power for a few seconds, almost like a slipping feeling but in power. The clock and profiles have reset overnight before where I had to reset clock and presets. Kia has had my car for many weeks already in January at just 2-3 thousand miles I'd say (I bought it brand new in October 2022). My dash cam was plugged in. They tried so many things...the "remedy" was to not use the dash cam a while to see if it happens again. After a few months, I plugged it back in. Issues returned. Took back to Kia who said they'll need it to do it again without dash cam in so I unplugged it that night. Issue has returned at least three times since then. …
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. …
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. …
My 2021 Kia Sorento X-Line Prestige comes with Driver Assist features. One is for steering. Without warning it will disengage, particularly on a 2-lane highway, or when entering a curve in the road. This is dangerous. It needs to come with a warning that Driver Assist can flake out on 2-lanes and on curves, and is fairly useless unless you are on a straightaway on an interstate. This has happened to me multiple times since I bought the car from the Heiser dealership in Wisconsin.
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.
Unknown. There is a rattling noise coming from behind the steering wheel. I have it on video on 2 different occasions. I took my vehicle to a Kia dealer and had it looked at they cannot figure out the issue or hear it. It comes and goes and happens when I accelerate. I spoke to Kia customer service and they advised me to make a complaint on here.
Related recalls (1)
Steering › Electric power assist system
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC167.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sorento years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (97), 2016 (80), 2011 (53), 2005 (39) and 2014 (35) model years. Steering complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Kia Sorento steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 18V-656 (electric power assist system, Sep 21, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Sorento steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist system (8 mentions), followed by the electric power assist system (2).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.