KIA Sorento Steering Problems
Owners have filed 542 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the KIA Sorento across 21 model years. The 2017 model year has the most (97). The words owners use most often: “steering column” (9% of reports).
- 542steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 21mention a crash
- 12mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $3,250typical repair cost reported by owners
- 45%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering column: mentioned in 50 of 542 complaints (9%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the KIA Sorento at $3,250, and half of them between $2,850 and $4,000.
Based on 8 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2007–2025), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 336 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 542 complaints, 21 mention a crash, 9 a fire, 12 an injury.
KIA Sorento steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Sorento | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2024 Sorento | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2023 Sorento | 7 | 6% | 1,864 |
| 2022 Sorento | 10 | 5% | — |
| 2021 Sorento | 6 | 2% | — |
| 2020 Sorento | 4 | 3% | 18,250 |
| 2019 Sorento | 11 | 3% | 7,450 |
| 2018 Sorento | 26 | 10% | 22,100 |
| 2017 Sorento | 97 | 12% | 30,000 |
| 2016 Sorento | 80 | 6% | 47,500 |
| 2015 Sorento | 33 | 4% | 67,615 |
| 2014 Sorento | 35 | 4% | 40,000 |
| 2013 Sorento | 22 | 2% | 66,000 |
| 2012 Sorento | 20 | 2% | 38,000 |
| 2011 Sorento | 53 | 3% | 20,000 |
| 2008 Sorento | 5 | 2% | 143,000 |
| 2007 Sorento | 3 | 2% | 48,750 |
| 2006 Sorento | 33 | 14% | 92,348 |
| 2005 Sorento | 39 | 13% | 106,000 |
| 2004 Sorento | 24 | 11% | 99,000 |
| 2003 Sorento | 31 | 10% | 79,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Steering:column; steering:electric power assist system
Model years: 2018
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Unknown
While driving my 2021 Kia Sorento, the electronic power steering suddenly failed/intermittently cut out while the vehicle was in motion. The steering wheel became extremely stiff and difficult to turn, making the vehicle very hard to control and creating a serious risk of a crash. I had to muscle…
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…
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…
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…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Sorentos have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 542 owner complaints about steering for the KIA Sorento. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Sorento steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the KIA Sorento?
Owners report a typical cost of $3,250 (half paid between $2,850 and $4,000), from 8 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the KIA Sorento?
The most frequent phrase is “steering column”, in 50 of 542 complaints.
Other KIA Sorento problems
- Engine problems (3,847)
- Electrical System problems (1,396)
- Power Train problems (1,187)
- Structure problems (936)
- Exterior Lighting problems (845)
- Air Bags problems (717)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (409)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (398)
See all KIA Sorento problems.