2005 Kia Sorento: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Aug 3, 2015 · Steering · 590,030 miles · VT

I went to my doctors appointment the car ran fine well about half way home the car started making a funny noise sounded like a tractor or if u turn your wheel to far the noise it makes like a grinding metal noise so I stop at a light the noise stopped all seemed normal I lightly stepped on the gas and the noise came back well ive got to get home only seconds away from home no light are coming on its not over heating I go to turn a corner and the steering was gone for a second but came but steering came back decided to take it to the shop all the way to the shop the steering and noise was all going at the same time its clear theres problems with this car that needs to be addressed before someone does get killed is that what has to happen to get a recall?

Filed Aug 5, 2014 · Engine, Lights · CA

From the time I got the car head lights have repeatedly burned out after a month or two, also dash lights go off randomly and flicker and then come back on when ever they decide,my power steering went out, brake light came on and A/C went out all at once. Started to overheat, so it was determined the serpentinre belt had broke,replaced belt and vibration under hood was noticeable but could not determine the source., but somewhere under the hood. Still replacing headlights every couple months, then power steering fluid started to be consumed and constantlyt required adding fluid, then had a mechanic check for leak and he replaced some hoses and clamps but vibratiion continued and eventually power steering began loud noise when car started and only when reved up would noise stop, and when A/C was on sometimes would effect the power steering noise. Replaced the powersteering pump, still the noise continued and recently the belt came off while I was driving and brake light came on , I was able to get safely off the road and didnt cause an acciedent, but very close call, belt had come off but after minor adjustment it was put back on, vibration noise has become worse, I am affraid to drive it, mechanic looked at it and said harmonic balance seems to be off and root of problem is crank shaft bolt most likely , common problem , however during the time in kia dealership for other recall issues , crank bolt was never brought to my attention as being a problem in my year or model car, non it turns out it is a major problem and legal action has been taken by class action suit dealing with same issue.

Filed May 20, 2010 · Steering · 78,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 kia sorrento. The contact was pulling into a driveway at relatively low speeds of 5 MPH when he noticed an unusual popping sound. The steering immediately failed and the contact was able to stop the vehicle without incident. The contact noticed that when turning the steering wheel, the tires would not move. The manufacturer advised having the vehicle towed to a local dealer for a diagnosis of the failure. The contact stated he would have his personal mechanic diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 78,000.

Filed Jun 26, 2008 · Engine · 20,200 miles · GA

Turning into the driveway from a short trip to the corner gas station, I heard a loud "clunk", lost power steering and vehicle would not restart. Contacted kia roadside assistance and had vehicle towed to dealership. Dealer indicated the crankshaft bolt broke. Dealer replaced the "short block" under warranty. Repairs took 5 days and no alternate transportation was provided.

Filed Jun 26, 2008 · Engine · 42,874 miles · GA

Driving out of my office park at lunch time, heard fan noise like loose belt, then when turning wheel to exit lot, heard a loud "clunk" and lost power steering. Engine sitting loose in compartment land loose belts everywhere. Called roadside assistance and had vehicle towed to dealer. Told 2.5 hours late, when I called to the dealer, that the crankshaft bolt was broken again. Contacted kia consumer affairs and found although there is an active campaign to recall this bolt, my VIN is not on the list (this is the second failure). Although "short block" was replaced at last failure (in 4/07 at 20,200 mi) this failure required machining the bolt out and only replacing the crankshaft sprocket, crank pulley and crankshaft bolt, then reinstalling other components. Contacted kia consumer affairs 6/18/08 and requested dist service mgr approval short block replacement. No return phone calls although messages were left for agent on 6/19 and 6/20. Agent called on 6/25/08 to ask "how is the vehicle riding?", but we had not picked up the vehicle from the dealer, since yet again no alternate transportation was provided. Safety is now a major concern with this vehicle. No confidence in replacement parts to solve this problem. Research shows many other owners reporting multiple failures of the crankshaft bolt. Repair took 6 business days (8 calendar days) and again no alternate transportation was offered or provided. Www.kia-forums.com has information from a kia technician that the crankshaft problem is due to a design flaw that cannot be fixed by replacing a bolt every 10,000 to 20,000 miles or each failure. No owner should be expected to wait for another failure that drops the bottom half of the engine. This is a serious safety concern that needs to be addressed. I have been fortunate that the failures have been out of traffic and not on the interstates. Living in metro atlanta, ga means I a far greater chance of the next failure causing injury to me or others.