2016 Kia Sorento: loss of power steering

Filed Sep 6, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · NC

The red steering wheel with an exclamation point pops up on the dashboard and instantly I lose power steering the wheel gets really hard, it went out as I was making a turn and I almost hit the truck . I had to yank the wheel really hard to control the steering, then had to pull over turn the truck off then back on to reset the problem. This have been going on mildly for a few years now has gotten to its worst

Filed Apr 18, 2023 · MN

My 2016 Kia Sorento was parked in my garage. When I went out in the morning to start the car, I turned on the ignition and the red warning light indicating a power steering failure went on and the power steering wasn't functioning. It was much harder to turn the wheel in either direction than it had been previously. I backed out of my driveway and with some difficulty drove another 2-3 blocks. At that point the power steering started functioning again and I was able to continue driving it to a nearby automotive repair place. When I dropped the Kia off they suggested that I leave it there overnight to give them as much time as possible to see if they could replicate the problem I just had. The problem didn't repeat while the car was in the shop, but I was told the power steering could go out again at any time. This is a major safety concern since I don't know if I'd be able to maintain control of the vehicle if this happened unexpectedly - particularly if I was traveling at a high rate of speed. Since then I've read reports of similar incidents with other 2016 Kia Sorentos. I've also learned that Kia has extended the warranty for the steering mechanism on my vehicle to 150,000 miles, but that is of no help if the problem doesn't present itself when it's in for repair at the dealership because if it doesn't service will be denied. To the best of my knowledge there is currently no recall for this issue. I've tried contacting the Kia Consumer Assistance Center about this, but finally gave up after being put on hold for over an hour. My vehicle is available for inspection at any time.

Filed Nov 26, 2022 · Engine · AR

While driving down the road at highway speeds, the engine died. Losing power brakes and steering. I was able to move over to the shoulder. The engine is seized. Oil changes done every 3,500 miles and with full synthetic and a kia branded filter every time. I believe the 2016 2.4L engine has an internal oil problem. There are 617 complaints on the 2016 Sorento, and every one of them that states Engine, is a seized engine. That's only the people that thought to complain. I have found hundreds of comments on youtube videos and several friends that own similar (2015 2.4L Sorento) that have all had to replace their engines from loss of power at highway speeds. I was passing a car when the Sorento engine died and had to navigate back to the left lane and onto the should with no power steering or brake assist, all while being surprised and confused as to why the engine wouldn't restart. Not taken to the dealer yet for inspection, but a local mechanic said the engine appears seized. No warning lights on the dash until the engine died. No oil pressure light, no battery light, no check engine light, until the engine died.

Filed Jul 17, 2021 · Steering · CA

Progressing problem with power steering failure since 05/2020. This month was more frequent occurrences. When driving straight and steady power steering stiffens and losses power, red warning light steering lights which forces the driver to steer hard limiting short turns. Almost got into accident multiple times. Must restart engine in order to restart steering function.

Filed Oct 5, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 90,200 miles · CA

Power steering failed while driving. Extreme difficulty to steer, dangerous situation since it happened when I was trying to turn left from the left turning lane on a freeway offramp. Was able to turn car left and change to right lane then moved to side of road. Turned off car, on restart power steering returned.

Filed Aug 19, 2019 · Steering · 64,000 miles · AZ

During normal vehicle operation, both on the highway and city streets, the vehicle would suddenly lose power steering and the power steering warning light will illuminate. This happened several times randomly without warning, steering was normal and there were no audible noises when steering prior to power steering failure. Putting the vehicle in park, turning off and restarting the car fixed the problem a few times, sometimes for a few days between occurences. Eventually power steering was lost for good and needed to be taken to a mechanic for repairs. There were a few close calls losing power steering in the middle of turns that nearly LED to accidents.