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2018 Kia Sorento steering problems

26 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 22,100.

owner complaints
26
of this car's complaints
10%
typical mileage
22,100
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Kia Sorento steering problems in other years

20032005201520202025

Related recalls

Steering: electric power assist systemReported September 21, 2018 · 97 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 18V656000 · Recall details

What 2018 Kia Sorento owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Steering · MA

I was driving and when I lost all power steering the lights on the dash came on for power steering and traction I could not steer at all it was so hard to drive . I reported it right away and had my car check out there is a recall on the power steering but they are saying my car was made in April and the recall starts for cars made in June . Well now they are saying I need a new steering column when u turn the wheel u hear a load clunk noise my dash light go on and off when you turn the wheel and you lose power to the vehicle I also burn threw light bulbs monthly I think it’s also a electrical issue within this vehicle I have already had to get a new engine this vehicle in junk and has costed me a fortune and the keep denying to cover there at fault for any of it and it’s there fault it’s not just my car they are all like this.

Filed Jun 6, 2025 · Steering · GA

The steering started to fail and would be hard to steer while driving.I then looked further online and found that a recall was issued for the steering column and how dangerous it was to continue driving the vehicle for the cross as stated in the recall could seperate and one could lose steering and cause a crash so we; my wife and I managed to get the car safely to the dealer for further diagnostic only to find out that although a recall was issued for the steering problem. Our vin was not included and we had to pay for the repair.

Filed Jun 3, 2025 · Steering · IL

Sometimes this condition hardly noticable and other times very stiff then move steering wheel slightly and full assist. Seems more prevalent after driving 1/2 hour or more on expressway steering becomes stiff and ratchety. This causes steering to stick whenever driving at highway then driver is putting more effort to overcome stuck wheel. When breaks loose vehicle goes to far in that direction then sticks again causing to stick again and over corrects other direction. This goes from annoying and uncomfortable to just plain dangerous depending on conditions speed weather and proximity to other vehicles or obstacles.

Filed Mar 7, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · WA · fire

In January 2024 I started getting power steering issues and multiple warning lights related to the electrical systems. I took my vehicle to Car Pros Kia for inspection and repair on 2/1/2024. They took it for a test drive at which time it caught fire.

Filed Nov 26, 2024 · Driver assistance, Steering · IL

Steering cupler failure

Filed Apr 4, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · GA

Me and my wife were traveling north on [XXX], left lane, 18 wheeler in right lane, cars directly behind us, 70 mph, when there was an abrupt thud, and slight skid, then lost all power from the engine. There were no warning indicators at the time. When the engine failed, we almost hit the tractor next to us. Looking in the mirror to try to determine what to do, as steering was hard to perform, there was a large cloud of black and blue smoke, the car behind us being covered in smoke and most likely oil too. The car behind us aggressively braked and ducked in behind the 18 wheeler just before a rear impact would have occurred. We finally got to safety on the side of the road as the traffic stacked up behind us was able to reduce speed in time. I had my car towed to the KIA dealership in Springfield, MO. One interesting point, the wrecker operator said that unfortunately a big part of his business was hauling KIAs. We almost died. Upon review of social media, I see there are literally thousands of KIAs placing families in danger. Why hasn’t Mr. Budegedge acted on it. After experiencing this, it’s likely there will be deaths. My car had 120,000 miles on the engine. KIA said it was my problem as they met their warranty obligation at 100,000 miles. There are so many incidents, even with 6 cyl engines. Customers need to be warned. At least they can be prepared for the failure when it happens. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 29, 2024 · Steering · NV

When driving and turning the steering wheel in to a curve the steering wheel sticks and I have to jerk the wheel back this has occurred on separate occasions the latest today

Filed Sep 20, 2023 · Steering · IN

On 9/14/2023 I stopped at an intersection to wait for traffic to clear. Upon entering the intersection a large yellow warning notification indicating a problem with the steering system was illuminated. Simultaneously the power steering system was apparently disabled. I was only able to steer the car with great effort. Fortunately I was stopped just before this happened so I was going less than 5 MPH. I continued to a parking lot where I was able to stop safely. I parked, shut off the vehicle, and restarted. The yellow warning notification was cleared the power steering returned to normal function. The problem has not returned in more than 50 miles of subsequent driving. There was no accident as a result of this failure. On 9/24/2023 the vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership. They diagnosed the problem as a "cs126008 steering angle sensor circuit / c126002 steering angle sensor circuit / torque sensor error". To fix this problem it was recommended to replace the complete steering column with motor and module. As this is not covered by warranty I intend to maintain control of the replaced components.

Filed Sep 5, 2023 · Steering · MO

Clunking and sticking steering wheel due to rubber coupling that connects electric steering motor to steering column disintegrates. The dealer acknowledges that there is a mass wide issue with this component failure, but says it is not covered under warranty past 60k miles, nor is there a recall, but there are TSB’s regarding it. This problem clearly puts drivers of these vehicles and surrounding motorist in danger of head on collisions.

Filed Apr 21, 2023 · Steering · OH

Loud clunkiness when steering the wheel at 0 mph started occurring at about ~ 75,000 miles. The steering wheel then vibrates when driving atop the slightest uneven pavement, with more clunckiness coming from the front side of the car and a metal on metal rattle. The vehicle was taken to the authorized Kia service where they determined that there was a faulty steering wheel column, but that the vehicle "WAS STILL SAFE TO DRIVE." Repairs are $3,000 on something they acknowledge is potentially a small faulty part in the wheel column - plastic coupler in the EPAS (extended warranty had been issued for other Hyundai/Kia models with the same issue.) Kia refused to repair at no cost on either bases of safety or quality issues, even though there is no scheduled maintenance repair on this part of the car; i.e., the steering system should last for as long as the car remains in ownership and all scheduled maintenance is completed. The car cannot be taken to a non-Kia shop as I was told a transponder in the steering wheel that connects to the ignition key is a repair that cannot be completed unless in a Kia facility. Net, I'm driving a car with steering problems yet being told "IT IS SAFE" (?) which makes me really concerned, and I have no resolution other than spending $3,000 for a potential plastic part replacement worth $20 + labor. There is a history of issues with this vehicle, including major repairs and replacements under warranty, all documented in Kia authorized shops.

Questions about the 2018 Kia Sorento steering

Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have steering problems?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Kia Sorento, 10% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2018 Kia Sorento steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 22,100 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Kia Sorento steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 18V656000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Kia Sorento have bad steering?

The Kia Sorento model years with the most steering complaints are 2017 (97 complaints), 2016 (81 complaints) and 2011 (53 complaints).

Other 2018 Kia Sorento problems

Engine 112Lights 41Electrical 30Fuel system 13Airbags 10Body 9Transmission 9Acceleration 8Brakes 8Driver assistance 8Visibility 7Seat belts 3Wheels 2Locks 1Seats 1Tires 1

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