Kia Sorento steering noise problems

Filed May 8, 2026 · Steering · MS

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. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lights or dashboard messages prior to the issue. The clicking noise first appeared while turning the steering wheel during normal driving and has continued since then.

Filed Dec 15, 2025 · Transmission · NC

Today is 12/15/2025 About a month or 2 ago i was on the highway coming from South Carolina to North Carolina when the engine revved up unexpectedly without input. It has HDA2 and that was doing most of the work. The vehicle started to speed up beyond the set limit and once i hit the brakes and manually shifted i was able to regain control. Last week the vehicle made a small noise that I wasn’t sure about. I called the dealership thinking that it could be a transmission problem. When i called they didn’t seem concerned and asked me to bring it in Monday (today). I had no lights or error codes (and still don’t) on the dash and they did not recommend that I don’t drive it so i continued using the car. Last night it made a horrendous noise started revving on its own and shifting very hard ans if something was coming apart. This morning on my way to the dealership the car completely seized up at an intersection. The car has 47900 miles on it. It’s a 2025 and the transmission seems to have completely blown. Ive read online several complaints about the transmission on these vehicles and think that they may be a major concern. For a new car to have this type of issue locking up while on public roads and smoking is absolutely a hazard. My only saving grace is that it happened at an intersection and not on the highway where an accident would have been inevitable. Please look into the DCT transmission on Kia Sorentos. Particularly X-Line SX prestige models. It is a highly unsafe vehicle. Another issue that the car is having is a clicking noise on the steering column that seems to be getting much worse over time and im afraid will result in loss of steering. Im having them check it out as well. The vehicle never showed a malfunction and I’ve attached a screenshot of the app showing it in perfect health despite being undrivable. I still have no invoice and no police report was made.

Filed Jul 11, 2025 · Steering · OH

My 2021 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] , built July 2021) has a persistent scraping/metal-on-metal noise when turning the steering wheel. This noise comes from inside the steering column. It matches exactly what Kia documents in TSB CHA111, which identifies failure of the worm shaft small bearing inside the C-MDPS (Column-Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering) system. My vehicle uses the same steering column system covered in that bulletin, though my VIN is not included in the bulletin’s range. The video embedded in CHA111 features the exact noise my vehicle is producing. I recorded it and sent it to Kia Consumer Affairs, along with proof of the C-MDPS configuration and production date. Despite clear evidence that my steering system is affected by the same design flaw, Kia declined support unless I pay for a dealer inspection — despite the issue being a known, documented defect. This noise has been present as far back as I can remember. and is steadily worsening. The steering column bearing is a critical safety component. If it fails, it could lead to steering resistance or failure. Other Kia and Hyundai vehicles using this system have already had the part replaced under warranty or goodwill coverage. I can provide a video of my vehicle making the noise. I’m submitting this complaint because Kia refuses to address a defect they’ve already acknowledged when it appears in later VINs. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate and consider requiring Kia to expand the scope of TSB CHA111 or issue a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 10, 2024 · Steering · 76,289 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the steering column. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering column became severely loose, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the steering column might have failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the mechanic had not completed a full diagnostic test on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 76,289.

Filed Apr 30, 2024 · Steering · 88,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a popping sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that the failure occurred while making a turn. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fractured steering column. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the independent mechanic had not provided a full diagnostic report. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be disassembled to be able to provide a complete diagnostic report. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2024 · Steering · NJ

My steering wheel is making loud clunk noises and the steering wheel is shaking I am unable to drive more then 20 miles per hour and it feels very unsafe

Filed Jun 13, 2022 · Steering · TX

Within the last 1 1/2 years the car makes a popping noise in the steering and its not a tie rod or ball joint issue. Nobody can seem to figure out where its coming from.

Filed Apr 12, 2021 · Steering · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 kia sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving at various speeds on an uneven surface, she loss control of the steering with the wheels vibrating uncontrollably. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where she was informed that there was a technical service bulletin on the vehicle for the steering column. The contact then took the vehicle to gossett kia (1900 covington pike, memphis, tn 38128) where she was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed to determine the cause for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Engine · 68,000 miles · TN

2015 kia sorento stalled out while driving on the interstate no prior warning before stalling out. All dash lights illuminated and would not restart. Only clicking when turning the key. Replaced battery and still only clicks when turning the key. Replaced starter now cranks but still will not turn over. 68,000 I am the original owner and all maintenance has been maintained throughout ownership. Contacting the dealership first thing in the morning. If the outcome is the motor being faulty as I have read numerous reports of this ongoing issue and resolution cant be met then legal action will be taken. Thank god we weren't injured from stalling on the interstate or worse. When will it be realized this is a serious problem and dangerous? I pray no lives are lost before action is taken to correct the engine defects.

Filed Feb 24, 2019 · Steering · 24,000 miles · IL

Same problem in november 2018 and february 2019 during driving on highway a least 80 MPH when I notice electric power steering was not smooth steering as jerk bumping noise on my feel hands. I tried to correct to straight the lane however it keep going moving little right and left direction. I was nervous not improper to straighten lane. It seem unsafe manner in highway !.