2017 Kia Sorento steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

78 owners have reported steering problems with the 2017 Kia Sorento, 11% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 40,000 mi.

Steering complaints
78
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
40,000 mi

Specific components reported

Steering covers: Power steering, steering column and wheel, loss of steering assist.

ComponentComplaints
Steering78

Steering complaints across Kia Sorento years

120071120113201262013162014192015562016782017182018820194202062021102022720231202422025
Steering complaints by model year. The 2017 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k610k–30k1030k–60k460k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Aug 29, 2026NYSteering
    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, dealer says it does not apply. The warning light required for the extended warrant is not on in my vehicle but there is a clearly diagnosed issue with the electronic steering as…
    NHTSA complaint #11760571 · source
  2. Filed Aug 24, 2026NJElectrical SystemSteering
    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 left my vehicle sitting at the dealership for over two weeks without resolution or accommodation. My vehicle was brought to Kia of Nutley for a confirmed MDPS (power steering) motor…
    NHTSA complaint #11759172 · source
  3. Filed Jul 30, 2026TNSteering
    My 2017 Sorento has sticky/notchy steering. When trying to move the steering wheel, it initially sticks and requires extra force to get it to provide a steering input. Once it gets past the initial resistance, it jerks the car in the direction you are trying to go which required compensation in the other direction. Upon correction, it jerks the car in the opposite direction causing a continual need to correct the steering wheel to keep the car straight and causing the car to…
    NHTSA complaint #11753754 · source
  4. Filed Mar 4, 2026PAAirbagsElectrical SystemSteering
    My airbag light is on after picking it up from a KIA dealership service and they are refusing to correct the issue that was caused by the dealership. I escalated the issue to KIA America and filled a formal case#25916418 on 2/26/2026. On 3/4/206 Tori at Kia Customer service informed me that it will not be covered because the dealership claims its a pre-existing issue. The dealership has failed to provide proof that that is true. Attached are: -The dealership’s diagnostic…
    NHTSA complaint #11722010 · source
  5. Filed Jan 10, 2026PASteering
    My name is [XXX] I am a [XXX] widow, and I am also a 100% Disabled (Combat Wounded, Purple Heart receipient) Marine Corps veteran. I purchased my 2017 Kia Sorento brand new from Lion County Kia in State College Pennsylvania. After a couple of years, I noticed while driving on several random trips, that my Kia's steering felt like it had stopped working, and I had to fight to keep my Kia centered in my lane. I took it to Lion County Kia, and complained about this issue, while…
    NHTSA complaint #11710103 · source
  6. Filed Dec 11, 2025MIEngineSteering
    I was driving our 2017 Kia Sorento 2.4 liter, on I-94 in Detroit, MI when suddenly, the vehicle would not go over 50 mph when the engine suddenly lost power on Friday 11/28/2025 ..We towed the vehicle to the Auto Repair Shop a few days later. On Tuesday 12/9/2025 the Auto Repair shop contacted us and said that their was plenty of oil in the vehicle but Cylinder 3 misfired and there is a loss of engine compression. Auto shop says cylinder 3 failed and now only 3 cylinders are…
    NHTSA complaint #11704479 · source
  7. Filed Sep 9, 202521,083 miPASteering
    The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel was sticking and notchy while attempting to return the steering wheel to center. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the power steering motor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was…
    NHTSA complaint #11686042 · source
  8. Filed May 3, 2025KSSteering
    Sticking steering wheel at speeds around 60 mph on slight turns been happening over a year took it to dealer said they couldn’t get it to do it.
    NHTSA complaint #11658702 · source
  9. Filed Apr 21, 2025NHSteering
    The steering is sticky. When on the highway you have to keep correcting the steering because the wheel seems to be sticking then moving. As a result you can not just go straight down the road but have to keep putting in steering corrections!!!!! This needs to be addressed! This is an ongoing problem , not just on one date.
    NHTSA complaint #11655762 · source
  10. Filed Mar 11, 2025FLSteering
    Steering sticks and makes it difficult to stay straight. Have to use extreme effort to keep it in the lane. Complained to Kia in 2022 and dealer saw problem with the rack mounted motor driven power assembly but that it was within their specs. They did a software update on the eps and said system now operating as designed. The miles were 35,774 at that time. Started having same issues in february of 2025. Dealer is saying it needs a new steering column, but now out of…
    NHTSA complaint #11647752 · source
  11. Filed Mar 10, 2025NYSteering
    Steering is sticky when making SLIGHT correction. Happens every time I drive. The speed does not matter. Happens at all speeds.
    NHTSA complaint #11647481 · source
  12. Filed Feb 26, 2025FLSteering
    We Reported in February of 2022 To Kia of Port Charlotte in Florida that our steering wheel was sticking so bad we had to use extraordinary effort to keep the car going straight. They told us they were unable to replicate what we experienced. Starting in February of 2025 we started to experience the same thing. We brought it [XXX] to Kia of Sebring Florida. They diagnosed that there is a sticking of the steering wheel but it is not covered because the car is 7 years old and…
    NHTSA complaint #11645164 · source

Other 2017 Kia Sorento problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology