DRIVING ON MINIMALLY WET ROAD, WATER IS SPLASHING INTO ENGINE, LIGHT COMES ON ENGINE STALLS NO STEERING. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON RESIDENTIAL STREET, HIGHWAY STREET, DRIVING STRAIGHT, ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. CALLED DEALERSHIP FROM WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED (FOUR MONTHS AGO) SERVICE MANAGER UNRESPONSIVE. HAVING A DIFFERENT DEALERSHIP LOOK AT CAR, WILL TRY TO RE-CREATE…
2009 Kia Sportage steering problems
moderate 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$700
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 6 MPH HE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULT STEERING. ALSO THE VEHICLE FAILED TO CONVEY TO THE FUEL ECONOMY RECOMMENDED STANDARDS OF 16 TO 24 MPG FOR IN THE CITY DRIVING. THE VEHICLE MAINTAINED A FUEL ECONOMY OF 12 MPG. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, AND MUST…
WHILE DRIVING THROUGH SOME CURVE ON HWY 50 INTO AUSTIN NV. THE POWER STEERING FAILED, ON A HARD RIGHT CURVE, NO ASSIST UNTIL I CAME INTO A STRAIGHT AWAY, POWER STEERING WORKED FINE, THEN AGAIN ON A RIGHT CURVE IT FAILED. NO POWER ASSIST WITH STEERING UNTIL I GOT BACK ONTO A STRAIGHT AWAY. STOPPED IN AUSTIN CHECK POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL, IT WAS WITHIN TOLERANCES. NOTE: EACH FAILURE LASTED APP…
2009 KIA SPORTAGE. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE STEERING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN TURNING, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2009 Kia Sportage?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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