TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON (WTY003) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the clock spring assembly on 2011MY - 2015MY Sorento (XMa) vehicles. Kia is extending the warranty coverage for the driver’s front airbag clock spring assembly on the 2011-2015 MY Sorento vehicles, manufactured from 10/24/2009 through 12/17/2014, to fifteen (15) years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date of first service. This warranty extension addresses failures of the driver’s front airbag clock spring,
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Kia Sorento steering problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Kia Sorento have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 38,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Sorento | 5 |
| 2011 Sorento | 53 |
| 2012 Sorento (this page) | 19 |
| 2013 Sorento | 22 |
| 2014 Sorento | 35 |
| 2015 Sorento | 33 |
| 2016 Sorento | 80 |
1crash
2fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 19 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt in the drivetrain of the vehicle and/or the failure of drivetrain component(s). A difference in tire size (width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter etc.) may be the cause.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly. When the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Assembly on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit. On some ve
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly. When the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Assembly on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Worm Gear Assembly or Steering Column Housing on some 2010MY~ Kia models listed on page 8, equipped with a Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Kia Sorento steering cluster includes several distinct failure patterns. First, multiple owners describe a pull or drift during normal driving—one owner replaced tires, got a TSB service, and two separate alignments without resolution, then encountered dismissive service from Kia corporate. Second, and more serious, owners report the engine shutting down completely while driving—no warning, no check engine light—causing total loss of power steering, brakes, and electrical systems. This happens at speeds from 15 to 70 mph and recurs weeks or months apart. One shop found thick, dirty oil with metal debris; another diagnosed engine seizure from lack of oil. Third, the steering wheel locks up during these events or independently, forcing owners to shift to Park before restarting. Fourth, some vehicles catch fire—engine seizes, smokes, and burns without any warning light. One became a total loss. Fifth, one owner reports intermittent power steering failure making the wheel hard to turn. Sixth, several owners describe the vehicle as uncontrollable in wet or snowy conditions, sliding unpredictably. Dealerships consistently cannot diagnose these problems or find fault codes, and Kia has resisted acknowledgment despite owners citing forums and multiple complaints.
Same Kia Sorento steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Steering pull/drift and misalignment
Vehicle pulls or drifts to one side during normal driving. Multiple dealership alignments and tire replacements have not resolved the issue. One owner reports a forum dedicated to V6 Sorento steering problems.
When: 38k miles on one vehicle; issues present from purchase
Symptoms owners cite: distinct pull in steering; vehicle drifts in either direction; vehicle pulls to right or left
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement attempted; TSB performed and alignment done twice at different dealerships—problem persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia corporate customer service reportedly dismissive; no tech sent despite warranty coverage
Complete engine and electrical shutdown while driving
Engine and all electrical systems shut down without warning during normal driving. Vehicle loses power steering, brakes, and cannot restart until shifted to Park. Occurs at speeds ranging from 15 to 70 mph. Happens repeatedly over months or weeks.
When: 25k–132k miles; multiple incidents over 2–3 month spans reported
Symptoms owners cite: engine shuts off with no warning; no check engine light before shutdown; loss of power steering; loss of power brakes; loss of electrical systems; ABS light loss; vehicle will not restart until shifted to Park; all lights dim
Codes mentioned: check engine light (after shutdown), traction control warning light (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Auto Zone diagnostics showed battery and alternator fine; dealership unable to diagnose or fix; one independent shop found thick, dirty oil with metal debris and replaced oil
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia advised owner to provide documentation of oil changes; no recall issued despite multiple owners reporting same issue
Steering wheel lockup
Steering wheel becomes locked or seized while driving, either partially or fully. Occurs when engine stalls or independently of engine stall. One case at 70 mph with extended braking distance needed to stop.
When: At 132k miles (one case); various speeds in other incidents
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel locked; steering wheel seized; steering wheel very hard to turn; unable to steer vehicle; steering wheel locked in turned position
Repairs/costs cited: One independent mechanic diagnosed engine seizure due to lack of engine oil; engine repair/replacement needed but not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable to duplicate or diagnose; not covered under NHTSA Campaign 17V224000 per one case
Engine seizure and fire
Engine seizes, catches fire, and burns without warning. Vehicle was smoking before fire in one case. No check engine light warning preceding the failure. One vehicle became total loss.
When: At 35 mph (one reported incident); one case was 132k miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine seizes; engine starts making noises; smoking; catches fire; no warning; no check engine light before event
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle became total loss in fire case; independent mechanic cited lack of engine oil as cause in another case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reported vehicle was part of manufacturing defect recall related to engine and was checked by Kia service shop over a year prior; technician stated failure could still occur later but did not warn of fire/lock-up risk
Power steering failure
Power steering stops working without warning, making steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. Failure is intermittent, recurring multiple times over years.
When: At 25k miles; recurred four times over two-year period
Symptoms owners cite: power steering failed; steering wheel became very hard to turn; loss of power steering
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed; dealer could not duplicate the failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified per one narrative
Vehicle handling in wet/snowy conditions
Vehicle is uncontrollable in snow or wet conditions, sliding and drifting unexpectedly. Owner unable to negotiate hills or driveways safely. Issue makes vehicle unsafe for commercial use.
When: Apparent from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle slides in snow; uncontrollable in wet conditions; slides into street from driveway; vehicle goes where it wants in wet/snow; jerking side to side in wind
Codes mentioned: traction control warning light (one case)
Clock spring failure affecting horn and airbag
Clock spring component fails, disabling horn and other features and illuminating airbag warning light.
Symptoms owners cite: horn not working; airbag light on; features not working
Repairs/costs cited: Owner states should be covered under extended 15 yr/150k warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended 15 yr/150k warranty coverage mentioned for V6 recall-related issues
Airbag deployment related to vehicle pull
Vehicle pulled to right unexpectedly after a turn, causing collision with pole. Takata airbag recall mentioned in narrative.
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle pulled to right; caused collision with pole
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata recall noted
Broken panel assembly obstructing wheel movement
Panel assembly undercover breaks off easily and can obstruct wheel movement, creating rollover or overturn hazard.
Symptoms owners cite: panel assembly under cover broken off; obstructing wheel movement
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Driving to work this past tuesday 12/24/2019, while driving my car did this jerk move and then all the electrical signs popped up I couldn't brake or steer my stirring wheel .its as if my car locked up on me. Luckily I was able to turn off a side road avoiding on coming traffic. And but the car in park. I was stuck for 2 hours. My check engine light was the only light that stayed on. I couldn't…
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Kia Sorento?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2012 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 11,000 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 38,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,000; a quarter make it past 106,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Kia/Sorento.
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. Some links on this page are affiliate links.