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 ↗2013 Kia Sorento steering problems
severe 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
1fire
3injuries
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 most dangerous and recurring complaint across these 22 reports is unexpected engine shutdown while driving. The engine dies without warning—at traffic lights, freeway off-ramps, parking lots, and highway speeds—and takes all electrical power with it. When that happens, the power steering and power brakes stop working. Dashboard lights go black. The car becomes a coasting object. One owner experienced this four separate times over 17 months; after Kia performed an ECU software update, the stalling happened again the very next day.
Power steering also fails independently in several cases. One driver's steering wheel seized completely while turning right at low speed, causing him to leave the road and hit a tree—the airbag didn't deploy. Another owner lost power steering assist during rain after a battery warning light came on.
The ignition key getting stuck—either refusing to turn or trapping itself in the ignition—happens repeatedly on the same vehicles, even when parked straight on flat ground. Owners have to restart the car and manipulate the steering wheel multiple times to free the key.
Front axle problems are documented: one loud bang during a parking maneuver caused the left tire to seize and the vehicle to accelerate with no movement. Transmission fluid was found on the axle. A 2014 Sorento recall exists for right-front axle fracture, but Kia will not cover 2013 models with the same defect.
One engine seized completely and required a long-block replacement after smoke poured from the compartment with gasoline smell in the oil. Repair estimates topped $5,000.
Same Kia Sorento steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling / total power loss
Engine shuts off without warning during normal driving, at traffic lights, stop signs, freeway off-ramps, and parking lot maneuvers. When engine dies, the vehicle loses all electrical power — dash lights go dark, power steering fails, power brakes fail. Car can usually be restarted after multiple attempts or comes back on its own. Owners report this as a recurring problem over months of ownership, sometimes happening multiple times. Kia dealers have performed ECU updates as a corrective measure, but failures continue afterward in at least one documented case.
When: Occurs unpredictably during acceleration from stops, highway driving, and parking maneuvers; one case at 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies without warning; Complete loss of electrical power / dashboard goes dark; Power steering becomes inoperable; Power brakes become inoperable; Loss of all warning lights and instrumentation; Difficult or impossible to shift to neutral; Multiple attempts needed to restart; No engine warning codes generated
Repairs/costs cited: Kia dealers performed ECU (Engine Control Unit) software updates; failures recurred after update in at least one case. One owner was told engine was seized and needed full long-block replacement (~$5,000). Another owner's used vehicle was deemed to need ~$3,500 engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued voluntary service campaign to update ECU on affected 2013 Sorento units. Kia dealers unable to replicate problem or determine cause in some cases and did not repair. One owner reports Kia refused to honor warranty coverage citing mileage limits, despite warranty letter stating engine coverage 'as long as we own the vehicle.'
Power steering failure / loss of assist
Power steering either becomes completely inoperable or loses assist, making the steering wheel difficult or impossible to turn. In one case, steering wheel seized while driver was attempting a right turn at low speed, causing the vehicle to leave the road and collide with a tree. In another case, battery warning light illuminated in rain, power steering assist was lost, and wheel became hard to turn. Some reports describe steering jerking or over-correcting at highway speeds. One report mentions steering feeling 'not right' without further detail.
When: At various speeds from 10–50 mph and highway speeds; one seizure at 65,000 miles; one loss-of-assist at 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering becomes completely inoperable; Steering wheel becomes difficult or impossible to turn; Steering wheel seizes mid-turn; Power steering assist suddenly lost; Steering jerks or over-corrects at highway speeds; Steering 'not right' or abnormal feel
Repairs/costs cited: One case required vehicle to be totaled after tree collision. No repair data provided for other steering failures.
Ignition key stuck / steering column lock malfunction
Key refuses to turn in ignition switch or will not come out of ignition after vehicle is shut off, even when vehicle is parked on flat surface with wheels straight. Owner must restart vehicle, manipulate steering wheel, shift transmission, or manually straighten wheels multiple times before key will turn or come out. Occurs repeatedly over time. One owner's sister experienced the same issue on a 2013 Kia Optima. Dealer suggested wheels turned caused the issue, but owner confirmed wheels were straight and vehicle was in garage both times.
When: When attempting to shut off vehicle after parking; occurs repeatedly over vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition key will not turn to lock position; Key will not come out of ignition after engine shut off; Requires multiple restart cycles and steering wheel manipulation to release key; Occurs even when vehicle is parked on flat surface with wheels straight
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia dealer suggested wheels being turned causes the problem, but this explanation did not match owner's circumstances.
Front axle fracture / failure
Front axle shaft fractures or separates from transmission. In one case, while shifting from reverse to drive in a parking maneuver, a loud bang was heard, the left front tire seized, and the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably with one wheel facing 45 degrees; transmission fluid was found on the axle indicating it had been ripped from the transmission. Another owner reports Kia has not addressed his axle issue despite a Kia recall (17V-224 / SC147) on 2014 model Sorento for right front axle shaft fracture risk, claiming 2013 models are not covered.
When: During parking maneuver (shift from reverse to drive); failures vary by vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang from front suspension area; Front tire seizes / wheel turns at extreme angle (45 degrees); Vehicle accelerates but does not move; Transmission fluid found on axle; Right front axle at risk of fracture (reported by owner citing recall notice)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner has a used engine quoted at $3,500 for axle-related failure. Kia refuses to repair axle issues on 2013 models, citing model year exclusion from recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia recall 17V-224 (SC147) addresses right front axle shaft fracture on 2014 model Sorento manufactured Jan 7–Mar 12, 2013, but Kia will not cover 2013 model year vehicles with same defect.
Rough idle / engine shimmy at stop
Vehicle idles roughly or with noticeable vibration felt through steering wheel when stopped or idling. Occurs early in vehicle ownership (at 600 miles on one unit). Dealer repair was performed but owner did not receive specific details on what was corrected.
When: At low mileage (600 miles on one vehicle); when vehicle is idling or stopped
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; Shimmy felt through steering wheel while idling; Vibration at stops
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repaired but details of repair work not provided by owner.
Dashboard / electrical flickering
Dashboard lights, radio panel lights, and speedometer lights flicker intermittently during driving. Engine occasionally seems to lose power briefly when flickering occurs. Lights may go completely dark for short periods. Occurs shortly after vehicle purchase and within days of each other.
When: At 70–75 mph on highways within days of new vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard and radio panel lights flicker; Speedometer area lights flicker or go dark; All lights in radio and steering wheel area turn off; Brief loss of engine power during flickering; Lights come back on after going dark
Steering wander / jerk to side at highway speeds
Vehicle jerks or wanders to one side while driving on curves at highway speed, pulling driver out of lane without warning. One owner notes steering jerks sharply right, leading to overcorrection at highway speeds. Another report mentions vehicle jerks right when turning right on a curve, causing driver to enter opposite lane.
When: At highway speeds (70+ mph) when navigating curves
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks to one side unexpectedly; Steering over-corrects or wanders; Vehicle drifts into adjacent lane; Steering feels motor-driven and jerky
Engine failure / seized engine
Engine becomes seized or fails suddenly during operation. One case involved smoke pouring from engine compartment with oil dipstick smelling of gasoline, requiring complete long-block engine replacement. Another case involved engine 'shot' after stalling. One case resulted in cracked engine block after collision.
When: During normal highway deceleration (one case); at 88,000 miles; at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seizes up; Smoke from engine compartment; Engine block crack; Gasoline smell in engine oil; Engine will not restart or turn over
Repairs/costs cited: Long-block replacement quoted at ~$5,000. Used engine replacement quoted at ~$3,500. One dealer stated 'had it not been for [security guard intervention], whole car would have caught fire.'
Airbag non-deployment
Airbags fail to deploy during collision despite significant impact damage. One case involved passenger-side collision with moderate-to-heavy front-end damage; another involved rear-end collision with severe front-end damage and engine block cracking. No airbag deployment in either case.
When: During collision events
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags do not deploy during crash; No deployment despite heavy or severe vehicle damage
Loud knock / clunk from front suspension
Loud knocking or banging noise from under the hood or front suspension area when turning sharply, especially right turns. One owner identified recall 17V-224 (SC147) as matching the symptom but states he never received recall notice from Kia.
When: When turning sharply, particularly right turns at parking speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knock from under hood; Banging noise from front suspension; Noise occurs during sharp turns
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia recall 17V-224 (SC147) may address this issue, but owner reports not receiving notice from manufacturer.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 22 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 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 20,960 and 102,415 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,960; a quarter make it past 102,415. 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/2013/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.