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 ↗2014 Kia Sorento steering problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Kia Sorento have filed 35 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 41,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Sorento | 53 |
| 2012 Sorento | 19 |
| 2013 Sorento | 22 |
| 2014 Sorento (this page) | 35 |
| 2015 Sorento | 33 |
| 2016 Sorento | 80 |
| 2017 Sorento | 94 |
| 2018 Sorento | 26 |
2crashes
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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 steering system in the 2014 Sorento has two primary failure patterns: sudden loss of power assist mid-turn at any speed, and engine stalling that simultaneously kills steering assist and braking. Both happen without warning or diagnostic codes. Owners describe near-collisions and one vehicle sliding into a ditch. When power steering fails, the wheel becomes nearly immovable and requires brute force to steer.
Steering column noise—clicking, clunking, rattling—starts early and worsens over time. One owner's rack and pinion wore out by 38,000 miles; mechanics suspect a worn MDPS steering coupling, a known issue on 2014-2016 Kias.
Engine stalling is unpredictable and dangerous. The engine cuts out on highways and city streets alike, leaving drivers stranded or coasting. One owner endured five stalls in a single day on snowy roads. Kia installed monitoring equipment to capture the fault but never identified a cause.
Electrical gremlins compound the problem: dashboard flashing, wheels locking during highway driving, blind-spot warnings failing, and backup cameras going black. One owner reported an engine fire after a recall replacement engine was installed.
Most critical: dealers consistently find no fault codes and declare the vehicle normal. Owners report being told to keep driving until failure repeats—unacceptable when losses of steering and braking occur at highway speed.
Same Kia Sorento steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling with simultaneous loss of power steering and braking
Engine cuts out without warning while driving, rendering power steering and power brakes inoperative. Owners report sudden loss of control; one owner slid into a ditch during a stall on a snowy road. Restart typically restores function. Dealers unable to reproduce or diagnose—no fault codes found despite multiple dealer visits and Kia engineering involvement.
When: 9,500 to 41,000 miles; incidents occur unpredictably during normal driving and acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off abruptly while in motion; Power steering becomes inoperative when engine dies; Braking ability lost or greatly diminished; Vehicle loses directional control; Engine restarts after a few attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Kia installed a data recorder on one vehicle to monitor systems over 30 days; another owner reports steering module and column replacement was diagnosed but not completed; one repair estimate cited $2,000+ for electrical steering replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Engineering instructed dealers to check all grounds; arranged loaner vehicles; Kia stated they were not concerned about hypothetical accident scenarios; recalls and TSBs mentioned for engine-related issues on some 2014-2016 models, but steering/stalling connection not formally addressed in narratives
Power steering failure during turns at low and high speed
Power steering abruptly stops functioning mid-turn without warning, leaving driver with only manual (brute-force) steering capability. Occurs at speeds ranging from 5 MPH in parking lots to 73 MPH on highways. Multiple incidents per owner are common. Dealer inspections and computer scans find no codes or defects; some dealers declare vehicle normal despite failure.
When: 35,000 to 120,000 miles; failures unpredictable and recurring
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn; Loss of power assist mid-turn; No warning lights or check-engine lights prior to or during failure; All warning lights illuminate during failure event (power steering, battery, airbag lights); Steering control returns after engine restart or vehicle coasting to stop
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports rack and pinion replacement at 38,283 miles; another diagnosed needing entire steering module and steering column replacement (not completed); one estimate $2,000+ for electrical steering; extended warranty covered some repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia stated they had no complaints on this issue; no formal recalls cited in narratives for power steering failure; dealers unable to identify root cause
Steering column noise and vibration (clicking, clunking, rattling)
Clicking or clunking noises emanate from steering column when turning the wheel, particularly at initial movement or on uneven surfaces. Noise worsens over time. One owner reports clicking present from purchase; mechanics have suspected worn rack and pinion or MDPS steering coupling. Vibration and rattling also reported, suggesting loose or worn coupling components.
When: From time of purchase through 38,000+ miles; progressive worsening noted
Symptoms owners cite: Distinct clicking or popping sound when steering wheel is turned; Clunking noise when starting vehicle and turning steering; Column vibrates on uneven road surfaces; Noise worsens during turns while driving; Rattling in steering wheel (present from zero miles in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement performed at 38,283 miles; mechanic advised wear occurred very quickly; owner told may need additional steering repairs in 3-6 months; extended warranty covered one rack/pinion replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia stated they had no complaints on clicking/popping issue; no official recalls mentioned; dealer told owner part was faulty and wore quickly
Steering wheel lock-up while driving
Steering wheel becomes locked or immobilized while vehicle is in motion, preventing any directional control. Occurs without warning and without reproducible conditions. No diagnostic codes present, and dealers cannot confirm failure even when owner reports multiple occurrences. Computer systems show small glitches on monitor prior to event; all warning lights activate during lock-up.
When: Mileage and frequency vary; one owner reports multiple small glitches preceding lock-up incident
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up completely; Total loss of directional control while driving; All warning lights on dashboard illuminate during event; Computer system attempts to shut down vehicle mid-drive; Small monitor glitches observed before incident
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or find error codes; vehicle not repaired in reported case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal response or recalls cited
Engine failure requiring complete rebuild or replacement
Engine develops serious mechanical failures including loud knocking/ticking noises, rumbling, rough running, and oil smell issues. One owner reports engine fire post-recall repair; another reports engine caught fire within 10,000 miles of replacement engine installation. A third owner required complete engine rebuild ($6,500) after failed emissions test and check engine light. Maintenance was current in all cases.
When: Varies: one fire at ~10,000 miles post-rebuild; knock reported; rumbling after emissions failure
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or ticking noise while engine runs; Engine rumbling and rough running; Check engine light illumination; Smell of gasoline in oil; Engine fire/burn smell from engine compartment; Oil smell or suspected oil leak
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine rebuild estimated $6,500; full engine replacement performed under recall for one owner; engine fire resulted in total vehicle destruction; oil changes performed regularly; one vehicle serviced within 3 months of fire
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia recalled and replaced engine on one vehicle; Kia adjuster cited oil leak for fire but owner disputes; Kia refusing to release full fire inspection findings; no formal recalls mentioned for fire risk
Electrical system malfunctions causing instrument cluster and component failures
Instrument cluster/dashboard flashes or malfunctions, triggering cascading failures in unrelated systems. Wheel locks occur during highway driving when dashboard flashes. Malfunction indicator light turns on and off intermittently. Electrical gremlins disable blind spot warning, seat controls, backup camera, and steering wheel controls. Owners report battery discharge warnings and computer-initiated shutdown attempts while driving.
When: Varies across ownership period; some issues present from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard flashing intermittently; Wheels locking on highway when dashboard malfunctions; Malfunction indicator light flickering on/off; Backup camera showing only black screen despite functional sensors; Blind spot warning system non-functional; Seat control failures; Steering wheel control switches (cruise control, airbag) not functioning properly; Battery discharge warning displayed; Computer system attempts shutdown mid-drive
Repairs/costs cited: One owner told to pay out-of-pocket for diagnostic/tow during recall 'interim' phase; no repair costs cited in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia customer care initially declined to cover tow for interim-phase recall; dealership stated unable to schedule timely appointments
Steering column/assembly structural issues (coupling wear, vibration, noises)
Owner-identified or mechanic-suspected worn MDPS steering coupling or steering column coupling causing vibration, noise, and potential safety degradation. Vibration occurs on uneven surfaces; rattling present even at zero miles on new vehicle. Suspected to be widespread issue affecting 2014-2016 Kia vehicles, per one owner reference to Consumer Reports.
When: From zero miles through higher mileage; one reference suggests ongoing issue with model generation
Symptoms owners cite: Steering column vibration on uneven road surfaces; Rattling in steering wheel assembly; Noise when turning steering wheel; Vibration when braking; Loose grip feel on steering
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs documented in narratives; one owner mentions Consumer Reports April 2018 issue noting same problem on 2014-2016 Kia Soul
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recalls cited for coupling wear; no manufacturer response documented
Braking system loss of effectiveness and control
Brakes fail or lose effectiveness during emergency braking and normal driving situations. Vehicles skid, swerve, and spin out of control despite driver application of brake pedal. One owner reports brakes give out; another reports needing to pump brakes repeatedly to regain control on turns. New brake components installed have not resolved issues. Occurs alongside or independent of steering failures.
When: Various mileage; one report after brake replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of braking ability while driving; Vehicle skids or slides during braking; Vehicle veers left and begins to spin during emergency braking; Requires repeated brake pumping to regain control on turns; Brakes give out during turns; Difficulty stopping on dry road even with new brakes
Repairs/costs cited: New brake components and wheel sensors installed without resolving issue; hard pressing on brake pedal required to prevent vehicle from moving in park
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific brake recalls or TSBs cited in narratives
Transmission issues including slipping and harsh shifts
Transmission slipping reported by one owner who also described engine noise issues. Difficulty shifting between gears (Park, Neutral, Drive, Reverse) noted by another owner; hard manual force required to keep vehicle from moving in Park. One report mentions vehicle only starts in Neutral and refuses to go into Park.
When: Timing varies; one report mentions transmission slipping coinciding with engine noise
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping during acceleration; Difficulty shifting between Park, Neutral, Drive, Reverse; Hard manual pressure required on shift lever; Vehicle only starts in Neutral, refuses Park
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned
Synthesized from 35 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 2014 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 2014 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 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 31,000 and 89,000 miles, with the median around 41,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 31,000; a quarter make it past 89,000. 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/2014/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.