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 ↗2015 Kia Sorento steering problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Kia Sorento have filed 33 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 75,800 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
33
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Sorento | 53 |
| 2012 Sorento | 19 |
| 2013 Sorento | 22 |
| 2014 Sorento | 35 |
| 2015 Sorento (this page) | 33 |
| 2016 Sorento | 80 |
| 2017 Sorento | 95 |
| 2018 Sorento | 26 |
| 2019 Sorento | 10 |
5crashes
10injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 33 steering complaints filed for the 2015 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Owners have filed 33 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.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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
Owners describe a range of steering failures that affect vehicle control. The most dangerous involve complete steering loss—steering wheels that seize or detach outright, causing crashes. Multiple owners report the steering column popping and becoming loose or fractured, with one needing replacement at 88,000 miles after hearing a popping sound while turning.
Electronic steering wander is common: vehicles drift left or right unpredictably on freeways, require constant correction, and overcorrect violently when the driver tries to steer. Several owners tried "Sport" mode (Kia's suggestion) with no effect. One steering column replacement didn't hold—the wander returned.
Steering coupler failures lock rear wheels during turns and shred tires. One owner replaced tires three times before identifying the coupler as the culprit.
The steering wheel itself produces clicking, popping, squeaking, and rattling noises. One owner reported a sharp squeak at highway speeds; another heard a rattle from the steering wheel horn button during braking. Dealerships struggle to diagnose these; one quoted over $1,500 for a full steering column replacement without confirming the noise source.
Power loss events disable steering alongside brakes. One owner lost power twice—engine replaced after the first incident, but power and steering failed again, causing a collision with an animal. Another experienced alternator failure that killed the battery and power steering simultaneously at 70 mph.
Same Kia Sorento steering reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Steering column failure / loose steering
Steering column becomes loose, fractured, or detaches from the steering wheel. Owners report the steering wheel detaching from the column mid-drive, extreme difficulty turning the wheel, or excessive play in the steering wheel. Multiple complaints describe a popping sound coming from the steering column followed by the wheel becoming difficult to turn or unusable.
When: Various mileages from 65,000 to 137,000 miles; some as early as 2-4 mph on driveway, others at highway speeds (35-55 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel detaches or becomes loose; Difficulty turning steering wheel; Excessive play in steering wheel; Popping sound from steering column; Steering column fractured
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement recommended, estimated cost over $1,500 in one case; one case attributed to mechanic failure to torque nut after clockspring replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin mentioned in one complaint; no recalls specifically cited for this failure mode in narratives
Steering wander and overcorrection (electronic steering malfunction)
Vehicle strays left or right on the freeway without driver input, requiring constant steering corrections. When owners attempt to correct, the vehicle overcorrects and drifts to the opposite lane. Described as the car having a mind of its own. Multiple complaints mention attempting to drive straight is impossible and requires continuous corrections at all speeds.
When: Begins shortly after purchase or within first few weeks; occurs at speeds between 40-70 mph and at all speeds depending on complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle strays left on freeway; Vehicle drifts to right after overcorrection; Requires continuous steering corrections to maintain straight path; Overcorrects when attempting to correct steering; Vehicle wanders at various speeds; Steering not responsive to driver input
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership advised placing vehicle in 'Sport' mode (did not resolve issue); steering column replacement attempted in one case but failure recurred at 75,800 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner filed Florida Lemon Law complaint; arbitration judge could not duplicate problem; owner advised to live with problem until recall completed
Steering coupler failure
Steering coupler degrades or fails, causing rear wheels to lock when turning and producing loud shredding/rattling noises. Owners report wheels locking up during turns and tires being shredded. One complaint mentions this is the third set of wheels due to this issue. Dangerous in winter/snowy conditions.
When: Out of warranty at time of report; no specific mileage given in one case; mentioned as recurring issue over multiple wheel replacements
Symptoms owners cite: Rear wheels lock when turning; Horrendous noise while turning; Tires shredded; Wheels lock up and shred tires; Front end shuddering violently on bumpy surface
Repairs/costs cited: Coupler identified as defective part; dealership provided outrageous quote and stated out of warranty; no repairs completed
Steering wheel noise (clicking, popping, squeaking, rattling)
Owners report various noises emanating from the steering wheel or steering column including clicking, popping, squeaking, and rattling sounds. Clicking heard during driving at various speeds; popping noise causes steering wheel to vibrate; high-speed squeaking at over 60 mph; rattling in center of steering wheel near horn that feels like it might detach.
When: Various mileages; high-speed squeaking occurs at speeds over 60 mph on highway; clicking at various speeds; rattling occurs during braking at speeds over 25 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking sound from steering wheel at various speeds; Popping noise from steering wheel causing vibration; Sharp squeaking at high speeds (over 60 mph); Rattling sound in steering wheel center near horn; Tapping sound from steering wheel upon starting
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to locate source of squeaking in one case and recommended replacing entire steering column plus other components for over $1,500; Technical Service Bulletin exists for steering column according to one complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin mentioned for steering column
Steering seizure / steering lock
Steering wheel seizes or locks up suddenly while driving, requiring excessive force to turn or becoming immovable. In one case, steering locked at 35 mph causing vehicle to crash into billboard. Owners describe steering becoming very hard to turn and impossible to move.
When: One crash at 17,000 miles; one incident at 35 mph; various instances at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes while driving; Steering locks up; Excessive force required to turn wheel; Steering becomes very hard to turn
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved crash with non-deployed airbags; vehicle not repaired in reported cases
MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) steering coupler weld defect
Cowl crossbar connecting to Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing steering column to separate. Manufacturers warning states this can cause loss of steering ability. One narrative specifically mentions MDPS-related steering coupler noise and concern about electrical/electronic defect.
When: Not specified in complaint details; recall information references 2018 models but complaint from 2015 owner
Symptoms owners cite: Steering column at risk of separation; Noise from steering coupler; Electronic steering malfunction; Loss of steering ability potential
Repairs/costs cited: Recall SC167 for certain 2018 models specifies cowl crossbar replacement free of charge; 2015 owner questioning if covered by warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SC167 (applies to 2018 models per narrative); replacement cowl crossbar free of charge per recall notice
Power loss with concurrent steering failure
Engine loses power while driving, simultaneously disabling power steering and brakes. In one case, vehicle lost power twice with new engine replacement after first incident; second failure resulted in loss of steering and brakes, causing animal collision. Another case involved motor seizing at highway speed with complete loss of steering. These create immediate crash hazards due to loss of steering control.
When: First incident February 2020; second incident June 29, 2021; another incident at highway speeds; one case at 106,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down completely; Loss of power steering; Loss of brakes; Motor seizes; Engine loses power intermittently; Vehicle stalls with steering seized
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replaced after first failure in one case; no repairs provided after second failure; one case diagnosed with engine seizure needing replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case has open Kia case pending buyback; multiple dealerships unable or unwilling to resolve
Alternator failure causing power loss and power steering failure
Alternator fails, causing battery to die and resulting in loss of power steering, inability to shift gears, and loss of warning flashers. Vehicle on expressway at 70 mph when failure occurred. Owner's wife driving with shoulder surgery recovery; loss of power steering combined with weak shoulder strength created serious safety hazard.
When: 23 days over 5 years; 43,757 miles at time of failure
Symptoms owners cite: Alternator fails; Battery goes dead; Power steering goes out; Unable to shift gears; Unable to use safety flashers
Steering wheel shaking / vibration
Steering wheel shakes or vibrates at certain speeds or during braking. Owners report steering wheel shaking once speed exceeds 55 mph, steering column being off center causing tire shake, and vibration during braking. One mentions steering wheel shakes unless driven at a certain speed.
When: Various mileages; shaking occurs at speeds over 55 mph in one case; during braking at speeds over 25 mph in another
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes at higher speeds; Vibration in steering wheel; Shaking when braking; Steering column off center; Tires shake
Repairs/costs cited: One complaint mentions steering sector shaft needs replacement per auto repair shop
Steering clunking / cracking noise
Clunking or cracking sounds coming from steering when turning. One owner reports cracking sound when turning steering wheel on city street. Another reports clunking when turning steering wheel with large vibration.
When: Various speeds and mileage points
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking sound when turning steering wheel; Cracking sound when turning steering wheel; Large vibration with clunking; Rattling sound when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering sector shaft replacement needed per one auto repair shop assessment
Steering wheel locks / horn and steering wheel functions non-responsive
Steering wheel locks up while driving with horn and other steering wheel functions not working. Owner mentions everything in the steering wheel does not function and locking has caused near-collisions.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up while driving; Horn doesn't work; Steering wheel functions non-responsive; Near-collisions due to steering lock
Synthesized from 33 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact rented a 2015 Kia sorento. While driving at approximately 35 MPH over railroad tracks, the steering wheel seized and excessive force was required. The contact also stated that the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The failure caused the vehicle to crash into the post of a billboard. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a vertebrae, neck, and…
Had steering trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Kia Sorento?
It's a meaningful issue. 33 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 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 61,788 and 106,000 miles, with the median around 75,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 61,788; 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/2015/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.