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 ↗2017 Kia Sorento steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Kia Sorento have filed 94 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 30,000 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
94
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Sorento | 22 |
| 2014 Sorento | 35 |
| 2015 Sorento | 33 |
| 2016 Sorento | 80 |
| 2017 Sorento (this page) | 94 |
| 2018 Sorento | 26 |
| 2019 Sorento | 10 |
| 2020 Sorento | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 94 steering complaints filed for the 2017 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Of the 16 model years of Kia Sorento we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 94.
Owners have filed 94 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.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MDPS WARNING LAMP DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION & SINGLE PARTS REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the diagnosis of Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS), also known as Electronic Power Steering (EPS), and parts replacement associated with the âÂÂWarranty Extension Programâ (WTY023) on 2016-2017MY Optima (JF/JFa), 2017MY Optima HEV/PHEV (JF P/HEV), 2016-2017MY Sorento (UMa) vehicles produced in the ranges listed below. The affected vehicles may exhibit the MDPS (also known as EPS) warning lamp âÂÂONâÂÂ. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the MDPS unit due to illumination of the MDPS warning lamp has been extended to 15 years/150
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the notification to owners of the warranty extension program for WTY023. Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) unit, also known as Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit, due to illumination of the EPS warning light for all 2016-2017 MY Sorento vehicles from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first,starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension program launch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals of the warranty extension program for WTY023. Kia America, Inc., is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) unit, also known as Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit, from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. The power steering uses a motor to assist in steering the vehicle. If the engine is off or if the power steering system becomes inoperative, the vehicle may be steered, but it will require increased steering effort by the driver. This wa
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2017 Kia Sorentos describe two main steering problems: loss of power steering assist and sticky, notchy steering feel that requires constant correction.
Power steering loss happens without warning at any speed, sometimes dropping the vehicle into manual steering only. Owners report the steering wheel becomes extremely stiff to turn. A red steering-wheel warning light may or may not illuminate. The system sometimes resets after turning the vehicle off and on. In January 2022, Kia issued an extended warranty for the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) unit covering 15 years/150,000 miles—but only if a warning light appears. Multiple owners say Kia has denied coverage because their vehicles show no warning light despite confirmed MDPS failure.
Sticky, notchy steering is more common and equally concerning. Starting anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 miles, the steering wheel feels like it binds or sticks, especially at the straight-ahead (12 o'clock) position and when turning. Drivers must force the wheel past a resistance point, leading to sudden overcorrection and weaving. The problem worsens at highway speeds and on long drives. No warning lights accompany this issue. Owners have taken vehicles to dealers multiple times; dealers either cannot replicate it on short test drives or claim the sticky feel is normal electric power steering behavior. Kia's TSB 060 software update has made the problem intermittent at best, not resolved. One owner reports a steering column replacement at ~$2,600 was deemed necessary but denied warranty coverage.
Both issues create serious lane-control problems and fatigue, yet dealers struggle to diagnose them and often tell owners to accept the behavior.
Same Kia Sorento steering reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Loss of Assist / Complete Failure
The power steering assist suddenly fails or cuts out, leaving the driver with manual steering only. This occurs without warning and at various speeds, including highway driving. Some owners report the steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn; others report the system resets after power-cycling the vehicle.
When: Variable; instances reported from early ownership through 90K+ miles. One case at 53,000 km (33K miles), another at 110,000 miles, others at 43,490 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Steering wheel warning light illuminates on dash (red steering-wheel symbol); Power steering light comes on intermittently and then resets; Traction control light may also illuminate; System sometimes resets after vehicle is turned off and restarted
Codes mentioned: MDPS system fault, EPS (Electronic Power Steering) system fault
Repairs/costs cited: Kia extended warranty TSB issued January 2022 covering MDPS/EPS to 15 years/150,000 miles, but only if warning light is present. One owner reported Kia quoted $3,500 for MDPS unit replacement; another independent mechanic quoted $4,460 total (parts and labor); aftermarket rack-and-pinion quoted at $339 vs. dealership $3,280. One dealer misdiagnosed as dirty battery cable or fuse box issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia extended warranty TSB (January 5-7, 2022) covering MDPS/EPS to 15 years or 150,000 miles. However, Kia has stated warranty does not apply if no warning light or diagnostic code is present. One owner reports Kia refused to cover replacement at 53,000 km citing 5-year/100,000 km standard warranty limit. One owner reports dealer told them rack-and-pinion replacement is not covered under the extended MDPS TSB.
Sticky / Notchy Steering Feel (Electronic Power Steering)
The steering wheel develops a sticky, notched, or jerky feel, especially on highway driving. The system feels as though it binds or locks at the straight-ahead (12 o'clock) position and at certain turning positions, requiring extra force to overcome the resistance. This causes overcorrection and difficulty maintaining lane control. The issue is often intermittent and difficult for dealers to replicate during short test drives.
When: Commonly reported starting at 5K–20K miles and persisting or worsening with time. Several cases reported at 14K, 20K–22K, 32K, 35K+, 41K, and 70K+ miles. Often becomes more pronounced after vehicle warms up or during extended highway driving (60–90+ minutes).
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel feels sticky or notchy, requiring jerky movements to turn; Steering binds at 12 o'clock (straight-ahead) position, requiring extra force to overcome; Delay or lag in steering response when making corrections; Vehicle drifts to one side while driving straight; correcting causes oversteer; Weaving motion down the road from constant micro-corrections; Problem worsens at highway speeds (40+ mph) and on extended drives; More pronounced in winter or cold weather; Difficulty keeping vehicle centered in lane without constant hand adjustments; No warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes present; Intermittent—may come and go, or persist for duration of drive
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners report dealers cannot replicate the issue on short test drives or lot driving. Kia has applied TSB 060 Rev 5 (software update) to multiple vehicles; owners report this made the issue intermittent at best, not resolved. One dealer stated the vehicle 'has motorized steering assist and that is the way it is.' One owner reports replacement of entire steering column quoted at ~$2,600. One dealer determined (Feb 2022) steering column needs replacement but warranty (factory and extended) would not cover. Another case mentions new tires, alignment, and TSB software update did not resolve the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued TSB 060 Rev 5 for software updates to address sticky steering. Kia extended warranty TSB (January 2022) extended MDPS/EPS coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles, but this applies only when warning light is present. Many owners report Kia dealers state the issue has no warning light, so the extended warranty does not apply. Dealers have advised software updates and computer resets; some have offered replacement of steering column, but many owners report warranty denial for this repair.
Steering Wheel Binding / Locking at Center Position (12 o'Clock)
The steering wheel becomes stuck or binds at the center (straight-ahead) position, preventing the driver from making smooth, small steering corrections. The driver must forcefully turn the wheel past a resistance point, leading to sudden movement and overcorrection. This is especially dangerous on curves and during lane-change maneuvers.
When: Early ownership (1,000 miles reported) through mid-life of vehicle. Often apparent after purchase or within first year of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel sticks at 12 o'clock (center/straight-ahead) position; Requires forceful effort to move steering wheel past the binding point; Once released, steering suddenly moves too much, causing overcorrection; Wandering or weaving when trying to drive straight; Problem worsens at highway speeds and becomes more pronounced the faster the vehicle travels; Can occur during lane changes, merging, or navigating curves; More noticeable in icy or snowy road conditions; No warning lights in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports attempting multiple adjustments (steering wheel centering function disable, tire pressure adjustments, tilt angle changes) without resolution. Dealer visits have not resolved the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented for this mode beyond the general MDPS/EPS extended warranty TSB.
Front-End Binding / Jumping Sensation (Possible Mechanical Binding)
Owner reports the front end feels as though it binds or jumps when accelerating out of turns, especially uphill or on right turns. The sensation is likened to driving a 4WD truck with the front axle engaged on dry pavement. This may be related to steering or suspension but is described by the owner as possibly linked to the steering issues.
When: Reported at 41,000 miles and ongoing for over a year.
Symptoms owners cite: Front end jumps or slips when accelerating out of a turn; Most noticeable on uphill right turns; Sensation like binding in the front of the vehicle; Felt when accelerating straight from a stop in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Not separately diagnosed or repaired in the narrative provided.
Steering Assist Motor Controller / Electrical Malfunction
The steering assist motor or its controller fails to function properly, resulting in loss of power steering assist. One case involves electrical issues in the steering column; another involves the motor-driven power steering unit itself.
When: One case at 53,000 km; another case of electrical steering column issue not specified for mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist; Steering light comes on; Steering wheel becomes very stiff and difficult to turn; Traction control may also be affected
Codes mentioned: MDPS unit malfunction, Electronic steering column fault
Repairs/costs cited: Kia dealer quoted steering motor and controller replacement. One case documents $3,500 for replacement; another documents extended warranty (TSB) applicable to this failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia extended warranty TSB (January 2022) covers MDPS unit to 15 years/150,000 miles. However, some owners report Kia refused coverage based on standard warranty limits (5 years/100,000 km in Canada). One owner reports Kia shop stated the issue affects 2016–2020 Sorento models and most fall under recall, but the specific vehicle was not on the VIN-checked recall list despite having the same issue.
Misaligned Steering Wheel / Steering System Disturbance After Dealership Service
After dealership service for an unrelated issue, the steering wheel returns visibly misaligned, and the airbag warning light illuminates. Owner suspects the steering system was disturbed during repairs and the electrical interruption caused fault codes.
When: Discovered immediately upon pickup from dealership warranty service.
Symptoms owners cite: Misaligned steering wheel upon pickup from service; Airbag warning light illuminated immediately after service; Light was not present before service (verified by independent shop evaluation one week prior)
Codes mentioned: Airbag system fault (history codes per dealership diagnostic report)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership claims pre-existing issue; has provided diagnostic report referencing 'history' fault codes but no proof of prior active warning. Owner had vehicle evaluated at independent shop for cracked head gasket—no steering or airbag warnings present at that time.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Customer Service (case #25916418, dated 3/4/2026) declined warranty coverage, claiming pre-existing condition based on dealership assertion. No further action documented.
Synthesized from 94 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
continuous issues with "sticky" or "notchy" steering. Steering is not smooth and almost caused several accidents.
The steering on my sorento ex feels 'sticky' and unsafe. Whenever driving, whether in the city, on the highway, or in a neighborhood, it feels as though the steering wheel is constantly getting stuck for half of a second and needs consistent readjustment. The problem is especially evident when driving around a turn, but it is very noticeable even while driving on a straight road or highway.
Steering is sticky while driving at highway speeds. Starts mild and increases stickiness over time. Has gotten worse over the years.
The truck steering sticks at highway speeds. It resists moving then lets go all at once. This causes over correction forcing the truck to wander side to side in the lane. I've had it back to the dealer twice with no solution. It's an irritation at best and unsafe at worst.
Had steering trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Kia Sorento?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 94 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?
Across the 37 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 18,000 and 44,000 miles, with the median around 30,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 44,000. 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/2017/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.