continuous issues with "sticky" or "notchy" steering. Steering is not smooth and almost caused several accidents.
2017 Kia Sorento steering problems
moderate 94 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
94
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
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.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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.