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moderate Owners of the 2018 Kia Sorento have filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 22,100 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 →
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Sorento | 35 |
| 2015 Sorento | 33 |
| 2016 Sorento | 80 |
| 2017 Sorento | 94 |
| 2018 Sorento (this page) | 26 |
| 2019 Sorento | 10 |
| 2020 Sorento | 4 |
| 2022 Sorento | 10 |
Of the 26 steering complaints filed for the 2018 Kia Sorento, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
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.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
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: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit on the vehicles listed below, which may exhibit an abnormal noise when steering left and right. This may be caused by foreign substances in the MDPS worm shaft small bearing. On some vehicles when the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Small Bearing and does not affect the steering effort.
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 THE DUAL PINION MOTOR DRIVER POWER STEERING SYSTEM - This bulletin provides information regarding the availability of partial repair (depending on faulty components) of the Dual Pinion Motor Driven Power Steering (DP-MDPS) system on some 2016-2021MY~ Kia vehicles (refer to the table below) in order to enhance customer satisfaction by promoting a cost-effective repair/replacement of a faulty related part, instead of replacement of the complete DP-MDPS assembly.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2018 Sorento's steering system shows recurring issues across multiple failure modes. Most common: a sticky, notchy, or ratcheting steering feel at highway speeds where the wheel requires excessive force to turn, then suddenly breaks loose causing jerky movement and vehicle swerving. Owners describe this as dangerous and fatiguing, requiring constant over-correction to stay in lane—especially after 30+ minutes of expressway driving.
Steering column mechanical failures also appear frequently: loud clunking from the front end, metal-on-metal rattling, and steering wheel vibration. Dealers identify plastic couplers or rubber couplings connecting the electric steering motor as the culprit, which owners report dealers say disintegrates and is not covered after 60,000 miles despite acknowledging it's a known, widespread issue.
Intermittent power steering loss occurs with warning lights on the dash, sometimes forcing drivers to steer with extreme effort at highway speeds. One owner reported losing power steering while merging into traffic at 70 mph. Steering wheel seizure is also documented—the wheel locks completely and only frees up after engine restart.
Some owners mention recall NHTSA Campaign 18V656000 exists but does not cover their vehicle's build date or VIN. Extended warranties were issued for this same issue on other Kia/Hyundai models, but many Sorento owners are denied coverage or face repair bills starting at $3,000 to replace the entire steering column assembly.
Same Kia Sorento steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019
Steering wheel exhibits a stuck or stiff feeling that requires excessive force to move, followed by sudden release and jerky movement. Owners describe it as notchy, sticky, or ratcheting—particularly at highway speeds and during prolonged expressway driving. The initial resistance requires driver to apply significant pressure before the wheel moves, then breaks loose abruptly, causing overcorrection and erratic vehicle behavior.
When: Starts around 75,000 miles for some; occurs intermittently at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Sticky or stiff steering wheel requiring excessive force to turn; Notchy or ratcheting feel when steering; Jerky steering movement after initial resistance; Vehicle swerves or drifts due to overcorrection; More pronounced on longer trips (30+ minutes driving); Worse at highway speeds and during small corrections; Happens regardless of road conditions (city or highway)
Codes mentioned: C126008 (steering angle sensor circuit), C126002 (steering angle sensor circuit), Torque sensor error
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report Kia dealerships recommend replacement of complete steering column with motor and module (cost not specified in most cases, but one owner cited $3,000 for plastic coupler in EPAS); some dealers performed software updates; one owner noted plastic coupler in EPAS is known to fail and is not covered after 60k miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued extended warranty for this issue on other Hyundai/Kia models; TSBs exist for rubber coupling failure; recall NHTSA Campaign 18V656000 exists for steering but does not cover all VINs; some owners report Kia refused repair on safety grounds
Steering column develops loud clunking or popping noises from the front of the vehicle, accompanied by metal-on-metal rattling and steering wheel vibration. Dealers identify faulty steering wheel column as the cause, sometimes specifically a plastic coupler or rubber coupling connecting the electric steering motor to the steering column. These components disintegrate or fail, compromising steering function.
When: Starting around 75,000 miles for some; occurs across various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise when steering, especially at 0 mph; Metal-on-metal rattling from front of vehicle; Steering wheel vibration on uneven pavement; Loud popping noise in steering (source unidentifiable by shops); Clunking noise when turning steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend replacement of steering wheel column ($3,000 cited in one case); plastic coupler in EPAS estimated at $20 part cost plus labor; not covered under normal warranty after 60k miles; cannot be repaired at non-Kia facilities due to transponder in steering wheel
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty issued for same issue on other Hyundai/Kia models; dealers acknowledge faulty component but refuse warranty coverage after 60k miles; TSBs exist for rubber coupling issue
Power steering system fails intermittently, disabling power assist and forcing drivers to steer with significantly increased effort. Yellow or illuminated warning lights appear on the dashboard indicating steering system problems. System may restore function after vehicle restart, but failures are unpredictable and potentially dangerous at highway speeds.
When: As low as 15,000 miles; occurs intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist; Hard steering requiring great effort; Yellow warning light indicating steering system problem; Traction control warning light illumination; Dash lights turn on and off when turning wheel; Power steering intermittent—may work after restart; No consistent reproduction of failure during diagnostics
Codes mentioned: C126008, C126002, Steering angle sensor circuit error
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend replacement of steering column with motor and module; not covered by warranty; owners must maintain control of replaced components
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA Campaign 18V656000 exists for steering but does not include all VINs; owners report cars built in April are not covered by recall that applies to vehicles built June onward; manufacturer did not assist when notified of failures
Steering wheel locks up or seizes completely without warning during normal driving. Driver loses all steering input capability and must coast to roadside and restart vehicle to regain control. Occurs intermittently and cannot be reproduced during dealership diagnostics.
When: As early as 15,000 miles; intermittent occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes completely without warning; Total loss of steering control; Wheel resumes function after vehicle restart
Repairs/costs cited: Failure could not be duplicated during dealership diagnostics; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but did not assist
Steering wheel exhibits delayed response or heavy resistance to driver input, particularly at highway speeds. Small steering corrections are met with heavy resistance followed by sudden, excessive movement in the corrected direction. This creates a whipping or jerking effect that fatigues the driver and causes erratic vehicle behavior requiring constant over-correction.
When: Various mileages; occurs at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy resistance to steering input; Delayed or slow steering response; Sudden jerking movement after resistance breaks; Erratic vehicle weaving at highway speeds; Driver fatigue from constant corrections; Difficulty maintaining straight-line travel; Notchy feeling at freeway speeds 40-50+ mph
Repairs/costs cited: Condition linked to EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) issues; one owner cited wind conditions triggering symptoms
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia refuses to investigate seriously; refuses to authorize repair; dealers want diagnostic fees but cannot replicate failure
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Steering is sticking both right and left, can feel it when driving low speed and higher speed on any road city or highway, took to dealer they did a 4 wheel alignment, still doing the same thing
Sticking steering then gives when constant pressure applied making a significant sudden steering movement. Happens when driving. Seems more on right than left. Started noticing it a couple of months ago. Have not changed anything. Happens when ever driving.
While driving down the highway, the steering seems to stick to the right. This has not been noticed while driving in town. This does not always happen. It is random. I have had the car four months and it has been noticed 4 times.
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 26 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 16,000 and 30,148 miles, with the median around 22,100. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,000; a quarter make it past 30,148. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.