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ProblemsByVinKIA / STEERING
110 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Kia steering problems
2,250 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Kia vehicles for steering issues.
10 active recall campaigns. See steering across all makes →
Complaints
2,250
Recalls
10
Year-models
110
Avg fix
$700
123crashes
19fires
96injuries
7fatalities
Editorial perspective by Shop Foreman · Lead technician
At the shop, Kia steering issues have a recognizable signature. 2,250 documented complaints across 110 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 7 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Kia vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Across the 1,020 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 62,337 miles. Average shop fix runs about $700 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Steering does not have a graceful failure mode. Take any "unintended movement" complaints seriously and check for open recalls on the EPS module.
Worst-affected Kia model-years for steering Top 25 by complaint volume
A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 19, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC319.
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC259.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles
Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 2
A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MDPS Assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC193.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles
If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC167.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles
If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.
On certain passenger vehicles, the steering tie rods may have a manufacturing flaw that affects the metallurgy
If the rod cracks or fails, loss of vehicle steering control may occur which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering rack assembly, which includes the tie rod components free of charge. Owners were notified by telephone on april 8, 2005. An additional letter was sent to owners who had not taken their vehicles in for repair. This letter was mailed may 20, 2005. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Common questions
How many Kia steering complaints are on file with NHTSA?
2,250 complaints across 110 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 10 active recall campaigns cover steering issues across the Kia lineup.
Which Kia model has the most steering complaints?
The 2013 Kia Optima leads with 213 complaints in this category. Next: 2012 Optima (188) and 2012 Soul (166).
What does it cost to fix Kia steering problems?
Independent shops average $700 for steering repairs across the Kia lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Kia steering recalls?
Yes — 7 active recall campaigns cover steering on Kia vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Kia.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.