How many steering complaints does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?

NHTSA lists 26 steering complaints for the 2018 Kia Sorento, which is 10% of the 254 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Kia Sorento?

Yes. Recall campaign 18V656000, reported September 21, 2018, covers a cowl crossbar connecting to the Motor Driven Power Steering column that may be improperly welded. Kia replaces the cowl crossbar free of charge, and the recall does not require parking outside or halting driving.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 22,100 at failure for steering complaints on the 2018 Sorento, though individual sample complaints range from lower to much higher mileage.

Are the steering complaints linked to crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records zero crashes and zero injuries tied to steering complaints for the 2018 Sorento, though one report mentions a fire during a dealer test drive related to power steering warning lights.

How does 2018 compare to other Sorento model years for steering complaints?

The 2018 Sorento's steering complaints made up 10% of its total complaints, lower than the 2017 model year's 12% share but higher than most other years like 2019 at 3% and 2020 at 3%.

2018 Kia Sorento Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 26 steering complaints for the 2018 Kia Sorento, 10% of its 254 total complaints for the year. A related recall (18V656000) covers a possibly improperly welded cowl crossbar connecting to the power steering column. Median mileage at failure was 22,100.

Steering complaints: 26; 10% of 254
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 22,100 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Steering sticks or feels notchy at highway speeds, especially when making small corrections between roughly 40 and 50 mph.
After the sticky resistance builds up, the wheel suddenly breaks loose and jerks the vehicle left or right, sometimes worse on the right side.
Some owners describe the wheel seizing briefly without warning before returning to normal operation.
Owners report the problem is intermittent and hard for dealers to replicate or diagnose, with one case following a software update.
One report describes power steering warning lights preceding an electrical fire during a dealer test drive.

When 2018 Kia Sorento steering complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 7, 2018, latest Feb 2, 2026.

26 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2018 to Feb 2026; peak Dec 2018 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2018 Kia Sorento

NHTSA 18V656000Sep 21, 2018Steering97 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
Risk: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.

Steering complaints by Sorento model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
201153 (3%)
201220 (2%)
201322 (2%)
201435 (4%)
201533 (4%)
201680 (6%)
201797 (12%)
201826 (10%)
201911 (3%)
20204 (3%)
20216 (2%)
202210 (5%)
20237 (6%)
20241 (2%)
20252 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2018 Kia Sorento have?: NHTSA lists 26 steering complaints for the 2018 Kia Sorento, which is 10% of the 254 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Kia Sorento?: Yes. Recall campaign 18V656000, reported September 21, 2018, covers a cowl crossbar connecting to the Motor Driven Power Steering column that may be improperly welded. Kia replaces the cowl crossbar free of charge, and the recall does not require parking outside or halting driving.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 22,100 at failure for steering complaints on the 2018 Sorento, though individual sample complaints range from lower to much higher mileage.
Are the steering complaints linked to crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records zero crashes and zero injuries tied to steering complaints for the 2018 Sorento, though one report mentions a fire during a dealer test drive related to power steering warning lights.
How does 2018 compare to other Sorento model years for steering complaints?: The 2018 Sorento's steering complaints made up 10% of its total complaints, lower than the 2017 model year's 12% share but higher than most other years like 2019 at 3% and 2020 at 3%.