2016 KIA SORENTO Steering Problems

Steering has a "sticky feeling". While driving, when you try to turn steering wheel a fraction to one side or the other there is resistance and then a release which results in in oversteering that has to be corrected. When trying to correct the oversteering, there is again resistance and then release with oversteering again. So it constantly goes back and forth. There is a string of posts on [XXX] " with owners of the Kia Sorento having this same issue. Not only is this annoying but also unsafe. This has been going on since about summer of 2025. I do not driver this vehicle very often or I would have gotten on this issue sooner. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The red steering wheel with an exclamation point pops up on the dashboard and instantly I lose power steering the wheel gets really hard, it went out as I was making a turn and I almost hit the truck . I had to yank the wheel really hard to control the steering, then had to pull over turn the truck off then back on to reset the problem. This have been going on mildly for a few years now has gotten to its worst

Driving on the freeway going 75-80 mph and my steering wheel locked up. When this happens I am unable to turn my steering wheel. Have to let my foot of the gas and try with all my muscle to get the car to go to the side of the road to put the car in park. Turn it off and turn it back on. This exact incident has happened to me 3 times in a row on the freeway on [XXX]. Once while the road had a curve. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering wheel has a "sticky" feeling when driving at high speeds. You have to keep the steering wheel moving back and forth or else it sticks while driving high speeds. I have reported to dealership multiple times, but I have been told there is no issue.

This is an ongoing issue, from the day I purchased the car used. The steering sticks and binds when turning to the left; not on an ordinary sharp turn at an intersection, but at highway speeds. Sometimes the steering sticks and must be corrected to avoid going into the opposite lane. Several diagnostic attempts have been made including alignment, recalibration, and replacement of the 4wd coupling. Car still wavers and sticks at speed when turning left. Unknown cause. No codes show. However, at one time, on the display (not the dashboard symbol display, the camera/radio display) a message appeared saying: Mechanism Failure.

My front driver seat slips out of recline position to another position on its own Had engine replaced, got car back, made humming noise, took back to dealer, could not find noise, car still makes noise and now there’s seems to be louder noise coming from steering or front suspension while car is driven, dealer claims with no extension of warranty and over 60,000 miles, any work for this issue with steering/suspension is not covered, this was not an issue before engine was replaced under the engine recall

At driving speeds steering catches with no control for a few seconds during slight turns. Has happened multiple times. Took to mechanic and was told there was an overheat code showing that could only be resolved through Kia software.Took to Kia dealership in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and was told it would resolve by putting in an actual Kia battery, $500+. Had no issues for 2 months Then happened twice. Took Back to the same dealership and was told needed new steering column $1,000+. As of today, my Sorrento is at the dealership in St. Cloud, Minnesota Waiting for part. 6/24/2024

Shortly after purchasing the vehicle in February of this year, we started to notice that oil was burning off quickly. We took it to be looked at and was notified that there was no signs of a leak. After that incident all of the warning lights came on on the dashboard. We took it again to be seen where we were told that it was burning oil again and that the oil was low. We had the oil refilled and on our way home the car completely seats and shut down loosing all power on the highway. We lost all control of the power steering, braking system, and the power to the whole car shut off. We had the car towed to a repairman who looked over the car and said that the engine is completely seized with no notable signs of damage but that it would require an entire...

My gear shift has been stuck in park almost 2 months now. I've been using a screwdriver in order to move the gear from park to reverse.

I have been noticing at high speeds the steering "sticks." You have to be constantly moving the steering wheel back and forth to prevent the sticking. When mentioned to dealership, they say it's normal and don't document. I am starting to notice the sticking at losspeeds now that mileage is getting higher. This car has always done this, but getting worse.

Since 2019, the power steering for my Kia Sorento has failed on at least 30 occasions while my vehicle is in motion, placing vehicle occupants and nearby drivers at significant risk of a serious accident. All failures have the following in common: - Vehicle becomes very difficult to steer and requires significant arm strength to turn the wheel to either the left or the right - The red EPS warning light illuminates, no other warning lights nor alarms - The steering wheel feels a minor shudder before fully locking - Upon stopping them vehicle, placing in park, turning the engine off, and then turning the engine back on, the EPS warning light is no longer illuminated and the steering is restored ("as if nothing happened") - There no known common causes, such as vehicle speed, temperature, nor any other triggers which cause this error, as a driver, there is the...

While driving this evening my power steering light came on and shortly after I lost all power steering. Had I not been strong enough while pulling out of the flow of traffic I would have lost control and hit a vehicle or run off the roadway. After turning the vehicle off it would not restart without a jump start. This same vehicle had its engine replaced not long ago for a separate safety issue mentioned in ODI 11565586. Kia of America needs to be forced to fix the issues with this vehicle. Other numerous reports of these same issues exist. These issues need to be investigated and Kia held accountable. This vehicle is a lemon and still under warranty but I feel I have no recourse and I'm being forced to be without the vehicle I paid for for long spans of time. This vehicle is a huge safety issue...

Steering on car felt sticky or as if power steering was not working. It seems to be an intermittent problem occurring mostly at highway speeds of approximately 60 mph. It seems to be a safety issue because steering feels unresponsive to feel of steering wheel. Dealer says that I will have to bring it in where they can diagnose to confirm. If problem continues I will take it in to be checked. Vehicle has not given any warnings or indications of problems/service needed. The problem was first noticed on 02/12/2024 and then again on 02/23/2024.

On January 17 2024 as I am making my usual drive to work on a very busy interstate highway my 2016 Kia SORENTO EX V6 FWD AUTO 3.3 liter engine completely seizes up and so begins my nightmare. The same nightmare I am seeing time and time and time again reported on this site, and every site you do a simple search on 2016 KIA Sorento's for. As a result of the catastrophic engine failure, I (a female, original owner of the KIA,) was left in a very dangerous position to try and maneuver through and not be killed by oncoming cars and further not get jumped in a very bad part of the metro. (this is not my personal assessment, this is the highest crime area in our city) Car was towed to dealership where I originally purchased it and today I received the diagnosis report indicating Alternator Replacement...

When in motion and at higher rates of speed, the vehicle’s steering wheel gets stuck and requires additional force to turn which causes an over correction. This is a consistent problem that happens.

Has a steering control issue. I am now on my 3rd steering columm replacement. They do not correct the sticky on center steering control issues. Kia has not come up with a workable solution for this. I have had it to 3 dealers so far. They all say the steering column needs to be replaced. Now out of warranty. This car is difficult to drive and control . I have had this problem since I bought it brand new. It now has 118000 miles on it with a lot of misery driving it.

Steering sticking,

When driving down the road at any speed in a striaght line steering sticks requiring constant over correction. This is becoming a big problem at highway speeds as vehcile will jerk and on an icy road Im affaid I my lose control

Issues with headlights turning off while I'm driving in the dark. Sometimes happens when I use turn signal other times just driving on a straight road in the dark country. Also transmission slips every so often but enough that passengers notice and want to know what is happening. Now car can not be shifted out of park even with foot on brake and steering will lock up and key can't be turned. Of course dealer says would cost over 1k to check it all out and even with 2 warranties nothing is covered. Please advise me what to do next. Lights have been doing this for at least 4 years. Can't remember on the trans issue for sure. Steering locking up about a year and just recently can't shift.

At 45mph or faster, when turning left.. the steering sticks briefly and the EPS (electric power steering) over-corrects it. Makes the steering wheel jump. So the driver has to perform constant corrections. I believe it’s very serious safety issue.

AUG. 5, 2023: CA Steering wheel locked when trying to change lanes. Managed to turn left but went over the curb. It drove well when going straight but could not turn steering wheel. Glad I didn't go on the Freeway. Managed to stop but didn't turn off car due to too hot outside. Called towing, then a family member told me to turn car off, hesitant due to weather, too hot. It worked. TowTrk driver checked under hood and saw no problem. I then drove to dealership and left it there to diagnose. It is till in shop 6wks. It is the steering wheel wiring I am told. Now waiting for a part. Maybe this week. Love the KIA but it did me wrong. Cannot trust it anymore. That is too bad it is an awesome vehicle to me except for the problem. warning came on as incident happened. Manufacturer...

Steering doesn't aways respond to turning immediately while driving the vehicle.Steering has become difficult this is the second time for this repair to be needed service done in 2020 now service is needed again in 2023 same area the mdps motor repair and other dealer stuff. I believe KIA is aware of the problems I believe there is a recall or some kind of help for me and my family to travel safely in this vehicle please help me get the needed repairs covered ASAP I took the vehicle to the dealer on 7-21-2023

I was backing up a residential driveway. My backup camera showed my wheels were in line. My steering wheel turned and my car had a sudden unintended acceleration. My car destroyed a double steel garage door. Pushed a parked vehicle forward approximately 10-12”. The vehicle crushed a riding lawn mower, pushing the mower through a sheet rock wall. If anyone had been in this area of the garage, they could have possibly suffered serious injury or even fatality. I am trying to arrange to have my vehicle taken to local Kia dealership for diagnostic testing. At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected. There were no warning signs that appeared and I did not hear my backup camera alert.

Steering column resistance measure at 5.3 NM indication an internal issue of the column which needed to be replaced. Power Steering sticking and stiff while driving causing clear and present danger to driver passengers and possibly other property. Kia Dealer was apologetic that this was not covered by warranty or recall. However there were other reports of this issue in the KIA System.

Sticky Steering It can be felt at any speed but especially on the highway when turning left. I can feel the steering sticks briefly then the wheel jumps. So I have to make constant unnecessary corrections.

My steering becomes "sticky" at highway speeds. It causes you to constantly correct your steering. This started as a subtle thing. Gradually I noticed it is more and more difficult to keep my vehicle between the lines and it feels dangerous. Now, the problem is also occurring at lower speeds. In February 2022, I took it to the KIA dealer and had them check it out. They said everything was normal and the alignment checked out OK. I think there should be a recall for this issue. 2016 Sorento EX AWD, Current mileage is 61,000. Problem first noticed at 40,000 miles.

While driving out of state, my 2016 Sorento, the steering wheel totally stopped working .Terrifying experience! When we returned from trip I took it to a mechanic who told me the electric steering column was bad and had to be replaced. That was over 2,000.00. Then thought I had oil leak but was told this GDI engine burns oil fast & I have to add a quart every wk so it won’t run out. Kia needs to recall! Not fair to put our lives in jeopardy

Ignition switch/steering column lock/anti-theft device. It is widely known key start KIA-Hyundai vehicles are easy to steal due to lack of sufficient steering column/ignition switch/anti theft device which makes these high risk vehicles for theft which also puts owners and bystanders at unreasonable risk of violence. These same vehicles sold in Canada and elsewhere are equipped with different parts making them much more theft resistant. KIA-Hyundai therefore made a decision to NOT install on US market vehicles, deliberately indifferent to safety of owners, occupants, and others of violence and of increased vehicle theft.

The Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) has failed on our 2016 KIA Sorento on three separate occasions, with the most recent on March 25th, 2022. Each time we have taken the vehicle to our local Kia Dealership, the 1st time they confirmed the issue and provided us an estimate of near $5,000.00. We differed the repair, which appeared to be wise as we received a letter from Kia extending the Vehicle Warranty for this exact issue to 5 yrs/150,000 miles. HOWEVER after a 2nd incident of steering failure the dealer said "could not validate the issue" and to "bring it back if it happens again. Well it happened again, This time we recorded a video which we will retain if there is another denial of service from our local Kia Dealer. However they denied the repair again. At this point we are extremely frustrated and do not feel confident to...

Steering sticks causing over correction. The car has 76000 miles on the odometer. The steering column has to be replaced at a significant cost. This is not a new problem to Kia… they should issue a recall and pay for the cost of repair.

I have knocking, clunking noise coming from steering column. Which leads me to believe that it is the flexible coupler. Also, when driving anywhere at speeds of 45mph or higher, the steering wheel sticks and I have to give force to correct the steering wheel. It is worse when turning on ramps on the highway because I am constantly adjusting the sticking steering wheel throughout the turn.

Steering sticking, second time. Now they changed the rack and pinion. Thank God I had extended service warranty. $4000.00

The steering wheel sticking while you turn left or right. In hwy it's hard to drive because you don't know how much pressure you have to put to adjust your vehicle on the road. If feel like you are losing your control of the vehicle.

Twice, the electronic power steering has stopped working at speed. Almost impossible to steer the vehicle. Kia has two service bulletins on this issue but dealer claims it cannot find the problem and will not attempt to fix it.

I'm not sure I've had my vehicle serviced but nobody seems to know the problem. Every since my headlight was replaced my electrical system has been wacky. All of my doors keep locking and unlocking on its own. When I try to accelerate my vehicle seems to be more stagnant as if it's no longer increasing speed and the steering wheel does not appear to be in alignment with my tires when turning. My son has never been able to open the door while in motion but since the locks have started clicking there's been some close calls.

Progressing problem with power steering failure since 05/2020. This month was more frequent occurrences. When driving straight and steady power steering stiffens and losses power, red warning light steering lights which forces the driver to steer hard limiting short turns. Almost got into accident multiple times. Must restart engine in order to restart steering function.

THE STEERING STICKS AT TIMES. ITS NOT SMOOTH AND I HAVE TO PUT EXTRA PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE STEERING TO TURN. THIS OCCURS WHEN DRIVING MOSTLY ON THE HIGHWAY.

STEERING STICKS CAUSES DRIVER TO JERK THE WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE IN MOTION HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AT ANY SPEED ON ANY TYPE OF ROAD AND HAPPENS WHILE TURNING OR STRAIGHT. . DEALER STATED NEEDS WHOLE NEW MDPS STEERING COLUMN ASSY. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS UNDER THE KIA FORUMS. RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE ASAP! HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR 3 + YEARS NOW.

STEERING WHEEL CONSTANTLY STICKS

I DO ALOT OF HIGHWAY DRIVING. WHILE AT SPEEDS OF 65MPH AND IN TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL STICKS. AND FEELS LIKE IT PULLS EVEN HARDER. SO I HAVE TO GIVE IT A TUG IN THE TURN OR STOP IT FROM CROSSING INTO ANOTHER LANE. TRYING THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN.

WHEN DRIVING MY STEERING WHEEL WILL STICK TO LEFT AND RIGHT.IT HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. I HAVE TO MOVE THE STEERING TO KEEP FROM STICKING.

I HAVE 2016 SORENTO WHEN I DRIVING ON FREEWAY AND THE ICON TO THE STEERING WHEEL COMES ON I NEED TO VEER TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND STRUGGLE BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL GET HARD TO MAUNUVER AND FIND SOMEWHERE TO STOP SO I CAN TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON AGAIN TO THE ICON BE REMOVED TO IT WOULD UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL SO I CAN DRIVE AGAIN.IT HAPPEN VERY OFTEN

10 MONTHS NOW I'VE GONE WITH DRIVING MY 2016 KIA SORENTO BY ENTERING A SCREW DRIVER IN THE OVERRIDE MODE BECAUSE I CAN'T GET OUT OF PARK THE MORAL WAY. I'VE TAKEN THIS CAR INTO SHAWNEE MISSION KIA SO MANY TIMES I'VE LOST COUNT AND THEY HAVE NOT ONLY REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM, INDICATING THAT BCM OR BODY CONTROL MODULER ISN'T COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY. WELL LET ME SAY THIS THEY GOT OVER ON ME ONCE ALREADY TELLING ME I HAD TO TURN A CLAIM IN ON THE FUEL PIPE, AND UNDER CARRIAGE PARTS THAT I NOW REALIZE WAS ALL A LIE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BECAUSE KIA KNEW ABOUT ALL THOSE PARTS BEING DANGEROUS AND STILL STOOD BY THE 'IT HAD TO ME HITTING SOMETHING UNDER CAR' .. IT'S NOW ALL SURFACED VIA CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AND THEY STILL REFUSE TO TAKE CAR OF...

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER PARKED AT A NEARBY GAS STATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HW KIA OF WEST COUNTY LOCATED AT 14116 MANCHESTER RD, BALLWIN, MO 63011, (636) 591-2900 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE BATTERY TO BE REPLACED. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING. EXTREME DIFFICULTY TO STEER, DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS TRYING TO TURN LEFT FROM THE LEFT TURNING LANE ON A FREEWAY OFFRAMP. WAS ABLE TO TURN CAR LEFT AND CHANGE TO RIGHT LANE THEN MOVED TO SIDE OF ROAD. TURNED OFF CAR, ON RESTART POWER STEERING RETURNED.

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH THE STEERING FEELS LOOSE AND HAS A LOT OF PLAY IN IT. HARD TO KEEP THE CAR GOING STRAIGHT IN THE LANE WITHOUT EXCESSIVE MANUAL CORRECTIONS. THE STEERING ISN'T VERY RESPONSIVE EVEN WITH THIS. *TR

CANNOT KEEP VEHICLE GOING IN STRAIGHT LINE WITHOUT MAKING CONSTANT MINOR ADJUSTMENTS. SOMETIMES, THE STEERING DOES NOT RESPOND IMMEDIATELY TO THE ADJUSTMENTS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO WANDER DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO THE CENTER LINE OR THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT WILL ALSO OVER CORRECT AT TIMES CAUSING THE DRIVER TO MAKE A MORE DRASTIC CORRECTION. DUE TO THE LACK OF RESPONSE (INTERMITTENT), MY FEAR IS THAT IT WILL FAIL TO RESPOND AT ALL. I TOOK IT TO THE SELLING DEALER AND, AFTER A VERY SHORT DRIVE, THEY SAID "NO PROBLEM FOUND." WE BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 20,000 MILES AND IT NOW HAS 60,000. THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED SINCE WE BOUGHT IT.

STEERING STICKS WHILE DRIVING. THERE IS A TIGHT SPOT IN THE STEERING THAT MAKES DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE DIFFICULT. THE VEHICLE REQUIRES CONSTANT CORRECTION TO CONTINUE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THIS IS NOT ONLY UNSAFE IT IS EXHAUSTING TO DRIVE. THE ISSUE ALSO CAUSES PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. A SET OF 80000 MILE MICHELIN TIRES WAS WORN OUT IN UNDER 20000 MILES. THIS STARTED AT ABOUT 50000 MILES IN OUR VEHICLE,BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED UNTIL TODAY,75000 MILES. PRIOR TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRING THE DEALER SAID THEY DID NOT NOTICE THE PROBLEM. TODAY THE DEALER SAYS STEERING COLUMN IS DEFECTIVE. KIA FORUMS ARE FULL OF DRIVERS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE STARTING AS EARLY AS 30000 MILES.

WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING HAS RESISTANCE AND CAN PULL THE CAR IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION THAN WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO DO. THEN IT WILL FREE UP AND YOU HAVE MORE CONTROL. ALSO YOU CAN BE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE WHEELS ARE HARDLY MOVING IN THE DIRECTION YOU ARE TURNING THEM TO.

WHILE IN MOTION THE STEARING WHEEL HAS A FEEL OF RESISTANCE TO DIRECTIONAL CONTROL THEN SECONDS LATER A FEELING OF RELEASE OF THE RESISTANCE. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY ON STRAIGHT SECTIONS OF HIGHWAY.