What 1,237 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Sorento Plug-in Hybrid

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.

NHTSA ODI 11518870

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.

NHTSA ODI 11518692

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.

NHTSA ODI 11514886

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.

NHTSA ODI 11501083

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

NHTSA ODI 11492674

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.

NHTSA ODI 11476750

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 return to the local Kia dealer we have contacted KIA America, Inc. although they are not standing behind their product. It is our desire and expectation that we can obtain remedy of this documented and dangerous warranty failure.

NHTSA ODI 11461220

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.

NHTSA ODI 11450681

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.

NHTSA ODI 11448318

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

NHTSA ODI 11441107

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.

NHTSA ODI 11439217

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.

NHTSA ODI 11431333

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.

NHTSA ODI 11429789

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.

NHTSA ODI 11425255

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.

NHTSA ODI 11407460

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.

NHTSA ODI 11407374

STEERING WHEEL CONSTANTLY STICKS

NHTSA ODI 11406349

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.

NHTSA ODI 11404895

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.

NHTSA ODI 11383286

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

NHTSA ODI 11377758

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 MY DRIVE PROBLEM! THEY WILL NOT GET ME AGAIN AND I AM SO FRUSTRATED THAT I JUST WANT THEM TO TAKE THE CAR BACK! I'LL NEVER OWN ANOTHER KIA AFTER THIS! PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED TWO BRAND NEW VEHICLES FROM THEM OVER 35,000 A CAR AND THEY CAN'T SEEM TO FIND IT REASONABLE TO MAKE CAR DRIVE WITHOUT A SCREW DRIVER! FED UP!

NHTSA ODI 11366555

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.

NHTSA ODI 11364637

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.

NHTSA ODI 11362844

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

NHTSA ODI 11331039

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.

NHTSA ODI 11326686