2015 Kia Sorento Steering Problems

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the steering column. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering column became severely loose, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the steering column might have failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the mechanic had not completed a full diagnostic test on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 76,289.

NHTSA ID

11629888

Incident

Dec 10, 2024

Mileage

76,289 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 2- 4 MPH on a bumpy driveway, the front end of the vehicle and the steering started shuddering violently. Additionally, the contact had noticed that the steering wheel was abnormally loose, and there was significant play in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the steering coupler had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11621894

Incident

Feb 15, 2024

Mileage

65,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the brakes locked up, the steering seized, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was barely able to pull off the highway. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

NHTSA ID

11595444

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Mileage

106,000 mi

The clock spring went bad with no warning

NHTSA ID

11594050

Incident

May 24, 2024

My car has been giving me problems for about three months now and we’ve changed about four or five parts on the engine/transmission and it’s still acting up. We’ve called the Kia dealership several times to alleviate the problem but they are giving us the runaround about the three recalls that pulled up for the 2015 Kia Sorrento and they saying that we have to pay $150 for diagnostic per recall, which I don’t understand that if it’s not our fault then they should cover the diagnostic and the recall. We’ve contacted them on several occasions about the situation with my brake lights being on after I turn my car off and they stay on until my battery is almost dead. They don’t want to fix the HECU I believe the electric short that Kia have been experiencing. This car is the worst car I’ve ever had. I’ve never had to experience anything close to what I’m experiencing with Kia. They are an absolute disgrace it’s almost like they’re trying to pocket diagnostic money for themselves because there’s no way I have to pay almost $500 for three recalls, that’s no fault of our own. If I had the money to get another car, I would. They told us that we can trade it in if we come with a higher down payment, but I’m not able to do that right now so I’m just trying to get my car fixed until I’m able to do so. Please help us get our car fixed and the recalls serviced because Andrew at Kia Country of Savannah sounds like he’s irritated because we’re trying to get down to the bottom of them getting the recalls done. It’s like he’s just telling us anything to try to avoid doing the recalls. They also stated that when the car was dropped off, they didn’t find anything pertaining to the recalls whether y’all find anything or not you know that there are recalls for that particular car just fix it. Please help. We are not gonna stop until the car is fixed. I’m gonna keep reaching out. I’m gonna keep calling up there to see when it can be done because it’s costing us money that we don’t have.

NHTSA ID

11591798

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a popping sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that the failure occurred while making a turn. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a fractured steering column. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the independent mechanic had not provided a full diagnostic report. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be disassembled to be able to provide a complete diagnostic report. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID

11586166

Incident

Jan 29, 2024

Mileage

88,000 mi

Steering column separated while on cruise control at 70mph

NHTSA ID

11572672

Incident

Feb 18, 2024

Mileage

169,862 mi

Rear Coupler parts. Yes it is available for inspection on request. My safety was put at risk, #1 the rear wheels lock when turning, and makes a horrendous noise whilst turning. I live in a snowy state so this is very dangerous to have wheels lock up and have tires shredded. This is my third set of wheels as we just figured out the issue (coupler) this could cause accidents and hurt/injure/cause serious bodily harm to others. I have tried reaching out to the dealership but they said it is out of warranty and the dealership gave an outrageous quote. They have not inspected it but it has been reported to them. The vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic and confirmed it is the coupler, while steering and shredding the tires. There were no lights or warning signals, it just happened while turning.

NHTSA ID

11564046

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Steering wheel locks up while driving almost causing collisions with other vehicles. This has been a major issue in the sorento, especially since the horn doesn’t work either. Everything in the steering wheel doesn’t function.

NHTSA ID

11530255

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

Mileage

109,824 mi

I own a 2015 Kia Sorento in Snow White Pearl. I have 2 Complaints: 1.) The paint is peeling off of the hood. I have read many reviews online where similar issues are happening with Kia vehicles manufactured in a similar timeframe that have issues with SWP peeling off of the hood and the pillars. My car, specifically, is peeling in both the hood and the pillar. Photos attached. 2.) Our vehicle's steering wheel, when we travel over 60mph, squeaks as if it is loose metal. It sounds like a sharp squeak. It only happens when we are traveling at high speeds on the highway. Not while turning or at slow speeds. It is not a rodent or anything like that because we've had a dealership check it out. The dealership did not know the source of the squeak and recommended we got a new steering column and replaced a few other components to fix this squeak (Over $1,500, I'll be happy to share the estimate receipt). Upon searching on Google, I've seen there were more than enough posts about Kia vehicles' steering wheels squeaking to think it's a problem specific to our vehicle. This is s forum of Kia owners who have a Kia vehicle squeaking:: https://www.kia-forums.com/threads/2022-kia-sorento-x-line-s-squeaking-noise-in-steering-wheel.355478/ This is a video I stumbled upon of a Kia vehicle squeaking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgdf7d2NQYg

NHTSA ID

11508559

Incident

Sep 15, 2022

I only had it 2 weeks and I was driving it and it mad a loud noise you couldn’t give it no gas and it shut off so we’re trying to start it. It sounded like a rod rattling in the engine. And I just had a new oil change, and when I reject all it was black as dirt. I don’t understand because I just got the car never made a first car payment yet that was very unsafe. I had to pay for 2 different tows that’s not right I was in New Jersey and I live in Kernersville nc and had to pay someone 900 to get back home

NHTSA ID

11508254

Incident

Feb 15, 2023

Every time I'm driving at speeds over 25mph and place on my breaks to start slowing down I hear and feel a rattling noice in the middle of my steering wheel where my horn is it feels like what ever it is is going to rattle off it scares me cause if whatever it is comes off will I be able to steer still

NHTSA ID

11459947

Incident

Apr 1, 2022

My kia sorento is 2015 I think that's the problem. I need to know if that is covered by the Kia factory warranty Steering Coupler Replacement for the MDPS. The vehicle does not have 59,000 miles. I have approximately 2 months of having bought in autonation. and when you buy replace tires brakes. why did it make noise I found that noise, I took it to my mechanic and he told me that noise was there, that piece because it is electronic and it is electrical that the Kia suffered from that problem. I want to know if the quia covers that in the recalls. because it is a manufacturing defect. please let me know what to do. it makes noise like cv join . also in engine when running. It is very difficult to know, I would have to check the Kia dealer, but with your authorization, the manufacturer does cover it. if not I will have to deliver and buy another vehicle. my name is [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] spanish. Summary 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. Consequence If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash. Solution 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. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11455936

Incident

Mar 9, 2022

Motor shuts down completely disabling the car electronically. I lose my brakes and my steering. In February 2020, I almost died driving the vehicle the car engine seized while driving and was replaced by KIA. I never received an itemized bill from Dealership they stole the rental from my private driveway to and stole $5,000 and my belongings from the vehicle. One June 29.2021 I almost died again driving the car. The New Engine shuts down and I lose breaks and steering and hit an animal trying to get off the road for safety since I no longer have breaks to my vehicle. The animal ripped off my undercarriage and dented my radiator. The car was smoking and the engine would start and when driven 50 feet keep shutting down and locking no breaks no power no steering becoming a hazard to myself and others. I have had no resolve with any dealership I have been to 4 different Kia dealerships and The Hyundai Certified Pre Owned Used Car Sales Dealer I purchased the car from. Instead of helping me and not placing my life and other lives in danger. I was threatened, antagonized, slandered, Defamed, and Had the police called to remove me because I refused to commit a crime and set my car on fire like the Dealership told me to do. I need help.

NHTSA ID

11426547

Incident

Jun 29, 2021

car re-experienced power loss and steering failure as previously reported to NHTSA ID: 11244200. this time we narrowly missed a tree and only the right passenger tire made an impact on side of the road/mountain. side curtain airbags deployed I have been in contact with Kia about the ongoing issues repairs were made previously under warranty. car was returned with engine power loss/ intermittent loss of power and unresponsive steering. my son required 2 stitches. and my military injuries have been aggravated. Car insurance claim started after the incident. the symptoms have been intermittent and dealership refused the car yesterday stating an open case with kia pending a buyback. car has been towed to a geico authorized repair facility for inspection and repair.

NHTSA ID

11423162

Incident

Jul 1, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ON AN UNEVEN SURFACE, SHE LOSS CONTROL OF THE STEERING WITH THE WHEELS VIBRATING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GOSSETT KIA (1900 COVINGTON PIKE, MEMPHIS, TN 38128) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11407560

Incident

Apr 1, 2020

CLUNKING WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL, LARGE VIBRATION, AUTO REPAIR SHOP SAYS STEERING SECTOR SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED

NHTSA ID

11407486

Incident

Nov 17, 2020

Mileage

35,000 mi

MY STEERING COLUMN IS OFF CENTER WHICH MAKES MY CAR OR TIRES SHAKE UNLESS I GO A CERTAIN SPEED. MY REAR VIEW CAMERA NEVER WORKS, SCREEN GOES BLACK, BUT OUTLINE SHOWS. THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH MY HEADLIGHTS, REAR, BRAKE AND REVERSE LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS GOING OUT. I HAVE TO REPLACE THEM CONSTANTLY. I HATE GOING TO THE CARWASH BECAUSE I FEAR THAT MY LIGHTS WILL GO OUT AND I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE BULBS AGAIN & AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11352678

Incident

Mar 9, 2020

Mileage

119,853 mi

EGINE STALLS AND AC ON STALLS AND HAS DIED 3TIMES

NHTSA ID

11306800

Incident

Feb 3, 2020

Mileage

61,788 mi

ALTERNATOR FAILS CAR BATTERY GOES DEAD CAUSING YOU TO HAVE A HARD TIME STEERING AND UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS ROLL DOWN WINDOWS OR USE SAFETY FLASHERS BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO POWER! WE HAD BEEN ON THE EXPRESSWAY GOING 70 AND WERE SO LUCKY TO HAVE JUST PULLED INTO OUR BANK WHEN FAILURE OCCURRED!! A FEW MINUTES EARLIER AND MY WIFE WHO WAS DRIVING WOULD OF CRASHED BECAUSE OF LOST OF POWER STEERING GOING OUT AND WEAK SHOULDER STRENGTH FROM SHOULDER SURGERY. THE CAR IS 23 DAYS OVER 5 YEARS AND HAD 43757 MILES AT5 TIME OF FAILURE. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BECAUSE THE ALTERNATOR FAILURE IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE ALTERNATOR IS UNDERPOWERED FOR ALL IT IS ASKED TO DO MUCH IN THE WAY OF THE 2000-2007 KIA SPECTRA WHICH IS A RECALLED VEHICLE>

NHTSA ID

11267679

Incident

Sep 23, 2019

DRIVING DOWN ROAD CAR WOULD RATTLE WHEN TURNING AND IT BECAME HARD TO TURN WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THEN I WAS DRIVING GOING UP HILL WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR FRONT WHEEL STARTED SPINNING AND A RATTLING SOUND BECAME LOUDER FROM THE BOTTOM THE AWD COMPONENT SUDDENLY FAILED TIRES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. I TOOK IT IN TO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSE TO DIAGNOSE THE AWD UNTIL AN ALIGNMENT IS DONE AND NEW TIRES ARE BOUGHT

NHTSA ID

11244200

Incident

Jul 25, 2019

Mileage

70,230 mi

BEARINGS, SUSPENSION AND STEERING ISSUE: TOOK CAR TO GET TIRE CHANGED AND EVER SINCE THE BEARINS AND STEERING IS OFF. STEERING WHEEL SHAKES ONCE I TRY TO GO FASTER THAN 55 MPH.

NHTSA ID

11240919

Incident

Jul 7, 2019

Mileage

62,800 mi

THIS IS MY 4TH TIME HAVING TO CALL A TOW TRUCK FOR MY VEHICLE. I WAS REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, AND TRIED TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE , CAR WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. I TRIED AGAIN TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE, WOULD NOT BUDGE. COULD NOT TAKE KEY OUT OF IGNITION, COULD NOT MOVE STEERING WHEEL. LATER ON TRIED TO TAKE KEYS OUT OF IGNITION, IT LET ME ,BUT WOULD NOT START STILL. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, DID NOT FIND ANYTHING BUT A DEAD BATTERY. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY. PICKED CAR UP. DROVE TO STORE ABOUT 10 MILES FROM HOME, SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. HAD IT TOWED AGAIN. SAME CONCLUSION .DID NOT FIND ANYTHING AGAIN. DROVE CAR HOME. I MAY DRIVE MY CAR ONCE A WEEK. THE NEXT TIME I DROVE MY CAR AGAIN IT STOPPED ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC , WITH NO WARNING , THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN. SOMEONE STOPPED AND PUSHED ME OUT THE MIDDLE OF STREET. THANK GOD. HAD IT TOWED AGAIN TO KIA DEALERSHIP . NEEDLESS TO SAY, THEY FOUND NOTHING BUT A DEAD BATTERY. BATTERY WAS LESS THAN 3 MONTHS OLD. BOUGHT FROM KIA. MADE IT HOME SAFELY. 3 DAYS LATER STARTED CAR, TURNED ON AIR, WAITED UNTIL COOL INSIDE . CAR CUT OFF EVEN BEFORE LEAVING DRIVEWAY. COULD NOT BELIEVE IT. THIS TIME IT STARTED RIGHT BACK UP, TO NO AVAIL, CUT OFF AGAIN.

NHTSA ID

11221819

Incident

Jun 21, 2019

Mileage

98,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 50-60 MPH ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE STEERING BECAME LOOSE AND THE VEHICLE DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EVANS KIA (LOCATED AT 4580 WASHINGTON RD, EVANS, GA 30809, (706) 305-4000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,800. *TR

NHTSA ID

11191965

Incident

Mar 23, 2019

Mileage

75,800 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SORENTO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SPOUSE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PUSH DOWN ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE FUNCTIONALITY RETURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BEV SMITH KIA OF STUART (LOCATED AT 3131 SE FEDERAL HWY, STUART, FL 34994, (772) 283-1743) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MECHANIC FAILED TO TORQUE THE NUT THAT HELD THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE AFTER REPLACING THE CLOCKSPRING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11190441

Incident

Mar 20, 2019

Mileage

137,000 mi