2018 Kia Sorento Steering Problems

NHTSA component category: STEERING · data through 07/12/2026

26Steering complaints

10.5%Of all 248 complaints

#5Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How steering ranks on this vehicle

ENGINE102 · 41.1%

EXTERIOR LIGHTING38 · 15.3%

Unspecified / other37 · 14.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM28 · 11.3%

STEERING26 · 10.5%

Share of the 248 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2018 Kia Sorento overview page.

What owners report

“Loud clunkiness when steering the wheel at 0 mph started occurring at about ~ 75,000 miles. The steering wheel then vibrates when driving atop the…”NHTSA complaint 11518194 — filed 04/21/2023

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally and swaying back and…”NHTSA complaint 11494729 — filed 11/23/2022

“The engine failed which required a replacement. Upon being released from the Kia dealer, the steering wheel failed and the car began shaking at 70…”NHTSA complaint 11490408 — filed 10/22/2022

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Steering complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia Sorento have steering problems?

Steering is the #5 most-reported problem area on the 2018 Kia Sorento: 26 of 248 complaints on file (10.5%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2018 Kia Sorento have in total?

248 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 12 involved a crash, 11 involved a fire, 11 reported injuries, and 1 reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's steering category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the STEERING category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.