2025 Kia Sportage: Steering complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints for the 2025 Kia Sportage that list the steering component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11763971 (filed 09/13/2026): “Vehicle: 2025 kia sportage x-line vin: 5xyk6cdf0sg319130 approximate mileage: 34,000 miles date of incident: september 3, 2026 location of incident: 6140 university drive, huntsville, alabama 35806 component: steering / motor-driven power steering (mdps) / steering column / steering shaft safety iss…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11698341 (filed 11/08/2025): “After a hard crash from behind and then being pushed into another car, causing severe damage to the front and rear of the car (total loss), the airbags only deployed on the right (passenger) side. in addition, after the crash, the steering wheel was lying at the driver's feet, completely detached f…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11673433 (filed 07/14/2025): “The steering shaft de-coupled from the steering wheel, leading to a complete loss of steering. after stop, engine was turned off and steering wheel lowered. at that point the steering wheel fell in my lap, completely decoupling from the steering collum.…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Electric power steering faults typically need module diagnosis with a scan tool and calibration. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- NHTSA complaints API: SPORTAGE 2025
- NHTSA complaints API: SPORTAGE HYBRID 2025
- NHTSA complaints API: SPORTAGE PLUG-IN HYBRID 2025
Page last updated .