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Kia Steering Recalls Cover Column Separation and Power Assist
Loss of steering control is the recurring concern in Kia's steering notices, but the hardware and causes vary. Certain 2018 Sorento vehicles have a cowl crossbar weld problem that may allow the steering column to separate. Certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles have an improperly secured steering-column bolt that may allow detachment from the steering rack. Forte appears again for 2023, when a front left steering knuckle may crack. The 2020 Stinger recall concerns an incorrectly manufactured component within the steering assembly on 2.0L Turbo-GDI vehicles. The 2024 Sportage notice instead identifies a circuit-board short that may eliminate power steering assist.
Warning signs to watch for
- SC193, 2020 Stinger with the 2.0L Turbo-GDI engine: steering may lock or become difficult while driving.
- SC319, 2024 Sportage: a circuit-board short may cause loss of power steering assist.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
None of these five steering notices carries a stop-driving or park-outside instruction. The 2018 Sorento steering-column separation notice and the 2020 Stinger steering-lock notice do not tell owners to stop driving. The notices for the 2021-2022 Rio and Forte steering-column bolt, the 2023 Forte front left steering knuckle, and the 2024 Sportage power steering assembly likewise do not tell owners to stop driving. This describes the instructions provided; it does not establish that an affected vehicle will retain steering control or assist.
What the free repair involves
Kia's specified steering repairs are free. SC167 replaces the Sorento cowl crossbar; SC193 replaces the Stinger MDPS assembly; SC235 tightens the Rio/Forte lower steering-column u-joint retention bolt. SC259 inspects and replaces the Forte front left steering knuckle as necessary. SC319 replaces the Sportage motor-driven power steering electric power pack.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| high | 5 |
Models affected most
Where owners report steering problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under steering for the Kia models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Sorento | 26 |
| 2023 Kia Forte | 15 |
| 2021 Kia Forte | 9 |
| 2021 Kia RIO | 4 |
| 2022 Kia Forte | 3 |
| 2020 Kia Stinger | 2 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 7, 2024 | Sportage Power Steering May Short Circuit | high |
| Dec 8, 2022 | Kia Forte Front Steering Knuckle May Crack | high |
| May 5, 2022 | Kia Forte and Rio Steering Column Bolt Loose | high |
| Jul 22, 2020 | Kia Stinger Power Steering May Lock Up | high |
| Sep 21, 2018 | Kia Sorento steering column may separate | high |
Common questions
Which Stinger engine is covered by the steering-lock recall?
SC193 covers certain 2020 Stinger vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Turbo-GDI engine. The notice says an incorrectly manufactured component within the rack-mounted MDPS assembly may cause steering to lock or become difficult while driving. Dealers replace the assembly free of charge.
How do the Forte steering recalls differ?
SC235 covers certain 2021-2022 Forte and Rio vehicles and calls for tightening the lower steering-column u-joint retention bolt. SC259 covers certain 2023 Forte vehicles and calls for inspecting and replacing the front left steering knuckle as necessary. Both remedies are free.
What does Kia replace for the Sportage power steering recall?
For SC319, dealers replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack free of charge in certain 2024 Sportage vehicles. The notice identifies a circuit-board short that may cause loss of power steering assist. It does not tell owners to stop driving.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.