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Kia Sorento steering column may separate

NHTSA campaign 18V656000 · Reported Sep 21, 2018 · Kia Motors America

high How serious is it? About this label

If the steering column separates, the driver can lose the ability to steer, increasing the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	18V656000
Reported to NHTSA	Sep 21, 2018
Manufacturer	Kia Motors America
Part affected	Steering:electric Power Assist System
Vehicles covered	1 model/year combination, model years 2018
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. A crossbar that connects to the power steering column may not have been welded properly, which could allow the steering column to separate.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2. Contact a Kia dealer, or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 (recall number SC167).
3. Dealers will replace the crossbar free of charge.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 18V656000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Kia Sorento

Who to contact

Kia — official Kia recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-333-4542

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Kia Steering Recalls Cover Column Separation and Power Assist · all 5 Kia recalls in this area

Other Kia Sorento recalls

Jan 27, 2026Kia Instrument Panel Display May Failhigh
Oct 31, 2025Kia Telluride Spare Tire May Impair Brakingmedium
Sep 25, 2025Kia Sorento Blower Motor Wiring Fire Riskcritical
Aug 25, 2025Kia K4, Sorento Engine Bolts May Loosenhigh
Jan 13, 2025Kia Sorento may lose headlights and taillightshigh
Apr 23, 2024Kia Sorento Wiring May Cause Steering Losshigh

All 16 Sorento recalls

Official notice

Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
Safety risk: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.