2009 Kia Sportage Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 18%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Kia Sportage, 18% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I got this vehicle back in august 2019. From the time I bought the vehicle passanger side window would only roll up from drivers side switch, wouldn't roll its down but will roll up and down from its door switch and the back drivers door window wouldn't roll up or down at all from either switch. Also my back hatch has been stuck in unlock, can hear it working like its locking it but it doesnt actually lock from the door or the glass. …”
NHTSA complaint #11323010, filed 2020-05, 133,000 miles“While operating my 2009 Kia Sportage and executing a sharp right or left hand turn while braking, the steering will sieze and the vehicle will not be able to complete the turn within the lane of travel. After numerous occurrences I discovered that the only way to get the steering to go back to normal is to remove the my foot from the brake and push on the accelerator. Because of this steering issue, I had my vehicle towed to the closest Kia dealer which is about 250 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10608121, filed 2014-07, 34,800 miles“While driving through some curve on hwy 50 into austin nv. The power steering failed, on a hard right curve, no assist until I came into a straight away, power steering worked fine, then again on a right curve it failed. No power assist with steering until I got back onto a straight away. Stopped in austin check power steering fluid level, it was within tolerances. Note: each failure lasted approximately 1000 feet. No dash warning indicators illuminated. I am the original owner. This has been an on going issue since about 100k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10548675, filed 2013-10, 144,546 miles“Driving on minimally wet road, water is splashing into engine, light comes on engine stalls no steering. This has occurred on residential street, highway street, driving straight, accelerating from a complete stop, turning left or right. Called dealership from where car was purchased (four months ago) service manager unresponsive. Having a different dealership look at car, will try to re-create issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10788618, filed 2015-11, 55,000 miles“The steering wheel freezes/locks up when decelerating in a turn. It's almost like the power steering goes completely out and you are unable to turn the wheel. However, when you push on the accelerator the steering releases. This makes it very difficult if not impossible to keep the vehicle in the proper lane when it occurs. Definitely a safety hazard that needs to be investigated before it cause an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10628597, filed 2014-08, 100,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2025 | 4 | 7% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 4% |
| 2020 | 9 | 5% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 9 | 5% |
| 2017 | 9 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 3% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 6 | 2% |
| 2011 | 9 | 5% |
| 2010 | 1 | 5% |
| 2009 | 14 | 18% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 10 | 13% |
| 2006 | 3 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 7% |
| 2002 | 9 | 4% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 3% |
| 1999 | 10 | 4% |
| 1998 | 13 | 4% |
| 1997 | 6 | 3% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 5 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2009 Kia Sportage
18 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Kia Sportage
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology