2018 Kia Sorento Recall: Cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS)…
NHTSA campaign 18V656000 · Steering · filed Sep 21, 2018 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
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.
The risk
If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Affected vehicles
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Other campaigns involving Kia vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 18V656000 (manufacturer number SC167). Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.