New sorento power steering problem

[nagpf]

I Just purchased a new Kia sorento lx 4wd 2012. This is my first SUV. As soon as I drove it out of the dealer, it had the steering to the right problem discussed in the post below. I also found the steering wobbles on small bumps at low speeds (under 50kph). I have read all the pages of the post and think this warrants a new post.
I went back to the dealer the next day , Pretty P*s**d off about having spent 36K (I'm in Canada) and going to dealer the next day. test drove with mechanic, he said it's normal that steering wobbles on bumps, said that's electric steering for you... but when he tried to convince me that steering to right is normal I lost it ! long story short he swapped the front wheels and no more steering to right but still have wobble on small bumps. I also have a 08 vw rabbit (best car ever by the way) and a 97 chevy venture van and they both handle the same roads without wobble ! Dealer says it is normal...
Here is the kicker... the other day I was parallel parked on street and pulled out quickly (so full right steer and quick left to stay on lane) and I almost ran into the car across the street .. for about one second it's like my steering froze (or power to steering went out) !!! Anyone know about this ? I feel it is related to wobble... Is this normal ? I need all the info before I call dealer, Any help would be much appreciated

[spongebob218]

Unless the Canadian Sorentos are different, they don't have electric power steering. They still have hydraulic power steering.

[smrtphusr]

no your right spongebob, canadian models also have hydralic power steering.

to the OP your problem seem isolated. sounds like the dealer or that mechanic has no idea what he is talking about.

I would go to another dealer.

[raffie]

Call KIA direct.

[nagpf]

Thanks for your replies, I know that the mechanic was making stuff up about the electric/hydraulic thingy. He probably spotted quickly that I know nothing about cars.
I know that the steering freeze is a huge and dangerous problem and am going to take it in, but I would like to know if any of you experienced the steering wobble/vibration on small bumps at slow speeds too? is this a Kia sorento thing ? cause my 97 minivan does not do it on the exact same road.

[redtr6]

Just test drove a 2012 SX yesterday no wobble and no pulling to the right, the ride is a little stiff but other than that a very nice ride.

[Sorento GDI]

Just took delivery on mine yesterday. Drove on some fairly rough roads at 40-60 mph. Steered like a dream. No wobble. Kia needs to examine & fix yours!

[nagpf]

Thanks for your replies guys, I have all the info I need, am bringing it in monday. They better not try telling me it is normal...Just hope I can get a courtesy car cause I think this is going to take time.

[vincenzo]

hi im vincenzo new york i just experienced the same thing..i sudden speed up to avoid an accident and the steering froze on me..i went to the dealer they told me that its the computer that regulates it..no more pumps..any way by the noise they realized..that it needs a part..they didnt give me a specific name..something to do with a "pully" idk..much about mechanic..i hope it gets resolved..mine is probably identical to yours..2012 sorento lx v6 awd..the color dont matter..please get back at me i'd like to know if your situation is resolved. thanx!

[nagpf]

Hi Vincenzo, sorry for late reply. I have just avoided everything "kia". This is turning out to be a bad purchase. Went to the dealer (same guy that told me pull was normal kia lasalle). He took me twice more for test drives (read- time off work) He noticed the steering locks and he keeps stalling saying he is figuring it out. This has been going on 6 months and I'm tired of it. Now the car pulls heavily left when the road leans. Am afraid to put my winter tires on.