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    Kia Sportage 2012: Steering veers to the left

    Kia Kia Advice Kia Sportage Kia Sportage Advice Kia Sportage 2012

    I recently purchased a 2012 Kia Sportage Platinum. When we test-drove the car it seemed to veer off to the left. The sales person explained that it probably needed a wheel alignment as new tyres had been put on. We agreed to purchase the car on the proviso the steering would be fixed. Upon picking up the car, the steering was still veering strongly to the left. We took it back. After six weeks of the dealership investigating and tweaking the car's adjustments, checking alignments, cambers they have advised that there is nothing wrong with the car and that the steering to the left was a characteristic of the 2012 Sportage. Personally, I don't feel safe driving it as I feel I am constantly correcting the steering wheel. It feels like I am driving the car on its side. The steering also feels a little 'loose' and doesn't respond well. They advised that the car has an EPS system and that's what they are like. The steering also feels heavy, but I'm assuming this is because of the AWD. I have never experienced such steering and am worried. Surely this is not right? Are there any known steering issues with these cars?

    Answered by CarsGuide
    25 November 2016
    Graham Smith

    There are lots of reports of the Sportage pulling to the left, so you're not alone. Make sure the tyre pressures are correct and the same on each side then pick a normal section of road and drive it on the left side and observe what happens when you take your hands off the wheel. Then, when it's safe, drive on the right side of the road and again observe what happens when you take your hands off the wheel. If it still goes left there's a problem with the alignment, it goes right it's the effect of the camber of the road. Our roads have a significant camber that falls away from the crown on the centerline to the edge of the road on the left, and this can cause the sort of effect you are feeling. There is often insufficient adjustment in the car's suspension to correct for this wandering. You could take the car to a suspension specialist and have it checked there.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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