Three problems related to steering failed have been reported for the 2012 Kia Motor Soul. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Kia Motor Soul based on all problems reported for the 2012 Soul.
My 2012 kia Soul steering started to make a clunking sound. The steering wheel also felt loose . The vehicle has 81,465 miles on it. I first noticed it yesterday. I brought the Soul to my local dealership the next day. The steering coupling had failed (fp# 56315-2k000fff). Cost of the repair was $432. 60 after the kia dealership applied a 15% costco discount. The part is only $7 but it's the labor that increases the cost of the repair. Many other people have reported the same problem to NHTSA. Another kia vehicle (I believe the optima) uses the same coupler and that vehicle has a recall notice. The 2012 Soul uses the same coupler as the recalled vehicle but does not have a recall issued. Any 2012 Soul that uses this coupling should be recalled. Loss of steering could happen if this coupling fails completely. The coupling that failed in my 2012 Soul felt soft and could be easily be squeezed. The new coupling that replaced it felt much harder. Apparently, the new coupling is made from a different material. I have attached photos of the failed coupling. This coupling should be a recall issue.
Tl the contact owns a 2012 kia Soul. While driving and when making turns, the steering column made an abnormal popping noise. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to kia of south austin (located at 5306 s ih 35 frontage rd, austin, TX 78745, (512) 444-6635) where it was diagnosed that the flex coupler on the steering column failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Steering wheel coupler failure. Steering wheel make clunking noise when turning in either direction.