Two problems related to steering rack and pinion 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.
At 58,000 miles the Soul started to make a creaking sound when turning wheel sharply to right or left. I took it in to kia service at kia west in orlando. They diagnosed that rack and pinion was defective and had to be replaced = $997. 09 (including the alignment it needed afterwards) -- I know the 2013 kia Souls were recalled for safety for this very same problem and even though there are numerous complaints - kia has not recalled the 2012 kia Soul for rack and pinion defects.
Steering column making popping sound. Has some play. Is same description as those file for the 2013vto 2015 model year where the yoke nut is loose allowing the rack and pinion to seperate. Happens both during stationary and motion movement of the vehicle.