Steering Problems of Kia Motor Soul - part 1

Steering makes a clicking noise and will pull either direction while driving straight. I took it to the dealership and they want me to pay for the repair. They state that the problem is the steering coupler. To me this is a safety issue, they said my warranty is expired so they wont cover the cost. I am afraid to drive it. It is also making my tires wear to fast and they are new.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I have self diagnosed the problem thus far. The issue is with a severe hesitation in the steering wheel. . It started 3 days ago and is getting worse. I feel as though I will lose complete control of my vehicle at any time. I am scared to death to drive my car. I will contact my dealership in the morning for a professional diagnosis. Praying this is covered by extended warranty as I have no money for an expensive repair. My dealership is 25 miles away and I'm terrified to drive it that far. . If the steering fails, it will be a complete catastrophe.

There is a loud clicking in the steering wheel and the car is all over the place while driving. I was told by three mechanics that it is the steering coupler gear. I could lose control which would be putting others life at risk as well as myself. I was told this my be a recall. I need help. This is a safety risk and needs attention.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000 (steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at 40 mph, the transmission seized and failed to function as intended. The vehicle stalled, and after several attempts, the vehicle was restarted. The contact continued to drive at slow speeds. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling), but the failure persisted. The contact was informed that the recall part for the steering was not available. The dealer informed the contact that the catalytic converter was still under the previous recall and there would be no charge. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the catalytic converter was not covered and that there would be an out-of-pocket expense. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The steering wheel has a knocking in it. Kia has issued TSB cha074 for the problem, the deterioration of the mdps flexible steering coupler. The bulletin covers my 2013 kia Soul. It's annoying and sounds dangerous.

In March 2023 I reported my keys stolen by a tow truck driver and in March 2025 I discovered my auto registration documents was forged by the auto dealer. The time in August 2024 my id was stolen and because of slander hpd refused to investigate. All of this was followed by more violence against me and I decided to move to another state. I believe my car has been tampered with as the reasons for the theft of the keys which have been replaced three times. Now I am having problems with the gear shifting. I believe someone is trying to slander me as a person with dementia to stop me from driving disrupting my life. No pictures of the harassment I have received but I have tried to take notes of certain events. My previous vehicle was kia Soul also, a newer model but it was totaled by a nigerian attorney’s son when the whole family was in the car. The police officer who wrote the crash report , the prosecuting attorney and my attorney and judge I believe were all paid off so that the son could walk free without penalties for hurting me and totaling my vehicle. I believe this harassment has gone too far and is actually threatening my life and others by being allowed to continue harassing me and cause damage to my vehicle. I need direction on how to take care of of this issue as why I have contacted NHTSA. I also believe this is age related discrimination issue with strong attempts to stop me from driving although I have an excellent record in three states with one traffic ticket. My recent oil change was an unpleasant event because the technician refused to do a battery replacement and allowed me to drive away in that condition although I explained earlier, I needed my car checked completely so safely to drive a trip out of town. I had to return to the repair shop and speak to the manager and get my car serviced again with a new battery. I hope you can direct me on how to resolve this issue to drive safely without harassment and personal property violations.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 22v096000 (air bags), 15v123000 (vehicle speed control), 17v608000 (steering), and 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle jerked and vibrated abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle idled down to 5 mph. The contact continued to drive; however, the contact had to pull over several times. The contact drove to the mother's residence. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged or had melted and damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was missing several updates, and the dealer refused to perform the recall repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance with the recall repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

It is making a noise when turning steering wheel to one side and it has play and clinking noise in steering wheel. Is this included in sc155 recall?.

I purchased vehicle in Nov 2025 from autonation. It drove well for awhile, but once I drove steadily for several miles, the steering wheel started drifting back and forth, rather like it was driving itself. I was in on the 2025 recall for the piston issue, and failed the first test; apparently passed kia's "new test". While at the dealership, they did an alignment and told me my problem was solved; I asked if they had test driven it, and had let the previous service rep, named ken, know that it started after a period of driving, not come and go driving in town. I asked if they had test driven they car, they assured me they had but I don't know if they drove it any distance. On the way home, the steering wheel again shifted back and forth in as I drove a secondary road home that had long distances between intersections.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Rodents chewed through the main wire harness on my vehicle on 2 separate occasions, both times in the same exact location. This recurring damage poses a serious safety risk and may be linked to soy-based wire coatings that attract rodents. The first incident required a $4,979. 27 repair, covered by insurance; I paid a $500 deductible. The vehicle was diagnosed by boonton auto body shop. I recently discovered a second instance of rodent damage in the exact same location, which has not yet been repaired. This led me to investigate further and learn that this may be a common issue in certain vehicles, possibly due to soy-based insulation. I filed a complaint with kia, but they denied responsibility. The main wire harness is critical to safety systems including braking, steering, engine performance, lighting, and airbags. Although I caught the issue before any accident occurred, undetected damage could lead to serious safety failures while driving. Some may argue the issue is environmental, but I also own a 2012 Toyota prius, which I own and park in the same location since 2012. That vehicle has never had any rodent damage. This suggests that the problem is not just environmental, but may be due to the design, material based, or placement of the wiring in the kia. Many consumers are unaware they can report safety-related issues to NHTSA. After being denied by the manufacturer, most are left with high repair costs and no resolution. I am concerned that if consumers remain silent or unaware of this process, kia will not be held accountable. This is not an isolated case. The repeated, location-specific failure and the manufacturer's refusal to act show a clear pattern of potential design defect. I urge NHTSA to investigate this issue seriously, issue a recall to ensure kia addresses the problem and protects consumer safety, and require the manufacturer to reimburse affected consumers for repair costs. This issue must be addressed before a serious accident occurs.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA id number: 10247553 (steering, structure, electrical system), and the vehicle intermittently failed to start. While driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle jerked and shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent; however, the failure mostly occurred while the radio or a/c was in use. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a code for a failure with the ignition, and that an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

While driving kia 2012: it will suddenly quit running while driving. Loss of control of steering. Loss of electrical controls, brake lights, head lights & all electrical devices. Dangerous to drive.

Hello, I own currently a car, kia Soul 2015 , I bought it from car auction, it was recovered after theft! the car is clean title! when I got it home a mechanic looked at it and told me the piston rod came out through the engine block and engine is seized up and this is a common problem for this model of kia, piston rod is damaging the block , oil spilling and catching fire and he told me I need to go to the dealership because some people get their cars fixed if they meet the criteria for recall! also I saw there is one more open recall this car has related to power steering that can lead to accidents if not fixed! I towed my car to kia dealership and they told me they can't fix my recalls because I bought the car from auction! and I paid 180$ for the inspection they did! they didn't even saw the piston rod came out of block and damaged the piston and the block! they told me I have a broken piston! so is it true if you bought a car from auction they don't fix the recals anymore ? this doesn't make any sense to me! the recall is not a warranty I guess, it shouldn't expire because it can create dangerous situations on the road! so I want to know what can I do in this case to have the recalls fixed! I also asked them for a note about inspection they did and they didn't gave me anything! thank you!.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Steering wheel making a loud clunk sound. Possibly the steering wheel coupler. Concerned that steering wheel might malfunction while driving. Checking for any recalls prior to making an appointment with dealer. Vehicle has not been inspected. Noise started about a month ago and progressively has gotten worse.

Steering not tight, car shakes around 70 mph.

I bought my 2022 kia Soul September 2021. In 2022, I brought my car to kia in clifton NJ because it shut down suddenly without warning while in drive, the battery, oil and engine lights came on. I would put my car in park, turn it off and on again for the car to start. By doing so, all the lights disappear and my car would drive like normal. Kia said the couldn't find the issue. I brought it back to kia again in October of 2024 because my car did the very same thing as it did in 2022. Once again, kia stated they couldn't find the issue. March 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 2025, my car started shutting down on me every 10 minutes while in drive, my car would then start reversing while in drive and the breaks would become very stiff. In order for my car to stop, I had to put my car in park, turn it completely off and then on again for it to drive. My car is now at kia dealership in clifton NJ, once again, they keep telling me they don't know what's wrong with my car. I am afraid I may get on the highway with my car and get into a terrible accident and thats when they will find the issue. I am afraid for my daughter and my life at this point. I am now driving a rental that kia refuse to pay for until they figure out the issue. I was told, they would only pay for a rental if the issue is covered under my warranty. I have been complaining about this issue to kia since year 2022 and nothing has been resolved. I need help resoling this issue with kia, I called corporate and they were no help.

Premature wear of the motor-driven power steering (mdps) flexible coupling. This wear causes a "knock" or "clunk" noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at a stop, and may be accompanied by a tight or loose steering feel.

Electrical power steering.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that while turning the ignition on and off, there was a knocking sound coming from the dashboard. After pulling into a parking lot, a red exclamation point became illuminated the instrument panel, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to coast out of the way by driving forward. The vehicle was turned off and towed to the dealer. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure occurred two more times, while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer each time. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer informed the contact to return the vehicle if the failure recurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure by the dealer and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the dealer to replace the electric power steering module should the failure recur. The failure mileage was 53,000.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Soul. The contact stated that while reversing and parking the vehicle, the steering wheel malfunctioned and became difficult to turn, and the driver was unable to control the direction of the vehicle, causing the rear passenger side wheel to strike the curb. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the steering failure was due to a faulty ignition key. The keys were replaced, but later the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who indicated that the keys needed to be reprogrammed. The keys were reprogrammed. Later, while at the dealer the steering wheel failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available.

My steering column will make a clicking sound, and the steering wheel and column will vibrate excessively.

I was driving my 2015 kia Soul along a 4 lane highway when the check engine light came on and begun to flash. The kia began to lose about 5 mph off and then return to the previous rate of speed a few minutes later. Then it would repeat the cycle. As the vehicle lost the engine power, the steering also became very tight as if the power steering was also malfunctioning. I could also hear a slight tapping sound, as the driver side window was open just a few inches. Since I had my mother whom is ailing with dementia and heart problems, I tried to remain calm and undisturbed by these issues. As soon as I arrived at the closest auto parts store that offered diagnostic readings (o'reilys), I asked them to see what codes the vehicle was throwing. The codes were p0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank 1) and p1326 knock signal range/performance. I have seen these codes listed as recalls for other 2015 kia Souls, but for some reason my VIN is not listed amongst those. So how do I get this repaired?? this car is extremely important and sentimental to me, as it was the vehicle my son drove before he passed away at [xxx]. Please, please help me keep this kia running. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Steering wheel is making a knocking sound when I turn left or right.

Hello, I would like to report that someone attempted to steal my 2010 kia Soul. The incident occurred on [xxx], in san jose, CA 95111. As a result of the attempted theft, there is damage to the car’s steering wheel and ignition. Please let me know if additional information or documentation is needed to assist with this report. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2010 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Broken coupler. They want 2800 dollars to fix.

Feel no control of steering clicking sound when turning steering wheel tight/ hard to steer wheel…doesn’t want to turn.

Mdps coupler worn and causing steering wheel instability and noise when driving over 60 mph. There was a recall previously that I wasn't aware of but my car had not yet experienced the problem. I am experiencing it now, but kia says I must fix at my own cost since the recall period is passes, though I didn't have the issue then or recieve the notice.

On [xxx], we were driving on [xxx] from wisconsin into minnesota to park at msp airport. Near the state border, we began to hear a clunk sound in the steering column. We chose to park the car at a friend's home near the airport in her garage in case we needed service upon our return from texas where we travelling to. Prior to driving back to our home from minneapolis on [xxx] (1. 5 hours), we checked with our local mechanic to see if it were safe to drive. He could not diagnose over phone, but suggested coupling issue and that we drive carefully. We made it back home, took car to our local mechanic on 7 October, and thought it would be better to check dealership in eau claire, WI (another 30 minute drive). We drove there, slowly, on 18 October, and were told that it was probably the mdps/flexible coupling, but that it would cost us 175 to check, and another 250-300 to replace the 15. 00 part. We drove home and had a family emergency out of state and will return now to wisconsin soon and want to get this fixed as soon as possible. We understand now that this is a persistent problem for many kia 2013 Soul and other kias and that NHTSA has been supportive to some owners over this matter. We do not object to paying for the repair, but not at price-gouging levels. From what we understand, the inspection needed to check for the flex coupling is not difficult nor time consuming. We are afraid to drive the car for safety sake, but we need the car to drive! do we have any rights to a free inspection if this is a problem with many kias? there were no warning lights and no symptoms prior to the sudden noise and now there is a persistent and regular clunk when the steering wheel is moved. Thank you for any information regarding this issue. Again, no accident and no injuries or results from clunk, but kia history seems to suggest a potential recall need. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The attached mdps flexible coupling warranty announcement identifies "noise when turning the steering wheel" and later "especially when stopped" as the concern for which kia would authorize a repair within warranty. The same is in the attached technical service bulletin posted to your site. Identifying noise as the concern is deceptive, the noise arises from the fact that there is loss of synchony between the steering wheel and the steering. So, while while the car is in motion and the steering wheel is held steady, the wheels and steering turn somewhat in reaction to the road surface, at times alarmingly. I first became aware of this several weeks ago but am told by another driver(my child) that it's been happening for a while. My mechanic was aware of the issue and thought there was a related recall (which proved wrong), but still suggested I seek repair at kias responsibility as a safety concern. After having contacted kia customer service, I scheduled recall service (unelated items) with a kia dealer and added discussion of the steering to the visit (11. 25. 24) through kia customer service. In the course of that visit, the dealer indicated that the mdps would continue to deteriorate and could result in the steering locking up and offered to repair at my cost. At that same time, I was on the phone with kia seeking their responsibility and I declined the dealer's offer. Today I received an unsolicited telephone call from kia (jen-escalated case representative 520. 274. 1098. ) the purpose was to inform me that because I declined the dealer's offer to repair at my cost, any harm that might come from the defect is my responsibililty. Presumably, owner assumption of responsibilty is behind warranty announcement's instructing the recipient to provide the notice to new owner(s) in the event of ownership transfer. Please review this mdps defect for consideration for safety recall. Kia knows that noise is not the concern. I am glad to allow your inspection.

Steering coupler. Recalled for 2014 up but not covered for 2013.

The contact’s wife owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel failed to return to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the steering rack, and pinion plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 232,000.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2020 kia Soul lx. The contact stated that they had began to notice that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel the steering would remain turned and would not return to its original position, no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the steering rack and pinion plugs were faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 232,000.

The steering wheel is making a noise and is having a caution sign with the steering wheel on it.

I am experiencing multiple safety and performance issues with my 2015 kia Soul: 1. Vibration at idle: significant vibration when the vehicle is idling at a red light. Possible causes include worn engine mounts, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, issues with the idle control valve or throttle body, or vacuum leaks. 2. Electrical issues: • codes: b111216 (ignition voltage low), b17672f (OCS algorithm cut off), b251100 (head lamp high lh scg), b251300 (head lamp low lh scg) • symptoms include low battery voltage warnings and short circuits in the headlamp circuits. Possible causes might be a failing battery or alternator, or damaged electrical wiring. 3. Emission system problems: • codes: p0455 (evaporative emission system leak detected), p0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold) • symptoms: check engine light related to emission control systems. Potential causes include a loose or damaged gas cap, cracked evap hoses, faulty purge or vent valves, and failing catalytic converter or oxygen sensors. 4. Airbag system issues: • codes: b151100 (buckle switch driver open or short to battery), b110200 (battery voltage low), b149000 (OCS defect) • symptoms: warning lights related to the airbag system. Possible causes include faulty seat belt buckle switches, low battery voltage, or issues within the occupant classification system. 5. Tpms issues: • codes: c1314 (sensor 3 radio frequency channel failure), c1662 (auto learning failure) • symptoms: tpms warnings and inability to correctly monitor tire pressure. Possible causes are sensor failures or calibration issues. Despite regular maintenance, these issues persist and affect the safety and drivability of my vehicle. I request an investigation into these problems to determine if they are common in this model and if there are any recalls or service bulletins that address them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Budget rental out of ksgf. This dangerous compact SUV is unfit for united states roads and interstate highways. In 2 weeks the car over 8x attempted to overpower my driver inputs nearly driving me in to semi tractor trailer rigs. Further every time that happens a loud annoying message to take a coffee break even 7 minutes into the drive since engine start up. The partial turn off only partly lessens this dangerous technology. It attempts to stop the driver from steering and accelerator and even brake inputs. Maybe appropriate in south korea type of roads and laws and high density of autos. . . Not true in the continental u. S. .

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.