2012 KIA SOUL Steering Problems
163 complaints about Steering
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Steering Complaints (163)
Steering is slightly loose and thumps when turned to the right.
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.
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.
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.
Mileage: 45,000
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.
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.
While driving KIA 2012: It will suddenly quit running while driving. Loss of control of steering. Loss of electrical controls, ie: brake lights, head lights & all electrical devices. Dangerous to drive.
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.
Mileage: 117,000
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 wheel clunks and has "PLAY" when turning left and right. I consider this to be a problem if it gets worse, possible loss of steering completely. Have looked on internet and found this problem is talked about. There are no warning lights or lamps displayed.
No warning but the steering is shaking a going out on turns. It almost didn't turn properly in oncoming traffic with children in the car. Kia refused to fix the "star flexible coupling" from their recall: WTY013 or CHAO74Revision2 or the MDPS flex coupling replacement was not done by by Kia as the allowed owners get a free repair. We didn't get notice and now the Kia dealers refuse to fix this. Kia refuse to fix it or help. For the steering going out because the steering is shakey and is not stable, its unsafe, risky and my children are in the car. The repair notice was not received at the previous owner and we bought car and moved to FL. I want to complain that Kia will not honour its recall and fix this. I want to use Kia of Ft. Walton Beach, FL for the repair. Kia company has my case number [XXX] on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My Kia Soul started having play in the steering and sounding clunky when driving. I took it in today to Jeff Eyler Kia on Mitchell Ave Cincinnati Ohio to do recalls and to check this out. They said I should replace the whole steering wheel. Online there are many complaints about this steering problem yet you have not made Kia to recall. It seems that it is a plastic part coupler yet the Kia dealer service is trying to get me to replace the whole column. What is being done about all these complaints. I see on the complaint website there has been 6 accidents and 2 deaths. Please do something.
Despite being assured for years by KIA that my vehicle was not affected by this recall, I received a recall notice in DECEMBER 2023 for the HECU. Now it is April, and my vehicle still is not repaired because KIA STILL has not supplied the part required to fix this safety issue. Because of the high theft issue of my vehicle, I cannot park it outside and KIA is now telling me I cannot park the vehicle inside because of fire hazard. I have had to pay a higher insurance premium just to keep my car insured and have even been denied insurance by Farmers and Progressive. I am afraid to drive my car and how am I supposed to afford another car? Some dealers will not even consider the car as a trade in.
Steering clicking, vibrations,
The steering flex coupler is worn down, making a loud clicking noise when the steering wheel is moved. The wheel shakes a lot when pressing the brake and the steering wheel begins to shake.
I noticed severe overreaction in steering column to any bumps in the road. Examples are: Jerking of Wheel, Loud Clunking Noises, Ticking Sound when Turning at Slow Speeds. My mechanic immediately said Steering Coupling needs replaced. I then researched on NHTSA website. I have one question: HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE A RECALL IS MADE?
This involves the MDPS steering wheel coupler. Spoke with Kia care center 12/20/23 Amy said notice was sent to owners in 2019 I NEVER RECIEVED ANY NOTICE ABOUT EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAVE A VERY LOUND CLUNKING NOISE IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND AFRAID TO DRIVE VEHICLE I HAVE OWED THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2016. Just purchased another vehicle in October 2023 because of the Kia problems. Kia is NOT going to fix the problem!! And i have another recall on the car so it is parked at my neighbors house for fear of it catching on fire!! I am paying for full coverage insurance on a vehicle i can't drive or sell!!
Steering is very shakey when going over 55
THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE. EVEN IN PARK WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEEL YOU HERE THE NOISE. WHEN DRIVING THERE IS A DEFINITE SHAKING NOISE ANDTHE WHEEL FEELS VERY LOOSE WHICH MAKES STEERING HARD TO CONTROL. I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED AND ESTIMATE OF REPAIR. THE CAR HAS 43.798 ORIGINAL MILES. IT IS NOW ONLY DRIVEN TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. WE ARE EXPECTING A FULL EXPLANATION OF FROM KIA.
The steering coupler is worn on on my car. It causes the car to vibrate and a clunking sound to happen when driving. This is a common problem with Kias but isn't covered by a recall.
The engines makes a weird chatter noise all the time
The steering wheel began to shake violently at highway speed and when making turns. When stopped, the steering wheel make a clunking noise when moved from side to side. Mechanic said it was a worn flexible steering coupler in the steering wheel power steering unit. The car is dangerous to drive and only has 80,000 miles on it. I am told this issue is common in KIA Souls and should be subject to a recall. ,
Power steering making clicking noise and loose steering
Steering column rattles and makes cracking noise
The vehicles steering wheel makes a clunking sound and there is a lot of play in it. It makes noise from left to right and vibrates at higher speeds. I have to drive with both hands gripping the wheel to hold it steady. I drive on the freeway at least once a week to visit my son and grandkids and now to nervous to drive it as it’s an hour drive. I am a senior and cannot afford to pay out of pocket. I’ve had my 2012 Kia Soul since 2013. I bought it used with 22,000 miles on it. I now have reached the 100,000 mile mark. I paid $20,000 for this vehicle over time and now I need Kia to step up and pay for this defect. Since it’s happening in almost all their cars it must be their fault. I don’t understand why they are not fixing the 2012’s but all other years are covered. That is a mistake that will kill someone soon and then they will have a lot more problems than they are facing now. They recently offered me a steering wheel lock so that my car can’t be stolen, that’s funny cause I don’t think that it would be worth stealing cause the steering is already compromised. Please get them to step up and take care of all their customers as it’s their fault. The part is a little rubber star thing that costs $8.00 but labor is 400 dollars and up. Thank you for listening.
2012 KIA SOUL - Steering Column makes horrible clicking / shaking noise when turning wheel. Car only has 36k miles on it. KIA has identified this repair nationally already and offered to extend warranty to 10 years / unlimited miles due to a failed MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) FLEXIBLE COUPLING. Turns out mine conveniently failed right outside of this 10 year mark and they allegedly mailed a letter in 2019 to a home address that I moved from 5 years ago, even though I have been to the KIA dealership many times since, was never told of this and they had my updated address for sure. I firmly believe this is a safety issue and life or death situation as this is causing my car to shake on the roads / highway and for the steering handling to be extremely frightening to me when driving. KIA HQ was called by me today on this and refuses to step up. They simply told me no exception and this is a customer paid repair. This repair is likely $ 500 and I am certainly not going to accept this when this should be a recall as it impacts steering !!!
Beginning of June 2023 started noticing a problem with steering wheel, rattles and feels loose when turning left or right. Kia dealership said its the flex coupling needs to be replaced can get worse to the point can't steer car. This should be a recall on this car. I've never had a car that had problem with steering, can be pretty serious if it can cause an accident. Im getting it inspected, will cost approximately $400.00 to replace.
In our 2012 Kia soul, the steering wheel is giving out and sticking resulting in the wheel, not being able to be controlled by the driver as it’s being yanked out of their hands. This is especially dangerous on the highway where there was almost an accident when my daughter was driving, the car and the car wheel stuck, and then abruptly yanked out of her hand. The Kia souls 2014 through 2016 have recalls on their steering wheel and the same issue is happening with our 2012 Kia soul. When we contacted Kia dealership and Kia customer service they told us that they would not help us, because it was not recalled and there was no current warranty for it past 98,000 miles but online it says 100,000 miles. Even though we are the third owner of the car we have received the car from her grandparents and have fold all recall information and then keeping tabs on keeping the car up-to-date to make sure that is mechanically sound, and always in good condition. We are scared for the dangerous situation that the steering wheel is putting us in to the point where we are not comfortable driving the vehicle. The Kia dealerships reached out to you about the safety concerns not only told us that they would charge us an obscene amount of money to bring it in for a diagnostic, but that they would not cover the cost to repair it, even if they found that it was related to the recall of the 2014 2016. The 2012s have the same steering an engine as the 2014 and 2016. We fear for the safety of our family, and Kia will not even look at it without charging us, and said that even if it was related to the same problem that they would not allowed to be covered under warranty, because there is not a specific warranty on the 2012 Kia soul model. I am reaching out to report that the same problem is happening with the 2012 version of the Kia soul in terms of the steering problems from recall on the 2014 and 2016 Kia souls. This is extremely dangerous and could weren’t a lawsuit if an accident happens
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a turn, there was an abnormal clicking and grinding sound coming from the vehicle. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel drifted from one side to the next out of the hand of the contact. The steering wheel turned partially in one direction and aggressively before returning to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Mileage: 99,000
Steering column lock. I took the vehicle back complaining about the steering wheel having a rough spot in it they act like they could not find nothing while under warranty. Over the years it's progressively getting worse now the steering wheel will not lock when you pull the key out. While driving the car you can notice a click in the wheel in both directions where the key lock is trying to lock back in the position while driving. I called Kia and complained they said the vehicle was out of warranty how many other people has had this problem. When driving down the road I can feel in the wheel every time I move it right or left. My problem is what do you do if a steering wheel locks up running 60 70 mph down the road is other Kia owners having this problem has anybody been killed or because KEA is ignoring the problem with steering columns. The lock hasn't worked in two or three years now it is getting to the point that it has a real noticeable click and kink in the steering wheel. I think the government should check in on a KEA and make sure it's not an ongoing problem with other KEA's.
Clicking and knocking when turning or just parked turning the steering wheel. I hear it’s a steering coupler issue with lots of Kias and Hyundai’s that can be dangerous. Did I miss a recall, how do I get this taken care of?
My 2012 Kia Soul has a problem with steering wheel make a clunking sound when move left to right and also when driving at speeds around 65mph steering wheel vibration we need a full recall on steering coupler.
There is a loud knocking noise coming from the steering motor/mechanism underneath the dash. The steering feels unstable when I am driving and when the vehicle is not in motion, there is a loud thud noise and feel, when I turn the steering wheel.
My steering column, when slightly turning it left and right is clicking hard. This is causing an issue while driving to and from work. As I commute one hour each way 5 days a week. If I hit a bump it jerks the wheel. If I try to drive a little past 65mph it clicks hard and fast. It is getting worse. I have not taken this in to a dealership yet, but I will be soon.
The steering wheel developed a looseness whether the car was on or off, and a clicking noise became apparent when turning the steering. When driving over 60mph the steering wheel began to shake uncontrollably. The problem has been confirmed by my mechanic to be the steering flexible coupler. According to online sources, i should have received an extended warranty on this part but did not. Though, it would not have helped due to the fact that the part failed 2 months after the extended warranty expired.
STEERING WHEEL JERKS AND MOVES SUDDENLY WHEN DRIVING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a clicking noise was present coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering coupler was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact noticed that after retrieving the vehicle that the noise had become louder and more pronounced when turning the steering wheel. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
Mileage: 39,000
Something is wrong with my steering wheel/column. when driving, the steering wheel has unusual movement, such as jerking and popping with the slight movement made by driving or sitting still while car is cranked up and if the road is not smooth, any slight bump, something in the steering column is popping. i am afraid for my life and others on the road if i lose control of steering. my mechanic has told me the problem is the "Coupler" that is a plastic ring. How can that be? this is dangerous. i only have 43K on my Kia and had to park it recently due to it getting worse due to being dangerous to drive. i see many complaints of this same problem. Why has it not been recalled? I love my Kia Soul. Please fix this problem.Thanks
My steering wheel clicks while I drive,hit bumps, turn it,it also locks sometimes when I turn it.this scares me to death I'm afraid I won't be able to control it it's going to snap off
Clicking in the steering. Seems to be the flex coupler
Unknown. Piston rings have blown, oil leaking into muffler.
Apparently the steering coupler has started to fail in my 2012 Kia Soul. Thousands of reported failures but no recall from Kia? How can this be? When the $5 part fails, the car isn't able to steer. If this happens on the highway you could die.
This is a widely known issue with this vehicle. The rubber steering coupler wears out way too prematurely causing the steering wheel to have excessive play in it. This is dangerous. Please require KIA to issue a recall for this issue. Thank you.
Clicking in the Steering, vibration in steering while driving
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made clicking sounds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and steering column needed to be replaced. The contact declined the rack and pinion and steering column replacements. The vehicle was then taken to Turnersville Kia (2900 NJ-42, Sicklerville, NJ 08081) where it was diagnosed that the steering flexible coupling needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Mileage: 50,000
2012-2013 MY SOUL MOTOR DRIVEN POWER STEERING (MDPS) FLEXIBLE COUPLING - I just had to have this replaced and it cost me money to get this part replaced - its a safety issue and I didnt even know this was a issue until my car started having the problem... I really this is crappy that a safety issue that is a known issue is not replaced for free.
My mechanic found a small gear located in the power steering wheel called the steering coupler. It has worn down and broke into pieces, making the steering wheel rattle and shake while driving. This is an issue that can turn dangerous as my car moves back and forth on the road due to this problem. The part is also made of PLASTIC! This is a poor cheap design that needs to be recalled. Many other consumers have the same problem with this on their 2012 Kia Soul.
Popping in steering when turning back and forth. Cruise and radio quit working.
Steering coupler. I have paid for replacement 2 different times and has broke yet again. Worried with wife driving car that she will lose control
The steering coupling is going out. it makes a clunking noise when you turn the steering wheel either direction constantly.
Steering wheel couplen is going out and every kia soul 2011 2013 are recall some 2012 why isn't mine thats a sad situation kias are having major recalls kia needs to fix my steering
My 2012 Kia Soul+ is having the same steering wheel "clunking" issue as other years/models which have been issued a recall notice but my year/model/VIN is not included in the recall and I would like for it to be included so I can get the safety issue fixed. https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/2012-kia-soul-steering-recalls-your-questions-answered - below are statements from other owners with same issue: "I have a 2012 Kia Soul and the steering coupler is messed up. Premature Wear of the Flex Steering Coupler, it states that previous years and later years have this problem. But the 2012 does not have a recall although it has the same coupler." "Why is the 2012 Kia Sould not recalled for steering coupler? All other years prior and after were." "I have a 2012 Kia soul and the steering wheel coupler is messed up all other Kia have recall but my year model does not but yet same issue same part "
Steering coupler failing. Steering wheel currently clicks and feels loose when turning. Afraid it will break at any moment and needs immediate repair... Recall has been offered for other years of Kia Souls for this part but not 2012. This should be a recall for 2012 too!
Vibration of tires while driving and clicking noise when turning steering wheel
popping sound in steering column when turning. it is available for inspection. problem identified by Firestone technician.
kia used a cheap plastic part as the central junction of the entire steering system. This causes a "clunk" noise when the plastic starts breaking down, and can eventually lead to complete steering failure. This should be a MFG recall, but instead it is a $500 repair.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55-65 mph, the steering wheel vibrated and made a knocking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Mileage: 108,000
Knocking in the steering column lead to steering coupling being damaged. Steering failed when driving over speeds of 65. Almost died. No warning. Auto body shop explained noise
Steering column is loose.
THE ENGINE IS MAKING A TICKING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO HAD 3 OPEN RECALLS. TOOK IT TO ALL STAR KIA IN SAN BERNARDINO FOR 3 RECALLS AND THEY REFUSED TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT COMFORTABLE WORKING ON THE CAR, THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE TICKING SOUND WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM I SAW ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT DUE TO CATALYTIC COVERTER OVERHEATING IT COULD CAUSE ROD KNOCK. I EVEN TOLD THEM THE RECALL WAS SC176.
Mileage: 140,000
STEERING WHEEL INITIALLY STARTING STICKING WHEN TRYING TO CHANGE LANES OR TURN. NOW THE WHEEL CLICKS WHEN TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION
Mileage: 91,000
MY 2012 KIA SOUL HAS STARTED TO MAKE A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. ON TOP OF THIS THE STEERING HAS BECOME VERY LOOSE WHEN DRIVING. WHILE DRIVING THE WIND BLEW AT THE CAR AND THE STEERING BEING SO LOOSE CAUSED ME TO ALMOST LOOSE CONTROL AND CRASH. LUCKY FOR ME THERE WASN'T ANOTHER CAR AROUND OR IT WOULD HAVE HIT ME HEAD ON. IT'S HARD TO CONTROL IT ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON ALSO NOW. I'M NOT SURE WHY THAT IS HAPPENING. I HOPE IT WORKS IN CASE THIS STEERING ISSUE CAUSES ME TO WRECK. I NEED THE CAR TO DRIVE TO WORK AND DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY DEALERSHIP TO EVEN LOOK AT IT. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY HAS BECOME VERY NERVE-WRACKING DUE TO STEERING BEING SO LOOSE. I HAVE READ THAT EVERYO E WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES.
Mileage: 68,000
CLUNKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN TURNING RIGHT AND LEFT. FEELS LOOSE. HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY.
Mileage: 27,065
MY 2012 KIA SOUL POWER STEERING IS ALMOST LOCK IT IS VERY HARD TO TURN
CLUNKING WHEN TURNING, NOW THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON A CURVE AND WHEN MAKING TURNS AND GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.
Mileage: 117,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF OF THE ROADWAY AND THE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 132,000.
Mileage: 132,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE DETECTED WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Mileage: 190,000
CLUNKING AND CLICKING IN STEERING. SAME AS SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS. KIA NEEDS TO RECALL FOR THIS SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT.
Mileage: 43,000
2012 KIA SOUL NOW MAKING A CLUNKING, CLICKING OR POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT WITH SLIGHT PLAY IN THE WHEEL. UPON RESEARCHING ONLINE WHAT IT COULD BE I HAVE DISCOVERED COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE WEB OF THE SAME ISSUE. PEOPLE BEING TOLD BY MECHANICS IF NOT FIXED IT MAY CAUSE ACCIDENTS DUE TO STEERING FAILURE, BUT THAT KIA REFUSES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM OR RECALL THESE VEHICLES DESPITE BEING AWARE OF THE ISSUE FOR YEARS NOW.
THE STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING AND MAKING A LOUD NOISE WHEN DRIVING.
Mileage: 150,000
I OWN A 2012 KIA SOUL + WITH 39,000 MILES ON IT. I RECENTLY HEARD A CLUNKING IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WHILE STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING. RESEARCH SHOWS IT TO BE THE STEERING COUPLER. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS COUPLER IN OTHER KIA MODELS BUT NOT THE 2012 KIA SOUL. THE DANGERS OF LOOSING STEERING BECAUSE OF THIS COUPLER ARE THE SAME NO MATTER WHAT VEHICLE YOU ARE DRIVING I THEREFORE CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR THE 2012 KIA SOUL AS WELL AS ANY MODELS WITH THIS SAME COUPLER. SEEMS TO ME KIA IS GETTING OFF THE HOOK FOR THIS MODEL YEAR AND IT DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT TO ME. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND I HOPE YOU WILL SEE THAT THE DANGERS INVOLVING THE FAILURE OF THIS PART IS SAFETY MATTER THAT DESERVES A RECALL FOR THE 2012 MODEL AS IT HAS FOR OTHER MODELS WITH THE SAME COUPLER.
CLUNKING NOISE IN STEERING COLUMN. FAILURE OF STEERING COUPLING
Mileage: 140,000
WHEN STATIONARY OR IN MOTION MY DAUGHTER'S 2012 KIA SOUL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM WHAT FEELS LIKE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER LOOKING INTO THIS DEEPER IT IS THE RUBBER COUPLER AT THE ELECTRIC STEERING ASSIST. THERE ARE RECALLS FOR OTHER YEARS AND MODELS SO BOTH KIA AND HYUNDAI BOTH KNOW OF THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT REPAIR ALL VEHICLES. I HEAR IT'S AN $8 PART AND $400 FOR LABOR THROUGH THE DEALER. WHAT A GREAT INCOME STREAM FOR THEM!!
Mileage: 72,000
THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY LOOSE AND MAKES A GRINDING NOISE.
MY 2012 KIA SOUL IS MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AT LOW SPEEDS AND WHEN ABOVE 70MPH WHEN TURNED SLIGHTLY LEFT OR RIGHT. IT APPEARS TO BE THE FLEX COUPLER IN THE POWER STEERING. THIS STARTED A FEW WEEKS BACK. KIA HAS RECALLED NEWER MODELS THAT USE THE SAME PART BUT WILL NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP FOR 2012 MODELS. THIS IS ON KIA. GOD FORBID IF MY DAUGHTER IS INJURED IN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF KIA!
Mileage: 100,000
I TOOK IN BECAUSE STEERING TO RIGHT, THERE IS A CLUCKING NOISE COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL, MY MECHANIC CHECKED ON FOUND NOTHING STATED WAS A DEALER RECALL BUT THERE IS ONE FOR KIA 2012 SOUL HOWEVER MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. THERE IS A RECALL ON OTHER VEHICLES.
Mileage: 39,080
CLICKING SOUND HEARD WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL WHETHER I'M DRIVING OR SITTING STILL.
STEERING WHEEL MAKES A LOUD POPPING NOISE IT IS GETTING WORSE BY THE DAY. THE LIGHTS FLICKER WHEN TURNED ON INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 36,221
WHERE DO I START, MY 2012 KIA SOUL HAS ABOUT 86,000 MILES AND HAS EXPERIENCE ISSUES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. IT STARTED A FEW YEARS AGO WHERE I CHANGED MY LEFT BRAKE LIGHT AND DISCOVERED IT WAS AN ONGOING ISSUE WHERE BULB IS BURNT AND HAVE TO REPLACE ABOUT TWICE YEARLY. SECOND, SOMETIMES WHEN I GO TO CRANK MY CAR IT WOULD START FAINTLY THEN STALL OUT AND I WILL HAVE TO RETRY AGAIN UNTIL IT CRANKS CORRECTLY. THIS HAVING ALSO BEEN OCCURRING FOR A FEW YEARS. THIRD, WITHIN THIS PAST YEAR I'VE EXPERIENCED A/C CONTROL PROBLEMS. WHEN I GO TO TURN IT ON IT WONT DO ANYTHING,NO DEFROST/BLOWING/HOT/COLD NOTHING. THEN I WOULD PROCEED TO KEEP TRYING TO TURN OFF AND ON AND OUT OF NO WHERE IT JUST STARTS ON ITS OWN. SOMETIMES IT'S SCARY ESPECIALLY WHEN I NEED TO DEFROST MY WINDOWS AND IT DECIDES NOT TO WORK. TOOK IT TO SUN AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT AND SAID AND I QUOTE "IT HAS A HIGH FAILURE RATE", WHATEVER THAT MEANS. FOURTH, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT RESPOND TO THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL BUTTON. DONT KNOW IF IT'S AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THIS HAS ALSO STARTED WITHIN THIS PAST YEAR. FINALLY, ABOUT A FEW MONTHS AGO MY STEERING WHILE STARTED MAKING THIS ANNOYING CLICKING SOUND WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT . THAT IS WHILE DRIVING AND PARKED OR STOPPED. IT JUST KEEPS CLICKING EVERY MOVEMENT, BUMPS AND TURNS. SUDDENLY I RECIEVED A LETTER ABOUT THIS GIVEN WARRANTY RECALLING MY VEHICLE TO GET FIXED. NOW I'M QUESTIONING WHETHER OR NOT IF MY OTHER PROBLEMS ARE COMMON IN OTHER VEHICLES AND IS ON THE ROLL TO RECALL
RECEIVED A LETTER FROM KIA STATING TO HAVE MY STEERING CHECKED OUT . I AM HEARING A POPPING NOISE WHEN I TURN LEFT IN THE STEERING. IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHEN DRIVING THE KIA DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. BUT THERE'S GOT TO BE SOMETHING GOING ON AND THEY KEEP TRYING TO TELL ME THAT THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. ALSO THERE'S A SUSPENSION NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR WHEN I GO OVER A GREAT OR ANYTING EVEN A SMALL LITTLE DENT IN THE ROAD IT SOUNDS LIKE THE WHOLE BACK END OF MY CAR IS GOING TO FALL APART ANOTHER ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES MY LIGHTS DIM ON THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE THEN WHEN I GO THE LIGHTS WILL GO BRIGHT AGAIN.
Mileage: 5,000
THE STEERING WHEEL HAS STARTED TO MAKE A CLICKING NOSE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. THE NOSE HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS BOTH STATIONARY AND WHEN MOVING. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS BY OTHERS ON THE INTERNET. 2014-2016 MODELS OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL HAVE ACTUALLY ALREADY BEEN RECALLED FOR A STRONG PROBLEM WITH THE"PINION WHEEL", ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM WITH THE 2012 MODELS MAY BE WITH THE"STEERING COUPLER". DOESN'T SEEM SAFE AND I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM UPON FURTHER RESEARCH.
Mileage: 71,800
STEERING WHEEL CLICKS AND HAS GIVE AT LOW SPEEDS (LIKE WHILE PARKING OR TAKING CORNERS SLOWELY) AND AT HIGH SPEEDS (70MPH +). TAKEN TO KIA DEALER, AND COUPLER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. KIA RECALLED LATER MODELS WITH SAME PARTS AND OPTIMAS WITH SAME PARTS, BUT NOT 2012 SOULS. IT'S THE SAME PART THAT WAS REPLACED FOR FREE IN OTHER MODELS, BUT 2012 ISN'T COVERED.
Mileage: 85,000
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.
Mileage: 81,465
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT HAD TO FORCE THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE TURN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE BEGAN APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AGO AND OCCURRED EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN. THE FAILURE WORSENED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO BILL BRYANT KIA (9039 US-441, LEESBURG, FL 34788), BUT THE CONTACT WAS TOLD TO LEAVE SINCE SHE DID NOT HAVE AN APPOINTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Mileage: 112,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT. ALSO, AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
Mileage: 165,000
I CAN FEEL SLACK PLAY IN THE UPPER STEERING THAT MAKE A KNOCKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN STATIONARY, MOVING, IN TOWN OR ON THE HIGHWAY. ALSO ON INTERSTATE WHEN I REACH APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END STARTS AND INCREASES WITH SPEED. IT GETS TO AN INTENSITY THAT I DONT FEEL SAFE DRIVING OVER SIXTYFIVE MPH
Mileage: 165,000
WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IT'S MAKING A CLICKING SOUND AND EVERY TIME YOU GO OVER A BUMP IT MAKES THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKE
Mileage: 125,534
WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL, THERE IS A CLUNKING NOISE. RESEARCH INDICATES THAT THERE IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH A DISINTEGRATED RUBBER BUSHING IN THE ELECTRIC STEERING MOTOR AND THERE IS A RECALL DUE TO THIS SAFETY ISSUE. WHY IS MY CAR NOT COVERED?
Mileage: 129,000
I HAVE A 2012 KIA SOUL THAT HAS 75,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS STARTED MAKING THE HIGHLY COMPLAINED ABOUT CLUNKING NOISE AND SHIFTING/LOOSE SENSATION IN THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WHETHER STATIONARY OR DRIVING. IT HAS ALSO FOR SOME TIME BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SHAKING STEERING WHEEL AT AROUND 80 MPH THAT HAS COMPLAINTS. I AM A FORMER MECHANIC AND THROUGH READING ALL THE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND SEEING SYMPTOM/REPAIR VIDEOS I HAVE DIAGNOSED MY CLUNKING STEERING COLUMN TO BE CAUSED BY A FAILED STEERING COUPLER. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED BY KIA ON OTHER VEHICLES BUT NOT ON 2012 SOUL.THIS STEERING COUPLER ISSUE SHOULD HAVE KIA RECALLING ALL VEHICLES THAT HAVE REPORTS OF THIS FAILURE. I AM LOOSING FAITH IN KIA MOTORS. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THIS PART ON MY TIME/MONEY.
Mileage: 73,000
STEERING IS MAKING A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. DEALER SERVICE DEPT SAYS IT IS A COUPLER MUST BE FIXED BEFORE I LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER. I AM AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER SINCE IT COULD LOSE STEERING. THE CAR ONLY HAS 31000 MILES ON IT.
Mileage: 31,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A CLUNKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALOHA KIA (94-169 FARRINGTON HWY, WAIPHAU, HAWAII 96819) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Mileage: 130,000
STEERING MAKES A CLICKING NOISE AND FEELS LIKE IT MIGHT LOCK UP AT LOW SPEEDS.
Mileage: 32,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WAS FAULTY AND EXTREMELY LOOSE. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE STRENGTH TO STEER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
Mileage: 19,000
STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME LOOSE WITH A "CLICK" ON EITHER SIDE OF PLAY. WAS TOLD BY KIA DEALER THAT THE STEERING COLUMN HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1843. IF I DIDN'T FIX IT, MY STEERING MIGHT GO OUT AT ANY TIME. KIA COVERED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH RECALLS ON LATER MODELS BUT REFUSED TO COVER THIS BECAUSE OF VEHICLE AGE, EVEN THOUGH IT'S NOT A MILEAGE OR AGE ISSUE, IT'S A DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW. I'VE FOUND DOZENS OF IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS ONLINE.
Mileage: 66,000
THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN BEING TURNED, WHILE STATIONARY OR MOVING. 90,000 MILES ON CAR, AFRAID THE STEERING MAY GIVE OUT... HAS BEEN GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE SINCE INITIAL CLUNKING BEGAN AT ABOUT 70,000 MILES
Mileage: 70,000
KIA FLEXIBLE STEERING COUPLER 56315-2K000FFF COMPLETELY FAILED 12/2018. SAME COMPLAINT AS HUNDREDS OF OTHER OWNERS OF 2012 KIA SOULS. PLASTIC STEERING COUPLER COMPLETELY FALLS APART CAUSE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS PLAY AND BAD BANGING WHILE TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION. GOING OVER ROAD HOLES, SPEED BUMPS AND EVEN ROAD REFLECTORS CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO PULL IN EITHER DIRECTION AS WELL AS DRIFTING ISSUES. DEFECTIVE PART WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE BREAKDOWN OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING UNIT. KIA DEALERSHIP IN LAKE WALES, FL QUOTED $450 TO REPLACE THE $10 STAR SHAPED COUPLER STATING THE COSTS ARE MAINLY IN LABOR. THESE REPAIR COSTS SHOULD NOT BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OWNER. THE PART SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IT IS A POOR DESIGN ON THE PART OF KIA. THE 2012 SOUL SHOULD BE INCLUDED ALONG WITH THE 2014-2016 RECALLS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT FOR THE EXACT ISSUE. I ALSO OWN A 2015 SOUL AND HAVE RECEIVED MY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE COUPLER REPAIR. (WE ALSO OWN A 2017 SPORTAGE) WHY ARE THE 2012 OWNERS BEING LEFT OUT AND DISREGARDED? THE PART IS THE SAME, THE LABOR IS THE SAME AND THE POTENTIAL DANGER AND FURTHER DAMAGE IS THE SAME. KIA SHOULD STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND DO THE RIGHT THING BEFORE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IS FILED AND COST THEM A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT MORE. KIA'S LACK OF CUSTOMER CARE, CONCERN AND COMMITMENT TO THE 2012 OWNERS IS DISRESPECTFUL AND SHAMEFUL. I TRULY AND SINCERELY HOPE KIA WILL TAKE NOTICE OF OUR COMPLAINTS AND PLEA AND HELP US. *TR
Mileage: 65,000
STEERING COLUMN MAKES A RATHER LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AS IT'S BEING WHILE THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND WHEN IT'S IN MOTION. STEERING COUPLER SHOULD BE RECALLED NOT MADE FOR THE CONSUMER TO FOOT THE BILL ON INFERIOR PRODUCTS.
Mileage: 120,000
LOUD CLUNK ON TURNING THE WHEEL SOUNDS LIKE COUPLING IS FAULTY. OCCURS STATIONARY AND MOVING THOUGH APPEARS TO DECREASE WHEN MOVING FASTER. CONCERNED THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 53,583
THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND WHEN STATIONARY. THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT'S MOVING ON IT'S OWN, I HAVE TO HOLD IT VERY STEADY TO KEEP CONTROL. I INQUIRED ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THE STEERING COUPLER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, AND IT WOULD COST $200. THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT IN THESE MODEL CARS BASED ON THE VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. I STARTED NOTICING IT AROUND 70K MILES. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS A RECALL. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE.
Mileage: 70,000
STEERING COLUMN COUPLER TO MDPS IS OF POOR DESIGN AND FAILS PREMATURELY. KIA HAS RECALLED THE SAME PART IN THE OPTIMAS IN THE SAME YEARS AND FUTURE MODELS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED AS WELL. IF NOT REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN CAN COMPLETELY DISCONNECT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND RESULT IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL. THIS HAS NOT DIRECTLY HAPPENED IF THE PARTS ARE REPLACED DUE TO THE OTHER SYMPTOMS OF KNOCKING OR CLICKING BUT IS A SIGNIFICANT DESIGN FLAW FOR USING INFERIOR PLASTICS IN CRITICAL COMPONENT OF DRIVING CONTROL. REFERENCE TSB CHA 44-2014, CHA 74-2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A STRONG VIBRATION COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. A DEALER HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS FOR THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING; HOWEVER, THERE WERE SIX TSBS FOR THE STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THERE WAS A PERMANENT REMEDY FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED . THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Mileage: 69,000
STEERING WHEEL HAS DEVELOPED SIGNIFICANT "PLAY" IN BEING ABLE TO MOVE 1-2 INCHES EITHER WAY WITH AN AUDIBLE CLUNK WHEN IT REACHES THE POINT OF ACTUALLY ENGAGING THE STEERING MECHANISM. THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPORTED INCIDENCES OF STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS ON THE 2012 KIA SOUL THAT HAVE USUALLY BEEN LINKED TO A FAULTY STEERING COUPLER (HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/KIAMOTOR/SOUL/STEERING-COLUMN-PROBLEMS.PHP). LATER YEAR MODELS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR STEERING COLUMN PROBLEMS, BUT NOT THE 2012.
Mileage: 91,000
WAS GOING DOWN TEN, KIA CAN'T DETERMINE IF MY POWER STEERING WANT BOUT WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING 55, AND THEN HITTING A DEER. THE BODY WORK HAS BEEN FIXED BUT MY VEHICLE HAS NO POWER STEERING. POWER STEERING IS NOT RESPONDING - MDPS WILL NOT COMMUNICATE WITH VEHICLE. FAILURE IN ELECTRONIC MDPS AT TOP OF STEERING COLUMN. THEY CHECKED ALL CONNECTORS, AND NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO COLUMN ITSELF. FOUND C1503 -ESC/ECS (ESP) ERROR AND C1687 - TIME OUT VSM2 (MDPS) FAILURE. DIAGNOSIS SAYS I NEED A POWER STEERING COLUMN AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY. GEICO REFUSES TO COVER THIS SAYING IT'S A COMMON ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING ISSUE WITH KIA'S. IF THESE ARE MESSING UP ELECTRONICALLY WHILE DRIVING THIS YEAR FOR 2012 SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT FEELS AS IF INSURANCE HAS FOUND A LOOPHOLE TO NOT COVER KIA SOULS WITH POWER STEERING. I ALSO SAW A CORROSION ISSUE RECALL AND MY CAR WAS FROM OHIO WHICH I LIVED THERE YEARS WITH IT BEFORE MOVING TO VIRGINIA. NO ONE AT THE NEWPORT NEWS VIRGINIA KIA EVEN MENTIONED THE RECALL FOR MY VIN #, I FOUND IT WHILE REGISTERING MY KIA ONLINE.
Mileage: 88,282
2012 KIA SOUL STEERING COUPLER DEFECT, ATTACHED IS MY RECEIPT TO REPAIR A DEFECTIVE PLASTIC STEERING COUPLING THAT RESULTED IN A STEERING HAZARD (SHIMMYING, SHAKING, VIBRATING) WHILE MAKING A ROAD TRIP TO FL. UNFORTUNATELY KIA CORPORATE REFUSES TO ACCEPT THIS AS A DEFECT ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THEY EXTENDED THEIR KIA OPTIMA WARRANTY ON THIS DEFECT DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS GENERATED THROUGH COMPLAINTS. THE SERVICE TECH AT KIA I SPOKE WITH CONFIRMED THEY HAD RECEIVED COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SOUL STEERING COUPLING BUT COULDN'T SAY HOW MANY COMPLAINED OR HOW MANY COMPLAINTS WOULD BE NEEDED TO AFFECT A RECALL SO I HAD TO INCUR A $300+ EXPENSE TO HAVE IT REPLACED. PLEASE CONTACT ME @ [XXX]. MY EMAIL IS [XXX]. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mileage: 76,000
WHEN CAR IS RUNNING AND IN PARK TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AN INCH OR SO IN EITHER DIRECTION IS VERY LOOSE AT FIRST TILL IT BEGINS TO BECOME FIRM AND YOU HEAR A THUD. THE AMOUNT OF PLAY IS ABOUT AN INCH GOING TO THE RIGHT OR TO THE LEFT.
Mileage: 58,000
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.
Mileage: 90,000
THE STEERING IS MAKING A LOUD CLONKING NOISE WHILE TURNING, STATIONARY OR DRIVING, WORST ON THE HIGHWAY. I REPLACED AND BALANCED THE TIRES BUT STILL DOING IT. IT'S SCARY. I SEE THERE ARE MORE REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM.
Mileage: 90,000
TAKATA RECALL I TOOK MY CAR TO FIRESTONE TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE AND CHECK THE BREAKS. I WAS TOLD WHEN I TURN THE CAR LEFT IT MAKES A GOD AWFUL NOISE AND THE WHEEL SHAKES. I HAVE A 75000 MIKE WARRANTY ON IT. THIS BETTER BE COVERED. I SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE AND IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS RIDICULOUS.
Mileage: 66,000
AROUND 60,000 MILES I BEGAN TO NOTICE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. IT STARTED OUT MINIMAL, ONLY HAPPENING SLIGHTLY WHEN I WOULD TURN THE WHEEL (THIS WAS BOTH WHEN THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION). IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY BECOME WORSE AND NOW ON TOP OF THE CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING, MY WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN I REACH A SPEED OF 70 MPH.
Mileage: 60,000
"TAKATA RECALL" THE STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. KIA SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS. AS TIME GOES ON IT IS GETTING WORSE AND IF ONE DAY SOMETHING HAPPENS TO ME YOU WILL HEAR FROM A LAWYER AND MY DAUGHTERS. I GOT A ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS AND IT WILL BE OVER $200.00 . THIS WOULD BE LESS THEN A LAWSUIT.
Mileage: 48,500
I HAVE A 2012 KIA SOUL+ THAT HAS 80,000 MILES ON IT AND HAS STARTED MAKING THE HIGHLY COMPLAINED ABOUT CLUNKING NOISE AND SHIFTING/LOOSE SENSATION IN THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WHETHER STATIONARY OR DRIVING. IT HAS ALSO FOR SOME TIME BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SHAKING STEERING WHEEL AT AROUND 80 MPH THAT HAS COMPLAINTS. I AM A FORMER MECHANIC AND THROUGH READING ALL THE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND SEEING SYMPTOM/REPAIR VIDEOS I HAVE DIAGNOSED MY CLUNKING STEERING COLUMN TO BE CAUSED BY A FAILED STEERING COUPLER. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED BY KIA ON OTHER VEHICLES BUT NOT ON 2012 SOUL. I AM INTERESTED TO FIND OUT IF THIS COUPLER IS ALSO BEHIND MY SHAKING STEERING WHEEL AT HIGHER SPEEDS. SHAKING IS NOT DUE TO TIRES, WHEELS, OR ALIGNMENT/PARTS PROBLEMS AS PROBLEM WAS SAME BEFORE I JUST PUT NEW TIRES ON AND HAD BALANCE/ALIGNMENT DONE. ALSO WAS NO DIFFERENT BETWEEN SEVERAL TIRE ROTATIONS OF OLD TIRES. THIS STEERING COUPLER ISSUE SHOULD HAVE KIA RECALLING ALL VEHICLES THAT HAVE REPORTS OF THIS FAILURE. I AM LOOSING FAITH IN KIA MOTORS. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THIS PART ON MY TIME/MONEY.
Mileage: 80,000
CAR HAS JUST OVER 60K MILES. KNOCKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AREA WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. THE KNOCKING OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS. IF SITTING IN NEUTRAL WITH ENGINE ON, TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT AND YOU FEEL AND HEAR THE KNOCKING SOUND.
THERE HAS BEEN A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL TO EITHER SIDE, WHILING DRIVING OR IN STILL MODE. IT SEEMS AS THIS HAS ALSO BEEN AN ISSUE WITH LATER MOTELS AS THEIR WAS A RECALL INVOLVING THE STEERING SYSTEM FOR YEARS 2014 - 2016. FROM RESEARCH, THERE HAVE BEEN MANY TALK FROM 2012 KIA SOUL OWNERS HAVING TO HAVE THEIR COUPLER IN THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN REPLACED DUE TO POSSIBLE SAFELY ISSUES.
Mileage: 60,000
STEERING WHEEL MAKES CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING.
Mileage: 55,188
2012 KIA SOULWITH 15,000 MILES: STEERING MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE AND HAS A LOT OF PLAY IN IT. EVEN WHEN SITTING STILL. WHEN DRIVING IT ALSO HAS PLAY AND MAKES CLUNKING NOISE. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE COUPLER IS BAD, AND THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE FEE TO FIX IS $200, AND NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY BECAUSE I'M NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER, EVEN THOUGH THE MILEAGE IS SO LOW. OTHER KIA SOULS HAVE RECALLS, THIS YEAR SHOULD AS WELL.
Mileage: 15,000
MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING THIS CLUNKING NOISE IT HAD 50000 MILE ON IT, TOOK IT TO MY KIA DEALER, THE TOLD ME IT WAS A FLEXIBLE COUPLING AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE TO REPLACE IT THAT MY WARRANTY RAN OUT, I SAID THATS A SAFETY ISSUE THEY SAID ITS NOT, I JUST GOT MY CAR AND WENT HOME.I FOYND OUT THAT ALOT OF KIA MODELS HAD THAT PROBLEM AND THE WERE GIVEN A CALL BACK LETTER. IT MAKE NO SENSE ITS THE EXCAT SAME PART HAS THE ONE CALLED BACK, PLUSS IF IT DOESNT GET FIXED I COULD LOSE MY STERRING THE CAR HAS 52000 MILES ON. HOW CAN THEY RECALL MODEL AFTER 2013 AND NOT 2012.
CLICKING IN STEERING WHEN DRIVING OR SITTING STILL.
Mileage: 113,000
MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING THIS CLUNKING NOISE IT HAD 44,507 MILE ON IT,TOOK IT TO MY KIA DEALER,THE TOLD ME IT WAS A FLEXIBLE COUPLING AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE TO REPLACE IT THAT MY WARRANTY RAN OUT, I SAID THATS A SAFETY ISSUE THEY SAID ITS NOT, I JUST GOT MY CAR AND WENT HOME.I FOYND OUT THAT ALOT OF KIA MODELS HAD THAT PROBLEM AND THE WERE GIVEN A CALL BACK LETTER. IT MAKE NO SENSE ITS THE EXCAT SAME PART HAS THE ONE CALLED BACK,PLUSS IF IT DOESNT GET FIXED I COULD LOSE MY STERRING THE CAR HAS 44000 MILES ON IT
Mileage: 44,507
STEERING WHEEL LOOSE AND CLICKING WHILE DRIVING. FELT LOOSE WHILE STATIONERY. LOCAL AUTO SHOP REPLACED MDPS FLEX COUPLING. IT WAS TOTALLY WORN OUT. CAR HAD LESS THAN 39,000 MILES. APPARENTLY 2014 VEHICLES WERE RECALLED FOR THIS. ALSO KIA OPTIMA'S FLEX JOINTS WERE REPLACED FREE AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP. THIS KIA SOUL UNES THE FAME FLEX JOINT.
Mileage: 39,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WEST PALM BEACH KIA (735 S MILITARY TRAIL, WEST PALM BEACH, FL), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS ATTRIBUTED TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS, AND DOCUMENTED THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,751. *TT
Mileage: 74,751
THE STEERING BECAME VERY LOOSE AND STARTED CLANKING WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET TRAVELLING AT LESS THAN 40 MPH. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 80K MILES ON IT AT THE TIME.
Mileage: 78,000
STEERING WHEEL COUPLER FAILURE. STEERING WHEEL MAKE CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING IN EITHER DIRECTION.
Mileage: 25,000
I RECENTLY NOTICED WHEN STOPPED THAT THE STEERS NO WHEEL MAKES A CLUNKING SOUND WHEN STEER NO LEFT TO RIGHT AND BACK AGAIN AND HAS A LITTLE PLAY LIKE IT'S NOT CATCHING. ALSO I RECENTLY HAD BRAKE LIGHTS REPLACED AND IT QUICKLY BURNED OUT ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE LIGHT.
Mileage: 77,000
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.
Mileage: 58,121
"CLUNKING" PLAY IN STEERING BEGAN RECENTLY WHICH IS REPORTEDLY FAILURE OF THE STEERING COUPLER.. KIA RECALLED 2014-26 TWICE AND THERE IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR REPLACEMENT OF OPTION 11-14 OPTIMA'S .. NOTHING FOR 2012 SOUL EXCEPT WEB PAGES OF COMPLAINTS OF SAME PROBLEM. CROSS REFERENCING THE PART NUMBERS SHOWS THAT ALL THESE VEHICLES, INCLUDING MODELS OUTSIDE THEIR RECALL, USE THE SAME PART YET KIA IS TELLING 2012 OWNERS TO PAY FOR IT OUT OF POCKET.. THIS SAFETY HAZARD AND A FAILURE BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.
Mileage: 67,000
WHEN STOPPED THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN MOVE FROM RIGHT TO LEFT AND BACK.. WHILE DRIVING HAS A BACK AND FORTH CLUNKING MOVEMENT FELLING AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVE OVER A ROAD LACED WITH SMALL BUMPS IN IT. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE MDPS FLEX COUPLING HAS DETERIORATED AND PRESENTS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. THE 2014 KIA SOUL WAS RECALLED FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM.THIS IS A MAJOR LIFE THREATENING ISSUE.
Mileage: 39,983
FLEXIBLE COUPLING IS DAMAGED, STEERING WHEEL NOISY, RATTLING NOISE, WORRY ABOUT SAFETY STEERING MIGHT NOT WORK AND CAUSE ACCIDENT OR DEATH DUE TO MALFUNCTION. WENT TO DEALERSHIP AND TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $200.00 AND IT IS LIKELY THAT IT WOULD DO IT AGAIN. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH KIA VEHICLES , DEFINITELY WOULD NEVER BUY A KIA VEHICLE AGAIN.
Mileage: 53
MY VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A CLUNKING/CLICKING SOUND FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT OR LEFT. THE NOISE/SOUND QUICKLY STARTED GETTING LOUDER IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME/MILEAGE. THE STEERING ALSO STARTED GETTING LOOSER AS THE SOUND INCREASED. THIS OCCURRED BOTH WHILE SETTING STILL OR WHILE IN MOTION. THE REPAIR SHOP HAD TO REPLACE A FAULTY STEERING COUPLER (56315-2KOOOFFF) FOR ABOUT $225.00. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT THE SOUND/NOISE AND LOOSENESS ARE GONE.
Mileage: 40,000
STEERING NOISE CAUSED BE A BAD PIECE IN STEERING LINKAGE. PLASTIC PIECE WHICH MAKES STEERING LOOSE AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF STEERING. KIA ADMITTED TO ME IT'S A PROBLEM WHICH IS COMMON. BUT NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY AFTER 50.00 MILES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY ARE AWARE OF IT. IT DEMANDS A RECALL FOR SAFETY REASONS. IT ALSO IS ON HYUNDI PRODUCTS. SAFETY ISSUE! FACTORY AWARE OF DANGER! RECALL MANDATED!
Mileage: 69,000
KNOCKING SOUND WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY TO EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. I WAS TOLD IT IS A BAD COUPLER WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND IT WILL PROBABLY BECOME A RECALL BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MANY CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE.
Mileage: 63,000
STEERING WHEEL LOOSE AND CLICKING WHILE DRIVING. FELT LOOSE WHILE STATIONERY. LOCAL AUTO SHOP REPLACED MDPS FLEX COUPLING. IT WAS TOTALLY WORN OUT. CAR HAD LESS THAN 37,000 MILES. APPARENTLY 2014 VEHICLES WERE RECALLED FOR THIS.
Mileage: 36,780
I AM SHY OF HITTING 80K MILES ON MY SOUL 79795 TO BE EXACT. I HAVE NOTICED THAT WITHIN THE PAST COUPLE OF WEEKS MY STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN 'CLICKING' WHETHER IN A STATIONARY POSITION OR IN MOTION. HOW IS THERE NO RECALL OR TSB ON THIS AS I HAVE BEEN DOING MY RESEARCH AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS VEHICLES WITH THIS ISSUE! THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN!! I HAVE YET TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT TO TOP IT OFF THE WARRANTY IS OUT. LOCAL MECHANICS WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO TOUCH IT! SOMEONE PLEASE START A RECALL OR A TSB!
Mileage: 79,795
UPON DRIVING THERE IS A CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL ADVISE BY MECHANIC THAT HE WAS AWARE OF THIS NOISE AND THAT TO CONTACT KIA AS THERE WAS A RECALL LOOKED UP AND ADVISED BY KIA NO. AFRAID TO DRIVE CAR AS IT SOUNDS THAT THE STEERING WHEEL IS GOING TO COME OFF
STEERING IS LOOSE AND MAKES CLUNK SOUND. CALLED KIA AND SAID NO RECALLS????? OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS A ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.
Mileage: 61,000
MY STEERING IS CLUNKY AND HAS A LOT OF MOVEMENT-PLAY I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER AND HE TOLD ME I HAVE TO REPLACE PARTS FOR MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT WITH AFTER RESEARCHING THIS I WOULD ASSUME THAT KIA WOULD HAVE RECALLED THIS AS IT IS A DANGEROUS FUNCTION TO GO WRONG
Mileage: 49,000
2012 KIA SOUL WITH 20,000 MILES: STEERING MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE AND HAS A LOT OF PLAY IN IT. EVEN WHEN SITTING STILL, THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE AND HAS TOO MUCH PLAY. WHEN DRIVING IT ALSO HAS PLAY AND MAKES CLUNKING NOISE. OTHER KIA SOULS HAVE RECALLS, THIS YEAR SHOULD ALSO.
Mileage: 18,000
ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO, WHILE SITTING IN THE CAR LETTING IT WARM UP AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE CITY STREETS I HEARD A CLUNCKING SOUND IN THE STERERING COLUMN WHEN TURING LEFT AND RIGHT AND THE SOUND IS PRESENT CURRENTLY. I AM AFRAID THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK UP OR COME OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING!
THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE WITH MUCH "PLAY" IN STEERING AND A CLICKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING LOCK. THIS HAPPENS BOTH STATIONARY WITH THE CAR ON IN PARK AND WHEN DRIVING. THE VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN BRAKING. I DO NOT HAVE FULL CONTROL OVER THE STEERING. WHEN I BRAKE AT SPEEDS OVER ABOUT 30MPH. I HAVE HAD ALIGNMENT DONE AND SUSPENSION CHECKED AND IT IS NOT APPARENTLY THE ISSUE. I NOW HAVE A LOUD RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN I TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE CLICKING AND LOOSENESS AND RUBBING NOISE IS PRESENT WHEN THE CAR IS IDLE OR BEING DRIVEN IN CITY OR HIGHWAY.
Mileage: 125,000
DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND CAR WOULDN'T START. HAD CAR TOWED TO KIA OF BOWIE MD., WHO DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND REPLACED ELECTRICAL PANEL WHICH COST ESTIMATED $200.00 DOLLARS INCLUDING DIAGNOSTIC. KIA OF BOWIE NEVER CALLED AND WHEN I FINALLY CONTACTED SOMEONE A WEEK LATER, THEY STATED THE STEERING COLUMN WAS OUT AND WOULD COST APPROXIMATE $2000.00 AND THAT'S THE PART. CAR HAS ONLY 70.000 MILES.
THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE WITH MUCH "PLAY" IN STEERING AND A CLICKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING LOCK. THIS HAPPENS BOTH STATIONARY WITH THE CAR ON IN PARK AND WHEN DRIVING. I HAVE HAD ALIGNMENT AND SUSPENSION CHECKED AND IT IS NOT APPARENTLY THE ISSUE. APPARENTLY THE STEERING SHAFT BECOMES LOOSE WHERE IT IS COUPLED WITH THE STEERING GEAR/RACK. THIS LOOSE STEERING IS VERY DANGEROUS AS WHEN STEERING AROUND CURVES THE CAR STEERING ACTUALLY PULLS ON THE ROAD SO I NOW GO MUCH SLOWER AROUND CURVES THAN IS POSTED ON SPEED SIGNS TO AVOID LOOSING CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. WHEN I GO OVER UNEVEN ROADS OR BUMPS THE CAR ALSO SHIFTS AND PULLS AS I DO NOT HAVE FULL CONTROL OVER THE STEERING. WHEN I BRAKE AT SPEEDS OVER ABOUT 40MPH I NOTICE THAT THERE IS ALSO THIS SAME PLAY IN THE STEERING SO I MAKE SURE I AM CONSIDERABLY A FAR DISTANCE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ORDER TO STOP SLOWLY. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM WITH THE 2012 KIA SOUL AND HAVE NOTICED UPON RESEARCHING ONLINE THAT THE KIA OPTIMA HAS A SIMILAR PROBLEM WHICH WAS EVENTUALLY RECALLED FOR REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AS WELL AS MY KIA DEALER WITH THIS COMPLAINT AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE MY CAR WAS OVER THE WARRANTY MILES THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO REGARDING REPAIRS.
Mileage: 87,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CROWN KIA (5500 34TH ST N, ST PETERSBURG, FL 33714 (727) 525-5785). THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS WAITING TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Mileage: 78,000
THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE. I NOTICED THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ISSUED FOR THE STEERING BUT NOT YET FOR THE 2012. DON'T YOU THINK THIS IS ALSO A PROBLEM? I AM VERY AFRAID TO DRIVE IT LIKE THIS. THE NOISE HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED AND ON AND ALSO WHEN DRIVING, AND HAS A LOT OF "PLAY" IN THE WHEEL WHEN MOVING! PLEASE HELP!!
Mileage: 34,000
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
Mileage: 98,200
MY STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE, AND YOU CAN FEEL IT. I AM TAKING IT TO BE FIXED, BUT I NOTICED A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE MY MODEL YEAR. SHOULD IT THOUGH?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL FAILURES THAT PROGRESSED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE RADIO SHORTED OUT AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER (SOUTHSIDE KIA, 9401 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225, (904) 400-6650). ALSO, THE ODOMETER DISPLAYED AN IMPROPER READING AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT, MAKING ABNORMAL NOISES. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES, BUT THE RADIO FAILED AGAIN AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT CURRENTLY REMAINS FOR SERVICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD PROVIDE A FOLLOW-UP RESPONSE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NO SOLUTION YET FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Mileage: 68,000
THE STEERING COLUMN "CLUNKS" WHEN TURNED AND WHEN DRIVEN ON UNEVEN ROADS. IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS BUT I WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING COLUMN. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER CV JOINT MOUNT.
Mileage: 71,000
TOOK A LEFT TURN AND THE CAR MADE A CLANK NOISE. NOW WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL THERE IS THIS CLANKING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEEL LEFT AND MY STEERING WHEEL FEELS REALLY LOOSE. THE WHEEL CAN TURN SOME BEFORE THE CAR STARTS TURNING. KIA RECALLED 2014 AND 2015 FOR THIS PROBLEM. PEOPLE WERE LOSING CONTROL AND CRASHING. I AM PAYING FOR THIS CAR AND CAN'T AFFORD TO PARK IT BUT I AM AFRAID I WILL LOOSE MY STEERING. WHY ISN'T ALL OF THE SOULS BEING RECALLED? I HAVE SEEN WHERE THERE ARE 10 STEERING COMPLAINTS. ISN'T ONE TO MANY? ESPECIALLY SINCE THE 2014-2015S HAD THESE PROBLEMS. WHY DIDN'T THEY GO BACK FARTHER?
Mileage: 79,500
I OWN A 2012 KIA SOUL. I KNOW A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR A STEERING PROBLEM FOR 2013-15. MY CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE WAS A POP AND MY STEERING IS LOOSE. WE CALLED KIA AND THEY TOLD ME I HAVE TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED. IT HAS BEEN PROVEN THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM ON THEIR CARS. MINE NOW HAS IT. IT SHOULD BE FIXED AT THEIR EXPENSE LIKE THEY DID THE OTHERS. THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN WHEN THE POP HAPPENED AND THERE IS A LOT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING. WE HAVE HARDLY BEEN DRIVING THE CAR BECAUSE WE ARE AFRAID. THE PROBLEM IS REALLY BAD IF YOU TRY TO TURN IT TO THE LEFT.
Mileage: 79,500
STEERING WHEEL / COLUMN LOOSE AND LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. APPARENTLY THIS IS A HISTORICAL PROBLEM WITH THE KIA SOUL AS PREVIOUS DOCUMENTATION/COMPLAINTS TO NHTSA AND KIA. WAITING TO SEE WHAT CORAL SPRINGS KIA WILL DO TO FIX THEIR PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. 31,000 MILES ON VEHICLE 2012 KIA SOUL.
Mileage: 31,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND WAS NOT OPERABLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Mileage: 65,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, A VEHICLE IN FRONT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES ABRUPTLY CAUSING THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER MERGED ONTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND CRASHED INTO TWO OTHER VEHICLES. THE DRIVER WAS FATALLY INJURED. THE DRIVER OF THE FIRST VEHICLE THAT WAS IMPACTED ALSO SUSTAINED FATAL INJURIES. THE FRONT PASSENGER IN THE FIRST VEHICLE SUSTAINED SHOCK TRAUMA AND THE CHILD SEATED IN THE REAR SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES IN THE SECOND VEHICLE. ALL INJURED OCCUPANTS REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT WHERE IT CURRENTLY WAS PENDING AN INSPECTION TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. PRIOR TO THE CRASHES, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT POSSIBLY ENCOUNTERED AN OBJECT IN THE ROAD, WHICH CAUSED THE BLOW OUT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WAS REPLACED. AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL FELT ABNORMAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Mileage: 50,000
CLICKING IN THE STEERLING WHEEL. PULLING AND JIGGLING (NO IT'S NOT THE ALIGNMENT)
Mileage: 60,000
I HAVE 80000 MILES ON MY 2012 KIA SOUL AND THE STEERING COLUMN IS VERY NOISY AND SEEMS TO BE ON THE VERGE OF DISINTEGRATING AND LEAVING ME WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP ADMITTED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH IT BUT REFUSE TO FIX IT SINCE IT OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
DEFECTIVE STEERING FLEXIBLE COUPLER. CAUSED MY STEERING WHEEL TO LOOSEN UP.
Mileage: 85,000
STEERING IS MAKING A BANGING NOISE AND SEEMS TO BE GETTING LOOSE. GETTING WORSE BY THE DAY. THIS IS MOST PROFOUND WHEN VEHICLE IS STANDING STILL AND YOU TURN STEERING WHEEL SLIGHTLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT.
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER AND EVERY SO OFTEN THE GAUGES AND THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH WILL NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. I HAD CONTACTED THE DEALER FROM WHOM I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE, I THEN TOOK IT TO THEIR REPAIR SHOP. THE GENTLEMAN (MECHANIC) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. I THEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND REQUESTED ANOTHER VEHICLE, OF COURSE THEY REFUSED. IN A MATTER OF DAYS, THE DASH MATERIALS BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN. UNFORTUNATELY, 20 DAYS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. NONE OF THE LIGHTS AND GAUGES IN THE DASH WORK, AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO INTO DRIVE. I AM SIMPLY UNHAPPY WITH THE MATTER, BECAUSE THEY ARE CHARGING ME NEARLY $20,000. FOR THE VEHICLE. *TR
THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE WHICH KIA CAN'T IDENTIFY OR TROUBLESHOOT. IT HAS BEEN IN THE KIA GARAGE HALF A DOZEN TIMES AND STILL HASN'T BEEN FIXED. THE ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS INITIALLY STARTED. THE STATUS LIGHTS IN THE DASH ALL LIGHT UP AND GO OUT ONE BY ONE WHEN SYSTEMS ARE CONFIRMED GOOD, EXCEPT THE ELECTRONIC ASSIST STEERING AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS STAY LIT. THE ELECTRONIC ASSIST POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK AS IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE WHEEL EVEN IF THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO GEAR AND DRIVEN FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESET EVERYTHING AND THEN IT IS FINE. KIA WAS CALLED OUT TO A PARKING LOT AT ONE POINT WHILE THE SYSTEMS FAILED AND THEY HOOKED UP THEIR DIAGNOSTICS TO THE PORT AND WERE UNABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE VEHICLES COMPUTER SYSTEM IN ORDER TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO TRACK THIS ISSUE AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE UNTIL THE SYSTEM TOTALLY FAILS AND REFUSES TO RESET. DIAGNOSTICS DOES NOT PICKUP THE ERROR WHEN IT OCCURS AND THE VEHICLES INTERNAL COMPUTER DOES NOT REGISTER THE FAILURE EITHER. *TR
Mileage: 4,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 20012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE ENGINE HAD TO BE RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER FOR THE CONTACT TO BE ABLE TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,432 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 6,100 UPDATED 11/12/13*CN
Mileage: 2,432
STEERING WHEEL LOCKING AT SPEED VERY DANGEROUS IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE VEHICLE. *TR
Mileage: 8,572
WE TRAVELED FROM TENNESSEE TO FLORIDA AND THE STEERING KEPT LOCKING-UP ON THE KIA SOUL. WE WENT TO GALEANA KIA IN FT. MYERS, FL AND TOLD THEM THAT ?WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY STEERING WHEEL JUST LOCKS GOING STRAIGHT AND HAS TO HAVE APPLIED PRESSURE TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT?. GALEANA KIA DID THIS ON 12/4/2012: VERIFY INTERMITTENT P/S ASSIST INOP. REMOVE P/S COLUMN & ASSIST UNIT. APPLIED STABILANT 22 TO ALL CONNECTORS. REMOVE CONTROL WIRING HARNESS. REMOVE IPM MODULE. REMOVE & TEST HECU. FOUND STRIPPED BOLT IN GROUND GNG10 LOOSE GROUND. REMOVE & RETHREADED GROUND CLEAN PAINT. NOTIFIED TL. ON THE RETURN TRIP BACK TO TENNESSEE, THE STEERING STARTED LOCKING-UP AGAIN. ON 12/28/2012, WE TOOK THE CAR THE RUSTY WALLACE KIA, AND COMPLAINED AGAIN ABOUT THE STEERING. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR TWO DAYS AND RETURNED TO CAR TO US AND TOLD US TO DRIVE IT AND CALL THEM IF WE STILL HAD THE PROBLEM. ON 1/17/2013, THE STEERING STARTED LOCKING UP AGAIN ? MORE OFTEN. ON 1/21/2013, THE STEERING IS STILL LOCKING UP AND I CALL RUSTY WALLACE KIA TO TAKE IT IN FOR MORE SERVICE. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA HEADQUARTERS ([XXX]) ABOUT THIS STEERING PROBLEM AND HAVE CASE #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mileage: 14,522
2012 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER STATES POWER STEERING FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST TIME THE POWER STEERING FAILED, THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO FIND AN ERROR CODE OF 300 ELECTRICAL AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING MOTOR. ON JAN 13, 2012 AS THE CONSUMER WAS PULLING OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY, HE DISCOVERED THE POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN. HE STOPPED, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND WAITED FIVE SECONDS AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON. IT APPEARED TO WORK FINE AFTER THAT. ON JAN. 201, 12, AS THE CONSUMER WAS EXITING A PARKING LOT, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN. HE STOPPED, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND WAITED 10 SECONDS AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON AGAIN. IT APPEARED TO WORK FINE AFTERWARDS .
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW KIA SOUL IN NOV OF 2011. WITHIN 200 MILES OF OWNERSHIP, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND FALSELY ACTIVATED. THE ESC NOT ONLY FALSELY ACTIVATED BUT REMAINED ACTIVATED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP AND COULD ONLY BE TURNED IF CONSIDERABLE FORCE WAS APPLIED TO IT. I CAREFULLY PULLED OVER THE TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE THEN STARTED IT BACK UP HOPING THE ESC WOULD TURN OFF. IT DID NOT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY DEALER. THE KIA DEALER SERVICE SHOP ULTIMATELY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND ATTEMPTED TO DO A LANE CHANGE. AGAIN THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL FALSELY ACTIVATED AND CAUSED ME TO COLLIDE WITH THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN THE ESC ACTIVATED, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND CAUSED A SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN THE ACCIDENT. THESE ARE JUST 2 OF MANY INCIDENTS I HAVE EXPERIENCED. *TR
Mileage: 200