KIA Soul Steering Problems
Owners have filed 519 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the KIA Soul across 15 model years. The 2012 model year has the most (166). The words owners use most often: “steering coupler” (10% of reports).
- 519steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 33mention a crash
- 20mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $600typical repair cost reported by owners
- 31%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering coupler: mentioned in 54 of 519 complaints (10%)
- Clunking noise: mentioned in 35 of 519 complaints (7%)
- Wheel makes: mentioned in 26 of 519 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the KIA Soul at $600, and half of them between $480 and $1,350.
Based on 29 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2018–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 296 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 519 complaints, 33 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 20 an injury.
KIA Soul steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Soul | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2023 Soul | 8 | 15% | 8,700 |
| 2022 Soul | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2021 Soul | 9 | 4% | 4,815 |
| 2020 Soul | 16 | 4% | 4,000 |
| 2019 Soul | 5 | 4% | 77,500 |
| 2018 Soul | 5 | 2% | 38,000 |
| 2017 Soul | 10 | 4% | 29,262 |
| 2016 Soul | 30 | 4% | 53,500 |
| 2015 Soul | 44 | 5% | 34,750 |
| 2014 Soul | 55 | 6% | 36,000 |
| 2013 Soul | 152 | 23% | 70,000 |
| 2012 Soul | 166 | 32% | 68,500 |
| 2011 Soul | 4 | 2% | 8,200 |
| 2010 Soul | 12 | 9% | 4,050 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Steering
Model years: 2014, 2015, 2016
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
Risk: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I've had no issues with the vehicle until 2 years ago when the steering column began getting incredibly loose. I can turn the wheel 10 degrees before turning. Now the car can no longer go above 40 MPH because the steering wheel will shake violently and the front end will vibrate and it feels like…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a turn, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel was moving freely. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, there was a popping and knocking sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an…
When I turn my steering wheel left or right there is a very large margin before the tires turn it rattles back and forth back and forth as I'm driving down the street no control for at least three degrees and either direction, also my front of the vehicle turn signals pop out and fall out to the…
Before the accident which my car was totaled, I would take it in with issues. Electrical lights coming on the car would stop .my transmission locking up . I would tell them that there was something wrong with the car . I had videos to show pannel lights coming on at 70 on freeway and car locking up…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Souls have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 519 owner complaints about steering for the KIA Soul. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Soul steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the KIA Soul?
Owners report a typical cost of $600 (half paid between $480 and $1,350), from 29 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the KIA Soul?
The most frequent phrase is “steering coupler”, in 54 of 519 complaints, followed by “clunking noise” (35).
Other KIA Soul problems
- Engine problems (3,145)
- Electrical System problems (520)
- Power Train problems (432)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (407)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (346)
- Exterior Lighting problems (252)
- Air Bags problems (203)
- Service Brakes problems (202)
See all KIA Soul problems.