This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 (). later year models have been recalled for steering column problems, but not the 2012.
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.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Sarasota, FL, USA