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.
"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.
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.
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. After the replacement the sound/noise and looseness are gone.
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 and it is likely that it would do it again. Very disappointed with Kia vehicles, definitely would never buy a Kia vehicle again.
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 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!
- Cape Coral, FL, USA
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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.
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.
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!
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
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
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.
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!
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 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 and that's the part. Car has only 70.000 miles.
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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
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?
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- Lake Charles, LA, USA