139 complaints reported

2012 Kia Soul Steering

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
139
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

May 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
May 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Apr 2023

STEERING WHEEL JERKS AND MOVES SUDDENLY WHEN DRIVING

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Mar 2023

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Mar 2023

Clicking in the steering. Seems to be the flex coupler

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2023
Jan 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2023

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. ,

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2023
Jan 2023

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2003
Jan 2023

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2023

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2022
Dec 2022

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2022
Sep 2022

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Sep 2022

Clicking in the Steering, vibration in steering while driving

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Sep 2022

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2022
Jul 2022

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Jun 2022

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 "

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Apr 2022

The steering coupling is going out. it makes a clunking noise when you turn the steering wheel either direction constantly.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2019
Feb 2022

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2013
Jan 2022

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!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2022
Jan 2022

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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2022
Dec 2021

Vibration of tires while driving and clicking noise when turning steering wheel

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2021
Dec 2021

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2021
Nov 2021

popping sound in steering column when turning. it is available for inspection. problem identified by Firestone technician.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2021
Jul 2021

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2021
May 2021

Steering column is loose.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2012 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2021

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2012 Kia Soul has 139 Steering complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.