2012 Kia Soul steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 18, 2026CALightingSteering

   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 road and I would drive with no turn signals on the front of my vehicle?

   NHTSA complaint #11744927 · source
2. Filed Feb 2, 2026ILSteering

   I have a used kia soul 2012 which I bought 3 years ago. It's steering column has started making strange clicking noises when I turn the wheel left and right. I went to KIA dealership, they inspected the steering column and said it's gonna cost me $1200. They said it's not covered under "recall" policy. I don't have the money to fix it and I drive Uber every day. This problem can cause accident or collision if the wheel column stops working on the road.

   NHTSA complaint #11714892 · source
3. Filed Jan 13, 2026ORSteering

   I am submitting this complaint regarding a known defect with the steering wheel coupler in my 2012 Kia vehicle. The steering coupler is a component that has been subject to recall concerns due to premature wear. When this part becomes worn, it can result in looseness or failure in the steering system, creating a serious safety risk for the driver and others on the road. Despite this being a known and widely reported defect, Kia has not adequately addressed the issue for all…

   NHTSA complaint #11710763 · source
4. Filed Nov 4, 2025CASteeringWheels & Tires

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11697452 · source
5. Filed Oct 26, 2025INSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11695651 · source
6. Filed Oct 10, 202545,000 miDCTowedElectrical SystemSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11692488 · source
7. Filed Sep 21, 2025GASteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11688776 · source
8. Filed Sep 5, 2025VASteering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11685336 · source
9. Filed Jul 6, 2025TNElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11671409 · source
10. Filed Jul 3, 2025117,000 miNCBody & StructureElectrical SystemSteering

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11670995 · source
11. Filed Dec 6, 2024PASteering

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11629326 · source
12. Filed Jul 22, 2024NYSteering

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11603816 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology