2016 Kia Soul steering problems

Related recalls

• Recall 17V608000Sep 29, 2017342,381 vehicles
  STEERING

  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.

  Remedy: 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 say

1. Filed Dec 17, 2025CADriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   Several times in the past year the power steering has spontaneously failed requiring significant Force to stabilize the vehicle and creating an obvious Hazard while driving. The forward Collision system indicates there's a fault while this occurs. Sometimes this is cleared by cycling the power on and off. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer who indicated they cannot locate the source of the problem. Even a casual search / look at Community Bulletinboards online…

   NHTSA complaint #11705596 · source
2. Filed Oct 20, 202550,000 miCAEngineSteering

   The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at 40 MPH, the transmission seized and failed to function as intended. The vehicle stalled, and after several attempts, the vehicle was restarted. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11694601 · source
3. Filed May 8, 202466,100 miCASteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced under recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System) and the vehicle started experiencing steering failure after the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, especially over uneven road surfaces, there was an abnormal sound like metal banging together coming from all four wheels. The contact stated that the sound was more pronounced near the front wheels.…

   NHTSA complaint #11587622 · source
4. Filed Jan 5, 2024SCElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   Certainly. I own a 2016 Kia Soul, and recently I've become aware of some serious issues with the vehicle that are deeply concerning. It has come to my attention that the car is experiencing piston damage, which could potentially result in engine stalling, thereby significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, there is a possibility that a broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block, leading to the escape of engine oil. This could not only cause…

   NHTSA complaint #11563734 · source
5. Filed Apr 4, 2023OHSteering

   Driving around curves my car slows dramatically and traction control light comes on. I have no ability to steer at this point until the car “breaks free” and allows acceleration again. It’s as if the ABS system kicks on all on its own. The sound it makes is as though the brakes are kicking in to slow the vehicle. It almost comes to a stop on curves. Steering intermittently loosens on its own while driving and I lose controlled steering as there is a lot of play in the…

   NHTSA complaint #11515427 · source
6. Filed Mar 16, 202357,000 miVATowedSteering

   The contact owns a 2016 Kia soul. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH with the cruise control feature engaged, the feature independently deactivated and the vehicle decelerated to 60 MPH. The contact stated that after the cruise control feature was disengaged the vehicle was veered to the side of the road. The contact then drove the vehicle 40 MPH back to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering angle sensor needed to…

   NHTSA complaint #11512129 · source
7. Filed Oct 24, 2022112,694 miMOSteering

   The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal cranking noise coming from the steering wheel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11490532 · source
8. Filed Sep 19, 2022RIEngineSteering

   Our car has been plagued with engine and exhaust problems for the past two years. We were told there were no recalls on our model. According to this website that is not true. Today, while driving after over $7500 in out of pocket repairs the car gave an error warning for an engine issue. The engine is less than 3 years old.

   NHTSA complaint #11485144 · source
9. Filed Sep 13, 2022OKEngineOther / UnknownSteering

   Check engine light stays on parts house said catalliconverter bad dealer said it's not covered car only has 112000 also said that the steering not covered now what

   NHTSA complaint #11484351 · source
10. Filed Aug 25, 2022OHEngineSteering

    X Company failed to install with apiece of equipment that prevents others from starting up and stealing your car without an key on the day I went outside to find my car back window broken and steering column roped apart and key entry resulting in costly repairs that parts on back order . there is post on social media explaining how to steal this car . unlike other cars this part is equipped preventing the cars from being started unless a code is transmitted

    NHTSA complaint #11481118 · source
11. Filed Aug 11, 2022OHOther / UnknownSteering

    Ignition DESIGN MAKE (Kia Soul) MY2016 KIA SOUL EASY TO STEAL ON 8/2/2022 When I woke to go to my work my back passengers window was broken .police was call during the investigation the officer showed my steering wheel dis connected not able to drive . Due to Kia not warning consumers that their cars are easy to steal has cost me deductible and rental fees to get to work . My car has not began to be service due to the back log of repairs for this incident that is not the…

    NHTSA complaint #11478720 · source
12. Filed Aug 3, 202281,900 miCASteering

    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, she heard a creaking sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that no failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the…

    NHTSA complaint #11477439 · 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