2012 Kia Soul: jerking or lurching

Filed Jul 3, 2025 · Body, Electrical · 117,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency 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 dealer. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a code for a failure with the ignition, and that an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Filed Aug 22, 2024 · Body, Engine · FL

To Whom It May Concern, I need a Recall Letter send to me to get my 2012 Kia Soul repaired. My Catalytic Converter needs to be replace, and my engine is leaking oil and that will need to be replace, and the Pillars on the front of my car, on the right & left side, needs to be replace, they flew off my car while I was driving on [XXX]. I looked up the information on the computer, that the vehicle emission warranty extends beyond the manufacturer's. along with others emission control devices, Federal Law requires to replace a defective Catalytic Converter & Engine for up to 15 years or 150,000 miles, the miles on my car is 128, 684. I took my vehicle to get check by Brake World , on [XXX] they said I needed a CRankshaft Position Sensor & a new Catalytic Converter. I have the printed out receipt from Brake World. I did get my Crankshaft Position Sensor replace with a shop call ECONOMICAL AUTO CARE LLC. Do I get a refund for that, the price was 182.73, I got it done on [XXX}, I do have my receipt for that. I did take my vehicle to Kia Auto on 735 South Military Trial #C, West Palm Beach, Fl 33415, on [XXX]. I had a Recall Letter for the HECU, and the Dealer Al told me I needed my Catalytic Converter replace, but he did not put it on the receipt when I pick my car up & he did not let me know it was a recall on it, until I looked it up. My car was making a loud knocking noise & would cut off when I stopped at a red light and I had to keep on starting my car up every time and my vehicle would jerked and shake and the Engine Light comes on. So when I got the Catalytic Converter Sensor on it, the loud knocking noise stop, but the Engine Light stills comes on. But I still needs the Catalytic Converter replace on my car. So Please send me the Recall Letters for I can get my vehicle completed. Thank you & God Bless. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 3, 2024 · Steering · AZ

I noticed severe overreaction in steering column to any bumps in the road. Examples are: Jerking of Wheel, Loud Clunking Noises, Ticking Sound when Turning at Slow Speeds. My mechanic immediately said Steering Coupling needs replaced. I then researched on the federal safety agency website. I have one question: HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE A RECALL IS MADE?

Filed Dec 29, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · PA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and jerked. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, a burning odor was detected. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 27, 2023 · Steering · KY

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.

Filed Apr 14, 2023 · Steering · CA

Steering wheel jerks and moves suddenly when driving

Filed Apr 7, 2023 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

The series of events leading to my theory of what is wrong with my 2012 Kia Soul: 1. Steering coupler replacement in March of 2021 left my steering wheel sideways instead of straight, air bag light remains on, and traction control light as well. The after-market (I assume) cruise control is automatically on when car is started. Must turn off manually. 2. U-joint connecting to steering column fell onto my feet while driving in December of 2021. I slid it back on, but it slipped off approximately 4 more times in the next month before it was strongly secured. 3. Alignment performed in February 2022. Approximately 2 weeks after the alignment, my car started stuttering, if you will, prior to shifting into third gear. Then, again, prior to each shift into the higher gears. It stalled a few times in response to this action. While accelerating, the car begins to jerk severely, as if the brakes are being pumped. It doesn't do this immediately, but only begins once it's warmed up. Several sensors have been replaced. Fuel filter replaced. It's a standard, but the transmission was replaced after I purchased it in 2018. After hooking up to the code scanner at the parts store, the Steering Tilt Sensor is the code shown. My theory is this: When the steering coupler was replaced leaving my steering wheel in the turned position, and then aligning it with it in the wrong position, that threw the tilt code. Maybe it's jerking because it thinks I'm turning when I'm not, and it could possibly be engaging the abs to slow me down while it thinks I'm turning. Would I be wrong in assuming that if I get the steering wheel straightened, get another alignment, and clear the steering tilt sensor, my car will act normal again? I am uncertain what system or part failed, but it is definitely available to be inspected. I could have died when the u-joint fell off if I hadn't been almost to a stop sign every time. The problem continues, but has not been addressed or confirmed by a dealer.

Filed Apr 1, 2023 · Steering · NC

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

Filed Nov 17, 2021 · Engine · 80,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the engine repaired. The contact stated that she experienced the failure for the second time in August 2021. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Mar 20, 2020 · Engine · 127,100 miles · IN

My 15 yr old son (permitted driver), my husband, and I were driving when the car started to jerk, and then stalled completely in the middle of traffic! Luckily nobody was hurt, and we were able to get it towed to a kia service center. I have an open recall sc176. The diagnosis from kia fell under all of the criteria & symptoms with the recall. They first diagnosed it as a timing valve, sent a quote ordered parts,then called 2 hours before I am supposed to pick it up, and said my engine now needs replaced. It won't be warranted under the recall because a "code" did not appear. Mind you they found all of this out after they did the ecu upgrade with the recall. I know nothing about a code, but first it was misdiagnosed, then now I need a new engine, and the recall is still open for my VIN. No engine compression test was done, and it took me calling kia headquarters for them to own a tech line case. I was told by headquarters they can only request info via email, then get a voicemail saying that they "called" them, and they said they cannot get the code. Not buying it, and this was a safety occurrence that happened with my son driving. Waiting on the diagnosis now from kia after the 4th request to them.

Filed Oct 6, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 95,000 miles · NC

Car is jerking/bucking and misfiring while idle and when driving it jerks. Car check engine light constantly turns on and off on its own.

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Engine · 150,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. While driving at an unknown speed, the check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle began jerking. The vehicle was taken to big red sports / imports (418 n interstate dr, norman, ok 73072, 405‑364‑4400) where it was diagnosed that it needed a piston replacement. The contact researched the failure and discovered that the vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling); however, the dealer stated that the vehicle's mileage made it ineligible for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the same information. The failure mileage was 150,000.