2013 Kia Soul steering problems

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · CA

Steering Collumn Rod failed, mechanic said 2013 souls, all of them are affected, and break/go bad. Once repaired, after alignment and new tires, steering wheel rubs against column and no longer is auto steering. Paint came off of black and chrome rails and body at 50,000miles. Lastly, Electrical components stopped working at 65,000 miles. Electrical for rear side mirrors, front door locks no longer work or unlock while driving, drivers door no longer stays locked and remains open with door ajar light on.

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Steering · WV

There is play in the steering wheel. Mechanic advised me a small plastic o ring holds steering wheel steady but I can’t just replace the o ring. Said I have to replace a lower a arm to get the o ring. He thinks it is a design flaw. It had no been fixed. I drive with the wiggle.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Engine, Steering · LA

There are multiple recalls, including total engine failure recall, Kia is refusing to have it towed or reimburse for tow to dealership to fix recalls. I’ve attempted through local dealership and through Kia care corporate. There have been at least 6+ recalls, 3 of which are “urgent”, Kia has failed to repair ANY of them. I’ve already had to pay to have this vehicle towed twice when the engine failure occurred and again when I moved.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Steering · CA

I've had no issues with the vehicle until 2 years ago when the steering column began getting incredibly loose. I can turn the wheel 10 degrees before turning. Now the car can no longer go above 40 MPH because the steering wheel will shake violently and the front end will vibrate and it feels like it will flip. I've read that it's most likely a plastic/rubber piece in the steering column that commonly fails in most Kia Souls 2012-2014 ish. I've had it inspected before and was told I needed to replace my entire front end suspension system... Since there are no other issue with the engine I just drive it below 30 and only a few miles at a time.

Filed Sep 11, 2026 · Steering · 102,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a turn, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel was moving freely. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering wheel coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Steering · 80,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, there was a popping and knocking sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Apr 26, 2026 · Steering · WV

Steering wheel column coupler clicking and wore out

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Steering · NJ

There is a distinct click when the steering wheel is center (car going straight). there is a click and a notch feeling when you turn the wheel back and forth from center. Appears to be a common problem with the Kia Souls from 2010 - 2015. (Flexible rubber steering coupler) Dealer is charging $688 to change this $12 part. Dealer also mentioned it is important to fix because as it gets worse you can potentially lose steering control of the car. This type of safety concern I think should be a recall and fixed by Kia.

Filed Jan 2, 2026 · Steering · WA

I have noticed an audible “clunk” in the steering mechanism for a few weeks. I had the rack-and-pinion inspected by a local alignment shop to avoid a catastrophic failure. On 12/29/2025 while rapidly decelerating from highway speed on a downhill exit ramp, the steering wheel began to shake violently. My personal research has indicated that the steering coupler disk has failed/disintegrated causing unnecessary looseness between the electrical assist steering motor and steering shaft which has been identified by Kia in a Tecnical Safety Bulletin (TSB) as it's a known safety issue despite being a service campaign rather than a massive single recall for all vehicles.

Filed Nov 28, 2025 · Steering · CA

Steering wheel vibration violently . Is on Kia safety recall. Has 15 year warranty Started slowly about two months ago Contact dealer on safety recall repairs and refused to honor safety recall. Steering gear assembly flexible coupling Very dangerous at high speed . Safety recall for that particular year. Thank you