2013 Kia Soul: clunking or noise when steering

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 Apr 26, 2026 · Steering · WV

Steering wheel column coupler clicking and wore out

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 Oct 26, 2025 · Steering · IL

There is a loud clicking in the steering wheel and the car is all over the place while driving. I was told by three mechanics that it is the steering coupler gear. I could lose control which would be putting others life at risk as well as myself. I was told this my be a recall. I need help. This is a SAFETY RISK AND NEEDS ATTENTION.

Filed Sep 18, 2025 · Steering · GA

The steering wheel has a knocking in it. KIA has issued TSB CHA074 for the problem, the deterioration of the MDPS Flexible Steering Coupler. The bulletin covers my 2013 KIA Soul. It's annoying and sounds dangerous.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Engine, Steering · 100,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was making an abnormal clicking sound. Additionally, while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel tuned left and right with a loud clicking sound. The contact also stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the flex coupling was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed May 11, 2025 · Steering · CA

Steering wheel making a loud CLUNK sound. Possibly the steering wheel coupler. Concerned that steering wheel might malfunction while driving. Checking for any recalls prior to making an appointment with dealer. Vehicle has not been inspected. Noise started about a month ago and progressively has gotten worse.

Filed May 8, 2025 · Steering · PA

Steering wheel is making a knocking sound when I turn left or right.

Filed Feb 7, 2025 · Steering · WI

On [XXX], we were driving on [XXX] from Wisconsin into Minnesota to park at MSP airport. Near the state border, we began to hear a clunk sound in the steering column. We chose to park the car at a friend's home near the airport in her garage in case we needed service upon our return from Texas where we travelling to. Prior to driving back to our home from Minneapolis on [XXX] (1.5 hours), we checked with our local mechanic to see if it were safe to drive. He could not diagnose over phone, but suggested coupling issue and that we drive carefully. We made it back home, took car to our local mechanic on 7 October, and thought it would be better to check dealership in Eau Claire, WI (another 30 minute drive). We drove there, slowly, on 18 October, and were told that it was probably the MDPS/Flexible Coupling, but that it would cost us 175 to check, and another 250-300 to replace the 15.00 part. We drove home and had a family emergency out of state and will return now to Wisconsin soon and want to get this fixed as soon as possible. We understand NOW that this is a persistent problem for MANY KIA 2013 Soul and other KIAs and that the federal safety agency has been supportive to some owners over this matter. We do not object to paying for the repair, but not at price-gouging levels. From what we understand, the inspection needed to check for the flex coupling is not difficult nor time consuming. We are afraid to drive the car for safety sake, but we need the car to drive! Do we have any rights to a free inspection if this is a problem with many KIAs? There were no warning lights and no symptoms prior to the sudden noise and now there is a persistent and regular clunk when the steering wheel is moved. Thank you for any information regarding this issue. Again, no accident and no injuries or results from clunk, but KIA history seems to suggest a potential recall need. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 9, 2025 · Steering · DE

My steering column will make a clicking sound, and the steering wheel and column will vibrate excessively.

Filed Dec 13, 2024 · Steering · MD

Feel no control of steering Clicking sound when turning steering wheel Tight/ hard to steer wheel…doesn’t want to turn

Filed Nov 19, 2024 · Steering · FL

MDPS coupler worn and causing steering wheel instability and noise when driving over 60 mph. There was a recall previously that I wasn't aware of but my car had not yet experienced the problem. I am experiencing it now, but Kia says I must fix at my own cost since the recall period is passes, though I didn't have the issue then or recieve the notice.