On XXX, at approximately 4:30 PM, I was entering and accelerating onto [XXX] in [XXX] around mile marker XXX, while traveling home when my vehicle suddenly and without warning lost electronic power steering. This occurred while merging into interstate traffic, creating an extremely dangerous situation. The sudden loss of steering assistance significantly affected my ability to safely control and maneuver the vehicle. I immediately activated my hazard lights. Because of the traffic conditions and the danger of attempting to stop on the interstate, I continued driving until I could safely exit the highway several miles later. After exiting, I contacted the dealership and scheduled an appointment to have the vehicle evaluated. I specifically explained that the electronic power steering had failed. A warning light eventually illuminated, although it did not appear immediately when the failure occurred. On or about XXX, the vehicle underwent replacement of the electronic power steering assembly. The total repair expense was $2,797. Given the seriousness of this incident and the potential for significant injury or loss of life, I contacted Kia Customer Care and requested an investigation into the failure. I have both called and emailed Kia regarding my concerns. My customer care case number is XXX. To date, Kia's response has essentially been that the repair is not covered under warranty. I have not received a substantive response addressing the safety implications of the sudden steering failure, the cause of the malfunction, or whether this issue has been experienced by other vehicle owners. The local dealership, Seelye Kia in [XXX], confirmed that the replaced electronic power steering component would be available for inspection, as I advised them that I intended to submit a formal safety complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2014 Kia Soul steering problems
56 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 36,000. 12 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 56
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical mileage
- 36,000
- crashes
- 12
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Kia Soul steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2014 Kia Soul steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Steering
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 17V608000 · Recall details
What 2014 Kia Soul owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS), 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), 17V608000 (STEERING), and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle jerked and vibrated abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle idled down to 5 MPH. The contact continued to drive; however, the contact had to pull over several times. The contact drove to the mother's residence. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged or had melted and damaged the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was missing several updates, and the dealer refused to perform the recall repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance with the recall repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 17V608000 (STEERING), 22V096000 (AIR BAGS) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the dealer and manufacturer informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was driving at various speeds, stationary, or parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that three years after the initial repair, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to contact the dealer and the manufacturer for the vehicle to be repaired under the recalls; however, the dealer and manufacturer declined to schedule an appointment for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
i received notice in the mail that there are recalls on my car prior to receiving the notice i had recently got an oil change and i was informed that there is a little leaking and in recall number 20V750 the car can possible catch on fire so i waited for my appointment with the dealer it was inspected and they did not fix leak i had paperwork however i dont know what this [XXX] means what i do know is when i got my car back i was not operating correctly and the check engine light is on and it was not on when i dropped my car off to them i have made at least 5 phone calls reaching out to the dealer and i have not talked to anyone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On or about 10/11/22 while driving I completely lost control of the vehicle suddenly. I was unable to break or use my steering wheel. The vehicle rolled over twice and the front airbags failed to deploy.
Power Steering went out .
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle wobbled and hesitated to accelerate. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming excessive amounts of oil. The local dealer and Gurley Leep Kia (4028 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545) were made aware of the failure. Both dealers informed the contact that the next available appointment was on December 20th. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact learned that there were two recalls associated with the VIN; the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering) and 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Despite the fixed recall of the steering coupler, this vehicle makes a steering cluck noise when turning which can be felt in the steering wheel. This especially occurs when first driving the vehicle. While under warranty the dealership reported either the sound was normal or they could not reproduce it. Now that it is out of warranty, the dealership says that the steering column needs to be replaced at my expense. A quick search shows that even after the steering coupling recall, this is a very common problem which can cause accidents.
My steering has a significant klunk noise. After searching the internet for information regarding this situation I find that there is a rubber drive coupling between the steering wheel and the shaft which transfers the rotary motion of the steering wheel to the linear motion of the steering rack which steers the front wheels. The consensus is that this can easily result in loss of control of the vehicle steering which would end in a totally unpredictable crash. The rubber part apparently disintegrates with time such as crazing found in old plastic, plexiglas etc.
I bought a new battery and the next day my check engine light cut off and my car turned off a week later at stop light. Also, a clicking noise when I try to turn.
Questions about the 2014 Kia Soul steering
Does the 2014 Kia Soul have steering problems?
Owners have filed 56 complaints about the steering of the 2014 Kia Soul, 6% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2014 Kia Soul steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 36,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2014 Kia Soul steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 17V608000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Kia Soul have bad steering?
The Kia Soul model years with the most steering complaints are 2012 (167 complaints), 2013 (155 complaints) and 2014 (56 complaints).
Other 2014 Kia Soul problems
Engine 591Lights 130Electrical 98Transmission 58Fuel system 57Brakes 35Acceleration 31Airbags 26Body 11Wheels 9Driver assistance 8Visibility 7Seat belts 6Suspension 4Locks 1Seats 1Tires 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2014 Kia Soul?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history