When parked (but with the power set to "run" or the engine fully on), if you turn the steering wheel in either direction, typically to its fullest extent, there is a loud "clunk" or "clank" noise coming from the base of the steering column. After taking the car to the dealership, they only told me the steering was "broke" and they had to replace the entire steering system under warranty. The issue started around 2300 miles. I have taken several videos since the issue began. The car has to be stationary or in motion (forward or reverse) but under 5mph (roughly). After watching a few youtube videos and doing some further investigation, it appears as though part of the problem is a defective/damaged "coupling gear" between the power/electric assist steering motore and the steering column itself. Regardless, it is a severe steering issue that has lead to a previous recall in older kias and several accidents.
2020 Kia Soul steering complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 16 of 16, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Bought car new in october of 2019 in march 2020 car turned off as I was driving I put it in park turned back on with a loud noise called the shop they said it was low on oil but they just changed the oil 3 weeks prior so they added more oil told me to come back in 30 days and a month later it shut off on me again so I brought it back to the dealership and they determined I needed a new engine so they ordered a new engine and something was wrong with the new engine so they had to order another engine I finally after about 2 months maybe more I got my car back on june 4th I picked up my car and on monday june 8th I turned on my car and a message about the tire pressure system needed to be checked and the auto shut off light was blinking the ABS light the emergency break light engine light and others were flashing and the steering wheel felt loose and the speedometer was reading 0 while I was driving I left it running and after a while they all shut off and speedometer worked and steering wheel felt fine well yesterday in friday june 12th I turned the car on at 8am and all the lights were flashing again including the auto of light the speedometer read 0 while I was driving and the steering wheel felt loose again and the tire pressure light and system message came on again I took a video this time brought it back to bev smith kia and had no car all day until I finally asked about a loaner at 4:30pm was told to go to the dealership to get a loaner waited there for an hour for the loaner but at this point I don't even want the soul back.
Started car "push button" one evening and found the steering was inoperative. Shut down and restarted and all was fine. It only did this one time.
Vehicle pulls sharply and abruptly to the right at speeds above 45-50. When I test drove the vehicle, I mentioned to the salesman that I thought it was pulling to the right, of course he didn't feel it, but would have it checked. After purchasing the vehicle in april, and owning it about 7 months, this problem is worse. I took it back to the dealership where purchased, and was told this was normal due to the lane keeping assist function. If this is the case this is dangerous due to the fact that it is a very sharp and abrupt pull to the right, with no warning.
The idle stop - start system seems to be broken. Whenever I pull up to a light and stop the engine shuts off. Then, when I try to accelerate the engine starts but the calibers lock up on the disc creating a loud groaning sound. It causes the car to shutter and barely go forward. Additionally, the car consistently pulls to the right. It causes the vehicle to begin to veer off the road. On two occasions the dealer, kia of irvine, told me they did not have the equipment fo fix this problem.
Pulls to the right at highway speed - approx 45mph. Severe alignment problem. Dealer told me that they did have a new-enough machine to align the car. How can kia of irvine, not have the proper equipment to fix the cars they sell? Inside rear cowling that goes around the small portal window on the right was warped from the factory. Car was not moving. Got a replacement part; however, it was a poor install job and the front part of the cowling does not align well with its lower connect piece. Right front tire is becoming severely worn because of alignment issue that can't be fixed. Exterior plastic cover on left-side a-frame pillar came from the factory scratched and lose. Kia of irvine will not fix it - they only want to buff the plastic. Not a proper fix because the part is still lose.
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