Kia Soul power steering loss problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Steering · MI

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)

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Engine · FL

My 2018 Kia Soul with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine is experiencing severe oil consumption of approximately 1 quart every 300–400 miles. The engine and lubrication system are available for inspection upon request. My check engine light is currently on. The dealer performed several recalls on the vehicle, including PI2107 (KSDS), SC226, and CS2311A, but refused to perform the required oil‑consumption test described in TSB ENG 222 (Rev 8). The service technician stated that because the oil‑consumption test is “not on the VIN,” they would not perform it under warranty. I was told I could pay $250 out of pocket for the test, but that even if the test confirmed a defect, the dealership would not cover any repairs. I was also told to “run the car until the motor seizes up” before they would help. This instruction is unsafe and contradicts Kia’s own safety systems, including KSDS, which is specifically designed to prevent engine seizure while driving. Driving a vehicle with rapid oil loss until the engine seizes can cause sudden loss of power, loss of steering assist, and a crash hazard. The problem is ongoing and repeatable, but the dealer refused to diagnose it properly. I am reporting this because the dealership refused to perform required safety‑related diagnostics and instructed me to operate the vehicle until catastrophic engine failure occurs, creating a significant safety hazard for me and other motorists.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Engine, Steering · IN

1. Component or System Malfunction Engine (internal piston/piston ring system) is malfunctioning. The vehicle exhibits clanking noises (“marbles in a can”) and cuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving. The car is available for inspection by a Kia dealer or independent mechanic. 2. Safety Risk Vehicle loses power while driving, which is extremely dangerous, particularly on highways or in traffic. Stalling while moving poses a risk of collision, loss of steering or braking control, and endangers both driver and others. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive long distances. 3. Reproduction of Problem Symptoms have been observed consistently during normal driving and acceleration. Not yet confirmed by a dealer, but the stalling is reproducible during operation. 4. Vehicle Inspection The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, dealer, police, or insurance representatives. Immediate inspection is recommended due to engine stall risk. 5. Warning Lamps / Symptoms Clanking engine noise noted prior to stalling. Engine cutting off/stalling occurs while driving. No warning lights illuminated prior to stalling. Symptoms first appeared during recent driving prior to planning transport or repair. 6. Additional Notes The vehicle is a candidate for Kia engine piston/piston ring recall (SC209 / SC336). Owner recommends urgent inspection and repair to prevent potential engine failure and safety risks.

Filed Feb 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Unknown...the car goes into limp mode suddenly...my battery was boiling an shot liquid out of it, prior to this my other battery leaked an the alternator was bad ....when this happens suddenly you have no steering, an if course the boiling battery may explode....I've had this car checked over several times since begining of January with everything checking out fine but this still happening

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 Jul 22, 2024 · Steering · NY

Steering wheel clunks and has "PLAY" when turning left and right. I consider this to be a problem if it gets worse, possible loss of steering completely. Have looked on internet and found this problem is talked about. There are no warning lights or lamps displayed.

Filed May 22, 2024 · Steering · TX

The Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Flexible Coupling part failed. Steering is difficult and causes pull to the left/right. Appears the issue has occurred across various Kia and Hyundai models.

Filed Mar 30, 2023 · Steering · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made an abnormal sound and the vehicle lost power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown part was repaired, and the mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Feb 22, 2023 · Steering · VA

Motor driven power steering failed, dealer (Hyman Bros Kia Midlothian VA) replaced the flexible coupling in the power steering assembly.

Filed Feb 21, 2023 · Steering · FL

We took our Kia Soul to a Kia Service shop Dec 2022 because the steering is making a clicking sound when the wheel is turned from the 11 o’clock to the 2 o’clock position. This condition is consistent with a Kia Safety Recall issued in November 2017, and has been confirmed by another source. We were told that by the dealership, Brandon Courtesy Kia in Florida that they would repair this dangerous steering issue for a cost of $1227.97 because they excluded it from the recall and warranty. Unfortunately we are on a fixed income, and are not able to pay for the steering to be repaired back to SAFE operating conditions. In addition, the dealership would not release the vehicle back to us unless we paid them $189.15 for a couple minute “Steering Inspection” which we were not told upfront that there would be a cost. The November 16, 2017, Important Safety Recall Notice states if the steering is not repaired the result may be “loss of steering and result in a crash.” This warning has us terrified because this dealership and Kia put profit in front of safety. We have not driven the car for 3 months fearing a severe crash and possible injury, including and up to death. We have been in constant contact with the dealership and the Kia Customer Care Center to try and resolve the Steering Safety concern with no luck. We have proposed a fair and reasonable settlement but continue to ignored . . . here is our ask to Kia . . . 1. Repair the Kia Soul steering back to a SAFE and normal operating condition 2. Refund the $189.15 charge related to a bogus inspection. Best Regards