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.
Kia Soul steering noise problems
158 of the 5,614 owner complaints about the Kia Soul describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 2012 model year.
- owner complaints
- 158
- worst model year
- 2012
- typical repair cost reported
- $400
- typical mileage
- 70,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Harsh shifting 53Knocking 15Steering lock-up 7Power steering loss 6Grinding brakes 5Stalling 2Oil consumption 2
What owners say
Steering wheel column coupler clicking and wore out
I have a used kia soul 2012 which I bought 3 years ago. It's steering column has started making strange clicking noises when I turn the wheel left and right. I went to KIA dealership, they inspected the steering column and said it's gonna cost me $1200. They said it's not covered under "recall" policy. I don't have the money to fix it and I drive Uber every day. This problem can cause accident or collision if the wheel column stops working on the road.
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.
Steering makes a clicking noise and will pull either direction while driving straight. I took it to the dealership and they want me to pay for the repair. They state that the problem is the steering coupler. To me this is a safety issue, they said my warranty is expired so they wont cover the cost. I am afraid to drive it. It is also making my tires wear to fast and they are new.
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.
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.
premature wear of the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) flexible coupling. This wear causes a "knock" or "clunk" noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at a stop, and may be accompanied by a tight or loose steering feel.
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.
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.
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
Questions about the Kia Soul steering noise
Which Kia Soul years have clunking or noise when steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2012 (79 complaints), 2013 (59 complaints) and 2014 (9 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix clunking or noise when steering on the Kia Soul?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $400 (median of 13 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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