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SteeringPart report

2010 Kia Soul Steering Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
9%of 135 total for the year
Median mileage
4,050miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the steering of the 2010 Kia Soul, 9% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,050 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I was driving my typical route to work and mid turn, with my car on, on a city road, my steering wheel locked. I had to stop my car in the middle of the road and restart it to get it to unlock. Very scary thing to happen, very worried it will happen again in a more dangerous place, like the freeway.”

NHTSA complaint #11390546, filed 2021-01, 199,000 miles

“I purchased a 2010 Kia SOUL and had it about two months when while driving the steering column came off. I took pictures, as I had no control over the wheels, I didn't realize it until my car wouldn't stop. I kept pushing down on the brakes and there was something in the way, that was when I realized it was the steering column. I contacted Kia 24 hour roadside, they transported my vehicle to union city Kia, where I found out from tony in the service center that my airbag needs to also be replaced in the steering wheel because it was non functional. …”

NHTSA complaint #10346872, filed 2010-08, 4,100 miles

“Kia SOUL steering assembly failure (temporary) when turning the 2010 Kia SOUL sharply (as far as it will go either right or left) and attempting to straighten the wheel quickly after turning results in the entire steering wheel tightening to where you cannot turn it for a couple seconds as though it locks up. Also, when idle, turning the steering wheel results in a tugging sensation from the power steering pump that vibrates through the steering wheel.”

NHTSA complaint #10382807, filed 2011-02, 11,258 miles

“All interior doors are nicked and scratched especially the front doors. The interior of my car looks like a ten year old car and this is a 2010 SOUL. Called Kia many times and they just continue to tell me they are working on it. I have had my car for a year and a half already! I want the panels replaced with a higher quality product. Also have noticed when I drive on rough road or hit bumps or holes the car seems to loose control a bit. Like it skips across the road and I can't stop it. I can't seem to steer it for that brief second.”

NHTSA complaint #10368461, filed 2010-12

“The contact owns a 2010 Kia SOUL. The contact stated that the driver was traveling approximately 45 MPH during rainy weather. The vehicle suddenly began to abnormally veer off the road to the right. The driver crashed into a tree. The driver was injured. A police report was available. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The current and failure mileage was approximately 700.”

NHTSA complaint #10350108, filed 2010-08, 700 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202426%
2023815%
202222%
202194%
2020164%
201954%
201852%
2017104%
2016304%
2015445%
2014556%
201315423%
201216732%
201142%
2010129%

Other parts of the 2010 Kia Soul

Electrical system
24 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsTires
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsFuel system
5 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2010 Kia Soul

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology