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SteeringPart report

2012 Kia Soul Steering Problems

Complaints
166about this part
Share
32%of 515 total for the year
Median mileage
68,500miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 166 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Kia Soul, 32% of the 515 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“I can feel slack play in the upper steering that make a knocking sound when turning the steering wheel left or right when stationary, moving, in town or on the highway. Also on interstate when I reach approximately 60 MPH a vibration in the front end starts and increases with speed. It gets to an intensity that I dont feel safe driving over sixtyfive MPH”

NHTSA complaint #11193214, filed 2019-04, 165,000 miles

“Takata recall the steering wheel is making a clicking noise when turning to the right or left. Kia said there was no recall on this. As time goes on it is getting worse and if one day something happens to me you will hear from a lawyer and my daughters. I got a estimate for the repairs and it will be over $200.00 . This would be less then a lawsuit.”

NHTSA complaint #11124534, filed 2018-09, 48,500 miles

“Around 60,000 miles I began to notice a clunking noise in the steering column. It started out minimal, only happening slightly when I would turn the wheel (this was both when the car was stationary and in motion). It has progressively become worse and now on top of the clunking noise when turning, my wheel shakes violently when I reach a speed of 70 MPH.”

NHTSA complaint #11129651, filed 2018-09, 60,000 miles

“Received a letter from Kia stating to have my steering checked out . I am hearing a popping noise when I turn left in the steering. It pulls to the right when driving the Kia dealership is saying there's nothing wrong. But there's got to be something going on and they keep trying to tell me that there's nothing wrong. …”

NHTSA complaint #11207500, filed 2019-05, 5,000 miles

“Takata recall I took my car to firestone to have an oil change and check the breaks. I was told when I turn the car left it makes a god awful noise and the wheel shakes. I have a 75000 mike warranty on it. This better be covered. I see a lot of complaints about this same issue and it should be a recall. This is ridiculous.”

NHTSA complaint #11129743, filed 2018-09, 66,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202426%
2023815%
202222%
202194%
2020164%
201954%
201852%
2017104%
2016304%
2015445%
2014556%
201315323%
201216632%
201142%
2010129%

Other parts of the 2012 Kia Soul

Engine
210 complaintsBrakes
46 complaintsOther or unknown
40 complaintsElectrical system
38 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Kia Soul

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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