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SteeringPart report

2018 Kia Soul Steering Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
2%of 220 total for the year
Median mileage
38,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Kia Soul, 2% of the 220 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles.

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.

“The steering wheel is manufactured of material which contains a toxic substance which has caused the owner to suffer a medical condition of severe contact dermatits. The car can't be driven without the use of a cover over the steering wheel, which will cause the car to fail the maryland state safety inspection.”

NHTSA complaint #11204925, filed 2019-05, 38,000 miles

“First incident took place on a city street, thanksgiving night 2018. Made left turn at light, lost control of steering wheel, ran up onto sidewalk and back into the street. Second incident occurred the night before mother's day 2019, made right turn at light and lost control of steering again”

NHTSA complaint #11207230, filed 2019-05, 13,970 miles

“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”

NHTSA complaint #11718091, filed 2026-02

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that occasionally the steering wheel was loose and inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the steering column gears and nut needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to a dealer for the repair. …”

NHTSA complaint #11701418, filed 2025-11, 130,000 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 2018 Kia Soul

Engine
142 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsOther or unknown
30 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 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