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SteeringPart report

2020 Kia Soul Steering Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
4%of 388 total for the year
Median mileage
4,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Kia Soul, 4% of the 388 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,000 miles.

Example complaints

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

“The idle stop - start system seems to be broken. Whenever I pull up to a light and stop the engine shuts off. Then, when I try to accelerate the engine starts but the calibers lock up on the disc creating a loud groaning sound. It causes the car to shutter and barely go forward. Additionally, the car consistently pulls to the right. It causes the vehicle to begin to veer off the road. On two occasions the dealer, Kia of irvine, told me they did not have the equipment fo fix this problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11268199, filed 2019-10, 15 miles

“When parked (but with the power set to run or the engine fully on), if you turn the steering wheel in either direction, typically to its fullest extent, there is a loud clunk or clank noise coming from the base of the steering column. After taking the car to the dealership, they only told me the steering was broke and they had to replace the entire steering system under warranty. The issue started around 2300 miles. I have taken several videos since the issue began. The car has to be stationary or in motion (forward or reverse) but under 5mph (roughly). …”

NHTSA complaint #11360097, filed 2020-09, 2,300 miles

“Vehicle pulls sharply and abruptly to the right at speeds above 45-50. When I test drove the vehicle, I mentioned to the salesman that I thought it was pulling to the right, of course he didn't feel it, but would have it checked. After purchasing the vehicle in april, and owning it about 7 months, this problem is worse. I took it back to the dealership where purchased, and was told this was normal due to the lane keeping assist function. If this is the case this is dangerous due to the fact that it is a very sharp and abrupt pull to the right, with no warning.”

NHTSA complaint #11278635, filed 2019-11, 32 miles

“Bought car new in october of 2019 in march 2020 car turned off as I was driving I put it in park turned back on with a loud noise called the shop they said it was low on oil but they just changed the oil 3 weeks prior so they added more oil told me to come back in 30 days and a month later it shut off on me again so I brought it back to the dealership and they determined I needed a new engine so they ordered a new engine and something was wrong with the new engine so they had to order another engine I finally after about 2 months maybe more I got my car back on june 4th I picked up my car…”

NHTSA complaint #11328644, filed 2020-06, 9,200 miles

“At 8960 miles steering indicator dash light came on. Dealership determined it was a bad steering wheel assembly. Due to the corona virus part took 2 1/2 weeks to get to the dealership.”

NHTSA complaint #11397988, filed 2021-02, 8,960 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 2020 Kia Soul

Engine
245 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
91 complaintsOther or unknown
54 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsFuel system
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 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