Vibration of tires while driving and clicking noise when turning steering wheel
2012 Kia Soul steering problems
critical 165 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
165
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
6injuries
2fatalities
When does it fail?
Of the 165 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Kia Soul, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 13 model years of Kia Soul we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 165.
Steering accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
This involves the MDPS steering wheel coupler. Spoke with Kia care center 12/20/23 Amy said notice was sent to owners in 2019 I NEVER RECIEVED ANY NOTICE ABOUT EXTENDED WARRANTY. I HAVE A VERY LOUND CLUNKING NOISE IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND AFRAID TO DRIVE VEHICLE I HAVE OWED THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2016. Just purchased another vehicle in October 2023 because of the Kia problems. Kia is NOT going to fix…
The steering wheel makes a knocking noise when turning and when stationary. The steering wheel feels like it's moving on it's own, I have to hold it very steady to keep control. I inquired about this issue and was told the steering coupler needs to be replaced, and it would cost $200. This is clearly a defect in these model cars based on the volume of complaints about the same thing. I started…
Steering column coupler to mdps is of poor design and fails prematurely. Kia has recalled the same part in the optimas in the same years and future models have been affected as well. If not replaced the steering column can completely disconnect from the steering wheel and result in a complete loss of control. This has not directly happened if the parts are replaced due to the other symptoms of…
Steering is slightly loose and thumps when turned to the right.
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2012 Kia Soul?
It's a serious issue. 165 complaints have been filed, including 3 reports involving a crash and 2 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 90 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 44,507 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 69,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,507; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Kia/Soul.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.