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
Complaints
165
Recalls
0
Crashes
3
Avg fix
$700
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 NOT…
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 KNO…
Steering is slightly loose and thumps when turned to the right.
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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.