TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of K
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Kia Soul steering problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Kia Soul have filed 55 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 37,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
55
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Soul | 12 |
| 2011 Soul | 4 |
| 2012 Soul | 166 |
| 2013 Soul | 150 |
| 2014 Soul (this page) | 55 |
| 2015 Soul | 44 |
| 2016 Soul | 30 |
| 2017 Soul | 9 |
| 2018 Soul | 5 |
12crashes
6injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 55 steering complaints filed for the 2014 Kia Soul, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Owners have filed 55 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 13 model years of Kia Soul in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of K
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of K
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 13, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an immobilizer, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Igni
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft attempt. We are making this device available to customers free of charge and will ship it directly to customers who place orders within eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2014 Kia Soul describe a pattern of steering system failures ranging from loss of control to component separation. The most frequent complaint involves the steering pinion gear or gear assembly separating from the steering shaft, causing the steering wheel to turn freely while the wheels remain straight. Multiple owners report sudden steering failure while turning at low speeds (15–40 mph), veering into trees, curbs, and oncoming traffic. Several crashes resulted in roll-overs and injuries.
Steering clunking and popping noises are widespread, often persisting or recurring after recall repairs. One owner reported complete failure just four days after a recall repair, and another experienced steering failure 16 months after the recall work was completed.
Power steering failure appears as an additional issue—the system stops providing assist, making the wheel unmovable or requiring extreme force to turn. At least one case involved a fractured rack-and-pinion assembly. A few owners also report steering wheel fractures or wheels snapping off entirely.
Dealers often delayed or were unable to perform recall repairs due to parts unavailability. Some owners report being told to continue driving vehicles with known steering defects while waiting for parts or service appointments. One owner's vehicle was held for three months at a dealership for post-recall diagnostics after a crash.
Same Kia Soul steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Steering gear assembly separation / pinion gear separation
The steering pinion gear or steering gear assembly separates or comes loose from the steering shaft, causing complete or near-complete loss of steering control. In some cases the steering wheel turns but the wheels do not respond.
When: Typically between 3,874 and 60,000 miles; some reported early on (26,000 miles), others later in vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel turns but wheels do not turn; Complete loss of steering control; Sudden steering failure while turning; Steering wheel becomes very loose; Vehicle veers off road or into traffic when steering fails
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement; pinion gear plug repair procedure; spline separation from shaft identified in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V332000 (Steering Gear Assembly), 15V736000 (Steering), 17V608000 (Steering); parts availability was delayed in many cases; some dealers unable to perform repair; repair does not always permanently resolve issue
Steering clunk or clunking noise from steering coupler/column
Metallic clunking, popping, or grinding noises emanate from the steering system when turning. In some cases the noise originates from a rubber steering coupler that deteriorates over time. Issues persist or recur even after recall repairs.
When: Can occur early in ownership or develop progressively; some owners report continued issues 16 months after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking or clucking noise when turning steering wheel; Popping noise from steering system; Grinding noise when turning; Noise especially pronounced on first drive of the day; Noise can be felt through steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column bolt found missing in one case; steering column replacement quoted out of warranty; coupler/coupling deterioration mentioned
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Steering coupler recall 15V736000; repairs performed under warranty but issue recurs; dealers sometimes unable to reproduce noise or claim it is normal operation
Power steering failure / loss of power steering
Power steering system stops functioning, requiring excessive force to turn the steering wheel or rendering the wheel unmovable. Failures can occur without warning and may coincide with rack-and-pinion fracture.
When: Between 25,000 and 51,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering stops working suddenly; Steering wheel becomes very stiff and difficult to turn; No power assist when turning wheel; Complete inability to steer in some cases; Failure occurs without warning while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion fracture identified and replaced in cases diagnosed; some owners experienced stiffness in turning prior to complete failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not explicitly mentioned for this failure mode in the narratives
Steering wheel locking or seizing
Steering wheel suddenly locks or becomes immovable during normal driving, preventing the driver from turning the wheels. In some cases steering wheel seizes completely.
When: Reported at 26,000 and 31,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly locks or seizes; Steering wheel becomes impossible to turn; Loss of all steering control; Vehicle veers or crashes due to locked steering; Clunking noise sometimes precedes locking
Repairs/costs cited: In one case, drive shaft hub nut replacement had been performed prior to failure; unclear if related
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 14V332000 mentioned; manufacturer not notified in some cases
Steering wheel fracture / steering wheel structural failure
Steering wheel cracks or fractures, sometimes complete failure where the wheel snaps off in the driver's hands during operation. In one case steering wheel popped and became loose.
When: One case at 11,808 miles; another at low mileage shortly after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel fractures or cracks; Steering wheel snaps off completely; Sudden looseness in steering wheel; Steering wheel becomes unable to control vehicle after fracture
Repairs/costs cited: Steering wheel replaced; cost not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not mentioned in narratives for this specific failure
Steering system knocking/knocking noise from left side
Loud knocking or clicking noise from lower left side of engine/steering area during driving. Mechanics unable to identify origin in some cases.
When: One case reported at approximately 30 MPH while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or clicking sound from lower left area; No error codes preceding the noise; Noise appears during normal driving
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic unable to determine cause of problem
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not mentioned
Steering wheel unable to turn / wheels unresponsive to steering input
Steering wheel can be turned (sometimes freely) but the front wheels do not respond, leaving the driver unable to steer the vehicle.
When: Multiple cases between 26,000 and 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel turns but wheels remain straight; Wheels do not respond to steering wheel input; Steering wheel can turn 360 degrees with no effect on wheels; Clicking noise when steering wheel is turned; Complete steering disconnection between wheel and axles
Repairs/costs cited: Spline separation from shaft identified in at least one case; rack and pinion inspection required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaigns 14V332000 and 15V736000 mentioned; no specific manufacturer response detailed
Steering stiffness / excessive steering effort required
Steering wheel becomes stiff and requires excessive force to turn, making normal driving difficult. Sometimes precedes complete steering failure.
When: Reported at 38,000 and 41,000 miles in some cases; can be progressive
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel requires excessive force to turn; Steering becomes progressively worse over time; Difficulty turning at slow speeds; Stiffness especially noted on turns; Vehicle veers when steering effort is insufficient
Repairs/costs cited: Not explicitly addressed in repairs; steering column replacement mentioned as potential fix out of warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple dealer visits in some cases; some dealers stated vehicle operating as designed
Front axle nut loose / wheel assembly instability
Front drive axle nut loosens on its own without any mechanical work performed in that area, causing severe vibration and nearly causing wheel assembly to separate.
When: One case at 2/01/2017
Symptoms owners cite: Left front wheel shakes violently; Vibration in vehicle caused by loose wheel assembly; Nearly caused wheel to come off vehicle; No prior work performed in that area
Repairs/costs cited: Torque checked and found to be significantly below factory spec (170-198 ft-lbs); nut has no locking mechanism to prevent back-out
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not mentioned in narrative
Synthesized from 55 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owned a 2014 Kia soul. While driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning and caused the vehicle to crash. There were no injuries sustained and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 31,000.
Enter into a retail installment sale contract on december 2nd 2015.on december 18 th my wife received a call from carson Toyota who stated merry christmas,I have good news for you,can you come in we can lower your payments, I told him we are okay with our payments,also I advise him that my husband is at the doctor. He stated tell my husband he can get a lower payment .I told him are you sure you…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 55 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 42 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 22,000 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 37,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 60,000. 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/2014/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.