Steering problems dominate complaints in this 2016 Soul cluster. The most common thread is the pinion plug and steering gear assembly: owners describe steering wheels that go loose, then tighten up again as if new, and sudden loss of power steering assist at highway speeds that requires significant force to control the vehicle. Traction control and ABS systems also kick in unexpectedly during routine turns, causing the car to nearly stop on a curve with no driver input.
Steering column and wheel noises—squeaking, popping, grinding, creaking—show up across multiple vehicles. One owner reports a set screw was installed in the pinion plug under recall but never properly documented, with no photos or service notes.
The 17V608000 steering recall applies to many of these vehicles, but owners encountered extended parts shortages and some dealers refusing to perform the work or claiming VINs weren't included despite similar symptoms. One owner paid $245 out-of-pocket after a dealer refused to honor the recall.
Less common but serious: steering failures during turns resulting in collisions, steering angle sensor faults that reoccur after recalibration, and in one case, a steering column that seized entirely after a battery recall service. Dealer diagnostics frequently fail to locate the fault, even when three different Kia shops examine the same car.
Failure modes owners describe
Steering gear and pinion plug failure
Loss of steering control due to failure or loosening of the steering gear and pinion plug assembly. Owners report sudden loss of power steering assist, inability to turn the wheel, or excessive play in the steering wheel that comes and goes.
When: Varies from 9,283 miles to 112,694 miles; some failures occur after recall service attempts
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist while driving; Steering wheel becomes extremely loose with excessive play; Steering wheel locks up or seizes; Delay between steering wheel input and wheel response; Vehicle veers unexpectedly to one side; Steering tightens and loosens intermittently
Codes mentioned: 17V608000 (Steering)
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear replacement, pinion plug replacement, or set screw installation reported. Parts frequently on backorder. Costs not specified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V608000 issued; parts unavailable for extended periods. Some owners report VINs not included in recall or recall not performed despite notification. One owner paid $245 out-of-pocket after dealer refused recall work.
Steering column noise and play
Abnormal creaking, popping, grinding, squeaking, and clanking sounds originating from the steering column and steering wheel area during turning or over bumps. Often accompanies or occurs independently of power assist failure.
When: Throughout ownership; some triggered at low speeds (under 40 mph), some persistent regardless of speed
Symptoms owners cite: Loud squeaking or squealing from steering wheel; Popping sound while maneuvering the steering wheel; Grinding noise from steering column area during reverse; Creaking sound from steering wheel during turning; Clanking sound from steering wheel while turning left or right; Metal banging sound from all four wheel areas, more pronounced at front wheels
Codes mentioned: 17V608000 (Steering)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to reproduce or locate source. One owner reports dealer installed software to monitor engine knock, which did not resolve steering noise. Struts mentioned as possible cause by one mechanic but not confirmed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple dealers unable to locate defect despite complaints. One owner reports three different Kia dealers found no safety issue. Recall 17V608000 applies to some vehicles but parts availability delays service.
Steering control system electrical malfunction
Intermittent electrical or control module failures affecting steering function, including steering angle sensor issues and loss of steering capability after unrelated recall repairs (e.g., battery replacement).
When: Approximately 50,000-66,100 miles; one case triggered by battery recall service at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Steering failure after battery recall repair; Delay between steering wheel turning and wheels responding at 35-45 mph; Abnormal banging and clanking from wheels and steering; Steering angle sensor requires recalibration, but failure reoccurs; Loose steering wheel with excessive play; No warning lights in some cases
Codes mentioned: Steering angle sensor fault (required recalibration)
Repairs/costs cited: Steering angle sensor recalibration attempted but failure persisted. No repair completed in documented cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Battery replacement under NHTSA Campaign 23V218000 preceded steering failure; no investigation documented.
Steering failure during turning causing loss of vehicle control
Complete or near-complete loss of steering control during turns at various speeds, sometimes resulting in collision. Includes instances where steering becomes extremely difficult or unresponsive during the turn.
When: Occurs at speeds from 15 mph to 80 mph; timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of steering control during left or right turns; Vehicle veers to side of road without driver input; Steering becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Vehicle shakes or trembles while attempting to turn; Steering locks up or resists turning; Collision results from sudden uncontrolled veering
Codes mentioned: 15V736000 (referenced in one collision)
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rods bent in at least one collision. Repairs not completed in documented cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner notes VIN not shown in steering recall despite collision linked to steering failure. Manufacturer declined repair assistance in multiple cases.
Steering traction control interaction malfunction
Traction control and ABS systems activate unexpectedly during normal turning, causing sudden deceleration and loss of steering control. Vehicle dramatically slows on curves as if brakes engaged without driver input.
When: Intermittent; occurs during curves and turns
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light illuminates unexpectedly during turns; ABS system engages on its own during normal turns; Vehicle decelerates sharply on curves without brake application; Vehicle nearly comes to a stop on curves; Steering becomes unresponsive until vehicle 'breaks free' and accelerates; Occasional pop noise from steering area, not present at speeds above 40 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Set screw placed in steering pinion plug by previous service department during recall repair, not properly documented. No current repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 17V608000 repair noted in system but inadequately documented by previous dealer. New dealer management unable to verify repair completion.
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.