Problems · by component

2012 Kia Soul steering problems

167 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Kia Soul cite steering, 32% of all 516 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
167
32% of all complaints
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“I own a 2012 Kia Soul with approximately 99,000 miles. The vehicle has never been involved in an accident. During a recent inspection at an authorized Kia dealership, the technician discovered that the welds securing the steering-column mounting support to the cross-car structural support appear to have failed. The technician confirmed that the steering-column mounting bolts were properly tightened, yet the assembly exhibited significant movement. The dealership considers this a safety concern and recommends replacement of the entire structural support assembly at an estimated cost of $3,374.54. I am concerned that a structural component supporting the steering column has apparently failed in a vehicle with no collision history.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026SteeringODI 11774242
“When I turn my steering wheel left or right there is a very large margin before the tires turn it rattles back and forth back and forth as I'm driving down the street no control for at least three degrees and either direction, also my front of the vehicle turn signals pop out and fall out to the road and I would drive with no turn signals on the front of my vehicle?”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 18, 2026Steering, Exterior lightingODI 11744927
“I have a used kia soul 2012 which I bought 3 years ago. It's steering column has started making strange clicking noises when I turn the wheel left and right. I went to KIA dealership, they inspected the steering column and said it's gonna cost me $1200. They said it's not covered under "recall" policy. I don't have the money to fix it and I drive Uber every day. This problem can cause accident or collision if the wheel column stops working on the road.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 2, 2026SteeringODI 11714892
“I am submitting this complaint regarding a known defect with the steering wheel coupler in my 2012 Kia vehicle. The steering coupler is a component that has been subject to recall concerns due to premature wear. When this part becomes worn, it can result in looseness or failure in the steering system, creating a serious safety risk for the driver and others on the road. Despite this being a known and widely reported defect, Kia has not adequately addressed the issue for all affected vehicles. Instead, owners are being charged significant out-of-pocket costs to replace a part that is defective by design and poses a safety hazard. I believe Kia should be required to fully acknowledge this defect and provide repairs or replacement of the steering coupler at no cost to consumers. Charging customers to correct a known safety-related defect is inappropriate and places an unfair financial burden on vehicle owners while leaving a critical safety issue unresolved.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 13, 2026SteeringODI 11710763
“Steering makes a clicking noise and will pull either direction while driving straight. I took it to the dealership and they want me to pay for the repair. They state that the problem is the steering coupler. To me this is a safety issue, they said my warranty is expired so they wont cover the cost. I am afraid to drive it. It is also making my tires wear to fast and they are new.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2025Steering, WheelsODI 11697452
“I have self diagnosed the problem thus far. The issue is with a severe hesitation in the steering wheel..it started 3 days ago and is getting worse. I feel as though I will lose complete control of my vehicle at any time. I am scared to death to drive my car. I will contact my dealership in the morning for a professional diagnosis. Praying this is covered by extended warranty as I have no money for an expensive repair. My dealership is 25 miles away and I'm terrified to drive it that far..if the steering fails, it will be a complete catastrophe.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2025SteeringODI 11695651

Showing 6 of 167 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.