Problems with 2012 Kia Soul STEERING

Clunking noise in steering column. failure of steering coupling

2012 kia soul now making a clunking, clicking or popping noise when turning the steering wheel right or left with slight play in the wheel. upon researching online what it could be i have discovered complaints all over the web of the same issue. people being told by mechanics if not fixed it may cause accidents due to steering failure, but that kia refuses to correct the problem or recall these vehicles despite being aware of the issue for years now.

When stationary or in motion my daughter's 2012 kia soul makes a clicking noise coming from what feels like in the steering wheel. after looking into this deeper it is the rubber coupler at the electric steering assist. there are recalls for other years and models so both kia and hyundai both know of the problem but will not repair all vehicles. i hear it's an $8 part and $400 for labor through the dealer. what a great income stream for them!!

Steering wheel makes a loud popping noise it is getting worse by the day. the lights flicker when turned on inside and outside the vehicle.

I took in because steering to right, there is a clucking noise coming from steering wheel, my mechanic checked on found nothing stated was a dealer recall but there is one for kia 2012 soul however many complaints about it. there is a recall on other vehicles.

Clicking sound heard when turning steering wheel whether i'm driving or sitting still.

The steering wheel is shaking and making a loud noise when driving.

My 2012 kia soul steering started to make a clunking sound. the steering wheel also felt loose . the vehicle has 81,465 miles on it. i first noticed it yesterday. i brought the soul to my local dealership the next day. the steering coupling had failed (fp# 56315-2k000fff). cost of the repair was $432.60 after the kia dealership applied a 15% costco discount. the part is only $7 but it's the labor that increases the cost of the repair. many other people have reported the same problem to nhtsa. another kia vehicle (i believe the optima) uses the same coupler and that vehicle has a recall notice. the 2012 soul uses the same coupler as the recalled vehicle but does not have a recall issued. any 2012 soul that uses this coupling should be recalled. loss of steering could happen if this coupling fails completely. the coupling that failed in my 2012 soul felt soft and could be easily be squeezed. the new coupling that replaced it felt much harder. apparently, the new coupling is made from a different material. i have attached photos of the failed coupling. this coupling should be a recall issue.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. while driving approximately 45 mph and attempting to turn, the contact heard a clicking noise coming from the steering column. the contact had to force the steering wheel in order to complete the turn. the contact also stated that the failure began approximately one month ago and occurred even when the vehicle was not being driven. the failure worsened and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but they were not able to determine the cause of the failure. the vehicle was driven to bill bryant kia (9039 us-441, leesburg, fl 34788), but the contact was told to leave since she did not have an appointment. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

The steering wheel has started to make a clicking nose when the steering wheel is turned left or right. the nose happens when the car is both stationary and when moving. there are several other complaints like this by others on the internet. 2014-2016 models of the same make and model have actually already been recalled for a strong problem with the"pinion wheel", although the problem with the 2012 models may be with the"steering coupler". doesn't seem safe and i'm not the only one experiencing this problem upon further research.

Steering wheel clicks and has give at low speeds (like while parking or taking corners slowely) and at high speeds (70mph +). taken to kia dealer, and coupler needs to be replaced. kia recalled later models with same parts and optimas with same parts, but not 2012 souls. it's the same part that was replaced for free in other models, but 2012 isn't covered.

When i turn my steering wheel, there is a clunking noise. research indicates that there is a well known issue with a disintegrated rubber bushing in the electric steering motor and there is a recall due to this safety issue. why is my car not covered?

When you turn the steering wheel it's making a clicking sound and every time you go over a bump it makes the steering wheel shake

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. while driving various speeds, there was a clicking noise coming from the steering column when the steering wheel was turned left or right. also, an unknown warning indicator illuminated. the contact mentioned that the failure occurred periodically. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 165,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. while driving approximately 2 mph, the steering wheel made a clunking sound. the vehicle was taken to aloha kia (94-169 farrington hwy, waiphau, hawaii 96819) where it was diagnosed that the steering column failed. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Steering is making a loud clunking noise when the steering wheel is turned. dealer service dept says it is a coupler must be fixed before i lose the ability to steer. i am afraid to even drive the vehicle to the dealer since it could lose steering. the car only has 31000 miles on it.

I can feel slack play in the upper steering that make a knocking sound when turning the steering wheel left or right when stationary, moving, in town or on the highway. also on interstate when i reach approximately 60 mph a vibration in the front end starts and increases with speed. it gets to an intensity that i dont feel safe driving over sixtyfive mph

Steering makes a clicking noise and feels like it might lock up at low speeds.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. the contact stated that the steering was faulty and extremely loose. the contact had to use excessive strength to steer. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the failure mileage was 19,000.

I have a 2012 kia soul that has 75,000 miles on it and has started making the highly complained about clunking noise and shifting/loose sensation in the upper steering column when turning wheel back and forth from left to right whether stationary or driving. it has also for some time been experiencing the shaking steering wheel at around 80 mph that has complaints. i am a former mechanic and through reading all the similar complaints and seeing symptom/repair videos i have diagnosed my clunking steering column to be caused by a failed steering coupler. this is a problem that has been recalled by kia on other vehicles but not on 2012 soul.this steering coupler issue should have kia recalling all vehicles that have reports of this failure. i am loosing faith in kia motors. i should not have to replace this part on my time/money.

Loud clunk on turning the wheel sounds like coupling is faulty. occurs stationary and moving though appears to decrease when moving faster. concerned this is a significant safety issue for the vehicle.

Where do i start, my 2012 kia soul has about 86,000 miles and has experience issues over the past few years. it started a few years ago where i changed my left brake light and discovered it was an ongoing issue where bulb is burnt and have to replace about twice yearly. second, sometimes when i go to crank my car it would start faintly then stall out and i will have to retry again until it cranks correctly. this having also been occurring for a few years. third, within this past year i've experienced a/c control problems. when i go to turn it on it wont do anything,no defrost/blowing/hot/cold nothing. then i would proceed to keep trying to turn off and on and out of no where it just starts on its own. sometimes it's scary especially when i need to defrost my windows and it decides not to work. took it to sun auto repair shop and they couldn't figure it out and said and i quote "it has a high failure rate", whatever that means. fourth, the passenger side window will not respond to the driver side control button. dont know if it's an electrical issue. this has also started within this past year. finally, about a few months ago my steering while started making this annoying clicking sound when i turn the steering wheel left to right . that is while driving and parked or stopped. it just keeps clicking every movement, bumps and turns. suddenly i recieved a letter about this given warranty recalling my vehicle to get fixed. now i'm questioning whether or not if my other problems are common in other vehicles and is on the roll to recall

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 knocking or clicking but is a significant design flaw for using inferior plastics in critical component of driving control. reference tsb cha 44-2014, cha 74-2016

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 noticing it around 70k miles. this should be addressed as a recall. it's a safety issue.

Steering wheel has developed significant "play" in being able to move 1-2 inches either way with an audible clunk when it reaches the point of actually engaging the steering mechanism. there are multiple reported incidences of steering column problems on the 2012 kia soul that have usually been linked to a faulty steering coupler (http://www.carproblemzoo.com/kiamotor/soul/steering-column-problems.php). later year models have been recalled for steering column problems, but not the 2012.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. the contact heard an abnormal noise when the steering wheel was turned in either direction. in addition, there was a strong vibration coming from the steering wheel while the vehicle was in operation. a dealer had not diagnosed the failure. an independent mechanic was not contacted. the manufacturer had not issued any recalls for the electric power steering; however, there were six tsbs for the steering. the contact was uncertain if there was a permanent remedy from the manufacturer. the vehicle was not repaired . the approximate failure mileage was 69,000.

Kia flexible steering coupler 56315-2k000fff completely failed 12/2018. same complaint as hundreds of other owners of 2012 kia souls. plastic steering coupler completely falls apart cause extremely dangerous play and bad banging while turning in either direction. going over road holes, speed bumps and even road reflectors cause the steering wheel to pull in either direction as well as drifting issues. defective part will eventually cause breakdown of electric power steering unit. kia dealership in lake wales, fl quoted $450 to replace the $10 star shaped coupler stating the costs are mainly in labor. these repair costs should not be the responsibility of the owner. the part should not be considered normal wear and tear. it is a poor design on the part of kia. the 2012 soul should be included along with the 2014-2016 recalls currently in effect for the exact issue. i also own a 2015 soul and have received my recall notice for the coupler repair. (we also own a 2017 sportage) why are the 2012 owners being left out and disregarded? the part is the same, the labor is the same and the potential danger and further damage is the same. kia should step up to the plate and do the right thing before a class action lawsuit is filed and cost them a substantial amount more. kia's lack of customer care, concern and commitment to the 2012 owners is disrespectful and shameful. i truly and sincerely hope kia will take notice of our complaints and plea and help us. *tr

Steering suddenly became loose with a "click" on either side of play. was told by kia dealer that the steering column had to be replaced at a cost of $1843. if i didn't fix it, my steering might go out at any time. kia covered the same problem with recalls on later models but refused to cover this because of vehicle age, even though it's not a mileage or age issue, it's a dangerous design flaw. i've found dozens of identical complaints online.

2012 kia soul steering coupler defect, attached is my receipt to repair a defective plastic steering coupling that resulted in a steering hazard (shimmying, shaking, vibrating) while making a road trip to fl. unfortunately kia corporate refuses to accept this as a defect issue even though they extended their kia optima warranty on this defect due to the amount of problems generated through complaints. the service tech at kia i spoke with confirmed they had received complaints about the soul steering coupling but couldn't say how many complained or how many complaints would be needed to affect a recall so i had to incur a $300+ expense to have it replaced. please contact me @ [xxx]. my email is [xxx]. thank you for your assistance. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

When car is running and in park turning the steering wheel an inch or so in either direction is very loose at first till it begins to become firm and you hear a thud. the amount of play is about an inch going to the right or to the left.

Was going down ten, kia can't determine if my power steering want bout while going down the highway going 55, and then hitting a deer. the body work has been fixed but my vehicle has no power steering. power steering is not responding - mdps will not communicate with vehicle. failure in electronic mdps at top of steering column. they checked all connectors, and no physical damage to column itself. found c1503 -esc/ecs (esp) error and c1687 - time out vsm2 (mdps) failure. diagnosis says i need a power steering column and motor assembly. geico refuses to cover this saying it's a common electrical power steering issue with kia's. if these are messing up electronically while driving this year for 2012 should be recalled. it feels as if insurance has found a loophole to not cover kia souls with power steering. i also saw a corrosion issue recall and my car was from ohio which i lived there years with it before moving to virginia. no one at the newport news virginia kia even mentioned the recall for my vin #, i found it while registering my kia online.

Takata recall i took my car to firestone to have an oil change and check the breaks. i was told when i turn the car left it makes a god awful noise and the wheel shakes. i have a 75000 mike warranty on it. this better be covered. i see a lot of complaints about this same issue and it should be a recall. this is ridiculous.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. while driving and when making turns, the steering column made an abnormal popping noise. there was no warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to kia of south austin (located at 5306 s ih 35 frontage rd, austin, tx 78745, (512) 444-6635) where it was diagnosed that the flex coupler on the steering column failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

I have a 2012 kia soul+ that has 80,000 miles on it and has started making the highly complained about clunking noise and shifting/loose sensation in the upper steering column when turning wheel back and forth from left to right whether stationary or driving. it has also for some time been experiencing the shaking steering wheel at around 80 mph that has complaints. i am a former mechanic and through reading all the similar complaints and seeing symptom/repair videos i have diagnosed my clunking steering column to be caused by a failed steering coupler. this is a problem that has been recalled by kia on other vehicles but not on 2012 soul. i am interested to find out if this coupler is also behind my shaking steering wheel at higher speeds. shaking is not due to tires, wheels, or alignment/parts problems as problem was same before i just put new tires on and had balance/alignment done. also was no different between several tire rotations of old tires. this steering coupler issue should have kia recalling all vehicles that have reports of this failure. i am loosing faith in kia motors. i should not have to replace this part on my time/money.

Steering wheel makes clicking noise when turning.

Car has just over 60k miles. knocking in the steering wheel area when turning the steering wheel left or right. the knocking occurs while driving at any speed, highway or city streets. if sitting in neutral with engine on, turn the steering wheel left or right and you feel and hear the knocking sound.

2012 kia soulwith 15,000 miles: steering makes a clunking noise and has a lot of play in it. even when sitting still. when driving it also has play and makes clunking noise. took it to dealership and was told the coupler is bad, and that its a common problem. the fee to fix is $200, and not covered by warranty because i'm not the original owner, even though the mileage is so low. other kia souls have recalls, this year should as well.

Steering column makes a rather loud knocking noise as it's being while the car is stationary and when it's in motion. steering coupler should be recalled not made for the consumer to foot the bill on inferior products.

Steering wheel loose and clicking while driving. felt loose while stationery. local auto shop replaced mdps flex coupling. it was totally worn out. car had less than 39,000 miles. apparently 2014 vehicles were recalled for this. also kia optima's flex joints were replaced free at the kia dealership. this kia soul unes the fame flex joint.

My steering wheel started making this clunking noise it had 44,507 mile on it,took it to my kia dealer,the told me it was a flexible coupling and they wanted to charge to replace it that my warranty ran out, i said thats a safety issue they said its not, i just got my car and went home.i foynd out that alot of kia models had that problem and the were given a call back letter. it make no sense its the excat same part has the one called back,pluss if it doesnt get fixed i could lose my sterring the car has 44000 miles on it

Takata recall the steering wheel is making a clicking noise when turning to the right or left. kia said there was no recall on this. as time goes on it is getting worse and if one day something happens to me you will hear from a lawyer and my daughters. i got a estimate for the repairs and it will be over $200.00 . this would be less then a lawsuit.

My steering wheel started making this clunking noise it had 50000 mile on it, took it to my kia dealer, the told me it was a flexible coupling and they wanted to charge to replace it that my warranty ran out, i said thats a safety issue they said its not, i just got my car and went home.i foynd out that alot of kia models had that problem and the were given a call back letter. it make no sense its the excat same part has the one called back, pluss if it doesnt get fixed i could lose my sterring the car has 52000 miles on. how can they recall model after 2013 and not 2012.

The steering is making a loud clonking noise while turning, stationary or driving, worst on the highway. i replaced and balanced the tires but still doing it. it's scary. i see there are more reports of the same problem.

I recently noticed when stopped that the steers no wheel makes a clunking sound when steer no left to right and back again and has a little play like it's not catching. also i recently had brake lights replaced and it quickly burned out on the bottom half of the drivers side brake light.

At 58,000 miles the soul started to make a creaking sound when turning wheel sharply to right or left. i took it in to kia service at kia west in orlando. they diagnosed that rack and pinion was defective and had to be replaced = $997.09 (including the alignment it needed afterwards) -- i know the 2013 kia souls were recalled for safety for this very same problem and even though there are numerous complaints - kia has not recalled the 2012 kia soul for rack and pinion defects.

When stopped the steering wheel makes a loud clunking noise when move from right to left and back.. while driving has a back and forth clunking movement felling as if the vehicle was being drive over a road laced with small bumps in it. it would appear that the mdps flex coupling has deteriorated and presents a major safety issue. the 2014 kia soul was recalled for this same problem.this is a major life threatening issue.

My vehicle started making a clunking/clicking sound from the steering column area when turning the steering wheel right or left. the noise/sound quickly started getting louder in a short amount of time/mileage. the steering also started getting looser as the sound increased. this occurred both while setting still or while in motion. the repair shop had to replace a faulty steering coupler (56315-2kooofff) for about $225.00. after the replacement the sound/noise and looseness are gone.

Clunking play in steering began recently which is reportedly failure of the steering coupler.. kia recalled 2014-26 twice and there is an extended warranty for replacement of option 11-14 optima's .. nothing for 2012 soul except web pages of complaints of same problem. cross referencing the part numbers shows that all these vehicles, including models outside their recall, use the same part yet kia is telling 2012 owners to pay for it out of pocket.. this safety hazard and a failure by the manufacturer that needs to be addressed immediately.

There has been a clicking noise when turning the wheel to either side, whiling driving or in still mode. it seems as this has also been an issue with later motels as their was a recall involving the steering system for years 2014 - 2016. from research, there have been many talk from 2012 kia soul owners having to have their coupler in the steering wheel column replaced due to possible safely issues.

Steering wheel coupler failure. steering wheel make clunking noise when turning in either direction.