How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Kia Soul?

NHTSA lists 55 steering complaints for the 2014 Kia Soul, which is 6% of the 900 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2014 Kia Soul?

Yes. Recall campaign 17V608000, reported in September 2017, covers 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles where the pinion plug may let the pinion gear separate from the steering gear assembly. Kia's remedy is inspection and securing or replacement of the steering gear assembly.

Did the steering problems cause crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 12 crashes and 6 injuries linked to steering complaints on the 2014 Kia Soul.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2014 Kia Soul?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2014 Kia Soul is 36,000 miles.

Did the 2017 recall fix the steering issue?

Some owners report that after the 17V608000 recall repair, steering problems and crashes still occurred, according to NHTSA complaint narratives.

2014 Kia Soul Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 55 steering complaints for the 2014 Kia Soul, 6% of its 900 total complaints, with 12 crashes and 6 injuries reported. A related recall (17V608000) covers a steering rack pinion plug that can separate from the steering gear.

Steering complaints: 55; 6% of 900
Crashes reported: 12
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 36,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden loss of steering control while turning or changing lanes, leading to crashes into curbs, walls, or trees.
Some describe the steering wheel becoming difficult or impossible to turn at moderate speeds, right before losing control.
Several report the steering wheel seizing or locking without warning, sometimes rolling the vehicle over.
A few describe the vehicle shaking violently and veering to one side, with the power steering malfunctioning at the same time.
Owners report that the pinion plug recall (17V608000) did not fully fix the steering problem, with crashes occurring after the repair was performed.
One owner reported a tire noise and pulling to the side that caused loss of control, filed under suspension but linked by the driver to steering.

When 2014 Kia Soul steering complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 13, 2014, latest Aug 27, 2025.

55 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2014 to Aug 2025; peak Jul 2014 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2014 Kia Soul

NHTSA 17V608000Sep 29, 2017Steering342,381 vehicles
Steering
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
Risk: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.

Steering complaints by Soul model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201012 (10%)
20114 (2%)
2012166 (32%)
2013151 (23%)
201455 (6%)
201544 (5%)
201630 (4%)
201710 (4%)
20185 (2%)
20195 (4%)
202016 (4%)
20219 (4%)
20222 (2%)
20238 (16%)
20241 (3%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2014 Kia Soul?: NHTSA lists 55 steering complaints for the 2014 Kia Soul, which is 6% of the 900 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2014 Kia Soul?: Yes. Recall campaign 17V608000, reported in September 2017, covers 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles where the pinion plug may let the pinion gear separate from the steering gear assembly. Kia's remedy is inspection and securing or replacement of the steering gear assembly.
Did the steering problems cause crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 12 crashes and 6 injuries linked to steering complaints on the 2014 Kia Soul.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up on the 2014 Kia Soul?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2014 Kia Soul is 36,000 miles.
Did the 2017 recall fix the steering issue?: Some owners report that after the 17V608000 recall repair, steering problems and crashes still occurred, according to NHTSA complaint narratives.