How many steering complaints does the 2015 Kia Soul have?

NHTSA lists 44 steering complaints for the 2015 Kia Soul, which is 5% of the 898 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2015 Kia Soul?

Yes. Recall 17V608000 covers 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles where the pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly; dealers inspect and secure the plug or replace the steering gear assembly.

At what mileage do steering problems usually appear on the 2015 Kia Soul?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2015 Kia Soul is 34,750 miles.

Have steering problems on the 2015 Kia Soul caused crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data tied to these steering complaints shows 8 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries reported.

2015 Kia Soul Steering Problems

NHTSA logged 44 steering complaints for the 2015 Kia Soul, 5% of its 898 total complaints for the year, tied to 8 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries at a median 34,750 miles. A related recall (17V608000) covers a pinion plug that can let the pinion gear separate from the steering gear assembly.

Steering complaints: 44; 5% of 898
Crashes reported: 8
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 34,750 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Steering suddenly loses power or locks up while driving around 40 mph, in one case leading to a rollover crash.
Vehicle veers or fails to respond to steering input during a turn, causing it to run onto a sidewalk or curb.
Steering becomes very difficult to turn without warning at low speed, resulting in a collision.
Owners report the steering column, shifter, and brakes all failing to operate together during a side-impact crash.
Some owners who received the pinion-plug recall notice said dealers lacked parts to complete the repair.
A driver described the steering feeling 'off' along with a heavy gas smell and shaking at startup.

When 2015 Kia Soul steering complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 27, 2015, latest Dec 2, 2025.

44 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2015 to Dec 2025; peak Jan 2016 (4).

Steering recalls for the 2015 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 (9%)
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 the 2015 Kia Soul have?: NHTSA lists 44 steering complaints for the 2015 Kia Soul, which is 5% of the 898 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2015 Kia Soul?: Yes. Recall 17V608000 covers 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles where the pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly; dealers inspect and secure the plug or replace the steering gear assembly.
At what mileage do steering problems usually appear on the 2015 Kia Soul?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2015 Kia Soul is 34,750 miles.
Have steering problems on the 2015 Kia Soul caused crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data tied to these steering complaints shows 8 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries reported.