The 2012 Soul was definitely built to last and provide reliable transportation to all your most important events. Although Kia went above and beyond in its creation, issues can still crop up. When that happens, technical service bulletins and recall notices go out to help fix the problem.
Does the 2012 Kia Soul have any recalls for its steering system?
As of September 2020, no, but a variety of complaints have come in about this system, including:
- Excessive play in the wheel
- Clicking and clunking noises while turning
- Steering wheel shaking at low and high speeds
Fortunately, we are here to discuss these 2012 Kia Soul steering issues in this article. Once you learn about the extent of the problem, you can seek repairs and get your car back on the road fast.
Premature Wear of the Flex Steering Coupler
NHTSA Complaint ID: 10109649
The 2012 Soul has a flex coupler in its steering system that is tasked with reducing vibrations from the road. The coupler should easily complete its job for tens of thousands of miles without a problem.
Unfortunately, the one used in this model cannot do that because it is prone to premature wear. As this part wears down, it starts to make a whole lot of noise and allows vibrations to come through the wheel in full force.
To get to the flex coupler, technicians have to first remove the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) unit. Then, they can replace it with a new coupler that is not prone to premature wear.
After putting the MDPS unit back in the car, they must complete the calibration procedure to finish the repairs.
How Can You Best Respond to Recalls for the 2012 Kia Soul?
If you’re wondering about open recalls for your 2012 Kia Soul, then get on over to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. While there, you can look up recalls by typing your VIN or vehicle year, make, and model into the textbox.
If your car is due for any recall repairs, call Kia’s customer service line at 1-800-333-4542. Their representatives will let you know which authorized service center to go to and how to proceed with the next steps.
When you are back in the market for a different car, don’t complete your purchase without first checking for recalls on the vehicles you are considering.
