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Kia · Known Issues

2010-2023 Kia Soul Problems: 15 Known Issues

2010-2023 model years · 134+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 134+ owner reports, the 2010-2023 Kia Soul has 15 documented known issues, with 13 rated critical. The most serious are Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering), Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage, On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works ($0-$3,000 repair), Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Contact Wear Causing Low/High Beam Flicker and Dropout ($250-$600 repair), Recall 25V099000 (Kia SC336): Improperly Manufactured Piston Oil Rings Can Destroy the Engine, Side Curtain Air Bags Can Deploy Unexpectedly (Recall 23V830000), Recall 23V531000: Electric Oil Pump Controller May Overheat and Cause a Fire (2023 Soul), Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption, ABS/HECU Module Brake-Fluid Leak Causing Engine Compartment Fire ($0-$1,200 repair), 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure ($300-$6,000 repair), Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering ($500-$1,500 repair), First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH ($0-$9,000 repair) and Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV) with 134 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $250 to $9,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Soul Electrical6
  • Soul Engine3
  • Soul Suspension1
  • Soul Safety/Recalls1
  • Soul Transmission1
  • Soul Exterior1
  • Soul Drivetrain1
  • Soul Steering1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical6
  • Engine3
  • Suspension1
  • Safety/Recalls1
  • Transmission1
  • Exterior1
  • Drivetrain1
  • Steering1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ

All 15 Known Issues

NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

Campaign #25V09900017/02/2025

ENGINE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.

Campaign #21V25900013/04/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen.  The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Soul problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 134+ owner reports, the 2010-2023 Kia Soul has 15 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering), Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage, On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works. Of these, 13 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

The 2010-2023 Kia Soul has 15 known issues documented across 134+ owner reports. 13 issues are rated critical: Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering) and Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage and On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works and Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Contact Wear Causing Low/High Beam Flicker and Dropout and Recall 25V099000 (Kia SC336): Improperly Manufactured Piston Oil Rings Can Destroy the Engine and Side Curtain Air Bags Can Deploy Unexpectedly (Recall 23V830000) and Recall 23V531000: Electric Oil Pump Controller May Overheat and Cause a Fire (2023 Soul) and Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption and ABS/HECU Module Brake-Fluid Leak Causing Engine Compartment Fire and 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure and Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering and First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH and Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Soul problems?

Repair costs for known Kia Soul issues range from $0 to $9,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Kia Soul is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Kia Soul. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2010-2023 Kia Soul with 15 documented issues documented across 134+ owner reports.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 134+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

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ALL YEARS20232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010

The Soul EV's on-board charger converts AC from a wall outlet or Level 2 EVSE into DC for the pack; DC fast charging over CHAdeMO bypasses it entirely. That produces the diagnostic signature owners keep reporting across a decade of the model's life: the car refuses to charge on both the Level 1 cord and the Level 2 station, throws a charging fault, and yet fast-charges normally. Some cars announce it first with repeated clicking from under the hood and blinking charge-port lamps for weeks or months before the unit dies outright. Failures cluster in cold climates and were still occurring on 2018 builds, four years after launch, so this is a design-life problem rather than an early-production defect. One frequent false alarm is worth knowing: a blown 40A fuse in the high-voltage junction box mimics OBC failure exactly and costs almost nothing to fix.

Common Symptoms

  • Will not charge on Level 1 or Level 2, but DC fast charging works
  • Charging fault message on the cluster
  • Repeated clicking noise from under the hood when plugged in
  • Charge port indicator lamps blink then charging aborts

How to Fix

Before condemning the charger, have the 40A fuse in the high-voltage junction box checked — it produces identical symptoms. If the OBC itself has failed it is replaced as an assembly; it is covered under the EV component warranty, but plan for a long parts wait (owners report one to two months) and arrange DC fast charging in the meantime, since the car remains drivable and CHAdeMO-chargeable. Do not attempt DIY work in the HV bay without proper isolation training.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $3,000

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On early second-generation (PS) Souls the headlamp circuit is switched directly through the contacts inside the combination (multi-function) stalk on the steering column rather than through a relay. Those contacts burn and wear, and the resistance rise makes both low and high beams flicker, dim, or cut out entirely — classically when the turn signal is operated, because the shared stalk assembly loads the same worn contact set. Owners describe headlights going fully dark for the duration of a turn signal cycle, which is a night-driving safety problem, not a nuisance. Kia acknowledged the pattern with TSB ELE152 and then extended the New Vehicle Limited Warranty on the multi-function switch assembly from 5yr/60k to 15 years / unlimited miles for 2014 MY Souls built 7/21/2013 through 6/20/2014 — a warranty extension of that length is effectively an admission of a design defect.

Common Symptoms

  • Low and high beams flicker intermittently
  • Headlights go out completely when the turn signal is used
  • Headlights shut off at random while driving
  • Beams dim then recover without switch input

How to Fix

Replace the headlamp multi-function switch assembly (the stalk) per TSB ELE152. If the car falls inside the 2014 build-date window, the dealer performs it free under the 15-year/unlimited-mile warranty extension — bring the VIN and the bulletin number. Cars built after 6/20/2014 pay out of pocket. Do not chase this with bulbs, grounds, or a new battery first; the stalk is the near-universal cause of the turn-signal-linked dropout.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $600

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

If you own a 2023 Kia Soul, it may be included in Kia America's recall of vehicles whose Idle Stop & Go electric oil pump assembly has an electronic controller built with damaged electrical components. Kia's concern is that those damaged components let the pump overheat, and NHTSA states the consequence plainly: an electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire. This is a manufacturing defect in the controller itself rather than something an owner causes through use or neglect, and NHTSA classifies it under the automatic transmission fluid/lubricant pump. The recall spans 39,765 vehicles campaign-wide, a total that includes the 2023 Soul, 2023 Sportage and 2023-2024 Seltos together. Because the risk is fire, Kia's interim advice for Soul owners was to park outside and away from structures rather than in a garage or carport until the vehicle has been repaired.

Common Symptoms

  • Electric oil pump assembly overheating
  • Increased risk of vehicle fire

How to Fix

Repair is free of charge at a Kia dealer under Kia campaign number SC275. The dealer inspects the electric oil pump controller and replaces it if the inspection shows it is necessary. Owner notification letters were scheduled to go out September 28, 2023; if you bought the Soul used or never received one, contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or your dealer directly. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has already been performed on your car. Until it has been, follow Kia's guidance and park the vehicle outdoors, away from buildings.

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU/ABS module) can develop an internal electrical short (fluid leakage plus localized PCB melting was found in retrieved units), producing excessive current that can cause an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. NHTSA recall 23V-652 covers 349,309 2011-2013 Souls equipped with Electronic Stability Control, part of the broader Kia/Hyundai 'park outside' fire-risk campaign. Owners were told to park outside and away from structures until repaired.

This issue also affects: Genesis G70, Kia Rio, Hyundai Veloster

Common Symptoms

  • Burning smell from engine bay
  • Smoke under hood
  • ABS/brake warning light
  • Fire while parked or driving

How to Fix

Recall remedy: dealer installs new fuse(s) in the HECU electrical circuit to prevent an overcurrent condition, free of charge under NHTSA 23V-652 (Kia SC284). Interim notices mailed late 2023; remedy available as of mid-2024.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,200

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

The 27 kWh SK Innovation pouch cells used in the first-generation Soul EV degrade far faster than the industry norm, and — critically — the loss is not linear. Owners tracking state of health with OBD tools report long plateaus followed by cliff-like drops; one documented case lost 15 percentage points of SOH in three months over roughly 4,000 miles. The practical result is a car that quietly stops being usable for its original commute: indicated range falls well below the 93-mile EPA figure, the guess-o-meter becomes erratic, and DC fast-charge sessions taper early. Because Kia's capacity warranty triggers at below 70% SOH, the shape of this degradation curve matters — cars sitting at 72-75% can drop under the threshold quickly, and owners near the end of the warranty term should be measuring, not guessing.

Common Symptoms

  • Usable range far below the original EPA rating
  • Sudden step-drops in indicated state of health
  • Range estimate fluctuates widely between charges
  • Charging tapers early / pack will not take a full charge

How to Fix

Log actual SOH with an OBD-II dongle and a Soul EV-aware app (Soul Spy / Torque with EV PIDs) and keep dated screenshots. If SOH is below 70% while inside the 10yr/100k HV battery warranty, request a warranty pack replacement — Kia replaces the cells while reusing the case, BMS, and harness, and replacement packs have shipped with later-MY cells that hold up better. Out of warranty, third-party EV battery specialists can replace individual failed modules for far less than a full pack. Slow degradation by charging to 80% for daily use and avoiding repeated DC fast charges in hot weather.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $9,000

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Kia recalled approximately 2,689 Soul EVs because an internal short circuit can develop between the anode and cathode inside cells of the E400 high-voltage battery pack, and that short can start a fire while the vehicle is being driven. Kia attributes it to abnormally excessive precipitate forming inside the cells; three thermal incidents were reported. The population is unusual and easy to miss: it covers 2018-2019 Soul EVs built 7/3/2017 through 9/28/2018 with the factory E400 pack, AND 2015-2017 Soul EVs that had their original pack replaced under warranty with an E400 unit — so a first-generation car that already got a 'good' battery can be the affected one. Warning signs owners see before anything dramatic are charging that never completes, range that fluctuates or drops, and the EV warning lamp.

Common Symptoms

  • Charging never completes / stops short of full
  • Range drops or fluctuates unpredictably
  • EV system warning light illuminated
  • Reduced power / limp-home mode
  • Burning or chemical odor from under the vehicle

How to Fix

Have the dealer install the recall software free of charge. The software monitors for abnormal cell voltage; if it detects the pre-short condition it lights the EV warning lamp, caps charging at 80%, and puts the car in limp-home mode, at which point Kia replaces the entire high-voltage battery assembly at no cost. Check the VIN on the NHTSA recall page — cars with warranty-replacement packs are frequently unaware they are included. Until the software is installed, avoid charging to 100% and do not park in an attached garage overnight after a full charge.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

NHTSA recall 19V120000 (Kia SC176) covers 2012-2016 Soul vehicles with the 1.6L GDI engine. Excessive exhaust-gas temperature can damage the catalytic converter, leading to abnormal combustion, piston damage, connecting-rod failure, stall or fire. Kia’s later SC176Y bulletin addresses certain previously repaired vehicles with P0420, with or without a P030X misfire code.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Sonata, Kia Forte, Kia Optima

Common Symptoms

  • Malfunction indicator lamp with P0420
  • Loss of power, abnormal combustion or engine damage

How to Fix

Check the VIN and campaign history with Kia. SC176 calls for the Catalytic Overheating Protection ECU update and replacement of a damaged converter or engine as necessary, free of charge. For an eligible SC176Y vehicle with P0420, the dealer follows Kia’s compression-test flow before choosing converter or engine replacement. Do not infer P0430 or purchase radiator, coolant or generic exhaust parts from this page.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedLast reported by owners Jul 2024Reviewed Aug 2026

Kia America is recalling certain 2021-2023 Kia Soul vehicles under NHTSA campaign 25V099000 (Kia's internal number SC336). On the affected Souls, the piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly. That manufacturing defect can lead to engine damage. NHTSA's stated consequence is blunt: engine damage can cause the vehicle to stall or catch fire, which raises the risk of a crash or injury. A stall in a small hatchback like the Soul is dangerous anywhere it happens in traffic, and the fire risk is what pushes this beyond an ordinary durability complaint. The campaign covers 137,256 vehicles in total across every model included in the recall — that figure is campaign-wide and is not a count of Souls. Owner notification letters for this campaign were mailed April 4, 2025, so a Soul that changed hands since then may have an owner who never saw the letter.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Palisade

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stalling
  • Engine damage
  • Vehicle fire

How to Fix

The repair is free at any Kia dealer. The dealer will inspect the engine and replace it as necessary, and will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, which is designed to detect the noise associated with the ring problem. Contact a Kia dealer to schedule the recall service, or call Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 and reference recall SC336. To confirm whether your specific Soul is included, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls — that is the only reliable way to check, since inclusion is by VIN and not by model year alone.

Find a Kia dealer

Choose to share your location for this search, or enter an area below. Your search location is sent to Google to find dealers.

Open Kia dealer map in Google Maps ↗

Call to confirm they service Kia vehicles and check your VIN, recall eligibility, parts availability, and appointment options.

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

NHTSA recall 21V259000 (Kia SC209) covers certain 2020-2021 Soul vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines whose piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Kia communication 11017169/SST082 indexes a later PNSS vibration-inspection process to certain 2020-2023 Soul vehicles and describes ring-related cylinder-wall damage, increased oil consumption, abnormal noise, oil-pressure warning and P1327. That later bulletin does not make every 2022-2023 vehicle part of recall 21V259.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Excel, Hyundai Scoupe, Hyundai Sonata

Common Symptoms

  • Increasing oil consumption
  • Abnormal engine noise or P1327
  • Oil-pressure warning light

How to Fix

Check the VIN for SC209 or the current Kia PNSS program and monitor the oil level using the owner-manual procedure. A Kia dealer uses the VIN-driven KDS inspection; eligible recall vehicles receive inspection, PNSS software and engine replacement when necessary. Do not promise a one-quart-per-1,000-mile threshold, apply recall coverage to every 2022-2023 Soul, infer P0420/P0171/P0174 or buy oil and filters as a remedy for damaged rings.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Aug 2026

NHTSA recall 17V608000 (Kia SC155) covers 2014-2016 Soul vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering-gear assembly, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk. The campaign supersedes 14V332 and 15V736, including vehicles previously repaired under those campaigns.

Common Symptoms

  • Increased steering play or loss of steering control may occur

How to Fix

Check the VIN for recall 17V608000 and arrange prompt Kia dealer service. The dealer inspects and secures the pinion plug or replaces the steering-gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. If steering control changes, stop safely and arrange towing. Do not buy tie-rod ends or a remanufactured rack as a substitute for the recall remedy.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedLast reported by owners Apr 2024Reviewed Aug 2026

Kia recalled certain 2023 Soul vehicles because a manufacturing error in the side curtain air bag modules can cause them to deploy unexpectedly — that is, without a crash. In a Soul, the curtain bags run along the headliner above the side windows, so an unexpected deployment happens right beside the driver's and passengers' heads. NHTSA lists the consequence plainly: an air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash, since a sudden deployment while driving can both strike occupants and startle the driver. The campaign (Kia internal number SC289) covers 2,967 vehicles in total across every model included in the recall; that figure is campaign-wide and is not a count of Souls. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024.

Common Symptoms

  • Side curtain air bag deploys with no crash having occurred

How to Fix

The repair is free at any Kia dealer. The dealer inspects both side curtain air bag modules and replaces them as necessary. If you own a 2023 Soul and are unsure whether yours is included, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 and reference recall SC289. Even if you never received the January 2024 notification letter — common with used cars or after a move — the free remedy still applies.

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Souls with the 1.6L Turbo-GDI and 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission exhibit low-speed clutch judder (a body shake accelerating from a stop, worst on cold/humid mornings), harsh engagement, and hesitation. The dry clutches glaze/wear during stop-and-go creeping. Kia's diagnosis is a creep-driving test: if the body vibrates without steering-wheel shudder, it is clutch judder. TSB TRA083 first applies a TCU anti-judder logic update, then replaces the dual-clutch assembly if hardware is glazed/worn.

This issue also affects: Kia Forte

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder/judder accelerating from a stop
  • Harsh or delayed shifting
  • Hesitation and slipping in traffic
  • Morning shudder after rain

How to Fix

Kia creep-test diagnosis; first step is a TCU/software anti-judder logic update via KDS, then dual-clutch assembly replacement per TSB TRA083 if judder persists.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $6,000

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

The optional panoramic glass sunroof can spontaneously shatter without impact, often at speed, showering occupants with glass and accompanied by a loud bang. NHTSA opened an investigation into Hyundai/Kia panoramic sunroof shattering in 2013 (expanded 2014) but closed it without finding a safety-related defect, citing possible road-debris contribution. A long-running class action alleged a manufacturing/tempering defect; after roughly a decade it was ultimately dismissed in Kia's favor.

This issue also affects: Kia Forte, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Elantra

Common Symptoms

  • Loud bang/pop from roof
  • Sunroof glass shatters into small pieces
  • Occurs without impact, often at speed
  • Glass falls into cabin

How to Fix

No recall; sunroof glass is replaced out of pocket or via insurance/goodwill. Aftermarket ceramic film is sometimes applied to help contain fragments if it shatters again.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,500

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
Community reported
134 owners

The Soul EV (2015-2020) can develop a whining or grinding noise from the electric drive motor due to bearing wear. The front motor bearing deteriorates prematurely, particularly in cold climates. The noise is most noticeable at low speeds when other road noise is minimal. Kia has replaced drive motors under warranty for some owners.

This issue also affects: Kia Niro, Genesis GV60, Genesis GV70

Common Symptoms

  • Whining noise from front of vehicle at low speeds
  • Grinding sound during acceleration
  • Noise increases with speed but masked by road noise above 30 mph
  • Vibration felt through floor

How to Fix

Have dealer inspect electric drive motor bearings. If worn, the drive motor assembly is replaced under powertrain warranty. Aftermarket repair involves pressing new bearings into the motor housing ($400-800 at an EV specialist). OEM motor replacement is $2,000-4,000 if out of warranty.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipHave the dealer document the noise on the work order even if not yet severe enough for replacement. This creates a warranty claim trail if it worsens
Typical repair cost:$400 - $4,000

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Based on 134 owner reports

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Medium ConfidenceVerified134 owner reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Kia TSB CHA074 covers 2010-2013 Soul vehicles in its listed production range and attributes a knock or click while turning at a stop to premature wear of the MDPS motor’s flexible coupling. Kia WTY013 separately extended flexible-coupling coverage to 10 years/unlimited mileage for 2012-2013 Soul vehicles; it does not extend every other MDPS component or the 2010-2011 vehicles.

Common Symptoms

  • Clicking or knocking from the MDPS while turning the steering wheel at a stop

How to Fix

Have the noise diagnosed against CHA074 and the exact VIN. If premature coupling wear is confirmed, follow Kia’s Soul-specific procedure to replace only the improved flexible coupling. Check WTY013 eligibility for a 2012-2013 vehicle. Do not order a generic coupler or replace the full MDPS column without the current Kia parts catalog, fitment and steering-service procedure.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Kia 56315-2K000FFF improved MDPS flexible coupling
    OEMKia 56315-2K000FFF

    Replace a coupling proven worn after checking WTY013 coverage Fitment/availability: CHA074 production-limited 2010-2013 Kia Soul AM; part must have HNBR embossed. Check VIN and use Kia warranty coverage first for eligible 2012-2013 vehic…

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As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Campaign #23V298000
26/04/2023

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.

Campaign #23V53100031/07/2023

AIR BAGS

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.

Campaign #23V83000022/12/2023

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

get a full repair guide

What is the 2014-2016 Kia Soul Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering)?

NHTSA recall 17V608000 (Kia SC155) covers 2014-2016 Soul vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering-gear assembly, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk. The campaign supersedes 14V332 and 15V736, including vehicles previously r… Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2016 Kia Soul Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage?

NHTSA recall 19V120000 (Kia SC176) covers 2012-2016 Soul vehicles with the 1.6L GDI engine. Excessive exhaust-gas temperature can damage the catalytic converter, leading to abnormal combustion, piston damage, connecting-rod failure, stall or fire. Kia’s later SC176Y bulletin addr… Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2019 Kia Soul On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works?

The Soul EV's on-board charger converts AC from a wall outlet or Level 2 EVSE into DC for the pack; DC fast charging over CHAdeMO bypasses it entirely. That produces the diagnostic signature owners keep reporting across a decade of the model's life: the car refuses to charge on b… Repairs typically run $0-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2015 Kia Soul Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Contact Wear Causing Low/High Beam Flicker and Dropout?

On early second-generation (PS) Souls the headlamp circuit is switched directly through the contacts inside the combination (multi-function) stalk on the steering column rather than through a relay. Those contacts burn and wear, and the resistance rise makes both low and high bea… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: high.

What is the 2021-2023 Kia Soul Recall 25V099000 (Kia SC336): Improperly Manufactured Piston Oil Rings Can Destroy the Engine?

Kia America is recalling certain 2021-2023 Kia Soul vehicles under NHTSA campaign 25V099000 (Kia's internal number SC336). On the affected Souls, the piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly. That manufacturing defect can lead to engine damage. NHTSA's stated conse… Severity: high.

What is the 2023 Kia Soul Side Curtain Air Bags Can Deploy Unexpectedly (Recall 23V830000)?

Kia recalled certain 2023 Soul vehicles because a manufacturing error in the side curtain air bag modules can cause them to deploy unexpectedly — that is, without a crash. In a Soul, the curtain bags run along the headliner above the side windows, so an unexpected deployment happ… Severity: high.

What is the 2023 Kia Soul Recall 23V531000: Electric Oil Pump Controller May Overheat and Cause a Fire (2023 Soul)?

If you own a 2023 Kia Soul, it may be included in Kia America's recall of vehicles whose Idle Stop & Go electric oil pump assembly has an electronic controller built with damaged electrical components. Kia's concern is that those damaged components let the pump overheat, and NHTS… Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2023 Kia Soul Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption?

NHTSA recall 21V259000 (Kia SC209) covers certain 2020-2021 Soul vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines whose piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Kia communication 11017169/SST082 indexes a later PNSS vibration-inspection process to certain 2020-2023 Soul vehicle… Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2013 Kia Soul ABS/HECU Module Brake-Fluid Leak Causing Engine Compartment Fire?

The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU/ABS module) can develop an internal electrical short (fluid leakage plus localized PCB melting was found in retrieved units), producing excessive current that can cause an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. NHTSA recall 23… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2020 Kia Soul 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure?

Souls with the 1.6L Turbo-GDI and 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission exhibit low-speed clutch judder (a body shake accelerating from a stop, worst on cold/humid mornings), harsh engagement, and hesitation. The dry clutches glaze/wear during stop-and-go creeping. Kia's diagnosis… Repairs typically run $300-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2020 Kia Soul Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering?

The optional panoramic glass sunroof can spontaneously shatter without impact, often at speed, showering occupants with glass and accompanied by a loud bang. NHTSA opened an investigation into Hyundai/Kia panoramic sunroof shattering in 2013 (expanded 2014) but closed it without… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2017 Kia Soul First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH?

The 27 kWh SK Innovation pouch cells used in the first-generation Soul EV degrade far faster than the industry norm, and — critically — the loss is not linear. Owners tracking state of health with OBD tools report long plateaus followed by cliff-like drops; one documented case lo… Repairs typically run $0-$9,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2019 Kia Soul Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV)?

Kia recalled approximately 2,689 Soul EVs because an internal short circuit can develop between the anode and cathode inside cells of the E400 high-voltage battery pack, and that short can start a fire while the vehicle is being driven. Kia attributes it to abnormally excessive p… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2020 Kia Soul Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV)?

The Soul EV (2015-2020) can develop a whining or grinding noise from the electric drive motor due to bearing wear. The front motor bearing deteriorates prematurely, particularly in cold climates. The noise is most noticeable at low speeds when other road noise is minimal. Kia has… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2010-2013 Kia Soul Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Flexible Coupling Noise?

Kia TSB CHA074 covers 2010-2013 Soul vehicles in its listed production range and attributes a knock or click while turning at a stop to premature wear of the MDPS motor’s flexible coupling. Kia WTY013 separately extended flexible-coupling coverage to 10 years/unlimited mileage fo… Severity: medium.