The Kia Soul suffers from specific steering and suspension complaints. Play in track rod ends, damaged dust boots on the ball joint and failure of the steering wheel position sensor regularly lead to problems with the Kia Soul. These technical defects can affect handling and create safety risks. Want to know how to recognise these problems and what you can do about them?
Recognising play in the track rod end
Play in the track rod ends is a common problem with the Kia Soul. This occurs through normal wear, especially at higher mileages. You will notice this from a rattling or knocking noise when steering, particularly over uneven road surfaces. The steering wheel may also feel less precise and the car may show increased sensitivity to tramlining.
You can also check for play by pulling on the wheel while the car is on the lift. Noticeable movement indicates worn track rod ends. During a test drive you will notice it in irregular steering behaviour as well. This is especially noticeable when cornering, and also when changing lanes. If you suspect play, have a garage check the track rod ends.
The repair consists of replacing the worn parts. This must be carried out by a professional mechanic, because the steering and suspension system directly affects control and safety. Some owners report that replacement is often needed around 80,000 to 100,000 kilometres.
‘ That will work out more expensive. ’
Damaged dust boot on the ball joint
The rubber dust boot protects the ball joint from dirt and moisture. On the Kia Soul this boot sometimes tears prematurely, leaving the joint unprotected. Water and sand can then penetrate, greatly accelerating wear. This leads to a rattling noise from the suspension, especially when turning and during acceleration.
Visual inspection during servicing will pick up a torn dust boot at an early stage. Look out for splashes of grease around the wheel or suspension components, as this often indicates a torn boot. Replace the boot in good time. The ball joint itself will then usually remain intact. If you wait too long, the complete joint will need to be replaced. That will work out more expensive.
Electric power steering failure
A significant number of owners report sudden failure of the electric power steering while driving. This often happens after a few minutes on the road or, conversely, after longer distances. The steering immediately feels much heavier, which can be dangerous especially on motorways. After restarting the engine, the system will often work normally again for a while.
The cause often lies with the steering wheel position sensor (a sensor that measures the steering angle). This component fails with striking regularity, particularly on older model generations from before the 2013 facelift. Newer examples suffer from this problem less often. When a fault occurs, the EPS warning light usually appears on the dashboard.
Kia dealers usually resolve this by resetting fault codes and performing a software update for the electric power steering (EPS) system. Sometimes resetting and a software update do not help. The complete electric power steering unit is then replaced under warranty. If the problem reoccurs after the first repair, contact the dealer again for further diagnostics.
Heavier steering after start-up
Immediately after starting the engine, the steering sometimes feels heavier. This is not a defect but a normal phenomenon. On start-up the EPS system carries out an automatic self-diagnosis, which temporarily makes the power steering respond differently. Once the diagnosis is completed, the steering effort returns to normal.
In cold weather the steering wheel also feels heavier, often with unusual noises. This disappears once the car reaches its normal operating temperature. Do you keep turning the steering wheel while the car is stationary? Then the effort required will also increase. This returns to normal after a few minutes of driving.
Chassis rattles and their causes
Rattling noises from the chassis often point to worn shock absorbers or struts. On the Kia Soul this problem typically occurs after 60,000 to 80,000 kilometres. Ride comfort noticeably decreases and the car reacts more floatily over bumps. The steering feel also becomes less precise.
Clunking noises while driving can have several causes:
- Worn bushes in the suspension
- Loose anti-roll bar links or links with worn bushes
- Play in control arm bushes
- Defective shock absorbers that no longer damp properly
A professional inspection will determine the exact cause. Do not ignore rattling noises for too long, as this can lead to further wear on other components. Chassis and suspension repairs require specialist knowledge and tools.
Warning signs that require immediate action
Certain symptoms require immediate inspection by an approved Kia dealer. An EPS warning light that stays on points to a fault in the electric power steering. Drive carefully to a garage, as there is a risk of failure while driving.
Loss of steering response or abnormal steering behaviour must be investigated straight away. Sudden loss of power assistance while driving is also a serious safety issue. Persistent squeaking or grinding noises when turning the steering wheel often indicate a faulty power steering pump or other mechanical problems.
On older models with hydraulic power steering (a steering system that works with pressurised oil), a low fluid level is often the cause of problems. Top this up with the fluid recommended by the manufacturer. If the complaints persist, a leak or defective power steering pump is often to blame.
Maintenance tips for reliable steering behaviour
An annual inspection of steering and chassis prevents many problems. Have the system checked at least once a year, even if you have no complaints. Early detection of wear saves major repairs. On models with hydraulic power steering (oil-based steering system), regularly check the fluid level.
Make sure your vehicle receives all available software updates, especially for the electric power steering (EPS) system. This applies in particular to older model generations. When carrying out repairs, always use genuine Kia parts and fluids recommended by the manufacturer. Alternative parts sometimes deliver different performance.
Watch out for early warning signs such as unusual noises or changes in steering behaviour. The earlier you act, the more limited the damage and costs will be. Note when problems occur, under which conditions and how often. This information helps the mechanic with the diagnosis.
‘ Early intervention prevents dangerous situations and significantly reduces repair costs. ’
Check your car now and schedule maintenance
Do you recognise one or more of these signs on your Kia Soul? Then book an inspection with an approved Kia dealer or specialist garage. Have the track rod ends, dust boots and EPS system checked. Ask about available software updates during servicing. Discuss any warranty or goodwill arrangements if your car is still relatively young. Early intervention prevents dangerous situations and significantly reduces repair costs.
Frequently asked questions
On the Kia Soul there are regular problems with the electric power steering, such as sudden failure while driving or a noticeably heavier and less direct steering feel, sometimes accompanied by an illuminated EPS warning light. Faults in the steering wheel position sensor and wear or leakage of the power steering pump and steering rack are also reported, which manifest themselves as heavier steering and squeaking or grinding noises when turning. On the chassis and suspension side, accelerated wear of shock absorbers and struts is a typical issue, leading to more body roll, clunking or knocking noises from the wheel arches and less stable road holding. Some symptoms, such as temporarily heavier steering immediately after start-up or in very cold weather, are however normal and disappear after warming up or some time on the road.
These steering and chassis problems can lead to a heavier or more unpredictable steering feel and less precise vehicle control, especially at higher speeds or during emergency manoeuvres. Sudden failure of the electric power steering increases the risk of losing control, which directly compromises safety. Worn shock absorbers and struts cause more body movement, reduced stability in corners and longer braking distances on uneven roads. Together, these issues reduce driving comfort, confidence in the car and overall road safety.
A Kia Soul owner can regularly check tyre pressures and tread depth themselves and look out for irregular wear, as this can be an early sign of alignment or suspension problems. While driving, pay attention to abnormal steering behaviour, heavier or looser steering and new vibrations or noises when steering or driving over speed bumps. Watch for warning signs such as the EPS light staying on or squeaking/grinding noises from the front, and arrange an inspection immediately if they occur. In addition, have the steering and chassis system professionally inspected at least once a year and ensure that all recommended software updates and service intervals are followed.
Yes, especially the earlier Kia Soul models before the 2013 facelift appear more prone to steering problems, mainly due to faults in the steering wheel position sensor and malfunctions in the electric power steering (EPS). This generation used an older version of the EPS system and sensor technology, which meant electronic faults and loss of power assistance occurred relatively more often. Since the 2013 facelift, software, sensors and EPS components have been revised, which has noticeably improved steering reliability. Chassis problems such as accelerated wear of shock absorbers and struts around 60,000–80,000 km are largely independent of model year and are mainly caused by load, road conditions and material wear.
Typical steering and chassis repairs on a Kia Soul range roughly from relatively simple and inexpensive jobs, such as topping up power steering fluid, to more complex and costly repairs such as replacing a steering rack or shock absorbers/struts. Problems with the electric power steering (such as failure or a defective steering position sensor) often require diagnostic equipment and software updates at the dealer, which increases complexity and cost. Replacement of components such as the power steering pump, steering rack or suspension parts generally has to be carried out by an approved mechanic due to the technical complexity and safety aspects. As a rule of thumb: the deeper the intervention in the steering or chassis system, the higher the labour costs and total repair bill.