Photo: Kia
As this year continues to rack up a record number of vehicle defects, few automakers have been immune to the dreaded recall bug. Although Kia has managed to stay off the recall radar, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced that almost 52,000 of the hot-selling 2014 Kia Soul hatchbacks built between July 21, 2013 and January 17, 2014 are being recalled due to a potentially hazardous steering failure.
The problem comes down to thread-locking adhesive that was not properly applied to the plug that attaches the pinion gear to the steering gear. In a worst-case scenario, the lack of adhesive could allow the pinion gear loosen and eventually separate, which would lead to a complete lack of steering. Needless to say, if this happened while a motorist was driving, it could lead to a pretty severe crash. Fortunately, there have been no accidents or injuries associated with this recall as Kia managed to catch the problem through warranty claims.
After three similar dealer claims filed between April and June, Kia investigated the issue and was able to track the issue back to a part supplier. The recall affects all 2014 Kia Soul models built through January 17 regardless of powertrain options since all models are equipped with the same electric power steering system.
Dealers will fix the problem by replacing the plug that attaches the pinion gear to the steering gear. Owners will be notified by mail starting this month, but if you have questions, you can contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline either by calling 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visiting the www.safercar.gov website.
The second-generation Soul went on sale late last year and it has been a big seller for Kia ever since. Currently, it is the brand’s second-best seller in the U.S. nipping at the heels of the mid-size Optima sedan.
After three similar dealer claims filed between April and June, Kia investigated the issue and was able to track the issue back to a part supplier. The recall affects all 2014 Kia Soul models built through January 17 regardless of powertrain options since all models are equipped with the same electric power steering system.
Dealers will fix the problem by replacing the plug that attaches the pinion gear to the steering gear. Owners will be notified by mail starting this month, but if you have questions, you can contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline either by calling 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visiting the www.safercar.gov website.
The second-generation Soul went on sale late last year and it has been a big seller for Kia ever since. Currently, it is the brand’s second-best seller in the U.S. nipping at the heels of the mid-size Optima sedan.
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