Kia Soul Recall R/2016/100: Loss Of Directional Control, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 20 Jun 2016
- Launched
- 5,854
- vehicles in the UK
- 151103
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Kia recalled Soul vehicles built between 11 December 2013 and 30 September 2015. An abnormal noise may occur at the steering gear box when moving the steering wheel to right or left due to pinion plug nut loosening. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and check steering shaft for up/down movement if there is no movement secure existing pinion plug with additional set screw. If movement is detected replace the pinion plug and cover. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
An abnormal noise may occur at the steering gear box when moving the steering wheel to right or left due to pinion plug nut loosening. If the concern is not resolved the pinion could lose contact with the rack leading to a loss of steering.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL Defect: An abnormal noise may occur at the steering gear box when moving the steering wheel to right or left due to pinion plug nut loosening. If the concern is not resolved the pinion could lose contact with the rack leading to a loss of steering. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check steering shaft for up/down movement if there is no movement secure existing pinion plug with additional set screw. If movement is detected replace the pinion plug and cover.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to a loss of steering.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected and check steering shaft for up/down movement if there is no movement secure existing pinion plug with additional set screw. If movement is detected replace the pinion plug and cover.
Are You Affected?
Soul built between 11 December 2013 and 30 September 2015 may be included. Kia estimates 5,854 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Kia, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Kia.
- Book with any franchised Kia dealer, quoting the campaign code 151103 or the DVSA reference R/2016/100. See how to get a Kia recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoulIn the event of a frontal collision the front impact sensors could become disconnected and the air bags may not activate as expected | Urgent | R/2022/083 | |
| SoulDamage can occur in the air bag control unit | Urgent | R/2022/082 | |
| SoulSteering rack may fail | Urgent | R/2014/093 | |
| Soul, SportageDrivers seat belt may not operate correctly following a collision | Urgent | R/2014/036 | |
| Carens, Megentis, Optima, Sedona and 3 moreBrake lights may malfunction | Book soon | R/2013/055 |
This is one of 87 Kia recalls in DVSA’s data. The Kia recall launched before it was R/2014/093 on 22 Aug 2014, for steering rack may fail. The one launched after it was R/2016/197 on 1 Oct 2016, for bonnet catch may fail. You can also see every Kia recall, all recalls launched in 2016 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2016/100, launched 20 June 2016. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.