What are the common Kia Soul power steering problems and the possible fixes? Kia Complaints show it is a common phenomenon in Kia’s every model, especially the 2013-2016 models.
The most probable reason for the power steering problem is using weak adhesive to secure the steering pinion gear. This way, the steer gear assembly can get separated, leading the Soul to face trouble in steering power loss.
However, this is not the only reason for this issue. If you are an owner of a Kia Soul, you should know all the power steering problems, their symptoms, and possible solutions. This way, you can handle it with a cool mind whenever you are in this situation.
A Table Of Kia Soul Power Steering Problems With Specific Reasons
The most common yet dangerous problem of Kia Soul power steering is a stagnant or sluggish response while turning the wheel. In addition, you may feel too stiffer steering wheel when this problem occurs. However, below is a table mentioning all the possible problems with reasons.
| Problems With Power Steering | Reasons For Happening |
| Whining noise when turning the wheel | It happens to be a clogged or jammed power steering fluid reservoir or a defective power steering rack. |
| Sluggish or slow responding | Clogged air filters and worn-out clutch are the main reasons. |
| Too stiff steering wheel | The system’s power steering wheel is running too low. |
| Squealing noise | Warning out brake pads or belts |
| Leaking fluid beneath your car | Poor engine gasket or the oil pan is leaking or has a hole |
| Rapid steering clicks and loose steering | Failed constant velocity is or bad CV joint |
| Clunking noise | Steering gets loose for driving over bumpy and raised reflective roads or pavement. |
| Steering coupling failure or premature wear | Insufficient lubrication or excessive speeds or heavy loads |
| Electric Motor failure | Overheating, inaccurate belt tension, loose connections, imbalance voltage, etc. |
| The warning light illuminates or blinks while driving | Drop or fall of an excessive amount of fluid |
| Loose steering pinion gear | Poor adhesive or glue is used for securing and assembling steering pinion gear. |
Nobody wants to ride either with very stiffer or poor steering control. When you lose steering control during driving, you can’t achieve proper wheel rotation. However, as the problems are worth considering, you should know the exact reasons for specific problems and solutions, right? Here they are listed.
Problem 1: Electric Motor Fails Completely
The first and most typical problem that indicates the power steering issue is failed electric motor. When the electric motor stops working, several internal components are unable to perform. How do you understand that EM is bad?
Most importantly and alarmingly, you’ll feel worsening performance and loss of the entire power of the system. In addition, overheating and vibrations are common signs if the EM is lousy or worn out completely.
What causes this failure? Inappropriate mounting and lack of lubrication are the main culprits for experiencing the worse performance. So when you detect the issue, hurry up for troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting: The best solution is to replace the entire electric motor and install a new one. Or, check the motor capacitor. If the capacitor is going lousy or burning out, change the capacitor instead of changing the entire mortar.
Problem 2: Leaking Fluid Underneath Your Car
Your car dripping fluid or leaking fluid from the bottom is another sign of bad power steering. This problem can cause severe problems in the entire system, including engine damage. After driving the car, however, you can smell the fluid to understand whether the car is leaking fluid or not.
Alternatively, the engine appears to get overheated or run too hot while in use. The reason behind this is the broken engine gasket or the oil pan has a hole inside. This is very dangerous, and you need to fix it as soon as you identify the problems.
Troubleshooting: First, diagnose whether the car is dripping fluid or not. If yes, then change the engine gasket or close the oil pan’s hole. Using a thread tap can be a great solution to remove the hole.
Problem 3: Steering Coupling Failure Or Premature Wear
The steering coupler or steering damper plays a crucial role in dampening vibration and absorbing noise. If the coupling does not properly absorb the vibrations, you can experience lots of fatigue and steering issues.
The common signs of failed steering coupler are excessive vibrations, free-playing steering wheel, binding or locking up the steering wheel, etc. So, you may understand how risky the bad steering coupler is.
Troubleshooting: When the steering coupler fails or is broken, change it and replace it with a new one. It may cost you around $210, including the parts and labor costs.
Problem 4: Rapid Steering Clicks And Loose Steering
A noisier environment creates bad power steering and CV joint defection. When the power steering loses its individuality, you’ll hear a rapid steering clicking noise and lose the entire steering.
However, you may hear grinding and rumbling noises as well, feel difficulty controlling the car, the steering wheel may shake, and some knocking sounds while driving over high bumps may occur.
Troubleshooting: When this problem arises, change the rubber inside the shaft and put in some new rubber. Or, removing the entire steering will suffice, but it is a time-consuming and costly process.
Problem 5: Squeaking Noise
When turning the steering wheel, you may hear squeaking noises coming constantly. This indicates there is a problem with power steering. It also indicates the bearings are damaged.
If the serpentine belt is worn out, this problem will arise. However, this is not a good sign for you and your Kia Soul. Therefore, you should fix it hurriedly.
Troubleshooting: As soon as hearing the squeaking or squealing sound, you should first inspect the serpentine belt. If it loses its shape or untightens, tighten them accurately. Or, replace the old belt and reinstall the belt.
Problem 6: Too Stiff Steering Wheel
Suppose, you’re driving and need to corner roughly. In this circumstance, if the steering wheel is too stiff, it won’t allow you to do cornering properly.
Most of the time, it occurs when the steering fluid is running low. It also causes lean tire pressure, old power steering, and so on. The tire alignment won’t be okay if the steering wheel is too stiff.
Troubleshooting: Changing the power steering fluid might be a solution. But there are also some fixes as well. Depending on the Kia Soul model year, the cost of fixing varies from $250 to $350. Fix it as soon as possible to get the most out of it.
Problem 7: Sluggish Or Slow Responding
The car often runs steadily but slowly. It is caused by bad power steering. However, there are typically three main reasons car’s sluggish or slow response while driving. Three reasons are a clogged fuel filter, a damaged clutch, and a jammed catalytic converter. Also, you may notice stagnant acceleration for power shortage.
Troubleshooting: As an initial approach, you should clean up the jammed filter and catalytic converter. Also, replace the worn-out clutch with a new one.
Problem 8: Whining Noise When Turning The Wheel
Most of the time, you may face trouble when turning the wheels at a higher speed and hearing whining noise. It causes a lousy power steering rack or bad belt, or vane pump. However, do not seat with this problem as it is risky, especially when turning the steering wheel when it is in higher motion.
Troubleshooting: Changing the steering rack is enough but unclogging the power steering fluid’s reservoir is another to eliminate this issue.
Problem 9: Clunking Noise
Clunking noise is a 2013 Kia Soul electric power steering problem that is concerning for all. Most cars produce clunking noise for poor or broken suspension systems or mechanical errors.
The causes for this issue are worn-out brake calipers, loose wheel bearings, seized ball joints, or steering component damage. In this case, you’ll feel a bumpy ride and inconsistent handling.
Troubleshooting: Changing the ball bearings or replacing the ball joints can be a better solution. You should look into the car suspension system, and if broken, replace the shock absorber and struts.
Problem 10: Loose Steering Pinion Gear
This is also a well-known problem for Kia power steering, which is loosening the steering pinion gear. It happens when poor adhesive or glue ion steering pinion gear assembly is used. If it happens, you’ll hear a knocking noise, loose straightness, wandering vehicle left-to-right, etc.
Troubleshooting: Check the pinion gear adhesive to see whether it is loose or not. If loose, add adhesive thoroughly, ensure no gap, and tighten the steering box.
Problem 11: Warning Light Illuminates Or Blinks While Driving
Kia Soul electric power steering warning light comes on or illuminates while driving. Basically, there are several warning lights, including a fuel filter warning light, engine oil pressure warning light, EPS (Electric Power Steering) warning lights, etc. the EPS warning light will come on when the ignition switch is on.
Also, sometimes the power steering does not work all of a sudden is another common issue, which is what the Kia Soul Forum is buzzing for nowadays.
Troubleshooting: If you detect the warning light, it’s ideal to contact your nearest Kia Soul dealer or shop and leave this to them. Sometimes, a software upgrade works!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are The Common Causes Of Electric Power Steering Failure?
There are several causes of Kia Soul power steering failure: jammed power steering fluid reservoir, jammed air filter, low power steering fluid running, damaged belts or brake pads, etc. However, these are the major causes of power steering faults. So as soon as you detect the problems and reasons, fix them hurriedly.
Does A Kia Soul Have Electric Power Steering?
Almost all the version or model of the Kia Soul has the same electric power steering system. The power steering, however, is controlled by the sensor and controller area networks, which provide the information for motor operation. It helps the steering module control the module on time more precisely.
What Does It Mean about Power Steering Light On the Dashboard?
When there is electric power steering light o the dash, or the warning light is on, understand there is an issue in the power steering system. If the Kia Soul has a hydraulic power steering system, low fluid level is the main cause as the system is leaked. So when the warning light appears, turn off the engine, and restart it.
Final Touch
The Kia Soul power steering problems are mostly known to all. Kia Soul has electric power steering, which can be damaged now and then. And recognizing the problems, why the problems arise, and their symptoms are always crucial.
In addition, after detecting the problems exactly, they need to be fixed as soon as possible. Every detail regarding the problems is already described in the article. I hope after knowing all the power steering problems, you can now fix them effortlessly.
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Mike Right, is a seasoned automotive expert with an eminent career spanning over 9 years. His journey began as a mechanical engineer. But the man went with his passion to become the owner of a thriving auto repair shop in his community.
His share of experience has equipped him with unparalleled knowledge in handling cars. Especially when it comes to addressing engine-related issues. Now in his break, Mike graciously shares his wealth of experience-based knowledge with the VehiclesBro community.
Aside from his terrific role in our platform, Mike’s nurturing nature extends beyond vehicles. He enjoys mentoring and sharing stories. You’ll also find him enjoying the serenity of saltwater fishing and embarking on frequent short trips whenever given a chance.
He is a helpful person with a lot of stories to share with youngsters. Apart from writing for us, he loves to spend time saltwater fishing and would go on frequent short trips for that.
