Kia Recalling 256K Soul Compact SUVs Over Possible Steering Failure

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Cars will take you wherever you want to go — that is, if you can point them in the right direction. That’s why steering is so important, and why Kia Motors is recalling more than 256,000 Soul compact SUVs in the United States, over concern that defective glue could make the steering system fall apart.

The car company is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Kia Soul and Soul EV vehicles manufactured Jan. 18, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The problem is centered on the adhesive used to secure the steering pinion gear to the steering gear assembly — it might have insufficient strength to hold everything together. As a result, the pinion gear could separate from the gear assembly, causing the whole steering system to fail. That could lead to a crash, as one might imagine it’s very difficult to make your car go where you want it to without steering.

There haven’t been any accidents or injuries due to the steering issue reported thus far; Kia says it became aware of the problem from dealer warranty reports.

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the pinion plug that secures the pinion gear. Dealers will also install a set bolt for additional reinforcement, with all repairs free of charge. The recall is expected to start Dec. 22, 2015.

Owners with questions can call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC125.

by Mary Beth Quirk via Consumerist