Kia is voluntarily recalling all Soul and Soul EV vehicles produced between 18 January 2014 and 30 September 2015, as a precautionary measure.
This is due to a potential fault which, in extreme circumstances, could cause the steering to fail. Through ongoing monitoring of field data, Kia says it has found that an adhesive with insufficient bonding strength was used during assembly, which may cause a pinion plug that secures the pinion gear to the steering gear assembly to loosen. If the plug loosens sufficiently, the pinion gear may separate from the steering gear assembly, which could cause a loss of steering.
The number of UK Soul and Soul EV vehicles affected stands at 5,707. All these vehicles will be repaired at no expense to the owner, with the process to begin immediately. Kia says it will notify owners via post and email, with the advice to take their vehicle to their nearest Kia dealership where the pinion plug will be secured or replaced, usually within one hour.
Kia is keen to stress there is no evidence of this potential defect causing any injuries or accidents to any customers in the UK or globally, and there have also been no reports or complaints of vehicle defects from any Kia Soul customers relating to this issue.
For further information Kia Soul customers can call 0333 202 2990.