Kia Recalls 256000 Soul and Soul EV Cars

A resulting loss of steering would greatly increase chances of an accident.

The recall affects 2014-2016 Kia Soul and Soul EV vehicles built between January 18, 2014 and September 30, 2015.

Kia announced that it is recalling more than 256,000 subcompact crossovers in the United States, with manufacturing dates between 2014 and 2016.

The recall involves about 260,000 Souls. The adhesive appears to have insufficient strength for the application, allowing the pinion gear to separate from the assembly.

Problems with steering gears in a few Kia Soul models could cause steering to fail, increasing the potential for crashes and injuries, the automaker said.

By the middle of October, Kia had determined a thread locking adhesive wasn’t strong enough when applied during manufacturing.

The Kia Soul recall should begin December 22, 2015, when dealers will replace the pinion plug that secures the pinion gear and install a set bolt for additional reinforcement. Kia’s best-selling vehicle in the United States is the Optima sedan, the four-door model, followed by the Kia Soul in terms of popularity. For more info, owners can call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4532 referencing recall number SC125.