Kia recalls over 50k new Soul compacts over steering issue

Fri, 18 Jul 2014

Kia is recalling certain 2014 models of its adorable Soul due to a bad adhesive used in the steering system. According to the bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the "thread-locking adhesive" that attaches the plug between the pinion gear and steering gear assembly could come loose.

Should that happen, the condition could lead to a "loss of steering," which, of course increases the likelihood of a crash. The 51,641 affected cars were built between July 21, 2013 and January 17, 2014. There have been no reported accidents, let alone injuries or deaths due to this issue.

Kia is in the process of notifying owners of the affected vehicles as well as dealers in possession of the faulty Souls.

Scroll down for the official bulletin from NHTSA.

Report Receipt Date: JUN 17, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V332000

Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 51,641
Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation
SUMMARY:
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, through January 17, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the plug that secures the pinion gear to the steering gear assembly may loosen due to an improper application of thread-locking adhesive during the assembly process.
CONSEQUENCE:
As a result, the pinion gear can separate from the steering gear assembly, causing a loss of steering, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pinion plug with a new pinion plug which has properly applied thread-locking adhesive, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2014. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC108.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Brandon Turkus