KNOWN FAULTS · Kia

Kia Soul (I) 1.6 common problems.

2009–2013 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Applies if: US bulletin for Souls built from January 2009 to October 2013; in Europe ask the dealer.

Soul I: dry knock (“clack”) in the steering wheel when moving it at a standstill, from the electric steering's flexible couplingSteering

Engine / equipment: Kia Soul (I, AM), electric power steering (MDPS)
Period mentioned: Built from 8 January 2009 to 2 October 2013 (US bulletin)
Symptoms: With the car stationary, moving the wheel left and right gives a dry knock from the steering that is felt in the wheel. On the move it is barely noticeable.
Possible cause described: Kia explains in a US technical bulletin (CHA074, revised in 2019) that the flexible coupling of the electric power steering motor wears prematurely. Only that coupling is replaced, with an improved one.
Check for the garage: Ask a Kia dealer or a trusted garage to check whether the knock comes from the steering motor and, if so, to replace the flexible coupling with the improved one. If you also notice play, or the steering gets heavy or catches, stop driving and call for assistance.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Same Gamma 1.4/1.6 engine as the i30 I and Cee'd I.

Timing chain on the 1.4 and 1.6 Gamma petrol enginesValve timing

Engine / equipment: 1.4 and 1.6 CVVT (Gamma): Hyundai i30, i20 and ix20; Kia Cee'd, Venga, Soul and Rio
Period mentioned: Approx. 2006–2013
Symptoms: Chain rattle on cold start or under load, engine warning light and, in the worst case, the chain jumping with serious engine damage.
Possible cause described: The ADAC lists the timing chain as a typical defect of the i30 I and Cee'd I (especially 2009–2010 model years); on the Rio III the 1.4 CVVT could stretch its chain early. The wrong oil or late changes make it worse.
Check for the garage: Listen on a cold start; read the camshaft–crankshaft correlation codes; replace chain, tensioner and guides if it rattles; keep to the oil-change intervals.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.