Recall 17V608 covers 342,381 2014-2016 Kia Soul and Soul EV vehicles for a pinion plug defect. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 342,381 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles under recall 17V608 because the pinion plug can let the pinion gear separate from the steering gear assembly. If that happens, steering is lost and crash risk increases; Kia dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering gear assembly on the 2014-2016 Kia Soul and Soul EV turns steering-wheel input into movement at the front wheels. Inside that assembly, the pinion gear meshes with the steering rack, and the pinion plug helps keep that gear seated in the right position while the wheel is turned.
On affected vehicles, the pinion plug lacks enough adhesive to stay secured. If the plug moves out of position, the pinion gear can separate from the steering gear assembly. That is why this recall focuses on confirming that earlier recall work was done with the correct remedy component, which contains sufficient adhesive.
The warning sign is a clunking noise from the steering rack while turning the steering wheel. If you hear that noise, treat it as a steering-system warning and contact a Kia dealer.
Who's affected?
Covers both Soul and Soul EV across the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years, all tied to the steering system.
| 2014 Kia Soul | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Kia Soul EV | steering system |
| 2016 Kia Soul EV | steering system |
| 2014 Kia Soul EV | steering system |
| 2016 Kia Soul | steering system |
| 2015 Kia Soul | steering system |
| Units affected | 342,381 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. A clunking noise from the steering rack while turning is the warning sign. If you hear it, pull over safely and call a Kia dealer before driving farther. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Kia Soul or Soul EV is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free steering repair that secures the pinion plug or replaces the steering gear assembly.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V608 or Kia recall SC155 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if steering feels abnormal.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about the recall or dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician inspects the steering gear pinion plug and secures it. If the plug or steering gear assembly needs replacement, the technician replaces the steering gear assembly. Parts and labor are free under recall 17V608. This recall also covers vehicles previously repaired under Kia campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736, so those vehicles need the new inspection path too. Kia offers reimbursement for owner-paid repair expenses under its General Reimbursement Plan. If you've already paid for this steering repair, bring repair invoices, receipts, and proof of payment to the service desk or contact Kia customer service.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 29, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 10, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| November 10, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 16, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 16, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V608?
Recall 17V608 covers 342,381 2014-2016 Kia Soul and Soul EV vehicles with a pinion plug problem that can let the pinion gear separate from the steering gear assembly. If the gear separates, steering is lost, increasing crash risk. Kia dealers will inspect and repair the steering gear for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Kia Soul or Soul EV is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V608. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the steering inspection and repair. Reference recall 17V608 and Kia recall SC155 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Kia to repair this steering defect at no cost. A franchised Kia dealer will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, based on the vehicle's condition, free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my Kia Soul before the recall repair?
Steering loss is the safety risk in recall 17V608. The recall is not marked do-not-drive, but if your steering feels loose, binds, or changes suddenly, stop driving and ask a Kia dealer about towing before moving the vehicle.
What if my Kia Soul was already repaired under an older recall?
Your VIN still needs to be checked under recall 17V608. Kia says this campaign supersedes recalls 14V-332 and 15V-736, and vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again. Ask the dealer to confirm the current campaign status before assuming the earlier repair closed it.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V608000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V608 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V608000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →