Kia Motors UK is voluntarily recalling all Soul and Soul EV vehicles produced between January 18, 2014, and September 30, 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 Motors has determined that an adhesive with insufficient bonding strength was used during assembly, this 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, this process will begin immediately, said the manufacturer.

Kia Motors UK will notify owners via post and email, suggesting they take their vehicle to their nearest Kia dealership where the pinion plug will be secured or replaced, ordinarily within one hour.

At present there is no evidence of this potential defect causing any injuries or accidents to any customers in the UK or globally, there have also been no reports or complaints of vehicle defects from any Kia Soul customers relating to this issue.