2015 KIA Soul 1.6L Diesel · M15 TAR

The motor-driven power steering (MDPS) column contains a small star-shaped polyurethane flexible coupler that cushions the motor drive gear. Over time, heat and mechanical fatigue cause the plastic teeth to degrade, disintegrate, and create noticeable free play. Drivers experience an annoying clicking or knocking through the steering wheel when changing direction or crossing uneven surfaces. While replacement parts are inexpensive, replacing the coupler requires dropping the steering column and partially dismantling the motor housing.

The 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine is engineered for motorway cruising and thermal efficiency, but many Souls were purchased as short-distance urban runarounds. In repeated stop-start driving, exhaust temperatures never reach the threshold required for passive DPF regeneration. Unburnt soot accumulates within the particulate filter and recirculating exhaust gas deposits carbon sludge across the EGR valve pintle. Sticking EGR valves cause hesitation under acceleration, black smoke, and eventual DPF blockage that triggers limp-home mode.

A second-generation Kia Soul built between January 2014 and September 2015 was covered by a Kia product recall because the steering rack could fail, possibly resulting in a loss of directional control. This is a safety-critical issue: if the rack develops play or the assistance becomes inconsistent, the driver may lose precise directional control of the car. Kia addressed it through a dealer recall. For a used buyer the essential check is that the recall has been completed for this specific vehicle, because an unresolved rack fault is both unsafe and expensive to put right out of warranty.