Not even the adorable – and now buff – Kia hamsters would be able to maneuver the 2014 Kia Soul if the steering system failed. But that shouldn’t be the case much longer, now that the car company has issued a recall of nearly 52,000 vehicles.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report [PDF] Kia recalled 51,641 model year 2014 Kia Soul hatchbacks because a plug issue could cause the steering system to fail, and you know, that could cause a crash.

The plug that secures the pinion gear to the steering gear assembly may loosen because of improper application of thread-locking adhesive. If that occurs, the gear can separate from the steering assembly causing a loss of steering.

Officials with Kia tell NHTSA that it will begin notifying consumers this month and dealers will replace the pinion plug.

There have been no reported crashes involving the steering failure issue.

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