Korean automaker Kia is recalling 51,641 Soul vehicles to fix an issue with the steering system that could lead to steering failure. The Soul is a hatchback that can also be labeled as a small SUV.

The recall includes 2014 models built between July 21, 2013, and Jan. 17, 2014.

The defect is a potentially deadly one. According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), a plug that secures a pinion gear to the steering assembly could work its way loose due to improper application of thread-locking adhesive during the assembly process, and eventually cause the gear to separate. The driver could lose steering control and an accident could ensue.

Kia says it has had three warranty claims but no reports of accidents or injuries. It stated in its notification letter (PDF) to NHTSA that the company was made aware of the problem through one of its dealers.

The recall, which will begin this month, will consist of dealers replacing the plug and applying a thread-locking adhesive to the plug.

Just one month ago, Kia recalled 3,100 2014 Cadenza sedans over optional 19-inch wheels that could crack, mostly in cold weather locales.

Other Kia recalls in recent history include a corrosion problem with 80,000 Kia Sedona minivans manufactured for the 2006-2012 model years. The problem manifested itself in cold weather states, and in affected vehicles the front lower control arms could break as a result of corrosion related to road salt exposure. The recall was issued in November 2013, and applied to vehicles sold or registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Kia dealers were authorized to either rustproof or replace the lower control arms.

The lower control arms named in the Kia Sedona recall were also deployed in the 2007-2007 Hyundai Entourage, which was the subject of a separate recall.

In August 2013 Kia recalled 9,345 2014 Kia Sorento SUV models due to the risk of a fractured front axle resulting in rollaway risk. Concurrently, Hyundai issued a recall of 20,300 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport SUVs for the same problem. In both cases the recall covered only vehicles with front-wheel-drive and 2.4-liter engines.

The NHTSA said "Due to a manufacturing issue, the right front axle shaft may fracture. A fractured front axle may result in a loss of power to the wheels. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied, it may roll away.

No accidents or injuries were attributed to the problem in both vehicles.