Kia Motors America Inc. is recalling 342,381 Souls for the second time in the U.S. because an initial repair may not have fixed a steering flaw.

The recall affects certain Soul and Soul EVs from the 2014-16 model years that were produced between July 21, 2013, and Sept. 30, 2015.

The pinion plug may not be secured correctly, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report. This may cause the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly, causing the steering function to be lost.

"The driver will hear a clunking noise from the steering rack while turning the steering wheel," the report says.

Kia is not aware of any injuries associated with the issue, according to a company statement. Kia estimated in the government documents that 1 percent of the vehicles in the recall could have the defect.

Kia said previous repairs, disclosed in November 2015, may not have been performed correctly. The pinion plug was supplied by Erae Automotive in South Korea.

Dealerships will secure the plug or replace the steering gear assembly if needed. The company will begin notifying customers by mail Nov. 16. Kia said it will reimburse customers who already paid for a repair.