Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11505797February 6, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle began shuddering violently, with the check engine light alternating between blinking and staying lit. The oil light randomly lighting up for literally a fraction of a second despite oil levels in acceptable range. Excessive yet random consumption of oil. Severe loss of horsepower, especially upon acceleration from a dead stop. No/low compression on two cylinders. Catalytic converter needs replacing for 2nd time in 365 days. Safety Recalls not showing in system (VIN lookup), yet recently presented by dealership. Safety Recalls P12002B ECU Update KSDS 2.0L GDI, SA206 PS/EV Rear Center Seatbelt Cover, SC125 Pinion Plug Inspection Repair, & SC155 STR Gear Pinion Plug Group B. Some recalls not informed of in a timely manner. Kia Dealership & local muffler shop are the only ones to look at car. Kia Dealership stated didn't know what was wrong with Kia vehicle after a week of diagnostic testing, said to drive it elsewhere to have plugs, wires, packs & catalytic converter replaced, then return for further troubleshooting. Dealership continuing to "find" different reasons why vehicle isn't covered under extended warranty to replace engine. All issues confirmed by dealership & muffler shop, all warning lights remain on, driving vehicle as-is is a danger to self & other drivers due to engine stalling/random loss of power whilst turning, accelerating, etc. Safety Recalls not being presented in a timely manner could result in accidents and/or deaths.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505813February 6, 2023
ENGINE
Car is only a 2016 that has had issues since I bought it at 90k miles. It constantly required oil changes every other week. Paid in full the replacement of the catalytic convertor only for the engine to fail and the convertor be gummed up in less than 4 months
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505832February 6, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2015 Kia soul engine light won't stay off so I'm trying to see if it's under warranty or recall so I can get it fixed or trade it in. Please somebody contact as soon as possible. [XXX] [XXX] is my name INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505715February 5, 2023
POWER TRAIN
It been buckling at low speeds, acceleration is not consistance with how much gas I press. If I have the car at stop sign or red light. It completely stalls out with the battery and oil light comes on. This happen 5 times in a 40 minute drives it would have happen more if I didn't notice it was happening cause of the issue was going on at lower speeds. I notice the heat was higher, also was fumes coming into the car while on highway. There was a moment where the car started to stall on highway, but quickly regain. Very stressful and dangerous situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505538February 4, 2023
AIR BAGS
My wife was involved in a traffic accident yesterday where she was not at fault, was hit, had on her safety belt, and her head hit the steering wheel of this car and she lost consciousness and has lacerations requiring stitches on her face. The airbag should have deployed in this case and did not. I called 3 kia dealerships locally for several months since September 2022, requesting this warranty work be done, and they all refused to do the work by not scheduling me for a service appointment after repeated requests via telephone to each service department. They should have me in their computer system as having requested this work be done. Dealerships were DARCAR Kia Temple hills, Address: 4700 Branch Ave, Temple Hills, MD 20748, Koons Kia of Woodbridge, Address: 14208 Richmond Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191, and Ourisman Kia of Alexandria, Address: 8670 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22309. I filed this complaint several weeks or months ago and nothing has been done.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11505308February 3, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty, and that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 112,878.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505332February 3, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) in 2019. The contact stated that after the recall repair was serviced, while driving up mountainous roadways, the low-pressure oil light would become illuminated. The contact stated he checked the oil level and found no oil on the dipstick. The contact stated that oil was added and after several weeks the failure recurred. The contact stated that he replaced the engine drain plug however, the failure continued. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, it was 4 weeks before the vehicle was diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the catalytic converter needed to be cleaned or replaced. The parts were replaced. The engine started to knock and was towed to the dealer. The report from the dealer was unknown; however, the contact stated that he was informed that the engine would be replaced under an extended warranty. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505099February 2, 2023
ENGINE, STEERING
Safety recalls. Kia dealer in Quincy, Illinois refuses to fix recalls because of a flood title.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505176February 2, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact then noticed a white cloud of smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence where an independent mechanic was notified. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic determined that there was a hole in the engine block. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she received the Manufacturer’s Recall: FC176; however, the manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was no longer applicable due to the contact’s failure to comply with the notice, and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505248February 2, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The contact also stated that while shifting into drive, the engine revved but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions the engine overheated and was consuming excessive amounts of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that due to the previous update performed, the recall could not be applied to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to have the vehicle to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505285February 2, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
My kia has been having a issue with the check engine light on blinking after driving it over 30 miles... The car then slows down to 2rpm and I'm really concerned about this after 2other people I know are having that same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504892February 1, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES
Last summer I began to experience issues with the Right Rear Caliper. I was told that it was the pin and the caliper needed replaced. I went through no less than 3 mechanics and was told it was a NON-STOCK item and they didn't know when it would be available. This is my only vehicle so they tried whatever they could to keep it drivable. A replacement still hasn't been found as I have been continuously told that the replacement has to made of steel, not aluminum and it is still a non-stocked item and the ones that are available are of aluminum and that they will not work on my vehicle. I was just told yesterday that the Kia is NON-REPAIRABLE just because of the right rear caliper and that my car is basically junk! How is this possible? Not one person can explain to me WHY the aluminum caliper will not work. My family's safety has been at risk since last summer by not having a complete braking system, We have lost time at work due to this issue. How can a repair be made if the necessary part is unavailable due to a manufacturing issue? I have called 3 Kia dealerships and still cannot get an answer as they want me to pay $500.00 for a caliper then "see if it fits". No. I honestly cannot afford ANY repair by a dealer, as they are ridiculous. This isn't right, to make a car and then not have the parts available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504934February 1, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a check engine light on vehicle. Have started to notice drag and acceleration problems, loss of fuel mileage since check engine light appeared. Had code diagnosed and got a failed catalytic converter code. Also a previous Mass Air Flow code. There are recall notices based on this issue. My VIN is not populating that this is an issue however in a search. There are multiple complaints for this code. My fuel consumption has gone from 32 to 26 on highway and jerky acceleration, and hood is very warm to touch after turning off engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504938February 1, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
1. On 1/30/23 I was heading home from work when my engine and oil light came on. I after parking at turning my car off, the engine began to shake and make clicking noises continuously. I got an oil change that day thinking that may help the issue. On 1/31/23 I took my car to another mechanic who notified me that they have seen many Kia Souls and Optimas with this problem and many engines have been recalled. Upon my way home which was 2 miles away, my engine entirely blew up on interstate 15. 2. My safety was put at risk by my car engine blowing up on the freeway and losing power within seconds as traffic was going at 70 mph. I then ended up right in front of an on-ramp and had a small area to park at as was within 1 foot of oncoming highway traffic for 30 minutes - in freezing temperatures. Something also blew out from under my car and almost his a vehicle behind me. 3. Kia stated this has been an issue and that I need to take it to a Kia dealer for inspection. 4. My vehicle has been towed to Young Kia of Layton UT for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504887February 1, 2023
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Heading to work on hwy 140, there is no trees nothing that could fall on my car the nearest car was at least half a mile away, it's 30something degrees outside and as my driving I heard a loud boom I opened up the cover to my sunroof and it was shattered, there's nothing that could have landed on it the glass was pointing upwards like it exploded out. That stretch of road I was on has nothing around that could cause that and if it had been a rock it would have hit either the front of my car or my windshield and neither were hit or anything of that nature. The only conclusion I have is that it was the temperature difference.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504663January 31, 2023
SUSPENSION, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the braking system was erroneously activated, causing the brakes to engage without the brake pedal being depressed. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would drift to the right. The contact stated that there was also an abnormal odor of fuel present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and referred the contact to the local dealer. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 32,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504783January 31, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving at a slower speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the engine knocks sensor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that they were able to diagnose the failure as wheel spin by hearing. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the dealer informed the contact that the failure was not related to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and contacted the dealer. The manufacturer then informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall based on the dealer's diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 147,250.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504518January 30, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Check engine light came on and I had it read. It came back as P050A - Cold Start Idle Air Control System Performance. I saw online that there is an existing service action fix: SERVICE ACTION: 1.6L GDI WITH MIL ON DTC P050A ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA485). The dealership informed me that although my car is a 2016 Kia Soul it isn't part of this service action. However, seeing as how I am getting the check engine error code associated with this service action fix, I believe that my vehicle SHOULD be included.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504554January 30, 2023
POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES
Friday January 20th, 2023 while on the freeway my 2014 Kia Soul with less than 75,000 miles spontaneously caught on fire. While merging over to the side of the road the breaks and throttle were inoperable. I was very fortunate that I did not suffer any injuries though it was a very close call. My safety was put at risk as I was unable to maneuver the car over to the side of the road while maintaining the flow of traffic due to the accelerator failure. Once near the shoulder of the road I was unable to stop the car due to the breaks failure which increased the amount of time I was exposed to the burning car and smoke. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected by the dealer, police, and insurance. There were no warning light before or after the fire was identified. The car was professionally maintained and was in great condition prior to this event.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504570January 30, 2023
ENGINE
Catalytic converter failed. Car cannot go above 10mph. I am the second owner. Original owner allegedly replaced catalytic converter in December 2021, 2 weeks before trading it in. I purchased in February 2022. Catalytic converter failed in January 2023.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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