Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11500128January 4, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started overheating. Additionally, the piston rod had gone through the engine block. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11500166January 4, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
On 12/27/22, was driving on highway in the evening, engine light illuminated and vehicle slowed down and unable to drive beyond 40mph. Was able to make it home safely, notified dealership on 12/28/22 and used AAA service for vehicle tow. Recv'd call from dealership on 1/3/22 that vehicle was inspected and was ready for pickup. Issue was code P1326 related to KSDS (knock sensor detection system) & connector rod bearings, so they did an ECU update & bearing clearance test. (While waiting for info I did online research & learned of the issue with KIA's GDI engine failures/fires). I asked dealer rep if the issue with my vehicle was related to this and was told yes, that this was the first step in Kia's protocol for the issue. I raised concern over driving the vehicle knowing that there is a possibility of engine failure or fire. He acknowledge the concern, but reiterated that this was all they would do for now. I asked for a copy of the repair/service protocol and was told he would try to get me one. Am scheduled to pick up vehicle in a few hours and am sure there will be more issues & concerns to follow.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499923January 3, 2023
ENGINE
In august on 2022 I noticed my oil light started to flicker while breaking. I took my car to Jiffy Lube as I always have and they said it was very little oil. So I got an oil change even though it was not time to get one. Sept of 2022 Samething happened again. I took my car in again and they stayed again that it had very little oil. The did a top off for free because it was under 3k miles. This has happened every month since August. On December 2, 2022 I got an oil change and by December 19 I had to get a top off ( 2 quarts) because the light came on again. On 12/31/2022 the light came on again so I had to buy 2 quarts of oil and put in car. I check dealer recall with my vin number and there are no recalls list for my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499928January 3, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 5 MPH. Additionally, there was smoke coming from underneath both sides of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then trailered to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. The contact stated that the failure mileage was 103,426. The vehicle has also been repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499622December 31, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY KIA SOUL melted down 3 replaced ignitioon coils they melted and were smoking. dealer wont cover sice its electrical --i purchased a 10 year 100k mile extra warranty through fidelity in deerfield beach fl they sad battery caused it and wont even come to look at it , car just turned 57 k miles -- what can i do ?? dealer wants 4 k $ to repair
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499487December 30, 2022
ENGINE
Recall 19V120 received 4-12-19 was addressed by Burlington Kia in May 2019. The COP ECU logic was upgraded. The car was not running well in 2022 - hesitating, misfiring, but it did not throw a code so no one could diagnose the issue. Spark plugs were changed but that did not solve the issue. The check engine light came on in Oct 2022 and the diagnosis was that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. I called the Kia Consumer Assistance number, filed a claim with them, and waited for close to two months for a response. The basis of the claim is that they did not resolve the issue with the COP logic upgrade and the catalytic converter should be replaced, at no cost to us, per the recall notice. The claim was denied by Kia. We ended up replacing the catalytic converter at Burlington Kia, at a cost of $2201.88. We picked up the car, drove it for two days, and it began running rough again, hesitating and stalling. The check engine light came on again. We took it back to Burlington Kia who now diagnosed it as needing new spark plugs which will be another $300 expense. We are waiting for it to be repaired. Our concerns now is that when we pick it up again, it's not just going to be a spark plug issue and the catalytic converter fail, which was never corrected in the recall, will cause engine failure, or worse, an engine fire as there is a similar recall on other Kia models underway now. We are looking for reimbursement from Kia for the catalytic converter fail, per the recall notice and a guarantee that them not replacing the converter with the 2019 recall will not result in engine damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499570December 30, 2022
ENGINE
The oil light flickers at idle.... weak oil pressure. Blowby issues. Oil consumption an usage excessive...only has 130.000 miles. taken consistent care of it on oil changes. Motor louder than normal. Ticking sounds an loud tacking. I think the engine going south. The date shows it to be 12/16 model.but the serial numbers show it to be 17/17 what's up with that.... I believe the engine was left over 16 year. The one with problems. I need this thing fixed, it's my daughter's work car!!! She's been having to drive my truck to get to work....
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499374December 29, 2022
ENGINE
The contact’s daughter owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to approximately 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499184December 28, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH and pulling into a gas station, she heard abnormal clicking sounds coming from the engine and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle shut off after 10 seconds. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that they would not repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) as she had failed to complete an unknown software update on the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced in 2020 by a Toyota dealer due to rod bearing failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11499270December 28, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The driver stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that his daughter was able to steer the vehicle off the roadway and then stopped the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter, and the short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11498825December 26, 2022
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving along the interstate, going 70 MPH, I noticed the RPM gauge started to fluctuate. Shortly after, I started having issues maintaining the speed. I pressed the gas pedal, but the vehicle wouldn’t speed up - instead started loosing speed. I started to hear grinding noises as I pressed the gas pedal. Eventually, I kept loosing speed and there was nothing I could do to make the vehicle move. I had to pull off and coast into a parking lot to be towed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11498628December 23, 2022
ENGINE
2013 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH AND HAS BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AND WON'T HOLD OIL FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11498487December 22, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Kia Soul Base 2016 owner took to repair under warranty on 12/02/22 for the second time the catalytic converter and oil change because the check engine light was on and a Kia technician update the codes. Today 12/22/22 the check engine light is on, driving in the highway it starts shaking and does not take acceleration it stalled without passing from 15mph putting my safety and the others at risk to cause an accident The power windows doesn't go up and when turn the steering wheel left or right the car is about to die and the breaks lights turn on and off working sometimes but flickering. The oil smells like gasoline and burns fast.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11498414December 21, 2022
ENGINE
In 2019 my check engine light came on and there was an issue with the Catalytic converter i had 65,000 miles on the car, my car burns oil and has a rough idle, now 48,000 miles later check engine light is on again and it needs a new Catalytic converter, i feel like this is a a safety concern that is related to the engine issue that they are catching fire. the deal says this isnt a warranty issue since it was already covered under warranty in 2019
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11498470December 21, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Last night was the first time I drove it in the dark while it was raining. The headlights absolutely SUCK!!! I’ve had daytime running lights that were brighter! I’ve had 6 volt headlights that were brighter! I probably have flashlights that are brighter! It’s seriously dangerous, in my humble opinion. There were times where the painted road stripes were worn down, no street lights, and I was literally driving blind. I was worried about driving off the road, or into oncoming traffic, as I could not see the road ahead of me. I will not drive this vehicle at night again. It's not safe. No one from the dealership or manufacturer has inspected my car. I assume all of the 2023 Soul trim levels are the same. The headlight system is a new design for the 2023 model year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11498233December 20, 2022
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle’s engine spontaneously caught fire on the interstate. Entire car and all belongings inside were a total loss.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497849December 17, 2022
STEERING
This is a widely known issue with this vehicle. The rubber steering coupler wears out way too prematurely causing the steering wheel to have excessive play in it. This is dangerous. Please require KIA to issue a recall for this issue. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497870December 17, 2022
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The vehicle stalls and turns off while stopped. The vehicle turns off quickly with all dash light sensors turned on with a front collision warning. The vehicle can only be restarted when is boosted. The battery was checked and is in good working condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497894December 17, 2022
ENGINE
It started as a little tapping for about 5 days in the engine compartment when it was running then turned to giant clunking when the gas was pressed as well
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497791December 16, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle made abnormal ticking sounds. The vehicle then appeared to be hydroplaning though the road was dry. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving and exited the highway. The contact veered to the side of the road and noticed a trail of oil on the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod had dislodged and had become embedded in the engine block, causing an engine oil leak. Additionally, it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was in the process of being diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that she needed to provide 7-years of service record on the vehicle before considering whether to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). However, the VIN was included, and the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,200. The consumer stated after several attempts to get the problem rectified they made the decision to scrap the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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