Kia Soul Complaints
5,626 consumer complaints on file.
- #11479537August 16, 2022ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure. Recall consequence Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall action Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479542August 16, 2022ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced under an unknown Campaign for the ECU; however, the failure occurred after the repair was performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 158,513.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479612August 16, 2022ENGINE
dealer stated that exhaust system caused engine to overheat and the catalytic converter to go causing the piston to seize completely. there is a recall out for this exact issue but it did not include my vin number. the vehicle stalled multiple times causing myself and my daughter to be stuck in ongoing traffic. the check engine light came on and it was brought to the dealer as soon as they had an opening. I am confused about how a vehicle can have the exact issue from a recall but because it wasn't the specified number that an unsafe vehicle can just be left on the road. it is no longer drivable due to this issue and being unsafe. the issues first appeared in 2021 when I first had the catalytic converter replaced, now barely over a year later it has failed again now also with engine damage to the cylinder and piston.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479689August 16, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It doesn’t no shift correctly Catalytic converter problems RMP so hight and delay to shift. I can’t go in the freeway the car no respond and don’t go up to 60 I was driving in the free I almost crash 💥 and other people behind me To get off the freeway and now warranty not cover. The pass Ower never took the car to the recall and I have to deal w all this
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479327August 15, 2022STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint on my 2017 Kia Soul is peeling (delaminating) on the hood of the vehicle. The paint color is Pearl White, mileage is 81k, photos taken August 13, 2022.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11479029August 12, 2022ENGINE
It's says the engine exhaust recall is not open on this vin but I recently had to replace my catalytic converter and the problem is still happening because of excessive heat to the converter.i would like to make sure this was fixed properly it's the same GDI engine that was in the recall. The car still runs but it's ruining stuff internally and want to make sure it doesn't cause fire and hurt my family.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478720August 11, 2022STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Ignition DESIGN MAKE (Kia Soul) MY2016 KIA SOUL EASY TO STEAL ON 8/2/2022 When I woke to go to my work my back passengers window was broken .police was call during the investigation the officer showed my steering wheel dis connected not able to drive . Due to Kia not warning consumers that their cars are easy to steal has cost me deductible and rental fees to get to work . My car has not began to be service due to the back log of repairs for this incident that is not the consumer fault even if the car repaired is not safe because its target along with posting on social media how to steal kia cars in 30seconds and Kia Boys tik-tok challenge .
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478888August 11, 2022ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Power failure going high speed decreasing from 45mph. Had disengaged cruise control and attempted to change lanes and prepare to turn at intersection after exiting off highway. Also happened a week prior in town in neighborhood. No cruise control was involved and going low speed under 35mph. Had to shut power off completely to re-start EV. Previously had dealer run diagnostics following first incident. Recall gradual power loss incidents past four months but was uncertain what was cause.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478387August 9, 2022ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 32i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (ENGNIE) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478390August 9, 2022ENGINE
CONSTITUENT CONTACTED SENATOR BLACKBURNS OFFICE CONCERNING THEIR AUTO COMPLAINT WITH KIA REGARDING RECALLED ENGINE REPAIR NEEDED ON THEIR 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT HAVING THE OPEN RECALLS COMPLETED. THE DEALERSHIP DECLINED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND SUGGESTED THE OWNER PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478424August 9, 2022EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:BULBS
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated she noticed that the driver’s side brake light bulb was inoperable. The bulb was replaced; however, the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, no failure was found. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478194August 8, 2022AIR BAGS
On July 14, 2022 at approximately 7:41 pm in Jacksonville, FL. The car hydroplaned and flip 3 times which ended up with the vehicle have significant damage to the front end and roof of the car. The driver side airbag did not deploy during this accident. Which makes me real concern, thank goodness my son-in law was able to walk away from the crash. However he is now experiencing problems from the impact and faulty air bags not deploying. I noticed that a recall was for 2014 but did not include the 2012 model. This is something of concern and needs to be investigated. The car has since been donated to DAV, if this information is needed please let me know as well as pictures of the vehicle.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478212August 8, 2022ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 85 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. The contact stated that the connecting rod went through the engine block. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 102,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478278August 8, 2022ENGINE
Traveling at low rate of speed, engine began knocking and car stalled. Had car towed to Kia dealership to be told engine seized. No engine lights ever came on. Dealer stated no warranty coverage by KIA because a product IMPROVEMENT update was not completed that would have warned about the upcoming engine failure. We NEVER received a Product IMPROVEMENT notice, we have checked the VIN on numerous web sites and not one sight shows a product recall. Kia dealership wants 8600. To install a salvage engine, Odometer is at about 74,000
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11478081August 7, 2022ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving to work vehicle oil light started flashing and vehicle started making metal on metal noises and vehicle would not accelerate. I pulled over, turned off the engine. The vehicle would not start again. Took vehicle to a mechanic and he told me that I needed a new engine. I went to the dealer when I found out about the recall. I was told they couldn't do anything for me because I never had the car serviced there.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11477722August 5, 2022ENGINE
2015 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO AN ISSUE WITH THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. THE CONSUMER TRADED THE VEHICLE IN BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE, PRIOR TO DISCOVERING THE RECALL NOTICE.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11477749August 5, 2022ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on several occasions and the knock sensor, O2 sensor, engine pistons, and other engine parts were replaced; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11477808August 5, 2022ENGINE
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was a knocking and scrapping sound coming from the engine. The driver pulled over safely and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with complete engine failure due to a knock sensor detection system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to Kia Technical Service Bulletin: PI2002B. The approximate failure mileage was 65,548.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11477585August 4, 2022ENGINE
I found a recall issued for my car in 2019, the dealership I bought it from told me it was repaired somewhere in New York in 2019, but it is having the same issues. I paid 2400 out of pocket to have the catalytic converters replaced, along with replacing the pcv and purge valves, as they were clogged due to the overheating. My oil consumption is crazy, about 5qt a week. If the 9V120000 recall WAS actually done, it wasn't successful or done properly because I am having the same issues and my engine could fail at any time. Due to stalling and acceleration issues, I think my pistons are beginning to go. I've already put thousands into this car I've only had for a year, and that is unacceptable. I need to know what can be done. I got in an accident with a pickup truck due to my engine stalling unexpectedly.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11477375August 3, 2022EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Driver's side headlight flickering on and off at times. Inspected wiring and it looks like the harness socket is burning out. It looks like this is a common problem with this car and can prove to be a safety issue if your lights go out while driving
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0