Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11724887March 17, 2026
ENGINE
DEALER ADMISSION OF NON-COMPLIANCE: I am updating my complaint to document that Kia of Streetsboro is officially refusing to perform the mandatory mechanical inspection required by Recall SC336. Despite the vehicle suffering from "Loss of Motive Power" (stalling in traffic) and "Abnormal Engine Noise," the dealership’s service department stated via text on March 17: "I asked my manager and he said as of right now since your vehicle passed the tablet we cannot do anything else." The dealer further stated: "I suggest calling consumer affairs since you have an open case and letting them know what's going on and seeing if they can help." TECHNICAL VIOLATION: The dealer’s refusal based on a "tablet pass" is a direct violation of TSB SC336, Step 18c, which states that if a vehicle exhibits mechanical symptoms that "contradict a PASS result," the dealer MUST open a Techline Case for further instructions. By their own admission, the dealer is choosing to follow a "manager’s" opinion rather than the Federal Recall Protocol. They are attempting to release a vehicle that is actively stalling at intersections, which they define as an "Early Warning" system success, while ignoring the actual mechanical failure (the stalling). SAFETY RISK: This is a documented Ineffective Remedy. The dealer is punting the safety diagnosis to a "Consumer Affairs" call center rather than performing the borescope and Techline escalation required by the NHTSA. I am reporting this dealer for knowingly attempting to return a stalling, unsafe vehicle to a consumer while claiming the recall is complete.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724841March 17, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Soul is exhibiting a severe safety defect documented in Recall SC336: frequent, unpredictable stalling in traffic ("Loss of Motive Power") and audible engine knocking. These symptoms create a high risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in a dangerous traffic situation. The vehicle is currently at Kia of Streetsboro. Despite being provided with evidence of these active mechanical failures, the dealership is attempting to "remedy" the safety recall based solely on a "Pass" result from the Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software diagnostic. As the TSB SC336 notes that the root cause is physical damage to cylinder walls caused by defective piston oil rings, a software diagnostic "Pass" is not a physical repair and does not address the existing mechanical stalling. I have not received any status updates or communication from the dealership service department since Friday. The dealership is refusing to perform a borescope inspection or open a Kia Techline case to investigate the stalling, effectively denying a proper safety remedy. I am reporting this as a failure of the manufacturer and dealership to provide a safe and effective remedy for a known life-safety defect. The car remains unsafe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724549March 16, 2026
ENGINE
Check engine light came on. Car starts to shutter upon acceleration as well when its idling. Changed spark plugs 3 times since Jan 2025 and coils twice. Code for engine misfire in cylinder 3. Also have to add oil every 2 weeks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724558March 16, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the hood. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724786March 16, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety failure involving the service braking system and the failure of Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on my 2021 Kia Soul. During an imminent collision event, the vehicle failed to brake as expected, and FCA/AEB did not activate, despite conditions that should have triggered emergency braking. This created an extremely dangerous situation and placed me and other motorists at risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle is currently subject to an active recall and has now been inoperable at the dealership for approximately one month under the lemon law process. The failure involved federally regulated safety systems, not supplemental or convenience features. I reported this incident to Kia America Customer Care, but the manufacturer has declined to conduct a manufacturer‑level safety investigation unless I personally pay for removal and shipment of the ACU/Event Data Recorder (EDR). Kia America has also declined to provide any transportation assistance while the vehicle remains unsafe and inoperable and has referred the matter back to the dealership and my insurance instead. Kia America has stated in writing that they rely solely on dealerships for diagnosis and repair and that they will not investigate further unless I incur additional costs. This refusal to independently investigate a braking system failure raises serious safety concerns, particularly given the potential risk to other drivers if this defect is not addressed. Due to the prolonged loss of use of the vehicle, I am experiencing significant financial hardship and risk to my employment, as I can no longer afford a rental vehicle. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA is aware of a potential defect involving brake system failure and non‑functioning collision‑avoidance systems on this model.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724523March 16, 2026
ENGINE, STEERING
1. Component or System Malfunction Engine (internal piston/piston ring system) is malfunctioning. The vehicle exhibits clanking noises (“marbles in a can”) and cuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving. The car is available for inspection by a Kia dealer or independent mechanic. 2. Safety Risk Vehicle loses power while driving, which is extremely dangerous, particularly on highways or in traffic. Stalling while moving poses a risk of collision, loss of steering or braking control, and endangers both driver and others. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive long distances. 3. Reproduction of Problem Symptoms have been observed consistently during normal driving and acceleration. Not yet confirmed by a dealer, but the stalling is reproducible during operation. 4. Vehicle Inspection The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, dealer, police, or insurance representatives. Immediate inspection is recommended due to engine stall risk. 5. Warning Lamps / Symptoms Clanking engine noise noted prior to stalling. Engine cutting off/stalling occurs while driving. No warning lights illuminated prior to stalling. Symptoms first appeared during recent driving prior to planning transport or repair. 6. Additional Notes The vehicle is a candidate for Kia engine piston/piston ring recall (SC209 / SC336). Owner recommends urgent inspection and repair to prevent potential engine failure and safety risks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724459March 15, 2026
STEERING
2019 Kia Soul has an issue with the steering wheel coupling that needs to be replaced. This has been confirmed by a mechanic. There is a warranty extension on the MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) rubber coupling - 10 years/100,000 miles - for the 2019 Kia Soul. For some reason, my 2019 Kia Soul is not showing up under the warranty campaign extension. I am seeking a goodwill repair by Kia as there is obviously a known issue with the steering coupling that has impacted my 2019 Kia Soul. The cost to repair is in the $650-$1,500 range.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724268March 14, 2026
ENGINE
The engine seized up at 165,000 miles. According to one [XXX] at Trinity Automotive in Fairfield, Ohio, it's a known issue. According to [XXX] at PrebCo in Eaton, Ohio, the issue is related to low-pressure piston rings. Compression tests showed between 0 psi in one cylinder and between 55 and 58 psi in the other three cylinders. These issues have been verified at Matt Castrucci Service Center. With a GDI engine, I had been chasing down the usage of too much oil for several months. I get oil changes at 3,000 miles, and I would be 1/2 quart to 1 quart low at 3,000 miles. Dealership service staff in Beavercreek, Ohio, said that Kia considers the usage of one additional quart of oil per 1,000 miles to be "acceptable" - that makes zero sense. I was told that they would do a piston soak, and they directed me to a formal procedure on Kia's website. I used this process, and it definitely cleaned out all of the carbon. This did not fix the issue. Taking my youngest daughter to a dinner following her high school national honors society induction, I experienced an engine knock as I accelerated onto the I75 north. It felt like a strong jolt back. The 2018 Kia Soul Plus has been a 3,100-pound roadside decoration since November 2025. I still owe $14,000 on this loan, and I cannot afford an additional car payment. Replacement of the engine will be $8,500. Kia customer service told me this is an out-of-pocket expense as their warranty ended at 150,000 miles. 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
#11724192March 13, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES
Owner of 2020 Kia soul experiencing engine failure symptoms including stalling and oil consumption vehicl is associated with engine fire risk safety recall vehicle is currently disabled at mechanic and unsafe to drive I requested kia arrange a tow to authorized dealership for recall diagnosis but kia customer service refused to cover tow bc this involves potential engine fire hazard I believe manufacturers should arrange safe transport for inspection under the recall
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724073March 13, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at night, the low beam headlights were very dim. The headlight control was set to automatic, but the dimness of the headlights was the same as when switched to manual control. The failure was not as noticeable while using the high beam headlights. The contact stated that the low beam headlights failed to properly illuminate in low-light areas. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that there was no fix for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723863March 12, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on the Interstate, the vehicle started shaking and there was a knocking sound coming from the engine with smoke and a burning oil odor. The engine, ABS, and traction control warning lights simultaneously illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road to cool down. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured engine pin, which caused the knocking sound. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 138,929.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723841March 12, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723373March 10, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle consistently stalls at complete stops in traffic. After the engine stalls, it requires a manual restart to resume operation. This creates a severe safety hazard, as the vehicle becomes immobile at intersections and in stop-and-go traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. The dealership is refusing to perform the necessary diagnostic for the engine stalling issue under the Havis v. Kia Settlement/KSDS recall protocols, claiming maintenance gaps, despite the vehicle having 0 open campaigns and the KSDS software update previously installed. This stalling issue is a known defect currently under NHTSA investigation (Audit Query AQ23-001) for this specific model and engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723229March 10, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle is only 4 years old. Engine light came on. I used my Fixd code reader to diagnose. It mentioned several sensors which I replace cam shaft sensor. Intake sensor. Crank shay sensor. All were replaced, engine light came back on after each replacement. I took it to dealership for service and diagnosis. They indicated engine replacement due to timing being out of line; sheared king pin. Vehicle has been serviced regularly. Never anticipated having to replace an engine on a four year old vehicle. Still making payments and now $9,000 repair is Absurd! Additionally, these symptoms are consistent with similar symptoms listed in other kia soul recalls. This is my second Kia but probably will be my last if the manufacturer does not rectify this problem. Codes: P0017, P000B, P0068, P0014
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723044March 9, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I can not gain speed. The dealership says it’s the catalytic converter and there is an active recall for this on Kia souls. They previously did recall work to my car but now the catalytic converters not showing as a recall
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723078March 9, 2026
ENGINE
The car stopped several times and had to be towed! One day the car just wouldn't start! My brother took it to the dealership and they said it needed a new engine!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722928March 9, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam headlights so dim is impossible to drive at night.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722861March 8, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES
3/6/26 5:50 am unintended acceleration w such force pulling car toward right side n unable to stop, jumped over side walk, then stopped, it happened very fast, very scary accident, I was in shock and shaking so bad. Wknd disrupted, couldn't sleep n reliving bad experience over n over. Bringing it to the dealer 3/9/26. no damage to anybody or third party, unknown under car damage. Didn't file a report to the Police or DMV. no warning of any kind at all. Afraid to drive the car n how to proceed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722581March 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The automatic start warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. Additionally, the error message indicated that the automatic start feature was disabled; however, the contact stated that the automatic start feature was enabled. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The contact disabled the automatic start feature. The contact stated that while the vehicle was decelerating, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The contact stated that the diagnostic test was incomplete. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,924.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722559March 6, 2026
ENGINE
Check engine light on due to catalytic converter, took it to Kia motors in Bakersfield, California due to recall let them know that there was a check engine light on after buying the vehicle and only having it for one month and I thought it was due to the recall, which was on oil, piston rings, the dealership stated I could give all my paperwork that I had in regards to that, and if the engine failed, they would take care of it. After the test for the recall was done the engine failed and then a few days later a new updated recall, came out where the engine had to be running hot for the test to be done and then my recall passed so nothing was ever fixed with my vehicle. I believe that the catalytic converter is bad due to oil running into or around the catalytic converter. I also believe due to the malfunction of the oil, piston rings being bad/malfunction or whatever the recall was on is a determination of why my check engine light is on stating it’s a catalytic converter I believe if I continue driving my vehicle in the condition that it’s in it eventually will catch fire due to the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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