Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11714971February 2, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Unknown but told by multiple mechanics that the kia soul eats oil and the engine constantly runs dry which is pricey and unfair
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715009February 2, 2026
ENGINE
I bought a Kia Soul at 130k miles and by 140k or so it was dead. the engine started knocking and will no longer turn over. I did regular oil changes and usual maintenance. Within 2 days after knocking the engine refused to turn over. I was driving when it stopped working so at any time someone could have rear ended me and caused a traffic jam. The car was toed to a mechanic who said it was done for and if they needed the specifics they would have to tear down the engine. not going to pay 600 to find out my engine is gone when i already know the engine is gone. no warnings light or messages prior to failure. My vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure consistent with well-documented defects in Kia GDI engines. Kia has acknowledged these defects through recalls, settlements, and extended warranties covering later model years. However, Kia has refused repair or good-faith assistance for my vehicle solely because my VIN is excluded, despite the engine design being materially identical to covered models. I contacted Kia Corporate directly, provided my VIN, and was assigned a case number. Kia informed me that: - My VIN is not eligible for recall or settlement relief - No good-faith repair would be offered - Denial was based on model year/VIN classification, not engine design or failure mode - I am not the original owner, which Kia cited as an additional reason for denial Why This Is Concerning: - The 2013 Kia Soul was equipped with the same GDI engine architecture later acknowledged as defective - Consumers are being denied relief based on administrative cutoffs rather than engineering reality - Kia continues to avoid responsibility for early-year vehicles that suffer identical failures - The cost of engine replacement far exceeds the vehicle’s value, leaving consumers with unrecoverable losses I am requesting - Review Kia’s handling of known GDI engine defects - Assess whether Kia’s exclusion of certain VINs constitutes an unfair
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714991February 2, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, WHEELS, SUSPENSION
I am submitting this complaint to report serious concerns regarding the quality, safety, and reliability of my new Kia Soul, as well as the financial burden caused by defects that should not occur on a vehicle with such low mileage. At approximately **8,500 miles**, one of the original tires failed prematurely. I was forced to purchase a used tire to keep the vehicle safely drivable. I had the front alignment inspected, and I was informed that it was within normal specifications, yet the tire issue persisted. Now at **10,000 miles**, I am still experiencing abnormal tire wear. Additionally, at **10,000 miles**, the vehicle began making **grinding noises when applying the brakes**, which is extremely concerning for a car that is still essentially new. These issues raise questions about the vehicle’s manufacturing quality and whether it meets reasonable consumer expectations for safety and durability. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that it would be reliable and free from major defects. Instead, I am facing unexpected expenses, safety concerns, and ongoing problems that should be covered under warranty. I am now questioning whether I should continue making payments on a vehicle that is already showing signs of significant defects. I am requesting that the FTC review this matter as a potential issue involving product quality, warranty compliance, and consumer protection. I am seeking assistance in ensuring that Kia addresses these defects appropriately and that my rights as a consumer are upheld. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714541January 30, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. While depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was topping off the engine oil bi-weekly. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) for which the VIN was included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714247January 29, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH uphill with her daughter and her small dog inside the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle stalled and shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that several minutes later, the vehicle started working as intended; however, a fuel smell remained inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Neither an independent mechanic nor the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. There was a fuel odor while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was 228,041.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714287January 29, 2026
ENGINE
I purchased my 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line brand new in October 2019. The vehicle was later subject to a Kia oil piston ring recall, which was performed by an authorized Kia dealership in July 2021. Rick Case Kia - Duluth, Georgia Despite the recall being marked as completed, the engine has now suffered catastrophic failure. An authorized Kia dealership (Nalley Kia, Lithonia, GA) performed an inspection and documented the following diagnosis: “Engine has loss of compression in 3 of 4 cylinders due to piston ring failure.” This confirms that the engine failed due to piston ring failure, the same defect addressed by the recall. The vehicle is currently inoperable and unsafe to drive due to engine failure and loss of power. Despite identifying the cause of failure, the servicing dealer and warranty administrator are refusing to process warranty coverage unless I personally pay $1,949.56 for a complete engine teardown. The cause of failure has already been documented by the dealership, making the teardown demand unnecessary and unreasonable. I do not consent to teardown at my expense. This appears to be a case of failed or ineffective recall remediation, resulting in engine failure and creating a serious safety risk due to loss of engine power. I am requesting NHTSA investigation into the effectiveness of Kia’s oil piston ring recall remedy and post-recall engine failures.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714326January 29, 2026
STEERING
There is a distinct click when the steering wheel is center (car going straight). there is a click and a notch feeling when you turn the wheel back and forth from center. Appears to be a common problem with the Kia Souls from 2010 - 2015. (Flexible rubber steering coupler) Dealer is charging $688 to change this $12 part. Dealer also mentioned it is important to fix because as it gets worse you can potentially lose steering control of the car. This type of safety concern I think should be a recall and fixed by Kia.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713895January 28, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road. When the vehicle was turned off, oil leaked from the vehicle. The contact drove slowly to a business parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was then towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer refused to complete the recall repairs. The contact was informed that the manufacturer refused to do the recall repairs and stated that the warranty had expired. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be removed from the premises. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a claim. Afterwards, the contact was informed that NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS), 17V608000 (STEERING), 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), and 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) were associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713913January 28, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
My car was returned to me in a dangerous condition following a recall repair. I have a receipt that says that my break system was operating as it should be after recall work was completed but as I was driving it home from picking it up from dealership my break system comply went out for the second time while driving it. The dealership refuses to pay to have my car towed back to the service center to be checked out. My car is not drivable and the dealership had my car for 35 days when recall work was being done. I haven't been able to drive my car for months. I'm not getting any cooperation from kia corp either.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713543January 27, 2026
AIR BAGS
Immediately after purchase, the Passenger Airbag warning light illuminated. An authorized Kia dealer confirmed that the airbag system is defective and requires repair under warranty. Despite this confirmation, more than five (5) months have passed without repair, citing parts unavailability. I am operating a vehicle with a known airbag malfunction. This defect involves a federally regulated safety system and poses a safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713366January 26, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I’ve had nothing but problems with this car since about a year after getting it in 2021. Constant noises with the engine engine check light coming on all the time I would bring it in and no one would be able to figure out what was going on. And then it started to get worse and I had my catalytic converter replaced and not even a couple months later I had to have had another catalytic converter put in there’s issues with oil consumption and between oil changes, I would have to top off my oil multiple times sometimes even five and then I started getting oil changes before I even needed to get them because I was nervous and then on January 22, 2026 driving on the highway my engine started to smoke and I pulled over and took it to the nearest dealership by way of tow truck and they told me that the fuel issues had destroyed my second cylinder in my engine, and it was not repairable and then told me that I needed to replace my engine, but the engine in my car is no longer being made. I was told that my car was running lean due to the fuel injector issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713288January 25, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle is suffering from excessive oil consumption (over 1 quart per 1,000 miles) and a recurring P0420 (Catalyst Efficiency) code. This is a documented precursor to catastrophic engine failure and engine compartment fire in the 2.oL Nu GDI engine. The engine's oil consumption is poisoning the catalytic converter, causing it to clog. This creates extreme exhaust backpressure, leading to sudden loss of motive power (stalling) while driving. This defect poses an unreasonable risk of a high-speed collision and fire if oil comes into contact with the hot exhaust manifold. Due to current extreme winter conditions (-20F with wind chill), a sudden engine stall or seizure creates a life-threatening emergency. I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle, as an engine failure in these temperatures could leave me stranded without heat in sub-zero weather.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713090January 24, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving on a road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Florida in January of 2023 the factory installed catalytic converter failed (front facing) clogging the exhaust system and damaging the engine (engine now experiences blow by and pistons rings have been damaged). A recall for the overheating of the catalytic converter was marked as repaired before I bought the car. However, I believe that either the update was not done to the on-board computer or that a damaged catalytic converter was not replaced. This directly led to the subsequent failure in question and has since damaged my engine. At the time of the incident, an investigation of both catalytic converters revealed heavy sediment deposits and the core of the filtering component of the front facing unit had become so corroded that a chunck of it had broken loose and become lodged in the connecting hose that linked it to the rest of the exhaust system, leaving the entire system blocked. Because I bought the car used, I wasn't aware of the recall history at the time of purchase. Nor was I given a vehicle history report or receipts for any work that had previously been done. When I pulled a vehicle history report shortly after the incident I was unable to accertain what the actual repairs to the car were previous to my ownership, just that it had been taken to a Kia dealership for service with dates listed. The issues still remain and I am unable to afford the lengthy and very expensive repairs suggested by multiple mechanics to correct them. I also still owe money on the note as the result of having to deal with a predatory business to secure financing in the first place. I hate to think I was taken advantage of but I can't help but feel like the catalytic converter should have been changed during that previously marked recall repair and clearly wasn't. Please help me figure out what went wrong here and if possible help me remedy this situation, especially if there was indeed fraud involved. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713149January 24, 2026
ENGINE
My Kia Soul had a recall for the Pistons to be replaced due to faulty pistons. Now they are saying my engine is needing replacement, even with regular scheduled oil changes being done. They said the top was full of sludge. The said it's not covered so I have to pay 6900 plus to get it replaced
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712920January 23, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was running rough, and there was a significant amount of air and oil when the oil cap was opened. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was sluggish while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The wrench warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however, upon inspection, the dealer informed the contact that no repair was needed, and the recall was marked as completed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was advised that there would be a charge for fuel sampling. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure was also associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712729January 22, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2020 Kia Soul is suffering catastrophic engine failure from a known safety recall defect involving the piston oil rings. I received a safety recall notice from Kia on July 5, 2021 warning that defective piston oil rings could cause engine damage and engine fires. I brought the vehicle to a Kia dealer for recall service on July 5, 2021 and again on February 1, 2022 for the same safety recall. Kia did not replace the engine and did not explain what repairs were performed. Now, despite having complied with both recall repairs, my engine is knocking, burning oil, losing power, and the check engine light is blinking. The vehicle has stalled in traffic, creating a serious safety risk. I am afraid to drive it due to the risk of engine failure and fire. The Kia dealer is now telling me the engine needs to be replaced at a cost of $5,000 or more, or I must replace the vehicle. They claim the recall was already performed and the vehicle is no longer under warranty, even though the same recalled defect has now caused engine failure. This appears to be a defective and ineffective recall remedy that did not correct the safety defect and has resulted in dangerous engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712636January 22, 2026
ENGINE
vehicle is consuming over 2 quarts of oil in less than 1000 miles and it causing the oil light to come on and loss power.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712473January 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I’ve had to get three oil changes in just five months of owning my vehicle. Honda of Brandon sold it to me with a clean Car-Fax report, but I’m now facing a possible manifold and catalytic converter replacement costing $4,200. When the service department called the warranty company, they claimed it was a catalytic converter issue, but it turned out to be an O-2 sensor, which would cost about $460. One month after purchase, I had to replace the ignition coil and requested spark plug replacements, though I wouldn’t have known if a spark plug was bad. That repair bill alone came to $802.17, just a month after buying the car. Problem with battery. Oil has to keep being replaced and no one knows since not on ground has to be going in the engine. service rpt are Aug/19, 2025, jan 20,2026
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712485January 21, 2026
ENGINE
The engine failed while driving on the highway, putting myself and others at risk. First the car started shaking, then the check engine light flickered. Fortunately, I was able to get off the highway, but I was far from home. The engine failure was confirmed by an independent service center and a dealer. The vehicle was inspected by a third party and since it was still under warranty, the engine was rebuilt. A few weeks later, the check engine light came on again, this time 0420 code. The dealer where I purchased the vehicle called it in to the warranty company, and they have reset the check engine light and asked me to keep driving the car to see if the light comes back on. All of this happened after the car had undergone oil consumption testing, and a previous claim for a new engine had been denied both by the warranty company and the manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712484January 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle has less than 8K miles. This weekend my horn stopped working (a definite safety problem) and the signal that I had locked my car doors using my fob failed to work. The lights did flash to signal they were locked (I checked just to be sure!) I need to have the vehicle checked before part(s) can be ordered. That requires 2 trips to the dealer instead of one. I was told that this problem is a "recall under warranty". Kia isn't doing anything to keep their customers with this lack of service.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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