Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11712220January 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mapping system will not update. Vehicle is dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712243January 20, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
My 2022 Kia Soul experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalling while driving, creating a high risk for a rear-end collision in traffic. An authorized Kia dealership (Mike Miller Kia) performed a major timing repair in March 2025 [XXX] ) to address these safety issues. However, the exact same failure occurred again in January 2026. The dealership now documents that the engine was 4 quarts low on oil, nearly empty, despite proper maintenance. This indicates a severe oil consumption defect that leads to timing failure and unpredictable engine stalls. I believe this vehicle poses an unreasonable safety risk due to this recurring stalling condition, which matches the defect described in NHTSA Recall 25V099 (SC336), though my VIN is currently excluded. 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
#11711826January 19, 2026
ENGINE
Engine knock engine failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711835January 19, 2026
ENGINE
Despite receiving official recall notices and taking my vehicle to two separate Kia-authorized dealerships, I have not been provided with the necessary repairs, putting both my safety and livelihood at serious risk. At both dealerships, I was told that the issues, including a clogged catalytic converter and a failing exhaust manifold, fell within the scope of the recall. However, instead of performing the recall work, they simply cleared the codes and returned the vehicle to me. As a result, I was forced to pay out of pocket for repairs that should have been fully covered under the existing recall. Most recently, my vehicle was diagnosed with a failing long block, which is also clearly part of Kia’s recall campaign. Yet again, I was denied the proper repair. The vehicle is currently undriveable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711934January 19, 2026
ENGINE
On Oct. 14, 2025, this vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure while driving approx. 70 mph on a highway. While in the passing lane, the vehicle began to lose power, shake, and wouldn’t accelerate. The check engine light came on just moments before a loud explosive noise came from the engine, and a burning smell came through the vents - the engine completely shut down. This failure occurred with other vehicles on the roadway, creating a serious safety risk. I was forced to quickly maneuver the disabled vehicle across multiple lanes of traffic to reach the right shoulder, where I called for roadside assistance. The vehicle was inoperable from that point forward, it would not turn on, and was towed from the scene. There were no warning signs prior to this event. The vehicle had been operating normally before the incident - I had recently checked the oil levels, there were no warning lights, no drivability issues, and no known mechanical problems before the sudden failure. This led me to find the vehicle was subject to an open safety recall addressing engine damage consistent with this failure; NHTSA Recall 19V120000. On Oct. 27th, the vehicle was towed to an authorized Kia dealership in Prescott Valley, AZ for recall inspection. The dealership advised the connecting rods failed and blew 3 holes through the engine block, confirming catastrophic internal engine damage. The manufacturer required a recall-related software update be performed before reviewing the engine failure under the recall. The software update was completed in Nov., but the manufacturer later declined to repair or replace the engine. Kia Corp. refuses to address the safety recall entirely, and instead repeatedly mischaracterizes the issue as a warranty matter - they are unwilling to provide a written explanation of how the failure falls outside the scope of the safety recall 19V120000, despite the failure matching the recall’s described defect & consequences.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711959January 19, 2026
ENGINE
My 2020 Kia Soul has around 135,000 miles on it. When accelerating it sounded like a rod or piston was coming through the engine wall. Then began the chugging and loud knocking noises along with engine shutting off. Glad we were not on a railroad track or something like that. We could have easily been killed. No warning lights or sounds at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711695January 18, 2026
ENGINE
We had a new engine installed because of a recall. The dealership told us we needed a new catalytic converter because they were clogged due to the faulty engine. There is no recall and I am now in fear for my safety and my children's safety. I can smell exhaust extremely bad while driving and continue to smell it hours afterwards. Including feeling nauseous and developing a headache.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711598January 17, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
In March 2025, my 2022 Kia Soul developed a check engine light and drivability problems that progressed to rough idle, loss of power, reduced power with limited speed and an unresponsive throttle, and stalling after continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, and the dealer performed a major timing related repair (camshaft and related timing/CVVT components) under on 03/07/2025. In January 2026, the check engine light returned and the dealer’s printout shows timing correlation related codes again (P0014 shown as pending and P0017 stored as history). Because the prior event involved loss of power and stalling, I stopped driving the vehicle immediately and brought it in as soon as the dealer had an opening to avoid a repeat safety incident. The dealership has stated the condition is due to low oil or excessive oil consumption and has recommended either engine replacement or additional major timing/engine repairs to make the vehicle drivable. I am concerned this is a recurring engine timing or engine control condition that can lead to reduced power and stalling while driving. I am also aware of recalls or manufacturer campaigns reported for similar Kia Soul vehicles involving engine oil consumption or related engine damage concerns, but my VIN does not show as included. Given the repeat timing related codes and prior reduced power and stalling, I am requesting review of whether this condition warrants broader investigation beyond the current VIN scope.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711092January 15, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, SEAT BELTS
Sudden vibration on the engine while driving. No power upon acceleration. Heavily oil consumption. Had a problem on the seat belt with in couple of year of purchased, however the dealer fixed it for free. Catalytic converter was brooked at 80k milage exactly when the warranty over. It was costly to replace.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711249January 15, 2026
ENGINE
Oil is getting past the piston oil rings, causing oil to get into spark plugs/coil area of engine. Mechanic printed recall paperwork for this exact issue, but no recall found for my VIN. According to recall, this is a very dangerous issue that can stall car at any time or may be more likely to cause fires. I need this to be addressed in my car, please. Especially since it's a known issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711272January 15, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the engine with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle failed the inspection test for the recall. The contact was informed that the PNSS software was installed, and the check engine warning light was reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the engine failure was caused by the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710655January 13, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating, the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle was sluggish and slow to accelerate before responding as needed. There was an abnormal, rotten odor coming from the vehicle. The ABS, engine, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted and suggested a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710722January 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle began to hesitate and lose power while driving, making the vehicle unsafe to operate. The problem involves the engine and powertrain. A Kia dealer inspected the vehicle and found a timing-related engine fault code (P0014). The dealer stated the condition is consistent with the Kia engine bearing failure recall and referenced recall SC200PS, but said this VIN was not included. The vehicle has reduced power and cannot be safely driven. This creates a safety risk because the engine can lose power without warning while the vehicle is in motion. Warning lights were present before and during the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired and is available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710763January 13, 2026
STEERING
I am submitting this complaint regarding a known defect with the steering wheel coupler in my 2012 Kia vehicle. The steering coupler is a component that has been subject to recall concerns due to premature wear. When this part becomes worn, it can result in looseness or failure in the steering system, creating a serious safety risk for the driver and others on the road. Despite this being a known and widely reported defect, Kia has not adequately addressed the issue for all affected vehicles. Instead, owners are being charged significant out-of-pocket costs to replace a part that is defective by design and poses a safety hazard. I believe Kia should be required to fully acknowledge this defect and provide repairs or replacement of the steering coupler at no cost to consumers. Charging customers to correct a known safety-related defect is inappropriate and places an unfair financial burden on vehicle owners while leaving a critical safety issue unresolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710613January 13, 2026
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am submitting this complaint regarding failure to complete a federally mandated safety recall and the subsequent release of my vehicle in an unsafe condition after prolonged dealer custody. Vehicle Information provided above Safety Recall Information Recall Type: Federal airbag safety recall Recall Notice Received: 2023 Summary of Safety Concern I delivered my vehicle to authorized Kia dealerships for completion of a federally mandated airbag safety recall. The vehicle remained in dealership custody for approximately seven months without completion of the recall. During this period, the dealerships demanded payment for diagnostics and asserted that recall-related issues were “warranty-related” or “customer responsibility,” which effectively blocked completion of the safety recall. Despite my continued communication and willingness to proceed with recall repair, the recall was not completed. Kia declined to authorize repairs necessary to complete the recall. Vehicle Released Unrepaired and Unsafe The dealership ultimately demanded that I remove the vehicle without completing the safety recall. Upon retrieval of the vehicle, I discovered: Missing and/or altered vehicle components Extensive interior water damage These conditions were not present when the vehicle was delivered and occurred while the vehicle was in the dealership’s exclusive custody. The vehicle was released in a materially worse and potentially unsafe condition. Ongoing Safety Risk The federal safety recall remains unresolved. Electrical systems and safety components may be compromised. The vehicle is currently unsafe to operate, and repair is no longer a reasonable remedy. Basis for NHTSA Review This complaint concerns: Obstruction and noncompletion of a federal safety recall Improper conditioning of recall repairs on payment Release of a recalled vehicle without repair Potential compromise of safety systems while in dealer custody
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710738January 13, 2026
ENGINE
On 01/12/2026, I had my 2021 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) inspected by a technician at J&K Automotive after discovering a significant drop in oil. The technician found the engine oil dipstick completely dry. A review of service records shows the last oil change was on 09/18/2025 (Odometer: 20,862), meaning the engine consumed nearly its entire oil capacity in just 3,699 miles. The technician confirmed there are no external leaks and no dashboard warning lights (oil pressure or check engine) were illuminated prior to or during the inspection. This lack of warning creates a severe safety risk of sudden engine seizure and stalling at highway speeds. The billing summary noted that the Kia Soul with my engine had a potentially defective piton ring design. This failure is consistent with Recall 25V-099 (SC336) regarding defective piston oil rings causing cylinder bore scuffing. I am reporting this to document that the Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) failed to provide an early warning of this safety-related oil consumption. 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
#11710195January 11, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
They have a recall on the catalytic converters for the 1.6 engines but not the 2.0. I have had to have mine replaced two times in a year. There is definitely a problem. The second time it almost caught fire due to glowing red cause it got so hot. The same problem is happening to the 2.0 engines just like the 1.6 engines, but nothing is being done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709854January 9, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle indicated that the oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the dipstick was dry. The contact was concerned because oil had been added to the vehicle four months earlier, in October 2025. The dealer was not able to determine the cause of the failure. The oil level was topped off. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,637.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709889January 9, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On 12/ 22/ 2025 I went to start the 2012 KIA Soul and it would act like it would start but, it would not turn over. Battery was fine checked it. Let it set a moment and tried it again would not start. Called a wrecker and towed it in. The service guy tried and couldn't get it to start either. He ran a diagnostic on it, there were not type of codes, no check engine light nothing. He had it for until 1/5/2026 and when they went to check it it started right up. They drove it for 20 miles to check to see if it would cut off while driving, it didn't. It starts now but for how long. Here's the strange thing, I drove it 20 minutes away and I noticed that the counter for when You fill up with gas states how many miles you have left to go before fill up was counting UP not DOWN. So I think it could be the computer or electrical, I thought it was the fuel pump at first. Still no warning signals nothing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709908January 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Instrument Cluster, the Speedometer and "NOW" the Odometer are not working--absolutely dead. "NOW" is in caps because to my surprise I noticed just recently that the Odometer is not working. In April 2021, after several weeks of waiting for the repairs to be finished, a Kia dealer, PEAK KIA in Colorado replaced the Instrument Cluster because of the faulty Speedometer. (This repair was done after several months of back and forth to more than one Kia Dealer about this problem. Unlike now where the Speedometer is dead, not moving at all, at that time it would stop working periodically, perhaps when my car was cold or not. It took several months of dealing with Kia dealerships to acknowledge that it was a problem.) Right after the replacement in 2021, I texted the PEAK KIA mechanics-representative, named Trevor, that it was still a problem, not working every now and then. He replied in a text "What?" and that he would check with his technician. He never got back to me with an answer, and would not return my phone calls.) Since that time, I've been dealing with this infrequent or sometimes-problem. Note, I work from home so I do not drive my car every day, only once or twice a week. However, just recently before and around the holidays, I noticed first that the Speedometer was dead, the needle was not moving at all during the entire time of driving, instead of every now and then. And closer to the holidays, I was shocked, noticing that the Odometer was NOW not moving. This had never been the case before. To date, I only have a Powertrain Warranty(?) left that expires in December 2028. I called Kia, the manufacturer, the other day and reported the above information. They said too bad, they will not cover it because the warranty for that 2021 repair expired 12 months after the repair, something I did not know. My concern is whether the Kia Dealer, Arapahoe Kia--where I usually go , will or should cover it. Plus, I feel this is a serious safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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