Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11703329December 5, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a white 2017 Kia Soul. I bought it new in 2017. The paint is peeling off really badly. Something is not right. This is not wear and tear paint peeling it is massive all around the car, especially the hood. The whole hood is peeling. My friend has an old 2011 Kia and his paint is fine. Please help
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703003December 4, 2025
ENGINE
My vehicle is part of an active engine recall related to defective piston oil rings. When I brought my car to the dealership for the recall inspection, I informed them and Kia Corporate that my car had been stalling and shutting off while driving for months. I have text message documentation of these incidents. This safety concern was ignored. The dealership performed only a basic visual inspection (removing coils and air filter, checking battery, alternator, starter, and attempting to start the engine) and refused to perform a full recall diagnostic or engine tear-down. They claimed the engine was “hydrolocked” and stated that water in the engine “voids any recall” and that outside influence is not covered. I requested that Kia Corporate dispatch a Field Service Engineer (FSE) for an independent inspection, but corporate told me that I cannot request an FSE directly and that only the dealership can request it. Since the dealership refuses, corporate will not act. Safety Concern: Stalling and shutting off while driving is a serious safety hazard that can lead to accidents. The vehicle is part of a federally mandated engine recall, but the dealership and corporate have refused to perform the proper recall inspection. The refusal to inspect the engine or acknowledge stalling incidents leaves me and other potential drivers at risk of unsafe operation. Requested Action: Investigate the dealership’s refusal to perform the recall inspection. Ensure Kia performs a full recall diagnostic, including internal inspection of piston oil rings and related engine components. Require corporate or a Field Service Engineer to review the vehicle given the dealership’s refusal. Address the stalling incidents as a potential safety defect related to the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702657December 3, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that parts needed to be ordered for the repair. The contact stated that the parts were ordered two months ago; however, the contact was informed that the parts were still not available. The contact stated that the recall summary stated there was a possibility of the vehicle catching on fire, and the contact stated that the repair urgently needed to be performed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702687December 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or while shifted into park(P), there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as needing a Product Improvement Code before the failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that a rental vehicle was paid for out of pocket. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); and the contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired prior to ownership in 2020. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702476December 2, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that there was oil leaking from the engine near the spark plugs while checking prior to the warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle was still leaking oil, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was constantly adding oil to the engine. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer and was advised that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, and a tune-up was needed. The catalytic converter was not replaced, and the contact stated that the engine was still leaking oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had taken the vehicle to several independent mechanics and was advised that the engine needed to replace, however the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702495December 2, 2025
ENGINE, STEERING, STRUCTURE:BODY
As I was driving home on the highway, my car began making a noise I never heard before. I looked out of my rear view and began to see smoke coming from my car. As I was trying to get off the highway, my car began to lose control. I couldn’t get completely off the highway so I pulled into a small corner. I realized my hood was on fire when I stopped. I grabbed my purse and keys and ran down the highway as fast as I could. By this time my car was engulfed in flames. A woman saw me in distress and helped me and allowed me to get in her car for safety as she called 911. That’s when the car blew up and we drove off the highway to safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702500December 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Brakes failed my husband (primary driver of the KIA vehicle) came home from work on 8/19/2024. He pulled off at the local mechanic. Brakes were rusty and there was rust in the brake line so we had to replace. Rusty brakeline became a voluntary recall because it was not just our car that had this problem. We have been going back and forth with Kia since June notice (their case #XXX) and they are blaming the criteria of their voluntary recall with the NHTSA that says that you can only get reimbursed if you can return the parts and document that they were the original manufacturer's parts that were replaced. 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
#11702167December 1, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
I bought the car 2 yrs ago come April and it's had nothing but issues. I've had one recall did which was the knock sensor however now the check engine is on and it's smelling like rubber my brakes are wearing like an eraser and my engine just feels sluggish. The code is p0420 which from what I understand is a catlic converter and I read online there is a recall for that with kia . I've spent a lot more than what I paid for the car not even 2 yrs ago and every place i take it has a new opinion and none of those have any connections with the code so I need help
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702229December 1, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, with smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled into a parking lot, where the engine overheated, and there was oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced. The contact stated that later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702240December 1, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Upon backing the Kia out of my driveway the brakes failed completly. Upon removing the brake line shield I found extensive corrosion of the brake line resulting in a massive fluid loss. There is a Voluntary Service Campaign by Kia Motors for this issue. But, it only pertains to automobiles driven in high road salt usage states. I live on the coast of Alabama where the air is laden with salt. In fact our building codes here require the utilization of only stainless steel fastners due to this effect. In my opinion this recall should include the coast of Alabama. I did speak with Kia (Case number 25706168) but they could offer no remedy as my car was not operated in a high road salt state.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702011November 29, 2025
ENGINE
The vehicle had a catastrophic engine failure while driving in traffic. The engine would turn over making loud grinding noises but would not start, and the vehicle had to be towed. The engine had only 92,077 miles on it when it failed. Subsequent engine teardown found pieces of the connecting rod bearings which had disintegrated (see attached photos). This failure damaged the piston, crankshaft, valves, and cylinders. This engine has been the subject of a class action lawsuit due to a manufacturing defect of the connecting rod bearings and premature failures in thousands of engines. The engine is part of a class action lawsuit, but we are ineligible for the extended warranty since it had not yet received the knock sensor software update that was required by the lawsuit. However, this software update does not fix the defective connecting rod bearings and only provides a possible warning of an impending failure. I was never notified of this required update. This engine should have been part of a mandatory recall, but instead, KIA chose to release an update that made warranty eligibility impossible for customers who were unaware of its existence. This defective engine is a serious hazard and almost caused a major accident when the engine suddenly failed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701903November 28, 2025
STEERING
Steering wheel vibration violently . Is on Kia safety recall. Has 15 year warranty Started slowly about two months ago Contact dealer on safety recall repairs and refused to honor safety recall. Steering gear assembly flexible coupling Very dangerous at high speed . Safety recall for that particular year. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701939November 28, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle transaxle will start or feel like is slips and wont go pass 40mph on the highway and has become a safety concern. This started about a week ago and continues. No lights on dash and dealer claims they cant duplicated concern. On the way to the dealer it was doing it and when we pickup the vehicle started doin again less than a mile from dealer. They charge for diag and the car is under warranty. I went back to drop off vehicle and they are refusing to take the vehicle in. I have contacted Kia prior to the visit and will contact them next Monday.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701418November 25, 2025
STEERING
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that occasionally the steering wheel was loose and inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the steering column gears and nut needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to a dealer for the repair. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gears, the steering coupler, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701523November 25, 2025
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle stopped in front of the contact’s vehicle and the brake pedal was depressed to attempt to avoid a crash; however, the vehicle skidded and crashed into the rear of the other vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. During the crash the front end and the hood of the vehicle was severely damaged, but the air bags did not deploy. Additionally, the seat belt malfunctioned and failed to secure the contact in the seat, causing the contact's chest and stomach to impact the steering wheel. The contact sustained a bruised chest and neck injury but had not yet sought medical treatment. The contact stated that an appointment was schedule to see her Primary Care Physician. The contact was unaware of any injuries to the other driver. A Police report was filed at the scene but was not available. The vehicle was towed away from the scene. The contact stated that the vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11701381November 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Recall since I got the car but never been able to afford to bring it go he fixed. Single mother of 2 boys. Both autistic, one age [XXX] and one age [XXX] . 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
#11701403November 25, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I'd been having issues where the entirety of my oil reservoir would burn off before I was due for an oil change, which would result in my car having issues starting and running while driving on the road. I've had two separate mechanics not associated with Kia that have told me to take it to Kia and have told me about recalls on my vehicle for the same issues I'm having. I took it to Kia multiple times about the issue, and was given a 1000 mile oil consumption test which passed and then was told that there's nothing they could do for me as I passed the consumption test so in their eye's there isn't a problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701256November 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at night, the neighbor knocked on the door approximately 4:00 AM in the morning to alert the contact that the vehicle was on fire in the driveway. The contact went outside and saw that the front of the vehicle was on fire. The contact believed that the fire had started in the engine compartment. The contact stated that the neighbor was already attempting to put out the fire with a gardening hose. The contact and the neighbor attempted to extinguish the fire; however, the flames spread throughout the vehicle and destroyed the vehicle. The Fire Department was called and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that the vehicle was considered totaled due to the extensive damages on the outside and inside the vehicle. The contact also stated that the fire caused damages to the front of another vehicle that was parked nearby. A Police report was filed but the report number was not provided to the contact. There were no injuries sustained, and no medical attention was needed. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in the driveway. The contact was notified by the insurance provider that there was possibly a recall listed on the vehicle for a similar failure and to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701261November 24, 2025
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that three cylinders were misfiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,410.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700997November 22, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Subject: Reimbursement Request for Engine Defect Repairs - VIN [XXX] Dear Kia Consumer Assistance Center, I am requesting full reimbursement for repairs necessitated by the known engine defect in my 2014 Kia Soul with the 2.0L VEHICLE INFORMATION: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Soul Plus •Current Mileage: 145,861 •Owner: [XXX] EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO ENGINE DEFECT: 1.Oil Change - $152.34 (November 21, 2025) Jiffy Lube work order #410 documents excessive oil consumption with notation "1/2 QUART LOW ON OIL. CHECK YOUR OIL OFTEN" despite oil change only 46 days prior. 2.Oil Change - Valvoline (Oct 6, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change $0.00 Because they gave me a oil change for free because my oil light came on the next day. Valvoline 5W30 Full Synthetic Oil API SP 4.20 QT Valvoline Oil Filter 3.Oil Change – Valvoline - $106.00 (Oct 5, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change Valvoline 5W20 Full Synthetic Oil 4.DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE Firestone - $110.99 (ENGINE ANALYSIS Sept 6, 2025) * POSSIBLE BOTTOM END DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE FROM OVERHEATING** NEEDS TO GO TO ENGINE SHOP** DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE (ENGINE ANALYSIS) **HEARS SQUEAKING WHEN ACCELARTING. CUSTOMER WAS DRIVING UP THE GRAPE VINE AND CAR HAD SHUT OFF. CAR ALSO TAKES A WHILE TO GET UP TO SPEED.** 5. Catalytic Converter Replacement - $1,100 (Sept 6, 2025) oThe catalytic converter failed due to excessive exhaust temperatures caused by the engine defect. Per Kia TSB and recall documentation, high exhaust gas temperatures damage the catalytic converter, resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to engine pistons. 6. Autozone - $26.99 (Aug 28, 2025) oCataclean Fuel & Exhaust oSystem Cleaner 7. Valvoline - $140.00 (May 11, 2025) Complete Fuel System $19.99 8.Spark Plug Replacement & Tune-Up - $391.81 (March 29, 2025) Engine diagnostic codes (P0302, P0300 I request full reimbursement for these expenses totaling $2,011.13. Kia of Downtown Los Angeles will do the oil consumption test 11/24/2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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