Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11700730November 21, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car is suddenly stalling without warning during idling or slow acceleration. No check engine light initially appears. When the stall happens a check engine light comes on. When the car restarts there is not a check engine light. Car will sometimes mar a funny sound like a loud fan and jerking motion before acting “normal” but when idling at a light again will suddenly turn off. Car will start back up again, no warning lights, no check engine, etc. when doing a read of the computer there are no codes to determine any issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700841November 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission failed when mileage was at 88,000 miles and is not opererational to drive. After taking car to a pirate auto shop the mechanic informed me it showed codes P0753 and P073, and informed me the transmission fluid had metal debris inside it. This is a known defect from this specific Kia model. Then took it to the Kia Dealership in Chula Vist, for diagnostic, they informed me P073 code shown up and recommended to replace the transmission. This is known defect that is associated with the Kia Soul manufacturer, and is related to the recall. My safety was put at risk when I was driving and after I stopped at a red light the car was in drive and would not accelerate when I pressed the gas, this problem was confirmed by the dealership with diagnosis paperwork. Their was no warning when this issue occurred, additionally Kia corporate refuses to accept responsibility for their manufacturer defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700888November 21, 2025
ENGINE
P1326 code followed by loss of power (limp mode) followed by multiple misfires and loss of compression in cylinder 2. Loss of power going up a hill on interstate with a full car one under age 10. Dealer and firestone states no compression in cylinder 2 and says needs engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700672November 20, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The engine began to sound like it was missing or sputtering. This occurred for a short period of time, and then the sound stopped. The next day the sound started again, shortly after engine seized while driving which created a very dangerous situation. After about 10 minutes the vehicle restarted, was making a sputtering noise, and was driven a short distance into a parking lot. Still, no warning lights appeared on the dashboard, vehicle was towed to a KIA dealership. At the dealership, 4 days later, We were told that the vehicle was completely out of oil. The check engine light, nor the oil icon, came on at any time. There was no evidence of an oil leak of any kind. There has been no damage to the vehicle. The vehicle has received regular oil changes either at a dealership or at a business that supplies oil change services. The engine seizing, really with no warning, created a dangerous situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700446November 19, 2025
ENGINE
The check engine light came on and took in to have checked and am told I need a whole new engine. When Kia is contacted they are saying that they do not honor 100,000 mile warranty as I am not the first owner. I would like this to be honored because it is ridiculous that an engine would fail this soon. I have kept up on all oil changes and services since I have owned the vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700450November 19, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am getting a code that indicates an issue with the catalytic converter. P0420 to be specific. The engine is continually misfiring and check engine light comes on and off randomly. Car broke down completely at one point in October and had to replace the battery but check engine light was still on when I got it to start. The car shakes uncontrollably every time I drive it and gets even worse when idling. I took it to a mechanic and they believe it to be amongst the 2011-2016 SC176 recalled Kia Souls where high exhaust temperatures can damage the engine’s catalytic converter. Have attempted to take it for repairs/open recall and the manufacturers have consistently refused. Help in getting this issue sorted out would be much appreciated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700338November 19, 2025
ENGINE
Component that failed: The engine (2.0L Nu MPI) suffered a sudden internal mechanical failure. A connecting rod broke and punctured through the engine block. The failure was catastrophic and occurred without any warning lights, oil pressure warnings, overheating messages, or performance symptoms beforehand. Safety risk: The vehicle stalled instantly and lost all power while I was driving, which put my safety at risk. A sudden engine failure at speed can cause loss of control, a crash, or the inability to move the vehicle off the roadway. This type of failure is a serious safety hazard. Inspection and confirmation: The failure was confirmed by Kia of Riverdale on November 13, 2025. Their mechanic documented that the engine rod blew through the block due to internal damage. The dealer stated the vehicle is no longer drivable and needs a full engine replacement. Manufacturer response: Kia declined assistance because I am the second owner and the warranty has expired, even though this type of failure is consistent with known engine defects in Kia’s 2.0L engines involving connecting rods, oil starvation, and internal bearing failures. Kia did not inspect the vehicle beyond the dealership diagnosis and did not offer goodwill repair. Warning signs before failure: None. No warning lamps, noises, or messages appeared prior to the incident. The engine failed suddenly without any advance symptoms. Best assessment of cause: Based on the dealer inspection and Kia’s documented history of engine defects, the failure appears related to the same connecting rod and internal lubrication issues affecting similar Kia engines from nearby model years. Although my VIN is not currently included in an active recall, the mechanical failure matches the defect patterns described in existing Kia engine recalls. The vehicle remains unsafe and completely inoperable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700346November 19, 2025
ENGINE
On my morning commute the engine light popped up and I started feeling a rumbling in my car when idle and gliding after accelerating. I suspect the issue is consistent with the recall for 2.0L Nu MPI engine due to a fire risk caused by faulty piston oil rings. Some sources say this is for 2020-2023 models and others report it being 2021-2023 so I am unsure if my car falls under this recall or perhaps this recall needs to be expanded.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700026November 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a judder coming from the transmission. Additionally, while decelerating to come to a stop, the vehicle shook abnormally before accelerating while continuing to drive. The failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who recommended that the transmission be replaced after completing several judder tests. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Beyer Kia (1125 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA 22046); to be diagnosed, and the failure was duplicated; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,986.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700034November 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car lurches/judders upon startup and at low speeds. It has been serviced eight times for this issue by two authorized Kia dealers with no resolve.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699918November 17, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving my 2016 Kia Soul on the highway, the vehicle suddenly began shaking and immediately lost power. The check engine light came on and the car would not accelerate, even when pressing the gas pedal. This happened with no prior warning. I had to coast to the shoulder in moving traffic, which created a safety concern. The engine then stalled completely and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to Findlay Kia in Las Vegas. Their technicians diagnosed a major internal engine failure. The repair report shows zero compression in cylinder 2, a cracked intake valve, oil contamination, and extensive internal engine damage requiring a full engine replacement. Diagnostic trouble codes included P0300, P0302, P0303, and P0326. There were no earlier symptoms, no overheating, and the vehicle has been properly maintained. The failure was sudden and left the car completely inoperable. I opened Case #[XXX] with Kia Corporate. They reviewed all documents, service records, and the dealer’s findings. Although they did provide assistance in reviewing the case, the final outcome was not in my favor, and they declined to cover the repair. This is concerning given the history of engine-related issues and recalls involving Kia Souls from similar model years, particularly involving sudden engine failure and loss of power. My vehicle remains inoperable at the Kia dealership. The sudden loss of power while driving presents a clear safety risk. Based on my experience and the dealership’s findings, I believe this engine failure is safety-related and should be evaluated further by NHTSA. 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
#11699520November 15, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failing, pistons, and major oil consumption
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699401November 14, 2025
AIR BAGS
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11699234November 13, 2025
ENGINE
The engine stalled. I was in a left turning lanev(which there's 2 left turning lanes and I was in the far left turning lane when the vehicle stalled and I had to get out in heavy traffic and push the vehicle to the gas station to the right of me. Cars were coming so close to me and I was so scared) I've spoken to the dealership and they said twice that someone would call me but no one has yet. The engine light came on and when I pressed the gas to go, it wouldn't move. Once I got the vehicle into the gas station, a gentleman told me to let it sit for 5 minutes and turn it back on. I did, the vehicle started but, would only allow me to drive around 35 mph until I was able to park it back in my driveway. Im terrified to drive it now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699252November 13, 2025
ENGINE
This is a 6 year old car, with just under 108,000 miles. The catalytic converter is clogged, most likely from oil getting past the piston rings and contaminating the catalytic converter. High oil consumption, resulting in 1 qt needed to be added every 850-875 miles on average. Extended warranty company excludes this part. KIA warranty covers exhaust parts only up to 80,000 miles. To replace is $4,100. Car is valued at $3,000-$3500, with dealership saying without replacement car is worth less than $1,000. Other KIA’s in years before and after this vehicle have recalls for this specific issue, and this year car and this vehicle specifically should be added to the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699298November 13, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10/01/2025 I took my vehicle to Crain Kia of Conway for four different safety recalls. Safety Recall 15V123 (SC116) , 22V096(SC229) ,17V608(SC155A) ,and 19V120(SC176). Mr.Jerime York handled my paperwork. I told him my car has. diagnotic code of 420(Catalytic Converter is not operating efficiently on Bank 1) He told me they would take care of me. 10/14/2025 when i got there to pickup my vehicle I ask Mr.York, what they did about safety recall SC176. He said upgraded the module. I brought to his attention that the remedy stated that in addition, they were suppose to check catilatic converter and motor for damage due to module not controlling tempature. He stated he trusted that his mechanic followed repair procedure. i requested a printout of the diagnotic codes my vehicle had when I brought in which they gave me. Ive attached a copy of the diagnosic codes on my vehicle. notice the 420 code also attached is KIA Technical Service diagnostic procedure and repair instructions for safety recall SC176. which they did not do . I question if they did any of the recall repairs. The document prove they did not do the most important one sc176. please help with this situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698596November 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Auto Start Stop Issue - Vehicle will stall and not start when waiting at a red light after you let go of break. All warning lights would turn on and stall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698572November 10, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and jolted before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698297November 8, 2025
ENGINE
I took the car to the shop because it had been consuming a lot of oil within the last 2 months and everytime I went to the shop they would just top off my oil . They ended up doing an oil consumption test and my car failed it and mind you they had just put oil in my car the week prior . I took my car Monday because my engine light had came on . When arriving the guy scanned my car with a machine they told me it was bad spark plugs in my engine . He sent me to Firestone because he said the process would be cheaper or faster .( mind you I told them I am doing the oil consumption test) they proceeded to send me to Firestone .firestone checked my oil and that’s when they found out there was no oil in my vehicle .they asked me if I was doing the oil consumption test I told them yes Firestone would not allow me to drive the car back to Kia so I ended up waiting 2 hours for a tow truck . When it got back to Kia they told me I had a bad engine without checking it . They said I don’t qualify for the warranty because I am not the first owner . According the website it said the engine should be good up to 100,000 miles .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697646November 5, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or accelerating, the vehicle started shaking at the front end near the engine. The vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine), and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact of DTC: P70300, which should have been resolved with the recall repair, which allowed the vehicle to pass the inspection as a successful repair; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not received any additional repairs. The contact found information on TSB: ENG222, NHTSA ID Number: 11014912 (Engine), which was related to the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, then opened a case and informed the contact that no additional assistance would be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 89,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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