Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11768428October 2, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
My brakes failed to stop my car I was driving down [XXX]. I went to brake because I was going to slow down cause I was just over the speed limit and my brakes went all the way to the floor and I I could not stop the car with the brakes , so I pulled over to the side and slowly came to a halt. I was so shook up. I do not know if I put it in neutral or put it in a lower gear or if I just coasted to a stop. I ended up hitting a guard rail and that slowed me down, but I still went down the guard rail it basically cut a lot of the right side of my car. See the photos below for damages. I’d been trying to start the car as I would have been able to drive to work. I tried to start the car, but it would not because the gas-pedal went all the way to the floor i found out that there is a break interlock system that prevents it from starting when there is no brakes,then got my cell phone, called the police and had them write out a report. I then called a tow truck and they tow it to caliber collision in [XXX]. They told me they moved it three times but they didn’t tell me how they moved it, but I can’t believe they could’ve started it so they must’ve had it pulled to a different area so they couldn’t work on it. I am still waiting to have the car working order. I hear that you’re gonna need the black box but I have no idea what that entails. I did talk to the police and they looked at it. They really couldn’t tell what happened but they knew I could not get it driven the tow truck driver had to pull it up on the tow truck to caliber collision said they did inspect it and couldn’t find anything wrong but I find it very hard to believe there were no warning signs or lights came on. My wife did drive it the night before and heard a loud sound windshield applied the brakes, but but made it into the garage and stop I then went to work and that’s when it all failed. I had driven about 2 miles and that’s when it all failed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768461October 2, 2026
STEERING
I've had no issues with the vehicle until 2 years ago when the steering column began getting incredibly loose. I can turn the wheel 10 degrees before turning. Now the car can no longer go above 40 MPH because the steering wheel will shake violently and the front end will vibrate and it feels like it will flip. I've read that it's most likely a plastic/rubber piece in the steering column that commonly fails in most Kia Souls 2012-2014 ish. I've had it inspected before and was told I needed to replace my entire front end suspension system... Since there are no other issue with the engine I just drive it below 30 and only a few miles at a time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768566October 2, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased my Kia Soul because I believed I was purchasing a dependable vehicle that I could rely on for my everyday transportation. Unfortunately, my experience with the vehicle has been very different. Over time, I have experienced ongoing and serious problems with the engine, particularly excessive oil consumption. The vehicle consumes oil frequently and requires repeated oil top-offs. I have had to visit the oil service location so often to have the oil checked and topped off that the staff now recognizes me. This is not something I consider normal maintenance for a vehicle that is supposed to be operating properly. My concerns became even more serious when my Kia Soul stalled while I was driving on the highway. I took the vehicle to Kia in [XXX] because I was extremely concerned about the safety implications of a vehicle losing power while traveling on the highway. After inspecting the vehicle, I was told that there was no engine problem. Because the excessive oil consumption continued, I later took the vehicle to Kia in Waldorf. Again, I was told that the problem was not an engine issue. I continued to have problems and eventually took the vehicle to VCD Auto in [XXX] for an independent evaluation. Their assessment was different. They agreed that there was a problem with the engine and that the engine appeared to be defective. I have also experienced problems involving the catalytic converter. After replacing the catalytic converter, I had to have another catalytic converter installed only approximately four months later. The repeated oil consumption and subsequent mechanical problems have caused me to question whether these issues are connected to an underlying engine defect. What is particularly frustrating is that I have repeatedly attempted to address these problems responsibly. I have taken the vehicle to Kia dealerships, had the vehicle inspected, maintained the oil, paid for repairs, and sought an independent mechanic's opinion. Despite INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768610October 2, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle suffered a sudden, dangerous loss of power on the highway at 70 mph, dropping immediately to 20 mph, creating a severe safety risk. The vehicle has an active P0420 code. The official NHTSA database confirms that Safety Recall SC176 (Campaign 19V120) is INCOMPLETE for this vehicle. However, the KIA dealership and KIA corporate are actively refusing to honor the federal recall, falsely claiming the vehicle is past an 8-year/80,000-mile emissions warranty limitation. They are also forcing a $249 diagnostic fee to investigate an open, incomplete safety campaign.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768644October 2, 2026
ENGINE
The oil consumption is outrageous. I have to check the oil every week. I keep taking it to WYATT JOHNSON KIA but they refuse to report the oil consumption problem to KIA
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768299October 1, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine goes from rest to automatic shut down when you accelerate if the Auto rest for the engine at pause is enabled. Completely shutting downs the car when it’s supposed to be accelerating
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768077September 30, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE A 2016 KIA SOUL THAT HAS BEEN HAVING DRINKING OIL EVERY 2-3 WEEKS BUT THERE ISNT ANY OIL LEAKING ON THE GROUND.LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING HOME AND MY CAR WOULNT GO OVER 20MPH I TOOK IT TO KIA AND THEY SAID I NEED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER THE OIL IS STILL ESCAPING SOMEWHERE AND WHEN I LOOKED AT THE RECALLS MY VIN DIDNT SHOW I HAD ANY BUT MY CAR IS SOMEHOW HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AND I HAVE 108,000 MILES
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767687September 29, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Trouble with acceleration, when coming to a full stop then trying to accelerate the car feels like it doesn't want to move. Slows down to approximately 15mph when going up hills even when gas pedal pushed down all the way. Feels like it's about to stall at stop signs, etc.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767790September 29, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It appears to get really hot and then it starts to smoke abundantly. And then the car struggles to drive forward. And something about instrument cluster
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767450September 28, 2026
ENGINE
consumer protection complaint against Gateway Kia of North Brunswick for wrongful warranty denial, deceptive business practices, and failure to comply with a federally mandated class action settlement.On Friday, September 25, 2026, my 2021 Kia Soul was left at Gateway Kia due to engine distress. The service department performed a physical mechanical bearing test and confirmed that the vehicle has a failed connecting rod bearing (the engine rod is shot).Despite this definitive physical proof of mechanical failure, the dealership's service department and Kia Corporate Consumer Affairs flatly refused to honor the repair or provide a mandated loaner vehicle. They claimed the vehicle is "out of warranty" and "does not match a recall."This vehicle is explicitly covered under the Kia Nu Engine Class Action Settlement, which legally mandates a Lifetime Warranty Extension for connecting rod bearing wear and failures for qualifying vehicles, regardless of original ownership or standard factory warranty expiration. Furthermore, the settlement explicitly dictates that a free loaner or alternative transportation must be provided while a class vehicle is held for a qualifying engine failure.By running a physical test that proved a settlement-covered mechanical failure, yet refusing to honor the court-ordered warranty extension, Gateway Kia is engaging in deceptive trade practices and violating federal class settlement terms. They are holding my inoperable vehicle while I am forced to maintain a $449.13 monthly finance payment to Credit Acceptance Corporation for a vehicle they refuse to fix.Requested Resolution:I request that the Division of Consumer Affairs investigate Gateway Kia of North Brunswick and compel Kia America, Inc. to immediately authorize the engine replacement under the Class Action Settlement terms.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767274September 27, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dear Kia Customer Care, I am writing to formally express my disappointment and serious concern regarding my 2016 Kia Soul, VIN [XXX], its engine failure, the applicable engine recall/warranty coverage, and my experience obtaining assistance and repairs through Kia. Most importantly, this situation involved more than an inconvenience or ordinary mechanical problem. My son's safety was placed at serious risk when my Kia abruptly lost power and became disabled in high-speed freeway traffic. XXX – Dangerous Freeway Breakdown On Saturday, XXXX, at approximately 9:30 p.m., my son, [XXX], was driving my Kia Soul on the [XXX] from [XXX] toward [XXX], for his 11:00 p.m. work shift. According to [XXX], the vehicle abruptly began losing speed and eventually came to a complete stop near the freeway median. The vehicle was left in an extremely dangerous position with high-speed traffic approaching nearby. [XXX] noticed that the check-engine light had illuminated. He repeatedly attempted to restart the vehicle, but it would not start. When [XXX] called me for assistance, I panicked because of the dangerous circumstances. My immediate concern was that my son or another motorist could be seriously injured. I contacted AAA for emergency roadside assistance. Because of the hazardous location, AAA contacted the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to assist until the tow truck arrived. [XXX] was instructed not to leave the vehicle because of the high-speed traffic surrounding him. AAA ultimately towed my Kia Soul to Kia Cerritos because it was the closest Kia dealership I could locate that offered an overnight vehicle drop-off. XXXX – Vehicle Received by Kia Cerritos On Sunday, XXX, a service representative contacted me to confirm that Kia Cerritos had received my vehicle. I was asked what had occurred the previous evening, and I explained the incident in detail. 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
#11767031September 25, 2026
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI has an unresolved engine-related safety and recall concern. The vehicle is associated with safety recall SC176 / NHTSA 19V120, which remains identified as incomplete in the vehicle’s recall records. Kia also sent a recall renotification stating that the recall had not been completed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealership after experiencing engine knocking, difficulty accelerating, and a no-start condition. Repair Order #544458 documents the reported engine knocking, trouble accelerating, and inability to start. The repair order also states that the vehicle was towed out because Kia Techline declined the engine request due to related recall work not having been performed. The vehicle was released without the requested engine replacement or a completed resolution. The concern is that the vehicle experienced serious engine-related symptoms while an applicable safety recall was listed as incomplete, and the manufacturer’s authorization process did not result in a completed recall-related remedy. The vehicle was subsequently removed from the dealership. I request that NHTSA document and review this complaint, including whether the recall remedy and engine-related concerns are being appropriately addressed. The vehicle and supporting records may be available for inspection upon request. Supporting documentation includes the Kia recall letter, recall verification, dealership repair order, and communications concerning the manufacturer’s review.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766582September 24, 2026
ENGINE
The engine long-block assembly suffered a catastrophic, terminal internal collapse and sudden stall due to abrasive substrate particle ingestion from a previously failed, melted manifold catalytic converter under Safety Recall SC176 (NHTSA Campaign 19V120000). The vehicle has been extracted to preserve evidence and is available for immediate physical inspection. The vehicle suffered a complete, sudden loss of motive power and stalled while traveling at high speeds on a busy public highway. It went into an un-accelerated limp mode, creating an immediate hazard of a high-speed rear-end collision on the highway shoulder. Authorized franchise facility Garden Grove Kia officially confirmed the terminal block failure under Repair Order #6238999. A diagnostic scan confirmed multi-cylinder misfires (P0300–P0304). A physical compression test confirmed a terminal drop to 59.6 psi in Cylinder 2, and an internal camera borescope confirmed a catastrophic internal Cylinder 2 wall crash damage not sealing alongside a fractured spark plug tip inside Cylinder 4. The dealership officially recommended a total engine replacement. The vehicle was inspected by a certified franchise dealer technician representing the manufacturer. A formal enforcement case has been opened regarding this vehicle asset and documentation file with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) under Reference Case #669B-C5PDRP
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766643September 24, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Soul was included in Recall SC336 involving defective piston oil rings that may cause increased oil consumption, engine damage, and stalling. The recall remedy was done in June 2025. Kia digitally inspected the engine and said it passed so no engine replacement was performed. Eight months later the car began having symptoms mirroring those of the recall. On February 13, 2026, an independent repair facility documented a check engine light, poor acceleration, timing-related engine fault codes, no oil on the dipstick, less than two quarts of oil recovered from the engine, and no visible external oil leaks. On May 21, 2026, a Kia dealership documented that the vehicle arrived three quarts low. Engine timing and performance issues later required warranty repairs. On Sept. 19 2026, the vehicle stalled while turning onto a busy roadway with four occupants inside. Following the stall event, the vehicle was again found to be extremely low on oil despite documented regular maintenance and oil changes throughout ownership. I’m worried that the recall inspection didn’t identify an affected engine and that the car then developed the symptoms in Recall SC336 - excessive oil consumption, engine-related faults, poor performance, and dangerous stalling. The car is now being evaluated by Kia. I am complaining because I believe NHTSA should know a vehicle that passed the SC336 recall inspection within months developed symptoms resembling the condition that recall was intended to address. I have been informed by the dealership that because Recall SC336 was already completed, Kia would not allow the recall process to simply be performed again. My concern is that the vehicle was determined to have passed the recall inspection but then developed all of the recall symptoms. I am concerned that the recall history is not being considered as part of the current diagnosis and that the underlying condition addressed by SC336 was not identified despite the vehicle having symptoms.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766790September 24, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought the car August 21st 2026 and I'm September 20th I was driving down the interstate and my car starting shaking. I found out it's the catholic converter. I read they're was a recall on the Kia for that issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766035September 22, 2026
ENGINE
This car since I had it burns alot and I mean alot of oil between oil changes i have to keep oil on hand and constantly checking the oil I have alot of friends with this car and the same issue I had my soul for over 5 years and it's still burning oil I take care of my car im still paying on it and it has less than 70,000 miles and 8m having problems with it. I'm disabled, one income. I need my car I've brought this to kua themselves they told me to...JUST KEEP WATCHING YOUR OIL LEVELS LIJE U VEEN U SHUD BE OK....ARE THEY SERIOUS. PLEASE HELP ME
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766145September 22, 2026
ENGINE
My 2020 Kia Soul 2.0L has developed serious engine problems. The vehicle initially had diagnostic trouble code P0014 and later P000B. The vehicle has also experienced significant oil consumption. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that the engine has sustained damage related to oil consumption and that the engine requires complete replacement. I was previously advised that the issue could involve the camshaft timing/variable valve timing system or cam phaser, but the engine itself needs to be replaced. The vehicle has approximately 113751 miles. I have maintained the vehicle and have documentation showing that I performed regular oil changes in accordance to the user manual. I am concerned about the premature engine failure and the potential safety consequences if the engine loses power or fails while the vehicle is being driven. My VIN currently does not show an applicable recall. I am reporting this problem because I believe the engine failure and oil-consumption issue should be documented and reviewed for a potential safety-related defect or pattern involving this vehicle/engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765798September 21, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN
The Engine powered down to the point where the car stalled out. It would not accelerate. This was quite dangerous! I was in traffic when this happened. Trying to get it to a safer spot, I restarted the engine a few times; the brakes were extremely hard & wouldn't let me mash them down to catch to stop, so I immediately pulled the handbrake up & shut the engine off. I smelled a weird smell, like something was burning too. I had it towed to the shop & even though No lights were on, we plugged it up & it gave the 0420P code for the Bank 1 sensor Exhaust Flow issue. Mechanic stated he thought it might be the Catalytic Convertor. About 2 weeks beforehand, the oil light had come on, added 2 quarts of oil & it went out. Then the check engine light came on about 2 weeks after that, blinked a couple of times, but went back off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765461September 19, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I will be accelerating and the car will on occasion start to sputter like it is going to die and loose power on me. It has done it three different times the last time it through a code on my OBD monitor read it and said P0304 the 4th cylinder is misfiring. I took it in and they couldn't see the code or even the history of there being a code thrown. Please help my ladst car that did this needed to have the engine replaced and is recall was issued after we sold it to a junk yard, and I can't afford that again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765549September 19, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Seatbelt on front passenger side locked up and continued to tighten until passenger had to release. Then seatbelt never returned to function. It locked up completely.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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