Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11691320October 4, 2025
ENGINE
I don’t know
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691035October 2, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rod bearings failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691093October 2, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas tank mounting are rusting and are not the correctly plated
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691081October 2, 2025
ENGINE
My vehicles engine light is consistently flashing on and off, indicating there is an engine issue and when I took it to get the engine light diagnosed, error code P1327 shows up and the mechanic sites that it could be related to the faulty piston ring part, which is corresponding to the recent recall of Kia Souls from last February. Not to mention my vehicle sometimes goes through a momentarily power surge or lack of that temporarily stalls the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690775October 1, 2025
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and experienced a loss of automotive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the catalytic converter and the engine were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690535September 30, 2025
ENGINE
I was on my way home from work and the car just cut off .it wont move forward or backwords..the lights,radio all was on the car just wouldnt move ..i turned the key off and tried to start it up..it did nothing ..waited bout 10 minutes it started back up ..i looked up the recalls .SC176 sounds like what happen to it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690593September 30, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure recurred, and the contact parked the vehicle. The vehicle was no longer being driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,157.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690245September 29, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
P0420 code indicated during emissions test. Vehicle shut off after stopping and acceleration after stopping. Hesitates when trying to restart Vehicle. Contact kia manufacturer about engine and P0420 code, however no help was given.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690051September 27, 2025
ENGINE
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report that a Kia dealership of garden grove, ca falsely recorded a safety recall as “completed” on my 2019 Kia Soul Upon review from another kia dealer, I discovered that the recall repair — essential to prevent engine failure — was never actually performed. My engine has now failed catastrophically (broken connecting rod at 128,600 miles), consistent with the known risks that recall was meant to address. This misrepresentation by the dealership not only endangered my safety but also undermines the recall process intended to protect consumers. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter and ensure accountability for the dealer and manufacturer. To answer your questions more directly. : 1.Connecting rod exploded out of engine. Kia is aware of thier faulty torque on said part. 2 My wife was driving on the free way with her kid at the time and could have caused a major accident. 3.yes they had a class action lawsuit against the recall. 4. The car is waiting at kia dealer. I was told that the update they didnt do that was put out in 2022 was not done when bought and brought to said dealer in January 2024 and that another recall was said to be done but was not done . 5. There was a knocking or shaking but when asking the mechanics hired by the dealer they said it was the rotors . We replace the rotors and a week later the connecting rod shot out of the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690015September 26, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
When driving my vehicle under normal conditions, the car will unexpectedly slow down on its own, and the system brake lights and hazard lights will activate as if I am about to be in a collision, even though no accident is occurring. I have noticed this issue most frequently when I am stopped at a traffic light and begin to accelerate again. Once I turn the car off and restart it, the warning lights go away, but the issue continues to reoccur.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689719September 25, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
There is water filtration in the upper stop lamp. This happens while driving under heavy raining conditions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689724September 25, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the mechanic detected a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine rod bearing and camshaft failures. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689730September 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689749September 25, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact's son owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact's daughter-in-law looked through the glass door of the residence and noticed that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire started from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the entire vehicle had burned significantly. The fire was extinguished by fire department, and the fire department filed a report. The contact stated that he resided in a lot for RVs converted into permanent residences. The contact stated that the contact's residence and a neighbor's residence sustained heat damage from the vehicle fire, and the side of the contact's residence melted. The contact's deck also caught on fire, and the fire was extinguished by fire department. The vehicle was totaled. The vehicle remained at the residence. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed but the police report information was not available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652(Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The contact stated that the recall notice had not been received. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689643September 25, 2025
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the battery discharge and Auto START/STOP warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (Power Train), for which the dealer replaced the electric oil pump controller as the remedy. After the repair, the cruise control was unintendedly activated. The Lane Keep Assist feature was intermittently activated independently. While refueling, the fuel gauge was half full and took approximately 30-40 minutes before quickly displaying a full tank. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall repair was completed; however, the vehicle was not taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689360September 24, 2025
ENGINE
The engine is having oil consumption since May 2025. It is a 2019 Kia Soul, 1.6L GDI engine. I have taken it to get oil changes, however there is no leak. It is also making a rattling noise and having a hard time to accelerate. I was informed by a mechanic that it is the pistons knocking around, due to the overheating and oil consumption. Even the dealership told me that it is dangerous to drive. I bought the car brand new and am the only owner, it's crazy that it's falling apart after 6 years.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689136September 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Inhibitor Switch has to be replaced. 2017 vehicles had a recall, dealership wants 747.00 to fix same when a recall for same a year later?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689282September 23, 2025
ENGINE
On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, my engine stalled and would not start. AAA looked at it and tried to jump it, and could not get it to start. I was stranded an hour and a half away from home, so I had to have it towed to my home. On Monday, September 22nd 2025, I had a mechanic come look at my car. He ran diagnostics,a compression test, replaced my spark plugs, literally every test he could do, and said there was an issue with my engine. I know there was a class-action lawsuit against Kia, and tried to find out of my car qualifies for the extended warranty, but upon searching my VIN, was told it does not. Even though I have all the same symptoms. And I have been excessively burning oil for a few months, having to put about two (2) quarts of oil in my car a week.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689294September 23, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The engine in my 2015 Kia Soul was replaced under warranty in June 2025. Only 3,568 miles later, the replacement engine failed. The vehicle displayed code P1326 and quickly lost oil, leaving it unsafe and undriveable on the road. This sudden failure created a serious safety hazard, as the vehicle stalled without warning and could not maintain safe operation. I was fortunate to be close to home and immediately turned back, narrowly avoiding a dangerous situation on a busy road. provide any assistance. Instead, they declined to repurchase or replace the vehicle, leaving me with an undriveable car and a $9,900 loan balance. This second catastrophic failure has not been inspected by a Kia dealership because Kia refused to take responsibility or even arrange for evaluation. This was not an isolated incident. Problems began on 11/27/2024, less than 3,000 miles after I purchased the vehicle, and have been ongoing ever since, including prior emergency towing events due to similar safety issues. Kia’s repeated failures to provide a lasting fix or safe remedy have left me without reliable transportation and have put both myself and other drivers at risk. I have full documentation of the June 2025 engine replacement, the subsequent failure, and Kia’s refusal to act. The vehicle remains available for inspection. Warning messages and engine lights appeared only after the failure had already occurred.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689300September 23, 2025
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia Soul is now consuming oil excessively and emitting smoke from the exhaust. These symptoms only began after a dealership performed recall-related work (knock sensor replacement and KSDS software update). The vehicle is covered under Kia’s Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev. 7, Feb. 2025), which lists the Kia Soul (2012–2024) as eligible for evaluation and repair of oil consumption due to piston oil ring failure. This bulletin requires that a sealed oil consumption test be performed when customer complaints of oil consumption or smoke are verified. Despite this, Kia America has denied warranty coverage, stating the vehicle passed the rod bearing clearance test (BCT) and therefore does not qualify for an engine replacement under the class action settlement. This is misleading and incomplete because: The oil consumption issue is a separate covered defect under TSB ENG222. My vehicle is within the mileage (94k) and time limit (15 years/150k miles). Kia has refused to authorize the required oil consumption test. The smoking and oil consumption symptoms only began after the dealer performed recall service. This denial leaves me with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive due to risk of sudden engine failure, increased emissions, and potential fire hazard from oil burning. Kia is not following its own published service procedures, leaving consumers without protection despite official warranty extensions. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of oil consumption claims under ENG222, as owners are being denied the mandated oil consumption test and warranty repairs even when they clearly qualify.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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