Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11689064September 23, 2025
ENGINE
Perform check engine light diagnosis. Heard knocking noise at any speed even at idle. Added 2 quarts of oil. P0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold Bank 1. The engine is consuming too much oil and has a noise coming from the valve train. Also, a slight rod bearing knock. Our auto mechanic had told us to check with Kia Dealership because it is a known issue on this vehicle. But the Kia declined to repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689119September 23, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, several weeks later, the contact became aware that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that further diagnostic tests were required to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,467.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689118September 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Since I purchased the car the steering wheel will jerk, when im on a 2 lane road. It always jerks towards on-coming traffic, and it only does this when there is a car coming in the opposite lane and is just about to pass me. I have to fight with the steering wheel to get it back to go straight. Because of this whenever I am on a 2 lane road like this I always drive slow. This is the first car I've owned with this feature so I wasn't sure if that was just a glitch in the feature and just dealt with it. Which ni do realize now that was stupid on my part. Also in the past few days the drivers side door speaker sometimes works fine other times it gets all static and I have to turn all the sound to the passenger side. With that 3 other things have happened in the same time frame, im not sure if they are all connected but they seemed to have happened all at the same time. The passenger side window will go down from the driver's side door control but only sometimes goes back up. The horn stopped working last night along with the beep when you hit lock on the key fob twice. Im not sure if these are just minor things due to my lack of vehicle knowledge or if they are a real concern, so that is why I wanted to bring it to attention, in case anyone else has experienced any of these issues. The car only has 12000 miles, I only travel locally so im not sure if thats problematic or not. But as I said id rather be safe and let these issues be known.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688787September 22, 2025
WHEELS, SERVICE BRAKES
The rims and the rotor have rusted together causing you to use excessive force to remove the lug nut holding on the tire and the nut snaps off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688708September 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I thought my headlights needed cleaning because they are blurry instead of clear. As I am cleaning the headlights I tree that both of my headlights have micro cracks throughout the entire headlights This is not chips in the headlights it is literally Toni look cracks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688776September 21, 2025
STEERING, POWER TRAIN
In March 2023 I reported my keys stolen by a tow truck driver and in March 2025 I discovered my auto registration documents was forged by the auto dealer. The time In August 2024 my ID was stolen and because of slander HPD refused to investigate. All of this was followed by more violence against me and I decided to move to another state. I believe my car has been tampered with as the reasons for the theft of the keys which have been replaced three times. Now I am having problems with the gear shifting. I believe someone is trying to slander me as a person with dementia to stop me from driving disrupting my life. No pictures of the harassment I have received but I have tried to take notes of certain events. My previous vehicle was Kia Soul also, a newer model but it was totaled by a Nigerian attorney’s son when the whole family was in the car. The police officer who wrote the crash report , the prosecuting attorney and my attorney and judge I believe were all paid off so that the son could walk free without penalties for hurting me and totaling my vehicle. I believe this harassment has gone too far and is actually threatening my life and others by being allowed to continue harassing me and cause damage to my vehicle. I need direction on how to take care of of this issue as why I have contacted NHTSA. I also believe this is age related discrimination issue with strong attempts to stop me from driving although I have an excellent record in three states with one traffic ticket. My recent oil change was an unpleasant event because the technician refused to do a battery replacement and allowed me to drive away in that condition although I explained earlier, I needed my car checked completely so safely to drive A trip out of town. I had to return to the repair shop and speak to the manager and get my car serviced again with a new battery. I hope you can direct me on how to resolve this issue to drive safely without harassment and personal property violations.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688580September 20, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding the handling of my vehicle recall and repair process at Kia Killian Road in Columbia, South Carolina. Vehicle Information: - Year/Make/Model: 2020 Kia Soul - VIN: [XXX] - Registered Owner: [XXX] Timeline of Events: - My vehicle was brought to Kia Killian Road for recall repairs related to recalls 21V259, 21V259A, and CS2306 concerning the engine and starter. - The starter was replaced as part of the recall work. Despite this, the vehicle remained at the dealership for over a month and a half without resolution. - I was then informed I would need to pay approximately $1,200 to replace the ignition, even though there had been no issue with the ignition prior to the recall service. - The ignition was replaced at my cost, but I have since been informed that my vehicle is still not repaired due to an alleged electrical issue. - At the time of this complaint, my vehicle has been at the dealership for more than 2.5 months, and I have been given inconsistent explanations and no resolution. Concerns: - The dealership appears to be tying unrelated repairs to the recall, causing unnecessary costs and delays. - I have been without the use of my vehicle for an extended and unreasonable period of time. - I have not been provided a loaner vehicle or alternative transportation despite the lengthy delay. Requested Resolution: - Immediate completion of the recall repair work at no additional cost to me. - Reimbursement of the $1,200 ignition replacement charge, as the issue arose only after recall work began. - Provision of a loaner vehicle or compensation for transportation expenses incurred during the 2.5 months my vehicle has been out of service. - Written clarification from Kia corporate as to why this delay has occurred and how Kia will ensure resolution. This matter has caused significant hardship, and I am seeking urgent assistance from Kia Consumer Affairs, NHTSA, and INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688612September 20, 2025
ENGINE
The check engine light has come on multiple times, indicating an engine failure defect, a known and recurring issue among this vehicle’s model. The problem first occurred on [XXX], again on [XXX], and is ongoing since [XXX]. The vehicle has been inoperable since [XXX], and remains at the dealership. The defect puts the safety of the driver and others at risk because the vehicle can become inoperable without warning while driving. The issue has been inspected and documented by the dealership each time it occurred, but repairs under warranty have failed to resolve the defect. Prior to the failures, the check engine light illuminated as a warning. The recurring nature of the problem and its continued presence despite recommended maintenance indicate a systemic engine defect that has not been adequately repaired or addressed by the manufacturer. 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
#11688646September 20, 2025
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption leading to complete engine failure. My wife bought this car to be her daily commute to work. When we took the car for its first oil change after hitting the change sticker milage, the mechanic noted that the engine had no oil. We filled it up with full synthetic. History of the Vehicle showed proper and on-time maintenance schedule, that's why we bought it. At the time of purchase there were no codes or engine lights. Clean title and no accidents. The engine had oil at the time of purchase. There were no indicators of problems. We also took the car to the Kia dealership for recalls and campaigns, they told us nothing about this issue. One day, first came the engine light, my wife was driving to work, the car started shaking heavily, then the vehicle failed to supply enough power to go above 50 mph. She was in the middle of the interstate, she felt that she was going to crash, or someone will crash into her. She was terrified, rightly so. When she finally reached a safe place to stop, she called me. When I came to check it out, I let the engine cool down first then checked the oil, it was very low. I put some oil and took it again to the same Kia dealership for diagnostics - the engine turned off multiple times on me at traffic lights (when near stop), the dealership took about a week to diagnose it and they finally told us that the cylinders misfired and the pressure in the cylinders were lower than capacity; they said the engine must be replaced and quoted us a used Engine of 114k at $7k replacement fee. Kia must be held responsible for their engines. We did everything in our capacity to ensure the vehicle is maintained as best as we could, my wife took loans from her family to pay for this car, and we are left with a lime.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688407September 19, 2025
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2016 KIA SOUL- While driving, vehicle lost power, check eng light came on and vehicle would not accelerate, engine started making noise- pulled over and shut car off. Had vehicle towed to independent shop and was diagnosed with bad catalytic (manifold) convertor- they changed oil and filter and also found metal in oil, which I never experienced till this incident- upon research i found that there was a recall on that convertor, i called dealer, had towed there- diagnosed as convertor, was told covered one day, then called next and told it was not. Evidently, looking at reviews and complaints, there are many people driving 2016 kia souls that were not covered under this catalytic recall. Seems that Kia never fixed the original issue. Warning DON'T BUY A KIA- I have contacted Kia customer care, case [XXX] and they have said car did not have recall and are not giving any assistance. To edit, this is [XXX] vehicle 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
#11688045September 18, 2025
ENGINE
Car was purchased used in November 2024. Driven minimally through 2025. July of 2025 engine began stalling at low idle or when pulling into a stop and repeatedly stalling out. Took car to mechanic and replaced crankshaft position sensor, spark plugs, and fuel pump - cost $1,218. Stalling still occurred. Took it to Kia Dealership and they stated, “Cylinder 1 scoring damage, and needed new engine”. This was/is a known problem with various Kia models: “Engine stalling symptom from defect manufacturing of oil rings in cylinder that causes scoring and engine damage.” We bought this car for $12,000 in good faith and it didn’t even last a year!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688247September 18, 2025
STEERING
The steering wheel has a knocking in it. KIA has issued TSB CHA074 for the problem, the deterioration of the MDPS Flexible Steering Coupler. The bulletin covers my 2013 KIA Soul. It's annoying and sounds dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688000September 17, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RECALL FOR CATALIC CONVERTER UNDER MANUFACTOR WARRANTY , THEY CONTINUE NOT TO HONOR THE RECALL ON MY VECHILE AND THE RECALL WAS ON THE CATALIC CONVERTER
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687991September 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the vehicle consumes one quart of engine oil every 1,000 miles. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687236September 15, 2025
ENGINE
Check engine light came on. 4 new engine coils and spark plugs. Carb cleaner in gas. Check engine light on again then while driving car jerked and check engine light blinking. Code 420 catalytic converter. This vehicle was under recall for same issue but was ok at time of recall. Was checked at Kia dealership u see recall time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687259September 15, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was driving on the highway when I heard a whistle. When I arrived at my destination, I was surprised to see that the front driver’s side windshield trim panel was missing and flew off when I was driving. Earlier, I had a similar issue with the front passenger side trim panel. I reported these safety concerns to Kia on 9/2. I received a standard form letter on 9/4 (copied below). I was surprised by Kia’s response because I think parts flying off during typical driving use is more than standard repair and is a safety concern for all of us who travel on our roads. I’m reporting to you because I care about safety as both a driver and a passenger. I attached the photos I took and sent to Kia. —- Thank you for contacting Kia Customer Care. We’re sorry to hear about the concern with your Kia. The standard Limited Basic Warranty for your vehicle has expired (5 years/60,000 miles whichever comes first.). As such, any repairs recommended outside of warranty coverage, or not included in an applicable campaign, would be the responsibility of the vehicle’s owner. If you have any additional questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us at 800-333-4542 (option 2, then 5) and provide your case number. Sincerely, Kia America
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11687458September 15, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Going through oil so fast excessive oil use
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686976September 12, 2025
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia Soul is experiencing severe oil consumption, piston ring failure, and smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is covered under Kia’s engine warranty extension (Product Improvement Campaign PI2002B and subsequent updates), which extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles on the engine short block/long block assembly. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to piston oil rings, but Kia America has denied warranty coverage, stating that because the rod bearing clearance test passed, the repair is not covered. This denial contradicts Kia’s own documentation, which defines the covered “short block assembly” as including pistons and piston rings, in addition to bearings and connecting rods. By refusing coverage, Kia is effectively narrowing the warranty in a way that leaves consumers unprotected, despite the campaign language. This issue raises a safety concern because excessive oil consumption and piston ring failure can lead to: Engine smoke and emissions problems, Sudden power loss, and Increased risk of engine failure while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of piston ring and oil consumption failures under the engine warranty extension, as Kia appears to be limiting coverage only to rod bearing failures, despite covering the entire short/long block assembly on paper. Summary: VIN covered under PI2002B/KSDS update. Engine is consuming oil and smoking due to piston ring failure. Kia refuses coverage because rod bearings passed the clearance test. Piston rings are part of the short block, yet warranty is being denied. Safety issue due to risk of engine failure and increased emissions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686857September 12, 2025
ENGINE
Basically since I bought this car back 2020, brand new, the engine loses oil. Vehicle even stalled in the middle of the highway because there was no oil and no warning at all. Kia dealership tells me over and over that there is nothing wrong with it, after doing oil testing for 1000 miles. They have replaced components but nothing has worked so far. Latest issue that after 2700 miles from an oil change, I had to fill it up with oil. Now my car has about 57000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686208September 10, 2025
ENGINE
THE VEHICLE IS BURNING THROUGH OIL AND NOW THE GARAGE I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO IS SAYING IT WILL NEED A NEW ENGINE SOON. ALSO I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALLS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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