Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11679917August 11, 2025
ENGINE
My 2022 Kia Soul was recalled due to an engine defect involving piston oil rings. The recall repair was supposed to include a specific engine vibration test and possibly an engine replacement if the test failed. Initially, the dealership performed the test incorrectly and said it failed. They redid the test and said it passed, but instead of replacing or fully inspecting the engine, they only installed an oil ring sensor. I am worried the sensor-only fix does not address the root issue, especially since the sensor’s effectiveness is currently being audited. This could pose a safety risk because the engine defect can cause failure, loss of power, or fire. In addition, I have experienced the warning light—a triangle with an exclamation point—that comes on intermittently. When it does, the message says to “check upper rear brake light.” This warning light has appeared multiple times, which adds to my concern about the vehicle’s condition. No other warning lights related to the engine have appeared yet, but I’m concerned about the incomplete recall fix and the possibility of future engine problems. The problem has not been fully confirmed or resolved by the manufacturer or an independent service center.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679647August 10, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hello, my oil rings in my engine failed, which there is a recall of 2021 and newer but same issues, causing my oil to burn and get trapped in the catalytic converter, then burning it out the exhaust, also I kept loosing oil. Under further diagnosis from a mechanic, I had to get a full rebuild of my engine at a cost of $5,000, and also I had to get a new catalytic converter with a cost of 500.00. PLEASE look into this and let me know what I can do further. Thank you!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679665August 10, 2025
ENGINE
My kia soul had no warning lights until last week when it shut down completely while pulling into an intersection, I have just purchased it 6 months ago. The engine light came on along with the oil lamp, battery light and master warning light. The car shut down and after a few minutes came back on. It has been doing this randomly for a week now so its barely been driven. It had a p000a code so I took it to a kia dealership for repairs after having it checked elsewhere and being told it needs a new engine. The repairs they quoted me at are over 4k and included the intake cam and intake and exhaust cam phasers. There is not much of a guarantee that this could not happen again if I spend it. I was told its unsafe to drive so its parked and may have to be defaulted on. I've seen others with similar issues while researching.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679623August 10, 2025
ENGINE
Originally, my CE light came on the first week of July 2025 and threw a Historical P0011 code for my intake Camshaft Variable Timing Solenoid. Light went off, and I took it to my local KIA dealership within a couple of days for a diag. They didn't catch a code, but said that sometimes the P0011 code will throw if there is any oil build-up, so they just recommended a 60k mile maintenance about 9k miles early and that it "should clear the code" with a flush. I couldn't afford a $1400 total service so I took it to a service shop nearby for an engine flush and an oil change on 08/08/25. The service shop also got a code for my variable Timing Solenoid and they cleared it after service. After one drive cycle, the CE light came back on, and this time threw a pending code for a Cylinder 2 misfire. The employee at the Auto Parts store said that Cylinder 2 could have a faulty coil and suggested a replacement, which we did. After another drive cycle, the CE light came on once again and threw a code(of unknown status) for a Cylinder 2 and 4 misfire. They advised us that due to the misfires after an oil change, that the Solenoid sounded like the problem afterall. I replaced my Solenoid, and not only did my CE light come on again, but I also experienced misfire, along with white smoke from my exhaust and rough idle. I got one last diag on 08/09/25 and they were able to do a scan, where they found oil had reached my spark plugs, and had noted the walls of my pistons were worn from the pistons knocking the walls. We also noticed that we burned through the entirety of the oil added to my vehicle during my oil change. With all of that information, the mechanic advised me that his best opinion without looking at my internal motor that my Piston Rings are likely worn, causing my misfires, oil consumption, burnt oil, and oil rising past the Piston Rings. We discussed the current recall on 2022 Kia Souls due to faulty Piston Rings and that it could coincide
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679537August 9, 2025
ENGINE
Engine has lower end knocking noise,internal failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679564August 9, 2025
ENGINE
Took my 2022 soul in for the ring recall. The kia dealership in myrtle beach denied warranty due to sludge. That my complaint. I thought if ring leaks it creates sludge.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679538August 9, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When initially finding out about the recall I attempted to schedule an appointment to have it fixed. Unfortunately, I was told by someone at Kia of North Austin that the recall was no longer open and was unaware until now that there is in fact an open recall for my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679458August 8, 2025
ENGINE
Engine burns oil at a rapid rate. Has been inspected & confirmed by dealer. Was informed it may be a piston issue that has been located on similar Kia vehicles, but is not on the recall list. No warning lights appear. No warning light indicating low oil either, which means I must check the level daily & add oil as needed (about one quart per week).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679450August 8, 2025
ENGINE
-Piston oil rings,oil burn -potential fire or wreck risk -oil usage confirmed -no -engine noise Manufacturers are accepting 1 qt burn per 1,000 miles. This is beyond excessive and should be repaired or replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679374August 8, 2025
ENGINE
Car was having acceleration issues, loss of power, and stalled while driving. Took the car to the dealership to be assessed for active recall SC336 and they passed the car deeming it was safe to drive. I expressed concern with the safety of driving this car with the symptoms it was showing. They offered no other services. Approximately one month later, the car could not accelerate, lost power, stalled on the freeway, and would not restart. The car was towed to the nearest dealership and diagnosed to determine the engine needs to be replaced. Kia customer service said since the car was “cleared” previously of the recall that it would not be eligible for replacement under the recall. Thankfully I have warranty but I think this is extremely inappropriate and I also think it was inappropriate diagnosed when I took it the first time to the dealership and driving the car was a risk!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679044August 7, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
First I get a safety issue warning with the front camera then I get a safety issue warning with a back camera well those warnings go off and I'm left with an ABS signal on my dashboard orange triangle with a exclamation point in it skid something with the car it shows it's weaving and I'm not sure what the fourth one was. But this has been going on going issue with this dashboard because when it starts flashing everything the car goes into limp mode. Usually if I shut the car off wouldn't turn it back on about 10 minutes later I don't get any flashing lights and the car is no longer limp mode. The problem has ever been found or corrected. the car is not sitting in my driveway waiting for a tow truck to take it to Kia soul over there in perryville Rockford Illinois but they don't provide tow service for the vehicles either. Even when it's a safety issue. I would never buy from this company again it's been one thing after another. This is only a 2 year old car has been driven 2500 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678913August 6, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
On [XXX] around [XXX], we were headed westbound on [XXX] toward Boise when the car began making a clanking sound. In less than a minute, the car was pouring smoke, clanking stopped and car completely failed. I coasted to side of freeway, car would not turn over, i did not try more than once for fear of further damage or starting a fire. When tow driver came and car was moved, it exposed a giant puddle of oil and pieces of what looked like MELTED metal. The tow driver stated it was a connection rod piece and engine is likely shot. I immediately scheduled a service ticket to have it looked at my local Kia Dealership. They confirmed that i experienced a catastrophic engine failure and that it matched the exact recall SC176 issue. They attempted to contact and file a claim under both the recall and the powertrain warranty and were denied both by KIA, due to negligence of the owner. I had a passenger with me who has severe medical conditions. It was in 90's in desert like heat. It took 4-5 hours to have it towed and get out of the heat. We almost got into an accident when the car malfunctioned. There were ZERO warning notifications or lights on the dashboard until the car completely went disabled while coasting to the side of the freeway. No warning chugs. No previous issues with smoke/warning lights/ nothing prior. This literally happened out of no where and now I am being told by KIA they will not repair because its MY JOB to look into recalls. I have lived at the same address for the whole time i owned the car. I have printed records and digital records from my local DMV to prove it. I have written and digital proof that i properly maintenance my vehicle on time AND that i paid for synthetic oil rather than just the lowest possible choice they offered. I have proof that I was notified for the recall regarding the steering issue in 2017 and that i immediately made a service appt with my local dealership to have it address. I received NO notice for any other recall INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678659August 6, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When using the blinker, the headlights turn off completely or temporarily. I’ve seen this as a normal thing on Reddit and other sites
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678407August 5, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Backup camera no longer works; when in reverse, the screen is totally blank, no image and no guide lines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678431August 5, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
On [XXX] Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw performed Recall SC284 on my 2013 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ), replacing the HECU fuse. The next day, [XXX], the vehicle lost acceleration while driving, produced a muffled engine sound, and became barely able to move forward, creating an unsafe driving condition. At no point did the check engine light illuminate, even though the vehicle was experiencing severe drivability issues. Prior to the recall, Kia’s own diagnostic (July 19, 2025) showed no catalytic converter or battery issues. An independent AAA diagnostic performed after the failure (July 21, 2025) ruled out pre-existing converter damage and linked the problem to the recall work. Despite this, the dealership denied responsibility and issued an unsupported estimate of $4,951.41 for catalytic converter replacement. The absence of a check engine light raises concerns that the recall work may have compromised the vehicle’s OBD-II diagnostic system, preventing detection of a safety defect. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that damage occurred to the catalytic converter while the vehicle was in Kia’s possession or as a direct result of the faulty installation of the recall fuse. This incident involves a safety risk, improper recall repair, and potential violation of federal recall law. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the adequacy of Recall SC284 installation procedures and Kia’s handling of this case. 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
#11678480August 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was accelerating, an abnormal sound could be heard coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was provided with DTC: P0014 and P0013. The contact stated that the check engine light was turned off, and the camshaft was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn had failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000(Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677994August 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
2017,Kia soul plus brakes failed with no warning and we crashed into an intersection and hit a dump truck. I suffered severe broken bones including a compound femur fracture and broken arm. I was trapped in the car for over a hour. Both my arm and leg have rods and pins now. I also suffer from severe ptsd and nightmares. I hospitalized from 6/25-7/4, and in a nursing home until 7/4-8/1, learning to walk again. I received the voluntary recall letter on 7/11when I was in the nursing home. It was sent too little too late. I’m contacting an attorney and Kia deserves to pay. Kozlowski towing took the care away. I do not know if they still have it
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11677971August 2, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights when on dim are inadequate. You can not see the road. You can not drive with your lights on bright in traffic. Severe hazard to all. Near miss on animals and road damage. Very frightening.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677913August 1, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Ive tried to get my recalls fixed since I bought the car 2 years ago, Jeff Wyler Kia Eastgate Ohio has given me the run around, at least 5 attempts of no call backs or prolonged appointment dates not having me on record, my car breaks down I pay for diagnostic blown engine, I pay to have it towed to Jeff Wyler Kia Eastgate Ohio, it's been there for 5 weeks and they still have not done a diagnostic on it. They are saying they never received my driver's license, then it was proof of ownership, they won't call me back or email. I'm just so frustrated because Kia the main company actually has sent me many letters to get it fixed I call them and they told me their wasn't even a diagnostic done, they tried reaching out to them. Should I tow my car to a different dealer? I'm not sure what to do anymore, I'm almost afraid now they'll say they can't cover it for same reason, my trust is gone at this point with the dealership. I recently had a full knee replacement and getting in and out of my daughter's car has been very hard on me, I asked for a loaner and they said they don't provide them there and I have to pay. I've already put in so much money on this car at this point I feel cheated or targeted for some reason. They treat me like I'm trying to get something for free, they aren't paying out of their pocket. My car is still sitting there soon to be 6 weeks and don't know what to do, the treatment of this dealership is beyond horrible and I don't trust them. it's not my fault this happened I'm sorry for everyone involved especially Kia , it must be a lot, Thank you for listening to me , I hope you have a great day [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
#11677583July 31, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the steering wheel was slightly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); which was previously performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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