Kia Soul Complaints

406 consumer complaints on file.

#11730024April 8, 2026
ENGINE
My [XXX] daughter was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a crash in which the vehicle struck a tree and a fire was present. She was unable to exit the vehicle and did not receive medical attention in time. Public records indicate the vehicle had an open federal safety recall at the time, listed as incomplete. I am submitting this information for awareness and review. I am not making any conclusions regarding causation. However, I believe it is important that incidents involving vehicle fires and open recalls are documented and evaluated to help protect other families. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
3
#11729936April 8, 2026
ENGINE
Safety recall letter dated 4/4/25 states the piston rings may have been manufactured incorrectly causing oil consumption resulting in loss of drive power and/or fire. Kia performed two 1000 mile oil level checks which indicated it was 2 quarts low both times!!! I have asked for a written document stating they are not going to fix the problem and why (because he did not have all his oil change records ) but they will not send one not will they answer my emails or phone calls!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729099April 3, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power and stalled, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and needed to be towed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that a used engine was installed as a replacement in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728624April 1, 2026
ENGINE
Update – April 1, 2026 (NHTSA Complaint #XXX) Today, April 1, 2026, at XXX I was informed that the engine replacement will not proceed because “the 3 years or 36,000 miles have passed.” This is incorrect. My Kia Soul 2022, VIN [XXX] , currently has 44,649 miles and was purchased in 2021. Kia’s Powertrain warranty is 10 years / 100,000 miles for the original owner and covers the engine. The basic 5-year/60,000-mile warranty does not apply in this case. On February 2, 2026, the technician documented stuck oil control rings allowing oil to enter the compression area, causing excessive oil consumption. A PWA was requested for full engine replacement. I have three failed oil consumption tests (more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles) and low compression on piston 3 (145 PSI). This would be the second major engine intervention in less than one year. The dealer is proposing only a partial repair of pieces, which does not solve the root cause and represents a safety risk (engine damage, possible fire, or loss of power), as warned in the official Kia letter I received. I request that NHTSA review this unjustified denial of warranty repair and require Kia to honor the Powertrain coverage. Attached: Technician notes from February 2, 2026, the three oil consumption tests, official Kia Puerto Rico letter, full repair history, and denial communication from April 1, 2026. Thank you. 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
#11728499April 1, 2026
ENGINE
Urgent Escalation – Case CAS-XXX – Kia Soul 2022 VIN [XXX] – Excessive Oil Consumption Confirmed in 3 Tests – Partial Repair Unacceptable After Multiple Failures and Second Engine Intervention in Less Than six months 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
#11728290March 31, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact's daughter owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 40 MPH, the engine froze for two minutes. The oil light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was undriveable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the recall repair was declined because maintenance receipts were not available. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Friendship Kia, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a bent camshaft and spark plugs failure. The spark plugs were replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727919March 30, 2026
ENGINE
I am writing to formally report a failure by Classic Kia of Streetsboro to provide the federally mandated safety remedy under Recall SC336 for my 2021 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ). I have reason to believe the dealership has bypassed the mandatory safety protocols by intentionally omitting my documented diagnostic data—specifically Codes P0014/P0017, engine stalling, and excessive oil consumption—from the Techline Case Narrative. Evidence of Non-Compliance: 1. Improper Component Installation: Despite the documented timing failures, the dealership appears to have installed a Short Block (Part # 21102) instead of the required Long Block Assembly (Part # 21101-QQK). This leaves my oil-contaminated camshafts, valves, and VVT solenoids in the vehicle, posing a continued stalling risk. 2. Failure to Address Consequential Damage: The dealership is attempting to charge me a $99 "Customer Pay" fee for a catalytic converter back-pressure test. Under SC336, testing for consequential damage caused by a defective engine is the manufacturer's responsibility. 3. Withholding Documentation: The dealership has refused to provide the Techline Case Number or the Engine Part Number upon request, preventing me from verifying that the safety remedy was performed correctly. I will not be taking possession of the vehicle until Kia Corporate verifies that a Long Block Assembly was installed and that all diagnostic fees related to the recall symptoms are waived. This matter is currently being escalated but could definitely use your assistance. 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
#11727757March 29, 2026
ENGINE
NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT: RECALL SC336 (CAMPAIGN 21V-301) NON-COMPLIANCE VIN: [XXX] I. PATTERN OF RECALL EVASION Vehicle (2021 Kia Soul) was towed to Classic Kia [XXX] ) on 3/13 with documented engine stalling, knocking, and codes P0014/P0017 (VVT/Timing failure). The dealership withheld this data from Kia Techline for 13 days (3/13–3/26), delaying the safety remedy until state authorities intervened. II. MECHANICAL IMPOSSIBILITY & REMEDY VIOLATION On Saturday 3/28, the dealer claimed a full engine swap was "installed and tested" in only 6.5 hours (7:30 AM–2:15 PM). Per the SC336 mandate, a compliant Long Block assembly (Part # ending in QQK) requires extensive fluid flushes, software reflashing, and safety recalibrations that cannot be performed correctly in this window. I suspect a "Short Block" shortcut was taken, reusing contaminated components in violation of the federal safety remedy. III. FRAUD BY OMISSION & UNIFIED SAFETY HAZARD The dealership is demanding a $99 "diagnostic fee" for an exhaust back-pressure test. Under SC336, testing for "consequential damage" (clogged catalytic converter) caused by the recall defect must be covered by the manufacturer. By omitting the stalling/timing symptoms from the initial Techline report, the dealer bypassed the mandatory exhaust safety testing. Reusing oil-contaminated VVT solenoids, camshafts, and valves from the failed engine poses an immediate fire and safety hazard. IV. DEMAND FOR INVESTIGATION I request NHTSA oversight to ensure Classic Kia provides: 1. Proof of Long Block (21101-QQK) installation vs. unauthorized Short Block (21102). 2. Time-stamped DEVT and GDS Full System Scan logs from 3/28. 3. Verification that all contaminated components were replaced, as a partial remedy leaves the vehicle in a hazardous state. Reusing oil-soaked VVT/cams & skipping exhaust tests creates a fire risk. An incomplete remedy violates SC336, leaving the car a high-risk liability for fire & stalling. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727579March 27, 2026
ENGINE
When I drive in alloys mode the system jerky and engine makes noise or hangs and I have to turn it off and on to start it back up to drive. When I drive without alloys on it thugs sporadically as if it is going to drive backward. Per the dealer the engine oil is slugs even thought it had oil change. But this vehicle is scary, I need it but scare of driving it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727306March 26, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). After retrieving the vehicle, there was an audible tinging sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer for an extensive overhaul, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The oil level was approximately ¾ of a quart low. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer suggested driving the vehicle for 1,000 miles and having an oil consumption test performed. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726767March 24, 2026
AIR BAGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Hit a deer. Airbag did not deploy or emergency braking system didn't come on. Police took pictures of car. The car is at the repair shop now. Insurance company hasn't stated if it will be totaled. There were no other problems prior to incident.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726474March 23, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started losing automotive power. The message that the engine was overheating warning was flashing on the instrument panel with an audible chime. The contact pulled over but was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and was advised by the dealer that the engine failure was not related to the recall, and the dealer refused to perform the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726314March 23, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle idled abnormally rough, and the engine was pulsing. The oil level was checked and was noticeably low. The contact added oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to Precision Auto Care for an oil change. The contact was informed that the oil level was low. The contact informed the technician that the oil had been recently topped off. The contact was informed of the excessive oil consumption. The contact was provided with information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced or repaired before the recall repair could be performed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle had to be repaired before the recall repair was performed. The failure mileage was approximately 134,431.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725778March 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The instrument panel went blank while operating the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725761March 20, 2026
ENGINE
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2022 Kia Soul LX with approximately 97,500 miles. The vehicle has experienced sudden and excessive oil consumption despite regular maintenance and a recent oil change about 1,500 miles prior to failure. While driving in normal traffic conditions, the vehicle suddenly began running rough, lost power, and entered limp mode. Shortly after, the engine stalled while I was actively driving, creating a dangerous situation and safety concern for myself and other drivers. A mechanic inspection found diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft timing issues and determined that the timing chain tensioner likely failed due to oil starvation. The mechanic also found internal engine damage including piston ring failure caused by abnormal oil consumption. I was advised the engine is not repairable and requires replacement. I understand there have been widespread reports, recalls, and class action litigation involving Kia engines experiencing similar oil consumption and catastrophic failure issues. However, I was informed my specific VIN is not currently included. Because this failure caused a sudden stall while driving and poses a significant safety risk, I am requesting that this complaint be investigated. I believe this defect could affect additional vehicles beyond those currently included in recalls or service campaigns. This vehicle was properly maintained and the failure occurred unexpectedly and prematurely for a modern engine. Before the stall that happened going at least 35 mph with my [XXX] daughter In the rear seat, there was no prior warning oil lights or engine lights. Causing severe safety concerns for myself and child. 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
#11725093March 17, 2026
ENGINE
My car experienced engine stall, fire risk, and piston ring failure while returning from a family road trip. Myself, my son, [XXX] old, and [XXX] pup was left in a ditch on a very busy road as the car stalled while driving. My VIN is excluded, however car experienced exact symptoms of recall SC2091. Codes P0300 P0304 P0302 P219D P0303 with no pressure in cylinder 2 and 4.This happened in 0ct 2025 and dealership and corporate do not want to exend goodwill to replace the engine. 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
#11724887March 17, 2026
ENGINE
DEALER ADMISSION OF NON-COMPLIANCE: I am updating my complaint to document that Kia of Streetsboro is officially refusing to perform the mandatory mechanical inspection required by Recall SC336. Despite the vehicle suffering from "Loss of Motive Power" (stalling in traffic) and "Abnormal Engine Noise," the dealership’s service department stated via text on March 17: "I asked my manager and he said as of right now since your vehicle passed the tablet we cannot do anything else." The dealer further stated: "I suggest calling consumer affairs since you have an open case and letting them know what's going on and seeing if they can help." TECHNICAL VIOLATION: The dealer’s refusal based on a "tablet pass" is a direct violation of TSB SC336, Step 18c, which states that if a vehicle exhibits mechanical symptoms that "contradict a PASS result," the dealer MUST open a Techline Case for further instructions. By their own admission, the dealer is choosing to follow a "manager’s" opinion rather than the Federal Recall Protocol. They are attempting to release a vehicle that is actively stalling at intersections, which they define as an "Early Warning" system success, while ignoring the actual mechanical failure (the stalling). SAFETY RISK: This is a documented Ineffective Remedy. The dealer is punting the safety diagnosis to a "Consumer Affairs" call center rather than performing the borescope and Techline escalation required by the NHTSA. I am reporting this dealer for knowingly attempting to return a stalling, unsafe vehicle to a consumer while claiming the recall is complete.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724841March 17, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Soul is exhibiting a severe safety defect documented in Recall SC336: frequent, unpredictable stalling in traffic ("Loss of Motive Power") and audible engine knocking. These symptoms create a high risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in a dangerous traffic situation. The vehicle is currently at Kia of Streetsboro. Despite being provided with evidence of these active mechanical failures, the dealership is attempting to "remedy" the safety recall based solely on a "Pass" result from the Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software diagnostic. As the TSB SC336 notes that the root cause is physical damage to cylinder walls caused by defective piston oil rings, a software diagnostic "Pass" is not a physical repair and does not address the existing mechanical stalling. I have not received any status updates or communication from the dealership service department since Friday. The dealership is refusing to perform a borescope inspection or open a Kia Techline case to investigate the stalling, effectively denying a proper safety remedy. I am reporting this as a failure of the manufacturer and dealership to provide a safe and effective remedy for a known life-safety defect. The car remains unsafe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724786March 16, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety failure involving the service braking system and the failure of Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on my 2021 Kia Soul. During an imminent collision event, the vehicle failed to brake as expected, and FCA/AEB did not activate, despite conditions that should have triggered emergency braking. This created an extremely dangerous situation and placed me and other motorists at risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle is currently subject to an active recall and has now been inoperable at the dealership for approximately one month under the lemon law process. The failure involved federally regulated safety systems, not supplemental or convenience features. I reported this incident to Kia America Customer Care, but the manufacturer has declined to conduct a manufacturer‑level safety investigation unless I personally pay for removal and shipment of the ACU/Event Data Recorder (EDR). Kia America has also declined to provide any transportation assistance while the vehicle remains unsafe and inoperable and has referred the matter back to the dealership and my insurance instead. Kia America has stated in writing that they rely solely on dealerships for diagnosis and repair and that they will not investigate further unless I incur additional costs. This refusal to independently investigate a braking system failure raises serious safety concerns, particularly given the potential risk to other drivers if this defect is not addressed. Due to the prolonged loss of use of the vehicle, I am experiencing significant financial hardship and risk to my employment, as I can no longer afford a rental vehicle. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA is aware of a potential defect involving brake system failure and non‑functioning collision‑avoidance systems on this model.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724523March 16, 2026
ENGINE, STEERING
1. Component or System Malfunction Engine (internal piston/piston ring system) is malfunctioning. The vehicle exhibits clanking noises (“marbles in a can”) and cuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving. The car is available for inspection by a Kia dealer or independent mechanic. 2. Safety Risk Vehicle loses power while driving, which is extremely dangerous, particularly on highways or in traffic. Stalling while moving poses a risk of collision, loss of steering or braking control, and endangers both driver and others. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive long distances. 3. Reproduction of Problem Symptoms have been observed consistently during normal driving and acceleration. Not yet confirmed by a dealer, but the stalling is reproducible during operation. 4. Vehicle Inspection The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, dealer, police, or insurance representatives. Immediate inspection is recommended due to engine stall risk. 5. Warning Lamps / Symptoms Clanking engine noise noted prior to stalling. Engine cutting off/stalling occurs while driving. No warning lights illuminated prior to stalling. Symptoms first appeared during recent driving prior to planning transport or repair. 6. Additional Notes The vehicle is a candidate for Kia engine piston/piston ring recall (SC209 / SC336). Owner recommends urgent inspection and repair to prevent potential engine failure and safety risks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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