Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11661316May 15, 2025
ENGINE
My 2019 Kia Soul has had excessive oil consumption issues since we bought it in 2022 or 2023. This week, the check engine light came on, and the mechanic says it is the catalytic converter. This could be a potential fire hazard if we don't take care of it, and the cost to do this is almost as much as the car is worth.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661217May 15, 2025
AIR BAGS, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Rodents chewed through the main wire harness on my vehicle on 2 separate occasions, both times in the same exact location. This recurring damage poses a serious safety risk and may be linked to soy-based wire coatings that attract rodents. The first incident required a $4,979.27 repair, covered by insurance; I paid a $500 deductible. The vehicle was diagnosed by Boonton Auto Body Shop. I recently discovered a second instance of rodent damage in the exact same location, which has not yet been repaired. This led me to investigate further and learn that this may be a common issue in certain vehicles, possibly due to soy-based insulation. I filed a complaint with Kia, but they denied responsibility. The main wire harness is critical to safety systems including braking, steering, engine performance, lighting, and airbags. Although I caught the issue before any accident occurred, undetected damage could lead to serious safety failures while driving. Some may argue the issue is environmental, but I also own a 2012 Toyota Prius, which I own and park in the same location since 2012. That vehicle has never had any rodent damage. This suggests that the problem is not just environmental, but may be due to the design, material based, or placement of the wiring in the Kia. Many consumers are unaware they can report safety-related issues to NHTSA. After being denied by the manufacturer, most are left with high repair costs and no resolution. I am concerned that if consumers remain silent or unaware of this process, Kia will not be held accountable. This is not an isolated case. The repeated, location-specific failure and the manufacturer's refusal to act show a clear pattern of potential design defect. I urge NHTSA to investigate this issue seriously, issue a recall to ensure Kia addresses the problem and protects consumer safety, and require the manufacturer to reimburse affected consumers for repair costs. This issue must be addressed before a serious accident occurs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660956May 14, 2025
STEERING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was making an abnormal clicking sound. Additionally, while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel tuned left and right with a loud clicking sound. The contact also stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the flex coupling was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660896May 14, 2025
ENGINE
I am submitting this complaint about a serious and unresolved safety issue with my Kia vehicle. Kia is currently attempting to reverse an active recall on my vehicle, despite the fact that the issue still exists and has not been fixed. This is an extremely dangerous situation, and I believe they are doing this simply to save money, not to protect drivers. My vehicle was at a Kia dealership for over three weeks, during which time no meaningful repairs were made. The only service performed was a cabin air filter replacement, which I was charged for. The original issue—covered under an active recall that warned of a potential engine fire—was never addressed. Now I’ve been told I need to pick up my car and drive it, even though Kia acknowledges the vehicle is still under an active recall. The dealer told me that if it “acts up,” I can bring it back. This is completely unacceptable. I should not be expected to risk my safety or the safety of others by driving a vehicle that Kia itself has said could catch fire. It is extremely troubling that Kia is trying to walk back the recall status, leaving drivers like me to deal with unsafe vehicles. They had my car for weeks, made no safety repairs, and now expect me to drive it with the same risk that triggered the recall in the first place. This is not how recalls should work, and I am asking NHTSA to investigate Kia’s handling of this issue and ensure they are held accountable for knowingly putting unsafe vehicles back on the road. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660716May 13, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Went to back out of driveway noticed puddle of water substance near right passenger door grd. Thought possibly from AC unit, I had been previously out and about. Few days later went to leave no brakes! Had it towed, currently at dealership, so far report crack in brake line not sure yet why. Scary this could have been tragic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660545May 12, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The vehicle has been well maintained. About 1.5 years ago, it experienced a fuel injector failure. All four injectors were replaced to ensure the health of the engine. Recently, while on an 8-hour trip, halfway through, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power on the highway, nearly resulting in a crash, and the check engine light illuminated. The car was towed to a Kia dealership, where they stated the engine had failed. Cylinders 3 and 4 have ring and valve damage. The car had been performing well with no issues or warning signs, such as a trouble light or high temperatures. All other diagnostics were rated green by Kia.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660546May 12, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The vehicle has been well maintained. About 1.5 years ago, it experienced a fuel injector failure. All four injectors were replaced to ensure the health of the engine. Recently, while on an 8-hour trip, halfway through, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power on the highway, nearly resulting in a crash, and the check engine light illuminated. The car was towed to a Kia dealership, where they stated the engine had failed. Cylinders 3 and 4 have ring and valve damage. The car had been performing well with no issues or warning signs, such as a trouble light or high temperatures. All other diagnostics were rated green by Kia.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660244May 11, 2025
STEERING
Steering wheel making a loud CLUNK sound. Possibly the steering wheel coupler. Concerned that steering wheel might malfunction while driving. Checking for any recalls prior to making an appointment with dealer. Vehicle has not been inspected. Noise started about a month ago and progressively has gotten worse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660261May 11, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Kia Soul, which only has 7600 miles, was parked in my garage. When I went to wash it this afternoon, I found that the back window had shattered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660158May 10, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to formally report a concern regarding my 2022 Kia Soul, which is exhibiting symptoms identical to those described in NHTSA Recall 25V099000 (engine recall for excessive oil consumption and potential fire risk in 2.0L Nu MPI engines). Vehicle Information: VIN: [XXX] Year/Model: 2022 Kia Soul -Engine: 2.0L Nu MPI -Manufacture Date: October 2021 -Current Mileage: 61,091 My vehicle is consuming oil at an abnormal rate. I have documented that oil levels drop dangerously low by approximately 2,000- 3,000 miles after each oil change. Multiple inspections by Kia service technicians at Ricart Kia in Groveport Ohio (where the vehicle was purchased) and 1 time at Coughlin Kia in Lancaster Ohio and they have found no external leaks and no visible signs of burning, yet the issue persists. I have also undergone Kia’s standard oil consumption test at 1,000 miles post-change, but the issue does not manifest at that point — only after continued mileage, as oil loss becomes more pronounced past the early driving phase. Which fits with the description of the piston rings causing excessive oil consumption… a common pattern with defective oil rings: the oil consumption ramps up after initial miles, especially once the engine is fully warmed and carbon buildup begins interfering with the rings after an oil change. Per Ricart Kia in groveport, I am now getting an oil change every 3,000 miles to prevent issues or damage and also having to check my oil every day. Upon the most recent oil change at 3,000 miles..I was nearly empty. My vehicle’s manufacture date and engine match the criteria in Recall 25V099000. Despite this, my VIN is not currently included, even though I’m experiencing the exact issue the recall describes. I’m concerned this is an oversight or that my engine batch was mistakenly excluded from the initial VIN list. I am requesting: A formal review of my VIN for inclusion in Recall 25V099000. Guidance on how to proceed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660064May 9, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle was taken to Clovis Kia to address recall NHTSA# 23V218 (SC267). Kia was unable to fix the issue and ordered a battery pack replacement (they replaced the current battery pack 2 years and roughly 20K miles previously). New battery pack was installed and the system still does not function properly. Multiple error codes present and car is undriveable. At the 1 month mark we demanded a loaner vehicle. They swapped the loaner for another one when the car neared 5k miles. After 4 months, our vehicle is still not operational. in 4.5 years of ownership, the car has sat at Kia Clovis for 6+ months to address multiple battery issues, safety recalls and electrical issues. We have requested updates and information but Kia corporate is not responsive. So we have documented for a California Lemon Law buyback and sent a demand message to Kia to buy back the vehicle since they can't return it to us in the same or better condition than when we dropped it off. The last in person conversation was to let us know the new loaner should be brought back when we've put 3K+ miles on it so they can trade it again. (it was obvious they had little faith in our car being repaired)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659902May 9, 2025
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia soul had the engine white come on. I took it to have the computer read what the problem was. It came back engine knock sensor. I was told there was a recall on this and I needed to take it to an authorized Kia dealer. I took this to an authorized Kia dealer who told me that that was a faulty check engine light there was nothing wrong with the sensor, but my pistons were bad and I needed a new engine. Well, when I read further into the recall, it specifically said that this check engine sensor issue could affect the engine. My car just hit 100,000 miles. I had regular service. I now have a Kia who is sitting in front of my house not being able to be run. I truly feel that there is an issue that was not addressed when it was checked the check engine light indicated faulty knock sensor. This recall connected that there may be issues with the motor if this were the problem. I feel like I’m being taken advantage of. I am currently without any transportation and cannot get any help. Is there anything you can do to help me?
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659749May 8, 2025
STEERING
Steering wheel is making a knocking sound when I turn left or right.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659806May 8, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed because the test used to check the piston rings was faulty. The vehicle was remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659790May 8, 2025
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As of today 05/08/25 car will not start, it was also chugging while i was on the freeway and would not go over 50mph
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659718May 8, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659455May 7, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The engine misfired and the transmission shuttered. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659550May 7, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled on several occasions. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that cylinder #3 was faulty. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659513May 7, 2025
ENGINE
The engine is using too much oil
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659421May 7, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding oil occasionally. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer informed the contact that the recall was on hold. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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