Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11655066April 16, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. The contact stated that there were no visible leaks. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 2,500 RPM. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The contact was provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655121April 16, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle Information: 2014 Kia Soul (Base Model) VIN: [XXX] Approx. Mileage at Failure:91,000 Incident Date: [XXX] Complaint: On [XXX], the catalytic converter in my 2014 Kia Soul failed. This follows the completion of recall SC176 on July 14, 2022, which addressed excessive exhaust gas temperatures caused by abnormal combustion conditions. While Kia representatives have claimed that SC176 is unrelated to the catalytic converter, it’s well understood that excessive exhaust heat can lead to long-term thermal damage to emissions components—particularly the catalytic converter. One representative even appeared concerned about the implications of SC176 during a phone call, before quickly changing direction. I believe this catalytic converter failure is a delayed consequence of the issue SC176 was meant to address, especially since the converter is part of the affected exhaust system. This failure not only poses a financial burden—since it falls outside the federal emissions warranty—but may also reflect a broader issue that other 2014 Soul owners could face. The component failed resulting in immediate loss of power on a US interstate highway. I’m requesting NHTSA investigate whether catalytic converter failures like mine are in fact related to the defect addressed in SC176 and whether Kia should be required to offer further coverage or corrective action. Additional Information: I can provide documentation upon request, including: •Receipts showing consistent oil changes and routine maintenance •Service records for all recall work performed on the vehicle, including SC176 (completed on 7/14/22) •A repair invoice for the catalytic converter failure (currently pending — my vehicle is still at the service department as of today, 4/16/25) •A timeline of communications with Kia Customer Care Please let me know if any of these are needed to support further investigation. I’ll gladly provide them once available 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
#11655000April 16, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled while driving at various speeds. The failure had occurred four times. The contact stated that during the last failure while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact was asked to provide proof of maintenance while the vehicle was being inspected, to determine if the engine would be replaced under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 44,896. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654818April 15, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a dealer, and the vehicle remained at the dealer for several weeks awaiting a diagnostic test. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and was awaiting the inspection. The contact then towed the vehicle to a second dealer, and the vehicle was awaiting an inspection. The contact stated that the dealer requested documentation for oil change services performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654738April 15, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, consuming 2 quarts of oil in a short time. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included; however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654548April 14, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the engine block was replaced; however, the catalytic converter was not replaced. 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 approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654522April 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I dropped off my 2021 Kia Soul at the dealership where I purchased it to address a nationwide recall, which states: “The piston oil ring(s) may have been incorrectly manufactured, potentially damaging the engine cylinder wall. This can lead to increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noises, engine seizure, and possible fire from oil leaking onto hot exhaust components. Loss of drive power and/or fire increases crash and injury risk.” My vehicle has shown multiple symptoms, including rough running, significant shaking, illuminated check engine and oil lights. On 01/02/23, I brought it in, but the dealership found no stored codes and took no action. On 04/20/23, a code for a cylinder 1 misfire was found, but because the issue wasn’t present at that moment, no repairs were made. On 10/05/23, spark plugs and fuel pump were replaced under warranty. No further issues occurred until 02/14/25, when the same symptoms returned. I was told I’d be charged for a diagnosis and they likely wouldn’t find anything, so I left without service. On 04/09/25, the symptoms reoccurred. I dropped off the vehicle on 04/10/25 and paid out-of-pocket for a rental until 04/14/25. On 04/14/25, after being told earlier that work couldn’t be done because the engine hadn’t cooled to 55°F, I was later told the recall was completed and the vehicle was safe—despite ongoing issues. I fear for my safety and the safety of others. I believe my vehicle needs an engine replacement and is unsafe to drive. The recall letter states inspection and software update should take 1–2 hours, and engine replacement 8+ hours. I request further diagnosis and repairs. Despite the vehicle continuing to show symptoms, I was dismissed. I am seeking accountability and proper resolution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654387April 14, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failure I have had it inspected already by Koons Kia of Owings Mills and State Farm. My vehicle 2021 Kia Soul stalled while driving. I received a recall letter by mail from Kia on April 12, 2025 letter was dated for April 4, 2025. The oil light illuminated when the vehicle stalled on October 21, 2024. The recall issue has still not been resolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654362April 13, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I've had issues with my air conditioner not working properly and now making a loud humming sound. Also my car is very sluggish and my motor is very loud when the car is running. Sometimes it doesn't want to shift exactly when it should it takes longer and I have to take my foot off the gas to let it shift. My car keeps running out of oil every time before the designated oil change time and mileage. This really worries me and no lights show on my dash when my oil pressure gets low which is alarming because it got low one time and I could hear the pistols rubbing together, I knew immediately I needed oil. Sure enough I put oil in the car the noise stopped and I went and got an oil change the next day because I was worried about my car. The oil issue has happened multiple times..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654302April 13, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
shortly after purchasing the car (06/2024) while driving (regardless of the weather or temperature, whether it’s day, night, hot, cold, etc) all of my dash warning lights come on, complete ADAS system malfunction. it shows a code for my front camera through the kia connect app and says it’s chasis related. i have taken my car in multiple times for this and i still leave with it the same day hours later. despite being told that both recommendations from my last service appointment had already been done, this is what i am left with. even after being involved in a front end collision, none of my safety features (that have never not been on) never came into play, emergency braking never happened. attaching most recent, first time addressing this issue was in august.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654231April 12, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
engine rod bearing issues, check engine light is on due to engine knocking from rod bearing and i can't pass state inspection due to check engine light. when the check enging light is on the vehicle can only be driven at speed of 30m/h. took the vehicle to kia dealer at roosvelt ave, york pa 17404 and repaires denied under warranty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653778April 9, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud pop and smoke emanated from the engine compartment, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed flame jutting up from the engine. The contact was able to extinguish the fire herself using a gallon of water she had on hand. No warning lights were illuminated. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a nondescript failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to an NHTSA Campaign but was unaware of the NHTSA Campaign Number. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653674April 9, 2025
ENGINE
Shortly after purchase (8/2/23) I began noticing a persistent engine rattle between regular oil changes. This escalated to stalling issues, including on the highway and at intersections and around sharp curves. I brought the car in for service multiple times, and although a part was replaced, the symptoms soon returned. On one occasion, the vehicle stalled while being driven by your service advisor, who confirmed it was “critically low” on oil—despite no dashboard warning, no visible leaks, and adherence to routine oil changes every 3,000 miles. Since that point, I followed all diagnostic procedures requested of me, including multiple oil consumption tests that required me to repeatedly take time off work. These tests produced inconsistent results: at times oil levels were acceptable, but shortly after, the same symptoms would return. At approximately 80,000 miles, a case was finally opened for suspected oil consumption, and I was told my concerns were valid and would be honored—even beyond the 100,000-mile warranty mark due to early documentation. Now, at 90,000 miles, I have been informed that the latest oil consumption is “within acceptable range,” and that no further action will be taken. Meanwhile, I am left with a car that unpredictably stalls from unindicated low oil levels—a serious and unsafe condition that has gone unresolved for the majority of my ownership. The lack of dashboard alerts means this issue places myself and others at risk each time I drive. To be clear, this is not just an inconvenience; it is a matter of safety and reliability. The engine has likely suffered long-term damage from prolonged oil starvation. I should not have to manually check the dipstick before every trip in a vehicle that is less than four years old and still under warranty. Moreover, I was never made aware of this issue at the time of sale (9/6/21).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653589April 9, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, POWER TRAIN
purchased 6-22-24 fire happened 8-14-24 at approximately 11pm, with approximately 2691 miles, fire started in engine compartment, car burned to ground, nothing left, approximately 2691 miles on vehicle. i was lucky to get out alive, i had to kick the doors open.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653528April 8, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking and ticking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that while slowing down to come to a stop, the engine sounded very weak, as if the vehicle was going to shut off. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil, and that the catalytic convertor, knock sensor, and the exhaust gasket were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,725.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653250April 7, 2025
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under the Extended Warranty. The manufacturer sent the contact the information for a Class Action Lawsuit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to empty and refilled with premium gasoline. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was informed that the engine had thrown a rod. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of the recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact the vehicle was no longer under the extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent the contact the Class Action Lawsuit paperwork to fill out. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653273April 7, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal ticking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to a failure of the catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of an undisclosed recall repair; however, the recall repair had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653285April 7, 2025
ENGINE
I have contacted Kia several times about this recall, the latest being today. I tried to schedule an appointment with Galeana Kia in Fort Myers, FL. The service departement told me there was no remedy for this recall. I referred the dealer to the Kia website. "Remedy DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE ENGINE AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL PISTON-RING NOISE SENSING SYSTEM (PNSS) SOFTWARE, FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MAILED APRIL 4, 2025. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 800-333-4542. KIA'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS SC336." I then called Kia directly. They told me to contact the dealer. I told them I already had done so. The Kia rep told me that I had to wait for the dealer. I said I don't accept that because the KIA website lists the remedy. I eventually spoke to two supervisors. I was told that Kia does not own the dealership, so they can't force them to service the recall. Kia told me that if I went to the dealer now the dealer would bill me. I said that is unacceptable. In November 2024 I had an issue with my Kia that may be related to this recall. My vehicle stalled and I could not restart it. I had it towed to Galeana Kia. Turns out that the oil level was low in the engine. However, there was never any warning or warning light indication that the oil level was low. I was billed $315.96. I expect to receive a refund of that amount as this is related to the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653115April 7, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to formally report an engine failure in my 2022 Kia Soul, which I believe is directly related to the known engine defects that have prompted Kia to issue multiple recalls for this model and others with the same powertrain. Although my vehicle is not currently included in any active recall campaigns, it is exhibiting the exact symptoms and failure conditions outlined in Recall SC147 / SC200 (or similar recall numbers involving engine defects in Kia Souls and related models). Specifically, the vehicle has experienced: engine knocking, excessive oil consumption, and stalled while driving, which led to the diagnosis that the engine requires full replacement. The vehicle has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule and has not been subject to any misuse or neglect. The failure appears to be consistent with the design or manufacturing defect that has affected a significant number of Kia engines, particularly those with the Theta II or Nu engines. This situation presents a serious safety concern, especially given the potential for the engine to seize while driving. It is also a substantial financial burden to bear for an issue that Kia has already acknowledged as systemic in other vehicles. I am respectfully requesting the following: 1.That my vehicle’s case be formally investigated for inclusion in any current or future recall campaigns. 2.That Kia offer coverage for the full cost of engine replacement under warranty or a goodwill repair program. 3.That the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration take this complaint under advisement as part of a broader pattern of engine-related failures. I have attached a service estimate that supports my claim. I would appreciate a prompt response and resolution to this matter, as the vehicle is currently inoperable and presents an ongoing hardship.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653114April 7, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the oil level was extremely low, due to a faulty cam shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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