Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11648244March 13, 2025
ENGINE
Error codes possibly 3 times diagnose. P0017. Crankshaft - camshaft 1 correlation bank b .Could be timing chain being stretched vigorously. Still have excessive oil consumption after getting piston rings replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648207March 13, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was completing a U-turn, and the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard however, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact came to a complete stop while approaching a red light; after the light turned green, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle responded and was driven to the destination. The following day the contact’s wife attempted to drive the vehicle; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine light warning illuminated. The following day, the check engine warning light illuminated again while the contact was driving, and the vehicle stalled. The contact towed the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 46,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648188March 13, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was unable to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and was assisted in pushing the vehicle to a safe location, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647818March 12, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
We have tried multiple times to obtain information on this recall. My husband was finally told we must travel over 240 miles for this procedure. This would include two separate trips to Eugene. The first trip for the diagnosis and the second trip for the remedy "if it needs it". Every person at the dealership told my husband a different story and he finally gave up. We are older and we do not travel anymore. We do not have the internet. I am hoping you can help in some way. This is a huge inconvenience, not to mention the cost of gas. Any help would be appreciated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647846March 12, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that the oil needed to be added to the engine every 3,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that an oil consumption test was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer every three months, however the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,045.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647329March 10, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the engine experienced excessive oil consumption. Eventually, while at a stop light with the Auto START/STOP activated, the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer. The dealer indicated that the engine failed due to a loosened oil filter, which caused oil to leak from the engine. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the piston rings were faulty and had caused the engine to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 141,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647251March 9, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased my car new from the dealer in August of 2017; at 40,000 I started having an excessive oil consumption issue. I took it repeatedly to the dealer for remedy under the warranty. They examined and performed services that failed to remedy the issue. From my research I learned that this problem arises from faulty piston rings and valves. I continued to take the vehicle to the dealer, and their response was that oil consumption on my vehicle was within their specifications. Currently my vehicles has 103867 miles and the KIA warranty has expired. The engine burns 1 quart of oil every 300 miles. Prior to expiration of the warranty I filed a warranty claim with Consumer Assistance and the matter was referred to Mediation and Arbitration, and the arbitrator declined my demand for replacement of the engine. This morning I noticed an article on the WEB that KiA vehicles (including Souls) were being recalled to prevent engine fires from faulty piston rings. This prompted me to get my complaint on file.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647248March 9, 2025
ENGINE, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES
I bought my 2022 KIA Soul September 2021. in 2022, I brought my car to KIA in Clifton NJ because it shut down suddenly without warning while in drive, the battery, oil and engine lights came on. I would put my car in park, turn it off and on again for the car to start. by doing so, all the lights disappear and my car would drive like normal. KIA said the couldn't find the issue. I brought it back to KIA again in October of 2024 because my car did the very same thing as it did in 2022. Once again, KIA stated they couldn't find the issue. March 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 2025, my car started shutting down on me every 10 minutes while in drive, my car would then start reversing while in drive and the breaks would become very stiff. In order for my car to stop, I had to put my car in park, turn it completely off and then on again for it to drive. My car is now at KIA dealership in Clifton NJ, once again, they keep telling me they don't know what's wrong with my car. I am afraid I may get on the highway with my car and get into a terrible accident and thats when they will find the issue. I am afraid for my daughter and my life at this point. I am now driving a rental that KIA refuse to pay for until they figure out the issue. I was told, they would only pay for a rental if the issue is covered under my warranty. I have been complaining about this issue to KIA since year 2022 and nothing has been resolved. I need help resoling this issue with KIA, I called corporate and they were no help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647195March 9, 2025
ENGINE
The engine in my 2021 Kia Soul has been experiencing serious performance issues that align with Recall SC336. The vehicle frequently exhibits erratic RPM fluctuations while idling, and on multiple occasions, it's completely shut down while stopped at traffic lights or in traffic. When this happens, the vehicle does not restart immediately, leaving me stranded / creating a safety risk. I reported this issue to an authorized Kia dealership, but they refused to perform proper diagnostic tests related to the recall. Instead, they blamed a clogged air filter as the cause of the stalling. This explanation does not make sense. Why the Dealership’s Explanation is Incorrect: 1. A clogged air filter does NOT cause sudden stalling at idle or failure to restart. If an air filter were completely clogged, the engine would lose power under acceleration, not stall at idle. The engine requires very little air at idle, so a dirty filter would cause gradual power loss, not sudden shutdowns. 2. My symptoms match Recall SC336, which involves piston oil ring failure. Erratic RPMs, stalling, and failure to restart are all signs of compression loss or internal engine damage. 3. The dealership is refusing to conduct recall-related tests. I requested a PNSS (Piston Noise Sensing System) test and an oil consumption test, but the dealership refused. Instead, they tried to charge me for an air filter replacement, ignoring possible recall-related failure. Safety Risks: The vehicle stalls at stoplights and in traffic, increasing crash risk. The car fails to restart immediately after shutting down, leaving me stranded. Inspection Status: The vehicle is at the dealership, but they have not inspected it for recall-related failures. Kia Corporate was contacted but supported the dealership’s incorrect assessment. Warning Signs Before Failure: Erratic RPM fluctuations at idle began before the first shutdown. Check Engine Light was on but cleared but cleared by the dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647024March 7, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was included, parts were not yet available, but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647062March 7, 2025
ENGINE
I am experiencing a serious safety issue with my 2021 Kia Soul. My vehicle is consuming excessive oil, which should not be happening under normal operating conditions. The check engine light is on, and while driving, the car suddenly shuts off and displays the battery symbol before losing power completely. This has happened multiple times, creating a dangerous situation where my vehicle loses power unexpectedly on the road. I took my car to a mechanic, who confirmed that the engine is consuming oil at an abnormal rate. The mechanic also informed me that there is a known recall on certain 2021-2023 Kia Soul models due to defective piston oil rings, which can cause excessive oil consumption, engine failure, and even fires. However, when I contacted Kia’s customer service and provided my VIN, they stated that my vehicle is not included in the recall, despite exhibiting the same symptoms. This is a serious safety hazard, as my vehicle is at risk of sudden engine failure while in motion. Kia has issued recalls for similar models, but my specific VIN has been excluded, even though I am experiencing the exact same defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue further to determine whether more vehicles should be included in the recall before this defect leads to accidents or injuries. I am available to provide further documentation, including inspection reports, oil consumption records, and any additional information needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646862March 6, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning electrical odor. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on other occasions while the vehicle was idling, the RPM fell. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646461March 5, 2025
ENGINE
I have a 2019 Kia Soul and the engine has had issues over the past year regarding it stalling and losing power. These engines are prone to have oil circulation issues which can cause catastrophic engine failure due to lack of adequate lubrication inside the cylinder(s). My engine has cut off and lost power while driving on several occasions recently. If this happens, it can cause someone to smash into us on the interstate causing a possible fatal accident. I am terrified to drive my vehicle because of this issue. The VIN for my vehicle is: [XXX] . I purchased this vehicle new in 2020 our Kia dealer in Goose Creek, SC. I have heard of many of these engines being replaced by Kia and feel that this issue directly affects my vehicle. Please help us get this issue resolved. 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
#11646612March 5, 2025
ENGINE
ON WAY TO WORK MY CAR STALLED ENTERING HIGHWAY TOOK CAR IN TO GET CHECKED THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT ..IT NEEDED OIL CHANGE .THAT WAS APPRO. 60000 MILKES...THEN JULY 2024 EXITING HIGHWAY IT STALLED AGAIN I HAD TO RESTART HAD IT CHECKED IT WAS ABOUT 72000 MILES THEY SAID SAME THING. THEN IN SEPT OF 24 IT STALLED AGAIN DAY AFTER OIL CHANGE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. i TOOK IN AGAIN THEY SAID ITS THE OIL PISTON RINGS SAID MY ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED AND ITS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. sO NOW ITS 8000 OR MORE MONEY TO REPLACE ENGINE. i HAVE KNOCKING SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONEONE IS THROWING JACK AROUND CAR...
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646458March 5, 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). The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer informed that contact that 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646144March 4, 2025
ENGINE, WHEELS
Engine died on the highway. All of the warning light lit up before the car stalled and eventually died.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646160March 4, 2025
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); and the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic was updated to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. After the recall repair was completed, the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was not repaired. The check engine warning light remained constantly illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646269March 4, 2025
ENGINE
Catalytic converter overheated. Motor stalled. Wallace Kia, Stuart, Florida ran diagnostics on my vehicle. I brought it into Wallace Kia, Stuart, to get it fixed via the recall. They refused to do it. They said that the catalytic converter overheated and the motor has damage. I don't understand why they won't honor the recall and fix my car. They wanted me to pay for the diagnostics, but they won't send me an invoice.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646079March 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, AIR BAGS, STEERING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V608000 (STEERING), 22V096000 (AIR BAGS) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the dealer and manufacturer informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while the vehicle was driving at various speeds, stationary, or parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that three years after the initial repair, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to contact the dealer and the manufacturer for the vehicle to be repaired under the recalls; however, the dealer and manufacturer declined to schedule an appointment for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646097March 3, 2025
ENGINE
This was recalled on many kia souls except my VIN is not showing this recall yet I received a letter stating that the Catalytic converter were being recalled. I now have to replace my converter and reached out to kia as to why my veichle which is a 2016 kia soul is not included
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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