Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11763092September 9, 2026
ENGINE
Recall 25V099/SC336 was not performed on my vehicle when it was in the dealership. My vehicle is now disabled at Capitol Kia San Jose with complete engine failure. They are denying any responsibility and refusing repair coverage. I have written a formal letter to Kia Corporation requesting an immediate review of my vehicle. With this being an NHTSA recall I am hoping to get some intervention somewhere regarding this situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763118September 9, 2026
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light was illuminated; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that additional diagnostic tests were needed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763203September 9, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint is completely failing on this kia soul. The eroded paint is a well known issue with Kia, nothing is being done about the paint failing and chipping across the whole body of the car, which will lead to inevitable rusting. It has been inspected, they are aware of the issue, and are doing nothing to resolve it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762652September 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI with approximately 108,956 miles. The vehicle is consuming approximately 1/2 quart of engine oil every 1,000 miles. There is no obvious external oil leak. I am concerned about excessive oil consumption and possible internal engine damage. The vehicle also produces a very loud exhaust-type noise from the front of the vehicle when starting, which appears to be coming from the front exhaust/manifold/catalytic-converter area. The vehicle currently has no check-engine light. I checked the VIN through NHTSA and it shows zero unrepaired recalls. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether these symptoms could indicate a safety-related defect affecting this vehicle or other Kia Soul vehicles with the same engine. It is getting worst and loud
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762841September 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a white 2016 Kia Soul Exclaim with 55,150 miles on it. About 3 months ago the paint started bubbling around the panoramic sunroof and has peeled off showing the gray undercoating. Ive read that this is an ongoing issue. I am the original owner and would like to have this issue fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762844September 8, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Last year the left rear driver side door the paint started to peel off. It is now 12 inch area. I brought this up to Bulldawg, Athens, Ga. KIA where the care was purchased and got a so sorry, nothing we can do. No accident, no harsh weather.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762913September 8, 2026
ENGINE
The check engine light came on in the car and within a few minutes while looking for a safe place the pull over there was a foul smell coming from the engine, followed by many error lights on the dash and the car losing the ability to accelerate and drive. The car had to be towed to a local repair shop who inspected the car and found that the engine a thrown a rod through the engine block.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762118September 4, 2026
ENGINE
My kia soul has high oil consumption. When informed of the recall for the piston rings, I had First Team Kia look at it. They informed me that they didn't see anything wrong so they cleared the recall. They NEVER performed the oil consumption test. Within 3 weeks, I traveled over 800 miles, round trip, and upon my return home I had to put 4 qrts of oil back in my car. I took my car to Southern Auto. They performed the oil consumption test that revealed the car has high oil consumption, burning 3.5 qrts of oil within 1000 miles. This engine could freeze up at any given moment putting my life and many other lives at risk as I drive this car daily on the interstate for work. The dealer confirmed there is a high oil consumption. No one has inspected this vehicle because First Team cleared the recall without properly testing my vehicle for the said issue. No lights are on the dashboard but I an constantly topping off my oil atleast 1-2 times a week.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762182September 4, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed due to the cost. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762208September 4, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The vehicle has experienced intermittent stalling and near-stalling while driving. The problem began after a prior Kia engine replacement related to DTC P1327/P132700. After the engine replacement, the vehicle developed additional drivability and warning-light concerns, including P0420 and communication/CAN faults. An authorized Kia dealer later documented that the vehicle had stalled a few times, identified P0420, reported a clogged catalytic converter, and found 11 additional lost-communication/CAN-related codes. The dealer stated that approximately eight additional diagnostic labor hours would be required to investigate the remaining faults. The vehicle was returned with the intermittent stalling condition unresolved. The stalling presents a safety risk because the vehicle can lose motive power unexpectedly while being driven. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The dealer confirmed the stalling complaint and performed diagnostic testing, but the complete cause has not been determined. Kia previously performed an engine replacement related to the earlier P1327 condition, and the current stalling occurred afterward.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762252September 4, 2026
ENGINE
While driving an alarm noise sounds and on the dash a message will appear stating engine off put car in p or n and I cannot accelerate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761988September 3, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the taillights were inoperative, there was oil leaking from the bottom of the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle returned to normal operation. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and the dealer stated that there was an oil consumption issue with the vehicle; however, cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761735September 2, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from the exhaust, with an abnormally loud popping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the contact exited the vehicle and became aware that there was a line of fire on the main road leading to the bottom of the vehicle. The contact stated that a week prior to the failure, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from inside the vehicle. The contact called the Emergency Services, and the Fire Department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761209September 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My white paint is bubbling off and peeling down to the metal and it is all over and continues to do so more and more everyday. I am afraid to wash it for fear of having it all come off. It looks terrible and will really look ugly and value comes down quick enough on these cars as it is. It needs to be fixed or something. Can a lemon law be done on the manufacture or something? I still owe on this car and it will be really ugly in a month or so. Something needs to be done about these cars.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760945August 31, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760533August 29, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
l have a 2014 grey Kia soul with engine problems engine recall. The car has stopped multiple times. The KSDS is already installed since my Kia in limp mode can’t got past 40mph. Its engine recall P1326 knock sensor rod bearing engine recall. Everything on car is up to date oil change last month and all other car parts. Smoke come inside car and outside my 2014 Kia soul making very very dangerous to drive. Its safety issue because of my Kia engine recall. Please please need Kia to give me a free new engine cause of these factors for safety please. Need free engine recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760046August 27, 2026
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated, indicating that the airbag system was inoperative. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the clock spring needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. A certified letter was sent to the manufacturer, requesting a goodwill refund; however, the request was denied due to the lack of recall coverage for the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 167,492.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760156August 27, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Writing to get some relief and a recall for my expenses due to a failed catalytic converter. The same issue was reported and recalled on the 1.6l engine in 2019. 19V120.Mine is 2014 kia soul 2.0l engine. I am showing multiple other reports on this site which had the same issues as well. 11736089 and 1700997. Catalytic converter failure. No codes. Sluggish acceleration, rotten egg smell, high fuel consumption and oil consumption. When merging onto highway, engine redesign to between 3-4000 reps before it goes into overdrive have to jam the accelerator to go. Took to mechanic and while they were doing a test drive, could not get the car to go. Narrowly not getting into an accident with the approaching truck behind them. Vehicle has regular maintenance and is well taken care of. Good thing i got it taken care of before engine failure. All of the combustion gases from the failed catalytic converter could have cost me a new engine, or worse my life. Reached out to kia corporate customer service with no help offered. They tout extended warranties on their cars. But will not honor them. Have the converter and it is clear as day , that it was reaching high temperatures and malfunctioning. What help can you offer?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759676August 26, 2026
ENGINE
Back in 2021 there was a safety recall for the engine burning oil and having a high risk of catching fire. I leased this car from the Kia dealership in Asheville, NC and was guaranteed that the issue was not with this car. Here I am a year later and I have to basically put oil into the car at least every two weeks because the engine is burning the oil so fast and the car is basically running terribly. I have made multiple complaints to a bunch of mechanics including the dealership where they are trying to over charge me for a full engine replace because my vin doesn’t follow with the recall notice.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759778August 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle won't pass emissions test the SC176 CATYLIC CONVERTER I've exceeded the 3 per year Temporary tags and my vehicle is a recall due to no pass emissions test . My temporary tags are expired and I got a ticket
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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