Kia Soul Complaints (2015)

908 consumer complaints on file.

#11648970March 18, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My headlights turn off when I use my blinkers. They also flicker sometimes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648806March 17, 2025
ENGINE
I was making a left turn onto a street and the check engine light started flashing and the car immediately went into limp mode. Code is showing p1326
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
#11645317February 27, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644879February 25, 2025
ENGINE
My daughter was driving my car on [XXX] when suddenly there was a pop and the car stopped working. Honestly she could have been killed but by the grace of God nobody was behind or aside her and she was able to coast over to the breakdown lane. This could have been a very different story. An independent mechanic notated engine failure codes, a worn crank shaft which triggered a sensor to seize the engine or go into “limp mode” then heavy metal in the engine oil. Maintenance was performed and AAA unaccompanied towed the vehicle to Wagner Kia in Shrewsbury MA the next day after a storm passed. Wagner Kia then refused to service the vehicle or acknowledge any responsibility. I contacted Kia America and opened a claim and again they denied any responsibility closing out the claim within 48 hours although the company has had class action lawsuits against this make/model and year of car. This is truly a nightmare where the little man wallet takes a hit while being bullied by a large corrupt corporation. I then accepted an offer on the car for what it is worth in its current condition and took a loss of over $4,000.00 on an auto loan that I had to pay off the balance of and hundreds of dollars of repairs over the past few months. This vehicle also suddenly had an evaporation leak prior to the event which cost myself even more money. I do believe when you engine suddenly shuts off with no warning on a highway and could have killed everyone in the car that it should be reported and taken seriously by the manufacturer and dealership. Thank you for hearing our family’s story- 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
#11644880February 25, 2025
STEERING
Electrical power steering
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640273February 3, 2025
AIR BAGS
Involved in wreck air bags did not deploy.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11637866January 23, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle was bucking and lurching forward. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recently occurred while driving and the vehicle was lurching while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The mechanic referred the contact to a dealer after relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact searched the VIN online and found that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,881.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637085January 20, 2025
ENGINE
Incredibly high oil consumption. Spending so much money on keeping oil in it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634251January 6, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STEERING
I was driving my 2015 Kia Soul along a 4 lane highway when the Check Engine light came on and begun to flash. The Kia began to lose about 5 mph off and then return to the previous rate of speed a few minutes later. Then it would repeat the cycle. As the vehicle lost the engine power, the steering also became very tight as if the power steering was also malfunctioning. I could also hear a slight tapping sound, as the driver side window was open just a few inches. Since I had my mother whom is ailing with dementia and heart problems, I tried to remain calm and undisturbed by these issues. As soon as I arrived at the closest auto parts store that offered diagnostic readings (O'Reilys), I asked them to see what codes the vehicle was throwing. The codes were P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) and P1326 Knock Signal Range/Performance. I have seen these codes listed as recalls for other 2015 Kia Souls, but for some reason my VIN is not listed amongst those. So how do I get this repaired?? This car is extremely important and sentimental to me, as it was the vehicle my son drove before he passed away at [XXX]. Please, please help me keep this Kia running. 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
#11632633December 27, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I believe that I am needing the Knock Sensor Detection System updated. I have called the dealer and they have stated that my VIN # does not have any recalls. I do have the MIL Malfunction Indicator Lamp currently on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632078December 23, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Description of Incident: The engine has experienced a failure that causes oil to blow back from the engine, covering components both under and outside of the engine cover. This has resulted in oil accumulating on the exhaust and other hot components, creating a significant fire hazard. Safety Risks: This malfunction poses a serious risk to my safety and the safety of others, as the oil leakage could lead to a fire while driving. Additionally, the vehicle stalls at various speeds, which increases the risk of accidents or harm to other drivers and pedestrians. There is also a strong smell of oil inside the car, potentially indicating harmful fumes entering the cabin. Inspection Availability: The component/system causing the issue is available for inspection upon request. Reproduction and Confirmation of the Problem: The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by two SAE-certified mechanics. Inspection by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by two SAE-certified mechanics but not yet by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: Warning signs included consistently losing oil even after a fresh oil change, smoke from under the hood, a strong oil smell inside the cabin, and the car stalling during operation. These symptoms have been ongoing and progressively worsening, with the vehicle now stalling more frequently.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11630433December 12, 2024
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving about 50mph when my car suddenly stopped accelerating. I rolled down the hill a little before I hit the brake and put the car in park right in the middle of the street in traffic
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629970December 10, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine system in my 2025 Kia Soul malfunctioned, as indicated by the activation of the P1326 warning light. This diagnostic code typically signals serious engine issues, such as potential rod-bearing damage. Despite this warning, the authorized dealership, Jim Bone Kia of Santa Rosa, only replaced the knock sensor after I asked to conduct a Bearing Clearance Test (BCT), which they claimed passed. However, prior inspections had revealed metal debris in the oil, which strongly suggests internal engine damage. The failure to conduct a thorough investigation into the potential engine damage poses a significant safety risk, as the vehicle could experience a catastrophic engine failure while in operation. Such an event could endanger my safety and the safety of others on the road. The dealership has not reproduced or confirmed additional issues related to the P1326 code, claiming they require further symptoms (e.g., audible engine noise or a repeat warning) to proceed with deeper diagnostics. This approach delays necessary repairs and leaves unresolved safety concerns. Additionally, the vehicle’s catalytic converter was initially denied warranty coverage, despite being included under an extended recall. This created confusion and delayed essential repairs. The P1326 warning light appeared before service, and the knock sensor was replaced, but no further proactive measures were taken to address the root cause. The vehicle remains at risk of more severe engine damage and safety hazards.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628588December 3, 2024
ENGINE
We bought Kia Soul in July of '23 from a dealership. We had no knowledge of a recall on this vehicle from the dealer. Although it was sold to us, and assumed it was in good working order. In December of 2023, the engine/electrical system had an issue. The car was smoking, the battery was changed and it seemed to be mostly solved, although here was smoke coming from the oil area. At no point were we told that there was a recall on this vehicle or sent communications saying so. This was fixed at an independent garage - not Kia, and again we had no idea that there was a recall on this vehicles engine. We received a "Important safety recall" notification around Nov. 1st, 2024 about a problem that needed attention. Using the QR at the bottom to try to schedule the recall, there was not availability at our local dealership until late January to have this remedied. On Nov. 28, 2024, the car started having issues again. The oil light flickered on late on Nov. 27th and then by the 28th the car was unusable/undrivable and we had to have the car towed to the dealership. It was then we realized this may have to do with the recall notification that we received. We told the dealership this so they could see if this issue is part of the recall. The dealership AND Kia Customer Service then told us that the engine issues are not covered under the "extended warranty" because the recall work had not been preformed. I have to stress again A) no availability to do the recall, and B) We're the second owners of this car and were JUST made aware of the issues. The dealership we bought it from did not make us aware of a recall, nor did the places we've had it serviced for problems last year and when getting oil changes. This is UNACCEPTABLE. The repair cost is not covered, and we were told that the engine will cost $8000 to replace. The recall notice specifically says "Kia will Inspect, test, and if necessary repair or replace the engine." Kia should be responsible for this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627470November 26, 2024
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY
November 26, 2024 Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my 2015 Kia Soul. On [XXX], I was involved in a severe car accident. Despite the significant impact, the airbag system failed to deploy. I have attached photos of the vehicle damage for your reference. This incident is particularly alarming as the vehicle had recently been serviced for recalls at Phil Smith Kia (4250 N Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064). The failure of the airbag system to deploy raises serious concerns about the safety and quality control of Kia vehicles. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this incident thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all Kia vehicle owners. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Sincerely, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11623685November 5, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The contact noticed a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was able to restart however the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 96,643.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11622471October 29, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11622036October 25, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
purchased vehicle on 10/12/2024 was driving it home the car started knocking, and loosing acceleration on freeway. the car was smelling of very volatile gas fumes. i put some gas in car for the trip home . drove about 15-18 miles had to pullover into the v shape of the merging section of a on ramp,. could not make it to the emergency lane on the freeway. used family members road side assistance to get car home, took it to the kia dealer (car pros moreno valley) towed to them because they said had to get a appt,. which they set up for today 10/25/2024. the intake person was letting us know it was just a update as if the fuel leak and oil leak was not a part of the recall and it would cost us 9000-13,000 to fix the engine plus the diagnosis of 240.00 getting the run around already for a dangerous situation. the car has caught fire for other owners, of the same year and make. the customer care person stated to me it is just a oil pan leak, as if the car is safe and anything else is our problem. the car reeks of fumes and could not be safe to drive. they were questioning us about the recall as to why it was not done? we told him we were not the owners we dont know if they got the notices? no, unknown only owned the car 0n 10/12/24 for 30 minutes before this started warning lights appeared on dash after knocking and acceleration went out. car was towed and left at kia dealer today. he was talking to us as if it was our fault the car was dangerous and could blow up while driving!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621146October 21, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Earlier last year, we had suddenly had an issue with the Kia Soul. We received a check engine light and noticed a loud clicking noise as the vehicle began accelerating and noticed the vehicle had difficulty accelrating. We left the vehicle parked and then attempted to change the battery and oil to see if either were a contributing factor. When we noticed no improvement upon turning on the car, we took the vehicle to a licensed dealership: Arapahoe Kia to check the vehicle to diagnose the issue and help determine if this was covered under warranty. On our drive (which was about 2 miles from where we had left the car, the engine seized so we had the vehicle towed there. Once we got the diag back, they told us the code but wanted service records to honor the warranty from all oil changes in all states for the past 5 years or pay full cost of vehicle. No mention was made of the prior repaired recalls or determination if the cause could have been because of the unprepared recall that clearly states the syptoms and result being the exact problem we experienced. A few months later when we received notification from a different licensed dealer we had the unrepaired recall (in automated texts and emails), we called back Arapahoe Kia who still had the car, and they again stated service records would be needed to honor the NHTSA recall and also admitted they didn’t attempt to identify if the engine issue we had was caused by the unrepaired recall, as they only looked at the code and visual inspection of oil sludge, and treated it like a warranty claim to deny and did not validate the recall as the cause. But they still have refused to actually inspect the recall concern to determine if the engine trouble was caused by it and repair it as obligated if it was. Instead they keep asking us to pay for the full engine without validating root cause under the NHTSA recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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