Kia Soul Complaints (2017)

290 consumer complaints on file.

#11544293September 13, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Received an "Important Safety Recall" notice from Kia recall number 23v218 in May 2023. This indicates my Kia Soul EV by VIN. The notice warns of a possible short in the main battery that can cause a fire. The notice says Kia is working on a remedy and that another letter will follow when the remedy is ready. No second letter yet, as of 9/13/23. The recall notice states that if in the meantime owner experiences "incomplete high voltage battery charging, loss/fluctuating vehicle EV battery range" to seek assistance from nearest authorized Kia dealership. My vehicle experienced rapid decrease in range, down below 60% of the full range over a period of weeks. Most recently charging the vehicle (using two different chargers) causes the circuit breaker at my home to trip, something that has never happened before. I contacted Kia America by phone and email. They said I should take the car to the dealer. At the dealer I describe the problem, show the recall notice. They say they cannot execute a remedy and that in order to have the battery checked I need to leave the car with them indefinitely. Service said some cars have been waiting 6 weeks for a diagnostic. So I have a recall notice, my car is experiencing a warning symptom, and I cannot get the dealer or Kia to take reasonable action.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541818August 31, 2023
ENGINE
On 6/30/23 While exiting the highway and waiting at a traffic light he noticed smoke coming from the hood. As he proceeded through the intersection to pull over the dashboard lit up with many lights and then the power went out. He was able to coast to the side of the road. A Police Officer happened to be nearby and called the fire department. When they arrived and opened the hood the engine compartment was in flames. They put the fire out and then the car was towed to a storage yard. A claim was filed with the insurance who then had the car moved to the dealership for repairs. On 7/5/23 Upon arrival, the service advisor proceeded to do their normal intake, put the key in the ignition, and started the car which then burst into flames and became a total loss. The regular driver of the car is disabled and it takes him some time to get in and out of the car, if it had been engulfed in flames he would not have been able to get out as quickly as your average driver. The insurance and manufacturer both have inspected the car and determined it was an engine failure. The car had been to the dealership the week before for an oil change.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540923August 26, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Kia Garden grove is recommending people not get the recall done, and refusing to schedule and service the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11538354August 14, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul EV. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System) 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 contact stated she had replaced the battery for second time. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536968August 7, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle started pulling to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she allowed the vehicle to pull to right lane as there was no traffic, and the vehicle struck the guard rail. The vehicle then stopped and made an abnormal banging sound. The vehicle was towed to a local Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that there was a hole in the engine. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was out of warranty and would be repaired out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,845.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535317July 30, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint on the car is delaminating and chipping off and the vehicle is becoming compromised due to the paint coming off the car. This has been confirmed by my dealership where I take the vehicle for service. Kia dealership has inspected the vehicle No, there are not warning lamps to tell me the paint is coming off the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11529850June 30, 2023
ENGINE
The engine of my vehicle began to make a knocking sound while driving, without a warning. It was diagnosed to be due to a broken rod and excessive cylinder clearance, leading to faulty engine, that needs replacement. Yes, it is available for inspection. Due to being stranded off the freeway for over 4 hours, over 300 miles from home, myself and 1 other person were left stranded overnight without a vehicle. We had to pay for an unplanned hotel room for the night and U-Haul to tow the car back home. We did not drive the car further, because we were worried about the possibility of the car and engine overheating or getting worse. Yes, the issue has been diagnosed by a AAA mechanic and Kia service mechanic, who notified me that this issue is common among many other Kias. The Kia service department notified me that I need the engine to be replaced, and that they will not be covering the charges. Additionally, a new engine rod knock sensor has been made for Kias, and I was never notified to get the sensor installed. The engine failure did not lead to any warning lights and when the issue first occurred, I stopped driving the car immediately to not make matters worse. In addition, this vehicle has been maintained regularly (following Kia guidelines), and has only 59000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528205June 21, 2023
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car engine made a clamoring noise and sudden seized up and stopped in the middle of traffic. The hood started smoking and a good Samaritan passed by and alerted me to get out of car. I did and noticed puddle of liquid was in flames and soon the front of the car was also in flames.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11525858June 7, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2017 KIA Soul EV battery has not been holding a full charge since the beginning of April. The dealer was notified in early May that the charges were seeming to cut off early & provided with a log of charging/driving. We waited, then were told that a replacement battery would be ordered, installed, & considered under warranty. Diagnostic tests were run, we were advised. We were told that the car was safe to drive, although with about 50% of the mileage available (50-51 miles). The final paperwork (vehicle registr.) copy was filed on May 18. Now we have received a safety recall notice. I am afraid to drive the car, having seen news of what loss of life can happen a fire breaks out while driving! My dealer has not offered me help with an interim rental car to date, although I have requested this several times, specifically yesterday - June 6, 2023. At this writing, I have been told that "the battery is on order, however, no specific info on shipment date or date expected" is available. "It will come on the barge," was the last statement, hard to believe in this day & age of electronic records. I have stopped driving the car, have talked with my insurance company, & will call the dealership again about the matter. I am most unsatisfied. I have a record of numerous calls back & forth with my KIA dealer, service dept. manager.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523981May 26, 2023
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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
#11523783May 25, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The check engine warning light remain illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 183,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523473May 23, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
Original factory installed driver's side seat heater shorted out, caused fire and burned a hole in the seat back. This thermal event was reported to Kia Customer Service on March 16, 2023. Kia has not responded back for over 2 months, to address this issue. Kia case no. 15394468. Same problem with Kia Soul in Canada resulted in a recall to address the problem. Afraid to use the passenger side seat heater, as another short and fire can occur.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521955May 14, 2023
ENGINE
Engine light flashes every 6 weeks. I have to have my oil checked weekly as it is constantly low despite not apparent leaks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521109May 9, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that there was a continual clicking sound coming from the front of the vehicle while making a left or right turn. Additionally, while the brake pedal was depressed, there was a clicking sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, when the brake pedal was depressed, the oil light illuminated. The contact stated that after the brake pedal was released, the warning light disappeared. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519124April 26, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound inside the vehicle then the vehicle started to decelerate without warning. The contact then stated that other drivers on the road alerted the contact’s friend that a fire had ignited underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact’s friend was able to pull the vehicle off the road and exit the vehicle. The local authorities were notified and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision lot where the technician diagnosed the vehicle that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517334April 16, 2023
ENGINE
First, on January 13, 2023, my 2017 Kia Soul leaked all but 1/4qt. oil while parked in a lot for about 30 minutes. There was no indication of an issue prior to the event. I just happened to see the puddle while walking to my car. On this date I had 64,100miles on the car. I was stranded in a parking lot 3 hours from home for over 9 hours. Mobile mechanic stated it looked like a loose oil filter and did a complete oil change (to include the filter). He said had I tried to drive my car, I would have blown my engine within a few miles. He also stated that the oil pressure sensor was not in good shape and needed replaced as soon as I could do so; within a week,the sensor was replaced. No items available for I inspection but mechanic bills available. Aside from two mechanics, no one else has inspected the vehicle. Now, today, April 16, 2023, I was parked outside a store for about 15 minutes and came out to a puddle of oil under my car. Checked my oil and realized it was just touching the Low indicator on the dipstick. Had to have a friend tow my car home so that my car and I could both be safe this evening. I am not sure what the cause of today's issue is yet as I have not made it to the mechanic; so this is UNKNOWN. However, a full tank of oil leaking out twice in a 3 month slan is not a coincidence. Clearly, there is some sort of issue with the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517144April 14, 2023
ENGINE
I am writing this letter to inform you of what I feel is an unacceptable situation. On November 17, 2022, my friend and I were heading to a veterinary specialist about 3 hours from where we live. On the way there the engine in her 2017 KIA Soul with about 85,000 miles on it started knocking. I said this isn’t right, so we called for a tow. We had it towed back to our local mechanic, and they said it was a low-end engine knock. The mechanic called the local KIA dealership’s service department to see if it was covered by the warranty. The KIA rep asked for the VIN after which they informed the mechanic since Julie did not respond to a letter (not a recall) sent out about a software upgrade that needed to be done to detect the problem early, it was not covered. She never saw said letter and has been at that same address for over 30 years. Our local shop quoted her $6,985.25 and about 2 weeks to replace the engine. She called the local KIA service department and they said they could make an appointment to diagnose it January 21st (but if she brought it in, they would fit it in before then, if possible, she had no idea that it was going to be over 4 months.) She also called KIA corporation (which took multiple calls and was on hold forever) to inquire about the warranty and was told KIA would not cover it. KIA corporation said her problem is with the U.S. Postal Service if she never received the update letter. The local dealership finally diagnosed it days after her scheduled appointment and was told she would have to pay over $6,000.00 and it would be about 4 weeks to have the engine replaced. I find it unacceptable my friend is told to check back every couple of weeks. I could totally understand it if KIA said, “we’ll take care of it, but it will take some time” but to have a paying customer’s vehicle over 4 months (a third of a year) is ridiculous in my opinion. Julie is having to borrow vehicles and ut
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11514763March 31, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated her daughter parked the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer the next day, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,435.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11512549March 18, 2023
STEERING
The power steering fails while driving. Steering suddenly and without notice becomes very difficult when the power steering stops working. STEERING FAILURE must be a serious safty issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11512207March 16, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My kia soul 2017 had a catalytic burnout in 2021. Looks like the recall till 2016 should have been extended to 2017. This still pose a danger to consumers with model 2017 and newer models for overheating catalytic .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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