Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11597019June 26, 2024
ENGINE
Just had an oil change done a couple months ago, the two previous oil changes I had, the merchanics advised me that the engine had less oil than it should for how little miles had been put on it. took it in today since it started making a "ticking" noise, and was informed that there was hardly any oil in the engine, and that was the cause. it had only been driven 2000 miles since the last change. they informed me of a TSB that was out for the 2017 souls that have a 1.6L engine (reference number PS739) that basically says that a defect is causing an engine oil leak due to a dowel pin. contacted a dealership per their advice and they told me that it is not covered by Kia even though it is a known issue by them, looking at several of the other complaints against this vehicle it seems to be a very common issue and should be addressed by the manufacturer, and not have to be paid out of pocket by the consumer. This should be recalled immediately to prevent people's engines from being burnt up due to the engine over consuming oil
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596578June 25, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle first started to have issue with the blower motor relay, unknowingly at the time, that was the issue I had brought it to numerous mechanics, told it’s my blower motor itself, then took it to Kia and was told it’s not and they put my old one back in and didn’t solve any issue, on my way home my check engine light came on, driving on the HWY at 70mph. I get off on my exit slow down to the speed of 40Mph stop at the red light and then my vehicle starts to stall, refused to go faster then 40mph and was fighting it, at 7rpms. Local shop said it was some sort of sensor, had another mechanic look at it and found that KIA hadn’t put my Cars Computer back on my vehicle, so it was just flapping around, once he reconnected it the issue disappeared. Following this I have had a ticking engine for 2/3 years. Local mechanic said it was my Engine lifters, so we replaced all 18. The noise never stopped. I brought it back and was told I need a replacement engine the long block specifically, I couldn’t afford to replace it, years later it’s still making this noise at start up, in idel and when driving and becomes louder when I accelerate. I have had a hard time getting my vehicle to accelerate to HWY speeds at an efficient and safe level, having to use hazard lights. My car has had a gas fuel leak, repaired. I had to get a rental car. The blower motor relay has to be replaced every 3/4 months since it failed the first time years ago in order for my AC/heat to work, I’m a single mother, who is disabled with a special needs child, and a very low fixed income, this is a major safety concern on top of the HECU recall, I have asked for a buy back or a refund or replacement vehicle and have been denied, or at least reimbursement for the costs associated. Kia is negligent and obviously doesn’t seem to care whatsoever about their customers or their safety. If I could afford it I would sue them. Fire hazard, engine fire, stalling, ect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596428June 25, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that scheduling for the recall repair would start in October 2024. 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
#11595961June 23, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Budget rental out of KSGF. THIS DANGEROUS COMPACT SUV IS UNFIT FOR UNITED STATES ROADS AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. IN 2 WEEKS THE CAR OVER 8x Attempted to Overpower my driver inputs nearly driving me in to semi tractor trailer rigs. Further every time that happens a loud annoying message to take a coffee break even 7 minutes into the drive since engine start up. The partial Turn Off only partly lessens this Dangerous technology. It attempts to STOP THE DRIVER FROM STEERING AND ACCELERATOR AND EVEN BRAKE INPUTS. maybe appropriate in South Korea type of roads and laws and high density of autos... not true in the Continental U.S..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595750June 21, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595489June 20, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was sent to this form by live chat to report that a recall for my car has not been remedied in a timely manner. I received notification in November of 2023 that it was advised to not use my car and to park away from buildings. It has been 7 months and it still shows as not updated on this website and the official Kia one.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595531June 20, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595557June 20, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
It started in September 2022 when my Kia soul started spuddering and slowing down quickly while driving on the interstate. Drove it on limp to the closest mechanic shop. They recommended a complete engine replacement, which would cost more than the vehicle was worth. Had it towed to a Kia dealership for their diagnosis. They came back and said it was a clogged catalytic converter. Replacing it fixed the car. Now to June 2024 and car slowed down drastically while on the highway, with my wife and newborn child in the car. I had it towed to Kia again and they diagnosed it as a total engine failure with a clogged catalytic converter again (catalytic converter only lasted 1.5 years!). Again, the replacement cost is more than the value of the car. I think they knew of the issue in 2022 or failed to diagnose the actual problem and put my family at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595334June 19, 2024
STEERING
Steering wheel shakes violently when going over 75MPH and is extremely shaky on side streets as well. The steering wheel feels like it’s going to fall off! Got it checked out by Kia and they said the Flexible steering coupling needs repairing and it would be over $900 to do so for a part that costs less than $10! I have an extended warranty and I was told the warranty doesn’t cover this issue, but at the bare minimum it seems like it should as it feels dangerous at times to drive the car. Also, this issue should be a recall for Kia as I have seen a ton of other people with this issue! It’s a defect in the car and should be a free recall to be fixed .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594984June 18, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased this 2016 Kia Soul from a dealership in April, 2024. On [XXX], I was driving on a residential street when I heard an explosion. Smoke poured from the back of the car and from under the hood. I tried to stop, but the brakes failed. I put the car in park, but it would not stop. I finally put the emergency brake on and it stopped. By this time, the car was basically a fireball. I had to get out by stepping through fire. I inhaled smoke from the burning and melting elements of the vehicle. The fire department arrived quickly, but it took 10-15 minutes to put the fire out. I have since learned that Kia knew of the problem and there was a class action suit against them, which it is too late for me to file a claim on. As [XXX] , I am very concerned about the situation. My insurance payout won't be enough to replace the car and I am unable to secure a loan. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11595086June 18, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was serviced for routine maintenance, the independent mechanic became aware of excessive oil consumption. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was not diagnosed since the contact refused to pay for the diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and was not under a recall for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594762June 17, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594776June 17, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil consumption test was performed, and the mechanic determined that the test was positive for excessive oil consumption. Additionally, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the oil valve was replaced under an unknown Manufacturer Recall Campaign Number; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594910June 17, 2024
ENGINE
The car had transmission failure at 44000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594618June 16, 2024
AIR BAGS, ENGINE, STEERING
I am experiencing multiple safety and performance issues with my 2015 Kia Soul: 1.Vibration at Idle: Significant vibration when the vehicle is idling at a red light. Possible causes include worn engine mounts, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, issues with the idle control valve or throttle body, or vacuum leaks. 2.Electrical Issues: • Codes: B111216 (Ignition Voltage Low), B17672F (OCS Algorithm Cut Off), B251100 (Head Lamp High LH SCG), B251300 (Head Lamp Low LH SCG) • Symptoms include low battery voltage warnings and short circuits in the headlamp circuits. Possible causes might be a failing battery or alternator, or damaged electrical wiring. 3. Emission System Problems: • Codes: P0455 (Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected), P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) • Symptoms: Check engine light related to emission control systems. Potential causes include a loose or damaged gas cap, cracked EVAP hoses, faulty purge or vent valves, and failing catalytic converter or oxygen sensors. 4. Airbag System Issues: • Codes: B151100 (Buckle Switch Driver Open or Short to Battery), B110200 (Battery Voltage Low), B149000 (OCS Defect) • Symptoms: Warning lights related to the airbag system. Possible causes include faulty seat belt buckle switches, low battery voltage, or issues within the Occupant Classification System. 5. TPMS Issues: • Codes: C1314 (Sensor 3 Radio Frequency Channel Failure), C1662 (Auto Learning Failure) • Symptoms: TPMS warnings and inability to correctly monitor tire pressure. Possible causes are sensor failures or calibration issues. Despite regular maintenance, these issues persist and affect the safety and drivability of my vehicle. I request an investigation into these problems to determine if they are common in this model and if there are any recalls or service bulletins that address them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594637June 16, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Recall #23V652000-Faulty fuse can cause fire while parked or driving. I was advised by letter from KIA in November 2023 that due to this defect, the vehicle should be parked outside and not driven until a replacement part was available. I issued a complaint in January 2024 that no resolution was determined by KIA, and I was then rendered without transportation. It is now June 2024, and still no resolution. I find this totally unacceptable, and since you are the regulatory agency managing the Auto Manufacturers, I would expect some pressure would be exerted to push KIA to resolution. This is a serious defect...FIRE!! I can't drive it or sell it (responsibly).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594365June 14, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594426June 14, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was unable to pull to the shoulder of the roadway but was able to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer initiated a 1,000-mile oil consumption test. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594446June 14, 2024
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Having acceleration problems with the Kia and catalytic converter. I had contacted the Kia dealer but can't be seen till August but I need vehicle to go to work plus have dr appointments and can't drive the car feel like it's gonna die on me how can I get this problem recall done sooner as I need my car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593803June 12, 2024
ENGINE
The engine failed and the car just stopped running. The safety of me and my family was put at risk. I barely could get the car off the road as I'm disabled. I had to call for help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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