Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11509196February 26, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Code P0507 Keep causing engine light to turn on. Replaced air filter, MAP sensor, and had throttle body relearned. Also, Alternator was said to not be working after car stalled. Alternator is not working again 1 month after proper replacement of alternator and serpentine belt. Put at risk due to stalling. Available for inspection upon request Vehicle has not been inspected at the dealership due to no appointment slots available until may 2023 No warning prior to engine light coming on and incident happened multiple times prior to engine light coming on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11509217February 26, 2023
ENGINE
Vehicle traveled down I-65 normal cruising. Had a check engine light illuminated. Code pulled as a P0420 diagnosed for Catalytic Converter. Because of this code, the oxygen sensors eventually went out. Sensors were replaced. Two months later the code for O2 sensors being bad came again. Vehicle was seen by another driver on right side with flames showing under the engine while driving. From there, a noise was heard, seen later as a hole made in the bottom of the cast iron block. Vehicle was pulled to the side of the road. I had gotten out to pop the hood, where white smoke was fuming from. Then I seen flames arise and grabbed all personal belongings fearing the worst (explosion). Flames simmered down after 1 hour passed. Engine was not started but with a hole in the bottom, fear of a rod being slung is scary.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11509072February 25, 2023
ENGINE
Engine knocking noise on acceleration
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508975February 24, 2023
AIR BAGS
I was involved in an accident where my 2015 Kia Soul was struck from the rear end at a high rate of speed, left the roadway, hit a concrete culver, became airborne, jumped/rolled across a driveway and went through two crosstie corner posts with no airbag deployment. My seat broke 3/4 of the way up due to impact. Unknown as to reason why airbags failed to deploy with frontal impacts and unknown as to component inspection as insurance took car away to auction. I feel that the failure of these items to deploy intensified the injuries I received in the wreck.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11508859February 24, 2023
ENGINE
1. Engine failure 2. No warnings, car started smoking and I was on the interstate driving 70 mph 3. Dealership refuses to acknowledge or take ownership 4. All insurance and dealership inspected vehicle as engine seized 5. No warnings
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508873February 24, 2023
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was difficult to start and remained running at restarting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under recall and referred her to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508920February 24, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he pulled over and checked the oil level and there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced after an oil consumption test was completed. The engine was not replaced as the dealer stated that it was not covered under the drivetrain warranty. The contact stated that the warranty was for 20 years or 200,000 miles as it covered the engine, transmission, transaxle, and other parts related to the drivetrain. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508927February 24, 2023
ENGINE
Hello, I purchased a 2020 Kia Soul S in Oct. of 2019. Soon after I received a letter noting an engine recall in relation to the oil pistons. This manufacturer defect causes the engine to stall, and if left long enough, can cause oil to leak onto the engine and potentially catch fire (https://www.cars.com/research/kia-soul/recalls/). I have needed three engine replacements since purchasing the car. The first replacement was in January of 2022 with less than 20,000 miles, the second was in October of 2022 at around 33,000 miles, and my vehicle is currently awaiting another engine replacement at about 35,000. To my knowledge, the issue has been the same oil piston engine associated with the initial engine recall. I'm concerned because it seems like Kia is replacing defective engines with more defective engines with the same issue. Sometimes a check engine pops up intermittently, but in all three cases, the tell was the car stalling. Thankfully I've learned to take it to the repair shop quickly when this happens to avoid worse side effects.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508742February 23, 2023
ENGINE
My car started making a ticking noise around 92k. I was afraid to drive it because of all the information id read on the KIA engines catching on fire. I had it towed to a local mechanic who wouldn't touch it and said I needed to bring it to the dealership because I'm still under warranty. I had my vehicle towed again which cost me over 400$ to a KIA dealership. They told me that the engine would need to be replaced but wouldnt tell me why. In fact they REFUSED to tell me why. After I demanded a diagnosis, they stopped responding to my calls.SIX WEEKS they held my vehicle hostage. I called Kia manufacturer customer service who made a call to them. The dealership tried every possible way they could to get out of fixing my engine. I went to the dealership to get something out of my vehicle but they denied me access. After I caught them doing something completely wrong (leaving my vehicle unlocked, keys in the ignition, and trashed on the inside) they decided they would fix my engine. I waited another 4 weeks for my engine to be replaced with a refurbished engine. They did not tell me it wasn't a BRAND NEW engine before they installed. Never even called me to tell me they were starting the work. The day they finished, I got a call demanding for me to pick it up or they would have it towed. Also, all 4 of my tires were "unrepairable and HAD to be replaced or I was in danger for my life if I drove it." I called kia customer service again. The dealership lied to me. They told kia customer service that they just needed to be aired up and the valve stems replaced..... on all 4 tires... very sketchy. After a very straightforward conversation with the manager, I had my car towed him. I'm terrified to drive it anywhere. I don't trust them with anything. They had my car a total of 3 months. I lost a ton of money on rentals and pain, disruption, and anguish in my personal and work life because of it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508475February 22, 2023
STEERING
Motor driven power steering failed, dealer (Hyman Bros Kia Midlothian VA) replaced the flexible coupling in the power steering assembly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508528February 22, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption and was making abnormal knocking sounds intermittently while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned on the hazards lights and exited the highway. The contact coasted the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact then pushed the vehicle to a gas station with the assistance of bystanders. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 113,956.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508579February 22, 2023
POWER TRAIN
The engine in my car needs replacing. The dealership and KIA corporation refuse to complete oil consumption tests. I am driving a car that cannot be inspected or repaired. They told me literally I have to drive the car into the ground to get the engine replaced. This is dangerous and foolhardy. Corporations with faulty products that have warranties they refuse to honor are putting all people on the road at risk. Getting through to either the dealership or the corporation is almost impossible unless you have no job. Please help KIA owners who are put in this unconscionable position. I own my car outright, I wish I had more options other than losing my investment as a poor person. Thank you for whatever help you can provide. [XXX] 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
#11508531February 22, 2023
ENGINE
2021 Kia Soul started making engine noises as it was being driven home. The next day while driving home there was a loud boom and total loss of power while driving. It coasted to a parking lot. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. We are now awaiting approval for total engine replacement via warranty. Vehicle has less than 50K miles. Oil changes were done with synthetic oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508316February 21, 2023
STEERING
We took our Kia Soul to a Kia Service shop Dec 2022 because the steering is making a clicking sound when the wheel is turned from the 11 o’clock to the 2 o’clock position. This condition is consistent with a Kia Safety Recall issued in November 2017, and has been confirmed by another source. We were told that by the dealership, Brandon Courtesy Kia in Florida that they would repair this dangerous steering issue for a cost of $1227.97 because they excluded it from the recall and warranty. Unfortunately we are on a fixed income, and are not able to pay for the steering to be repaired back to SAFE operating conditions. In addition, the dealership would not release the vehicle back to us unless we paid them $189.15 for a couple minute “Steering Inspection” which we were not told upfront that there would be a cost. The November 16, 2017, Important Safety Recall Notice states if the steering is not repaired the result may be “loss of steering and result in a crash.” This warning has us terrified because this dealership and Kia put profit in front of safety. We have not driven the car for 3 months fearing a severe crash and possible injury, including and up to death. We have been in constant contact with the dealership and the Kia Customer Care Center to try and resolve the Steering Safety concern with no luck. We have proposed a fair and reasonable settlement but continue to ignored . . . here is our ask to Kia . . . 1. Repair the Kia Soul steering back to a SAFE and normal operating condition 2. Refund the $189.15 charge related to a bogus inspection. Best Regards
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508159February 20, 2023
ENGINE
We were driving and the car just shutdown, luckily at a stop sign. Wouldn't turn back on, and nothing when we tried to jump it. Had it towed to the nearest service center in town and were told a rod punctured the block and the engine is blown. The service center said they had seen this happen before and to contact a Kia dealership to check on a recall. I talked to the Kia dealership in Topeka, KS and they said Kia had been denying requests to replace the engine, if the recall update had not been done. We never received any information about the car having a recall or needing an update, so therefore it was never performed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508142February 20, 2023
ENGINE
Car began sputtering in the middle of the road, all the symbols on the dash started lighting up. I went to make a turn and car stopped moving came to a sudden slow down and rolled to the side. I put it in park. It would not start and sputtered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508012February 18, 2023
ENGINE
NHTSA - I own a 2016 Kia Soul that has a damaged failing engine; the problem is excessive oil consumption. This defect is causing motor oil to migrate into areas of the engine that it shouldn't be, thus inevitably causing a catastrophic failure; rendering the engine inoperable and irreparable. The oil pressure warning light came on only after the damage was done. Horne Kia in Gilbert Arizona, where I purchased the vehicle, has inspected it and found this to be true. However Horne Kia and Kia corporate will not repair or authorize repair, respectively. I was told to continue driving it until the engine is completely destroyed in order to have it repaired...WHAT. So I'm being told that the engine will definitely seize-up and fail leaving me stranded; this is a safety nightmare. What if I'm driving on a highway when this happens. What if the engine failure causes me to lose control of my vehicle and cause who knows what. This not only puts me at risk, it puts others driving around me at risk as well; not to mention passengers that may be in my vehicle. [XXX] 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
#11508022February 18, 2023
ENGINE
The car has been back for two for oil consumptions test at 1000 miles and is burning about 5 quarts every thousand miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507744February 17, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While sitting in line with brake applied the idle speed suddenly jumped up and car accelerated forward despite application of brakes. Without any change from me the RPMs suddenly dropped and car stopped again. The car moved a total of a quarter car length, which had I not been angled away from car in front of me would have caused a collision, and had I been at an intersection could have caused an accident or struck a pedestrian.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507773February 17, 2023
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Shucks was taken to Kia Country of Savannah for recall repairs. ECU update and seat belt cover repaired, however, I explained that car was burning oil (but not leaking) and engine was on and car was making a knocking sound. I had taken my car to a local mechanic while informed me that my car’s engine was bad. I even showed Pat Foran the printout that I was given. The local mechanic I found that I would qualify for the engine replacement based off of his inspection. So I took the car to Kia (barely made it because the car would not go over 60 mph. At Kia, I was told my car passed bearings test and that I would need to pay for a fuel consumption test to determine what was wrong with my car. I was told I would know if my car needed a new engine because it would sound like rocks in a milk carton, which it did but the folks at Kia said they drove it and didn’t hear anything. I find it very strange that my engine light was also off when I got the car back but 20 miles down the road, as I putted my way back home, it came back on. I feel this was there attempt to not fix the car, they were too busy trying to get me to trade it in because I only had 93000 miles on it at the time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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