Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11507549February 16, 2023
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING
Unknown. Piston rings have blown, oil leaking into muffler.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507580February 16, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed with a rod bearing knock. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507630February 16, 2023
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia Soul began having acceleration problems mid-December 2022, around 100k miles. I took my car to Kia Service and was told the ECU needed to be updated and that was most likely the cause of the problem. I received the update on 12/14/2022. My car drove a little better for two days but began experiencing the same acceleration issues. I couldn't go over 60 mph on the interstate. It also seemed to be burning gas fast. Although a diagnostic test was attempted twice, there were no findings since the engine light still hadn't come on. It wasn't until 2 months later, 2/11/2023, that my car stalled out on the interstate at 10:00pm at night. I had it towed to Kia and they confirmed the same thing that my reader did on 2/12/23: engine code P1326, knock sensor. On 2/16/23, Kia ran a diagnostic test and came up with the same code, however, they said it is my catalytic converter that needs to be replaced, for approximately $3100. I've read hundreds of reports at this point about the same issues, and they all say the catalytic converter ends up not being the fix or has to be replaced multiple times. It seems like Kia is just determined to not recall these vehicles even though they seem to be a huge safety & liability concern at this point.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507413February 15, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact's son owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her son was driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost power and would not exceed 2 MPH. The contact's son continued driving and pulled into a repair shop, where it was diagnosed that both catalytic converters had failed and needed to replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling), which she related to the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the recall remedy only included the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic software update. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised as the dealer. However, the recall remedy notes stated that the catalytic converter and the engine would also be replaced if they were damaged. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,631.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507473February 15, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
KIA Soul had a malfunction with the Catalytic converter and a bad injector which damaged the pinions and the sparks plug of the vehicle causing thousands of dollars in repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507484February 15, 2023
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated while attempting to fasten the driver’s side seat belt, the buckle failed to latch as needed. The contact made several attempts before buckling the seat belt securely. While attempting to unlatch the seat belt, the buckle failed to unlatch. The contact pressed the latch button several times and the buckle released. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507238February 14, 2023
ENGINE
My 2013 Kia Soul was diagnosed with engine failure. My mechanic stated no trouble codes, all fluids full. No diagnostic codes at all. At above 30 mph my vehicle blows black smoke. My mechanic found Kia TSB 222 Excessive Oil Consumption. He wrote up that he warned me not to drive vehicle and have towed to KIA dealer. Contacted KIA dealer and was told my vehicle not covered as I was second owner. The vehicle had 105302 miles when I bought it in May 2021 and currently has 112446 as of today. There is a class action lawsuit pending on these issues. It shouldn't matter who the owner is when an engine fails because of defective workmanship. KIA is aware of this specific problem and are doing everything they can to NOT make it right by the consumer. This recall should encompass all vehicles with the defect. This is not some recall for a window seal that falls out. This renders the vehicle completely useless and valuable only as scrap. Imagine all the people who did everything right and now have no vehicle due to an issue over which they had no control.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507287February 14, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and overheated. Additionally, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved an unknown fault code. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507013February 13, 2023
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that after the vehicle received an oil change by an independent mechanic, his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, and the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that a connecting rod had gone through the engine block and fallen out underneath the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507112February 13, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507138February 13, 2023
ENGINE
Turning left onto busy street, engine stopped, car stuck in incoming traffic lane, would not go momentarily.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506984February 13, 2023
POWER TRAIN
I own a 2021 Kia Soul with 34,130 miles. Purchase brand new in 5/21. I just had it serviced on 2/3/23. On 2/10/23, I was driving toward home on I-40 east, near mile marker 418 and the rpms suddenly started to jump up and down from 1000x to 6000x and the car had no ability to go anywhere close to the speed limit. There was a whistle noise coming from under the car. I took the I-81 north interchange to try to get the 80 or so miles back home but could not get the vehicle to go more than 15 mph. I was terrified I was going to get hit by the 18 wheelers whizzing by me. I got in the break down lane and limped to exit 8. The car began to shake violently and barely move. I got off the exit ramp praying no one would rear end me. I called Kia roadside and they towed it to the closest dealership in Moristown because they only tow up to 50 miles, unless I paid the requested $300+ to take it the extra 30 miles to my dealership where I bought the car. The service department called on 2/11/23 to tell me it was being evaluated now, but I have heard nothing else since. I had to sit at the dealership in Moristown until my sister could drive from Lexington KY to take me home. I have severe walking impediment due to broken neck from a car wreck. This whole experience was terrifying.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506828February 12, 2023
ENGINE
Vehicle shut down while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506834February 12, 2023
ENGINE
Kia soul is burning oil it has 82k miles and I’ve already went through the oil consumption test once with dealer and they said it wasn’t loosing any more oil so I had a oil change done drove it the 3000 miles for next oil change and it was loan again I’m now back to do the oil consumption test again I don’t think I should have to do it The dealer just needs to put a new motor in car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506803February 11, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Error code p1326 kia soul 2014
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506534February 10, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Check Engine Light Came on again after KIA BURLINGTON claim repairs was done and closed out repairs. Diagnostic Code is P0420. First Report was filed in 11/22, Service Manager at KIA BURLINGTON REFUSED TO ADDRESS RECALL ISSUES ON MY CAR AND STATES “NOT HER PROBLEM” and she can not help me. Second and Last Complaint was filled on 2/9/23. Service Manager AT KIA BURLINGTON REFUSED TO ADDRESS RECALL ON MY CAR OR GIVE DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR. HER COLLEAGUES STATES “SHE TRANSFERRED MY FILES TO GREESBORO KIA, For my home dealership”. I am (zuria) is unclear why. In addition, her other colleague stated “she doesn’t want to help me because I am African American”. However, I did witness her on 2/9/23. Come out and speak to caucasian person, while telling her peer she did not have to speak to me regarding my recall on my KIA SOUL 2013. HER BEHAVIOR AS A SERVICE Manager IS UNACCEPTABLE. Had to drive two hours away to get help with my recall on 2/9/23. I’m disgusted with service at KIA BURLINGTON. Open Safety Recall Check February 22, 2019 19v120000 February 22, 2019 19v120000 December 29, 2014 14v822000 Engine KIA Motors America (Kia) IS Recalling Certain 2012-2016 KIA Soul Vehicles Equipped With 1.6l Gasoline Direct Injection (Gdi) Engines. High Exhaust GAS Temperatures MAY Damage THE Catalytic Converter, Possibly Resulting IN Abnormal Engine Combustion and Damage TO ONE or More OF THE Engine’s Pistons and Possible Piston Connecting ROD Failure. Engine and Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor KIA Motors America (Kia) IS Recalling Certain 2012-2016 KIA Soul Vehicles Equipped With 1.6l Gasoline Direct Injection (Gdi) Engines. High Exhaust GAS Temperatures MAY Damage THE Catalytic Converter, Possibly Resulting IN Abnormal Engine Combustion and Damage TO ONE or More OF THE Engine’s Pistons and Possible Piston Connecting ROD Failure. Structure:body:roof and Pillars KIA Motors America (Kia) IS
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506582February 10, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle stalled afterward while driving, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to Kia of Valencia (24095 Creekside Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355) where the dealer requested the oil change records. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506691February 10, 2023
ENGINE
The contact’s fiancé owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a stop light, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact’s fiancé then depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he pushed the vehicle to a nearby parking lot where it was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in an unknown engine recall and that the engine rod bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the customer was responsible for keeping contact information up to date, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506715February 10, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The car has rebooted (like a computer) three times in the last month as I am driving the car. Not in Park, not just starting the car. I am in drive and the car just reboots. Today, I received a warning about my forward collision system and all the lights on the dashboard lit up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506127February 7, 2023
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SERVICE BRAKES
Engine light stays on, it’s says on the instrument that I used that it’s the catalyst converter but when you take it to the shop they can’t find anything wrong. Also my car shakes when pressing on the brakes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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