Kia Soul Complaints (2013)

668 consumer complaints on file.

#11449624January 31, 2022
ENGINE
Received Engine Code P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 1. There is an existing recall NHTSA # 19V120000 ( Kia Recall SC176), with similar issues and I received a letter from Kia to get the recall repaired, but when entering my VIN, my vehicle is not on the recall list, and now I believe I am experiencing this recall on my vehicle. If the cat. the converter is clogged it can cause engine failure and possibly a fire in the near future. Unfortunately, Kia will not repair my vehicle as the VIN is not listed. The possible repairs are in the thousands for a new catalytic converter, which I have seen may other customers not get reimbursed if they fix it on their own. I am hoping this can get on their radar to add my car to the recall. My vehicle is a 2013 Kia Soul (Base Model 1.6 liter). Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449319January 28, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
I purchased the 2013 Kia Soul used on 5/22/2021 and shortly afterward discovered water leaking into the front passenger side compartment and evidence that the leak was old. I brought the car to Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh (kiaofraleigh.com) on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21, and they incorrectly diagnosed the leak as an air conditioner hose. And then, after they replaced the hose, they thought it might be a windshield leak. After the unneeded air conditioner repair, they referred me out for windshield/water leak testing. McConnell Auto Glass (mcconnellautoglass.com) determined that the windshield was not leaking. The leak was coming in from substandard factory welding in the car frame. The car has never had frame repair on that side. My attempts to patch the bad weld joints with JD Weld caused the leak to continue to move across multiple failing car frame welds. The leak has damaged the interior of the car, grown mold, and exposed the electrical components to failure, rust, and fire. I contacted Kia Corporation (800 333 4542) on 1/12/22, 1/20/22, and 1/21/22. They have told me that Fred Anderson Kia will not return their outreach calls, and they would refer my case # 14586235 to the district manager for a callback -- which has not happened. They tell me the DM’s name and contact information are secret, so I can not call them. Q1: The frame welds. I have covered some of the leaking areas with JD Weld, but the welds are unaltered and could be inspected by removing the JD Weld. I also took several pictures. The leak is still present. Q2: The leak caused interior damage, including mold, and could damage electrical components due to moisture, rust, or fire. Q3: Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh verified the leak but could not correctly diagnose it. McConnell Auto Glass verified the leak. Q4: Yes, Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh on 6/7/21, 6/25/21 and 7/20/21 Q5: I noticed the wet carpet shortly after I purchased the car, but there is evidence of long-term damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449024January 26, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure might be due to a piston slap. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446921January 10, 2022
ENGINE
May, 2021 the check engine light came on. The engine appeared to be sluggish upon acceleration. Took vehicle to be serviced at Meineke in Berlin. NJ. They suggested filling tank with high octane gas. They also changed all fluids and filters as well as installed all new spark plugs. Engine continued to be sluggish and once again check engine light came on. On 8/24/21 an email was sent by the Federal Court attaching an information pamphlet regarding a recall in response to a "knock sensor detection system". I immediately attempted to make an appointment with the Turnersville, NJ Kia Dealer. I was told they were booked up for 6 to 8 weeks. I made an appointment, but subsequently cancelled when I was able to be seen by Keller Auto repair on 8/26/21. They diagnosed a "bad ground circuit ". They advised we should take the vehicle to a Kia dealer. I was able to get an appointment with Cherry Hill, NJ Kia dealer for 8/26/21. I was given a $426.45 invoice to perform recall along with a transmission service purge & fill and drive belt replacement. Unfortunately, engine problems were worsening. The vehicle was stalling at every stop sign, traffic light and acceleration. I inquired about the "knock sensor" recall and was told they would submit a claim to Kia for engine replacement. Claim was denied! Vehicle has been rendered as inoperable and unsafe. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446016January 3, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
It all started when I thought I received bad gas a couple of months ago after filling my tank up with regular gas from a Speedway , It didn't start right away, and that never happened and then it continued to Be hard to accelerate, as I drove it. That has happened on 2 other occasions since that incident a couple of months ago I would push the pedal to the floor and the RPM would not move it stayed on zero. The accelerator was resistant to move, but I made it home. Spoke a mechanic friend, who's done body work on my car, and thought, as I did, I had bad gas.. suggested, I get the fuel tank flushed and filled, which I did at Jiffy Lube. I've since put HEET in on every fill up, and used premium gas. Happened again yesterday am on my way home from work about about 830am. I was stopped at a light, it cut off, I put it in park, and cut it back on, but it was hard to accelerate. I made it home, but now extremely worried, given all the spontaneous fires, and engine problems. It's my only source of transportation, so I'm in desperate need of help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445194December 28, 2021
STEERING
Has a thud while turning the steering wheel left and right at a stop. Steering wheel shakes and vibrates when droving over bumpy road or train tracks. Steering for now unaffected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444781December 23, 2021
ENGINE
I believe my catalytic converter. My engine light came on and I took it to AutoZone and they put it on the tester and they said it was my catalytic converter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443925December 15, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
Nearly totalled Kia soul 2013, engine lost compression, then stalled. In the middle of highway, Preventing me to exit or stop, since brakes dont work when car isn't running.towwed it to dealership, they claim that it's part of recall sc176, which states engine failure, because of defect in motor, yet claim mine isn't part of recall, 19v120000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443592December 13, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was making ticking and knocking sounds. Upon registering the vehicle on the manufacturer's website, the contact was made aware that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, and both mechanics diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The dealer upgraded the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic and diagnosed the vehicle with engine rod knock failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would not honor the recall since the contact was the second owner and the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 184,963.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443218December 9, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road prior to the vehicle losing motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that there were similar vehicles experiencing the same failure. The mechanic notified her of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact then had the vehicle towed to the local dealer and was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442718December 5, 2021
ENGINE
My car is having the exact same problem (engine damage from rod bearing wear) as the issue that triggered Recall No 20V-750 in Kia Forte, which also has the same 2.0L Nu GDI engine. My mechanic discovered the problem, which has blown my engine, and I know there is no motive for him to lie about it because he advised me to ask Kia to replace the engine and did not attempt to sell me the service himself. I have performed all recommended maintenance on time, and the only previous owner of the car provided documentation of doing the same. I know not many people who buy a Kia Soul spring for the premium trim with this engine so there may not be many complaints about it yet, but my hope is that the 20V-750 recall will at some point be extended to my car's model and trim as my car has only about 85,000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11441984November 29, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while making a left turn, she heard an abnormal noise from the steering wheel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination but noticed the steering noise was progressing. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the flexible coupling to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11441862November 28, 2021
STEERING
Steering system 'clunking' and getting unstable, increasingly 'loose.' Called local Kia service department about six weeks ago but they never returned my call. Contacted live agent online yesterday, hopefully someone will call back. I'm very afraid to drive it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11441058November 19, 2021
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On a Sunday our started to turn off at red lights and stop signs. Then a loud pop happened, white smoke came out, and the car died on the interstate. The piston rod had broke and cracked the engine block. We did not even know there was anything going on until the car broke like it did.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440115November 11, 2021
ENGINE
Had the car for two months the engine light came on and it locked up to where I couldn’t go past ten mpg. I had it towed to Kia of Dayton and they won’t fix it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11437113October 18, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was making a tapping sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was jerking while idling. The contact who is a certified mechanic diagnosed that the vehicle had a valve tap failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11436956October 15, 2021
ENGINE
The contact's wife owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road but was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was due to the lack of engine oil and the overheating of the catalytic converter. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis to confirm that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be placed. The manufacturer informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair as the recall was already closed. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11436592October 13, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the piston dislocated out of the engine. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to a family member’s residence. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,914.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11436664October 13, 2021
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
I took my 2013 Kia Soul into the dealership in Rockwall because it had a recall. The dealership states that the problem with my particular car is in fact due to the recall. The engine has seized. The dealership is refusing to do any of the necessary repairs and said that they are no longer responsible for the car as we didn't bring it in a more timely manner. The service department is horrible about returning phone calls and has had the Soul since 9/22/2021, they scheduled the repairs, I paid to have it towed to the dealership as they requested. Now they are refusing to pay or do any of the repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11436672October 13, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated she continued to drive the vehicle and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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