Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11709981January 9, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driver Attention Warning (DAW), "Consider Taking A Break", is coming on randomly, sometimes multiple times within a short driving distance. Has become a DISTRACTION instead of a SAFETY FEATURE! Cannot turn off or even turn down the sound. Even on "low" sound, still loud enough to wake up a sleeping passenger! Taken back to Kia dealer 3 times. They will do nothing because as they say" technician cannot duplicate customer concern."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709637January 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Put gas in it and out the blue would go pass 30 rpm we never had any issues with it I work on cars for a living I have spend over 3000 in new parts now I got it tow to Firestone they telling me it’s something wrong with my engine cylinder two and four not getting any power they told me it was bad bargin or piston I don’t know how it happens because we kept the car up to maintenance
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709713January 8, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary of Safety Defect: While my 16 year old daughter was driving our 2014 Kia Soul in December 2025, the car suddenly lost power in traffic and would not go over 20 mph; the check engine light came on and the vehicle entered limp mode. The sudden drop in power created a high anxiety, hazardous situation for my daughter, who had only had her license for a week, during rush hour traffic. The vehicle was unsafe to operate and had to be towed. Details of the Incident: Diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System) was confirmed by the Kia dealership. P1326 is part of Kia’s known engine defect population and is tied to safety related engine failures. The dealership documented oil consumption, oil fouled spark plugs, and compression readings below Kia’s minimum specification on all cylinders. The dealership concluded in writing that engine replacement is required. Despite this, Kia denied warranty coverage based solely on a bearing clearance test, without completing the full diagnostic process required under the KSDS settlement. The vehicle remains unsafe and inoperable. Why This Is a Safety Issue: The sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate above ~20 mph created a dangerous situation for my daughter and surrounding traffic. This is a known defect pattern in Kia vehicles covered under the KSDS program. The failure occurred without warning and could have resulted in a collision. Requested Action: I am reporting this because Kia has not responded to my two complaints nor properly addressed a safety related engine defect that is already part of a national settlement. The incomplete diagnostic process and denial of coverage leave the vehicle unsafe and unusable. I request that NHTSA review this incident as part of the ongoing safety concerns involving Kia GDI engines and P1326 related failures.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709727January 8, 2026
ENGINE
The car is at the shop. My mechanic says engine needs to be replaced. It failed rapidly, in one evening, it started running ruff and check engine light came on. It stalled more than 5 times. The car stalled in an intersection and had to coast to a stop to restart. The next morning drove to O'reilly's to get the engine code. They identified the code as engine block. When leaving O'reilly's the car stalled in middle of the street and was almost hit by Semi tractor trailer that stopped barely in time. The mechanic reported finding metal shaving in the oil when diagnosing the problem. There was not any warning lights or issues before that evening outing. We would love to have the manufacturer address this issue. Engine failure at 52,800 miles on a 2020 KIA Soul needs to be addressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709393January 7, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost power. An independent mechanic was contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence and then was towed to the dealer, who refused to repair the vehicle under recall because the vehicle had failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with the same information as the dealer. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709022January 6, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owner of 2017 White Kia Soul that has peeling paint. I've never owned a vehicle that paint peeled like this. I understand there are other owners with the same issue. This issue first started in May 2025 on driver's side near roof that I paid out of my pocket to repair. Now I have same issue on the passenger side. Very disappointed 😞
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709110January 6, 2026
ENGINE
On August 3, 2025, I was in Erie PA - Presque Isle Park when the check engine light came on. It was a Sunday, so dealership was closed. I was over 3 1/2 hrs from home. Had no choice but to drive home and pray that I made it. On Monday, dealer said OK to drive if light is not flashing. If anything happens, have it towed here (that was comforting). First appt available was 8/26. On 8/26, I went to service area, they said several codes coming up relating to engine issues. They would have to keep the car - not safe to drive - they had no loaners - someone would drive me home. So when I was told OK to drive 3 weeks earlier - that was not true. I live on my own and what would I do if stranded somewhere. Dealer called me later and said that KIA would not honor my 10 yr/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. It was initially in husband's name but he passed away 4/29/2024. PA DMV required me to change the title to my name. The dealership also would not honor their Extended Warranty my husband had purchased for $2000. Meanwhile, the KIA was 5 yrs 8 mos old with only 28,400 miles. The codes that came up in the car were: P030400 Cylinder 4 Misfire P001400 Exhaust Cam Timing Over Advanced P000B00 Cam Position Slow Response Engine Timing Chain Assembly is Stretched - removed and replaced engine timing chain assembly Removed and replaced Exhaust Camshaft Removed and replaced Exhaust CVVT Removed and replaced Intake Camshaft Removed and replaced intake CVVT Removed and replaced the Timing Chain Tensioners I did not receive the KIA back from the dealership until DECEMBER 12, 2025 - YES they had my car from 8/26 to 12/12. Luckily, I had another car I could access since I had no loaner vehicle. After being strung along...making phone calls to the dealership weekly...contacting KIA corporate...and listening to excuse after excuse why they would not honor the powertrain warranty - I HAD IT WITH KIA. I went to a Subaru dealership and signed papers for new car on 12/17/2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709220January 6, 2026
ENGINE
Engine knocking
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708826January 5, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A Kia franchise dealership demanded payment for diagnostics in order to perform a federal airbag safety recall, which I refused. After the dealer’s involvement, the vehicle’s diagnostic/OBD port became unreadable, preventing recall completion. A second Kia dealer states they cannot complete the recall and wants thousands of dollars just to attempt diagnosis. The vehicle has been out of service for over six months with an open safety recall. I believe the recall process has been obstructed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708455January 2, 2026
STEERING
I have noticed an audible “clunk” in the steering mechanism for a few weeks. I had the rack-and-pinion inspected by a local alignment shop to avoid a catastrophic failure. On 12/29/2025 while rapidly decelerating from highway speed on a downhill exit ramp, the steering wheel began to shake violently. My personal research has indicated that the steering coupler disk has failed/disintegrated causing unnecessary looseness between the electrical assist steering motor and steering shaft which has been identified by Kia in a Tecnical Safety Bulletin (TSB) as it's a known safety issue despite being a service campaign rather than a massive single recall for all vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708427January 2, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint chipping and peeling in several places
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707878December 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I went into the store come out of the store and got in the driver seat shut my door and the rear windshield exploded. I looked it up online and there are other customer complaints of the Kia soul with the same issue of the rear window exploding I called Kia and they told me even if the warranty was still good on my vehicle that it would have to go under inspection and it still would be an if he situation because other factors could be making the windshield explode Kia was unhelpful rude and did not want to help with the problem
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707517December 29, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving my 2014 Kia Soul on Friday 12/12 when without any warning the brakes went out. Thankfully I was able to get it to a parking lot without incident and requested a tow. After having it repaired, the mechanics stated the brake lines completely popped due to brake line corrosion. After researching this issue, I found that my Kia Soul had a Voluntary Service Campaign recall regarding the exact corrosion on the brake lines that would likely be responsible for this catastrophic failure. I was never notified of this possibility despite having my car routinely serviced in NJ and VA. This is a huge oversight on Kia’s behalf – other people with this make and model need to be notified that there could be unseen corrosion happening. Fortunately, I wasn’t on the highway when the brakes went out and thanks to my careful navigation I was able to avoid getting into an accident with others on the road at the time my brakes suddenly failed. Afterwards, I called Kia and requested reimbursement as this was a recall that I was never notified for but they refused as my VIN was not listed under the VSC. Due to the catastrophic nature of the failure and the potential for damage to property, severe injury, or loss of life, I am notifying NHTSA in hopes of escalating this issue and to raise awareness for other Kia Soul drivers. Prior to this incident, NO lights, NO audible warning, OR other signs of impending failure occurred. Had I been notified of this issue through the inclusion in the VSC, I would have been able to take steps to preemptively address this issue and avoid the associated risk of operating such a potentially compromised vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707385December 28, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The problems with the KIa Sol began with the "check engine" light continuously coming on in January of 2025. Took it to the dealership twice and numerous repairs were made and the vehicle continues to malfunction. It sputters and has created a dangerous condition to drive. For example, my 21 year old son was on the freeway and the car started sputtering. Thank God that the truck behind him moved lanes when he saw the car was struggling or it could have ended tragically. That was incredibly scary. I took it to the dealership again. They kept for two weeks trying to find the root of the problem, I spent $4,000 to "fix" it. When I drove it around town it did the same again, which put my brother and I in danger. The dealership finally said that the car needs a catalytic converter, which I was quoted as costing approximately $5000 dollars. I have spent a lot of money to try to fix this car and have been in two dangerous situations because the problem was not located. I have been trying in good faith to work with the dealership and KIA corporate to put a new catalytic converter by requesting a good will gesture.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707210December 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
My brakes went out completely while driving my 2015 kia soul with my daughter in the car. It was traumatic and stressful for us both. I had just received a recall notice for break lines/ undercarriage spray. I called Fairfield Kia and I had my car towed to the dealership. They inspected my car and said they would replace the rear brake lines under the recall. A couple weeks went by and I was told they couldn't find the parts to fix it and they are going to cover the front break lines as well under the recall. I didn't receive a loaner car and transportation was a daily struggle. Altogether my car was at the dealership for around 35 days. I received an invoice through email and didn't get a call or any notification that my car was ready for pickup. I called the dealership 2 days later and the person said it was ready. I get to my car and it was dead and I had to jump my car in the parking lot. The cover for the under carriage was not on my car where is goes it was in my back seat and it was dirty. My gas light was on and I had a quarter of a tank when I paid to tow it to the dealership. My receipt said my car was fixed and in working order and they completed a check point inspection and besides the battery they said it was all good. I drove my car to my house and by the time I got to my house I noticed my breaks were going all the way to the floor. My car still has no breaks just as it did when I had it towed to the dealership. It feels like no work has been done. I've already been without my car for over a month to fix this problem under a recall. The dealership was rude and not professional and I notified Kia America through email but because the Christmas holiday I haven't heard back yet. I'm scared to drive it now and it has created a fear I can't shake. Im not sure what to do next but I'm going to call Kia corporate in the morning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707260December 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Honking function no longer works, this is a consistent problem noticed first on the beginning of December 2025, when I needed to notify another driver of a potential safety hazard. There is no honking sound available at any speed or at any time. Have an appointment with dealership this week.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707067December 26, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
2 incidents driving in a not familiar area...Almost drove off the road in very dark conditions at a light because I couldn't see that my road had ended .I was almost side swiped trying to get back on the road the last second.Iwas not taking any meds abd Don't drink Also drive at night on well lit highways.Also the lights are so dim that my road assist features did not activate on dark rainy roads where it could not see road markings
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707037December 25, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Driving on freeway,two pieces of paint, flaking flew onto my windshield obstructing my view. Pulled over to see what happened and it was paint on my hood was flaking off. The paint was stuck to my windshield. My safety was definitely at risk as paint blocked my view.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707042December 25, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car has been acting up almost every winter. Bought brand new and within two years would not start. Triple A had to get it started. Next winter it shook and the check engine light came on. There was a misfire. I called Kia of Queensbury and they just told me to keep the gas cap off for a bit and than drive it after putting it back on. I believe the fuel injectors were a problem at that point because at times when starting it would shake and it would lag in power. The check engine light did go off but it kept lagging and I had to put fuel in it more often. They did not diagnose it. The next winter it shook and felt like it was going to shut down. I took it in for diagnosis while it was under warranty. They denied anything was wrong. This winter it did it again. It shook and the check engine light came on. Even though I told Kia service in Queensbury NY that a computer said there was a misfire in cylinder 4 they insisted that if the check engine light was not flashing I could drive it. They wanted me to wait almost two weeks to get it diagnosed. Had I driven it as they stated I could have ruined the engine, it could have caused a fire or for me to have an accident. I called back told them it was shaking and dangerous to drive. They allowed me to take it in earlier. I had it towed in. Now that it is out of warranty and 64000 miles they admitted the fuel injectors had to be replaced and the spark plugs. Because of the issues I had experienced from the beginning, I believe the fuel injectors had been faulty for a long time and could have been a serious risk for myself and other drivers. It was dangerous. The fuel injectors and spark plugs have since been replaced out of pocket. I asked for the fuel injectors and spark plugs that were taken out of my vehicle to be given to me, but the service department did not comply with my request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707050December 25, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Code P1326 Popped up - my mechanic replaced the P1326 Knock Sensor for the Kia. Code P1326 Popped up 2nd time - replaced sensor again. Code P1326 popped up and now there is some knocking. Check engine light flashing - then went off for a while after part was replaced, and then back on again, and off again and back on. There are many Kias listed for RECALL with this code, same year and model. Yet mine is not under RECALL. It says to reach out and ask for an ECU update and that Kia should cover an extended warranty for this KNOWN issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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