Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11671382July 5, 2025
ENGINE
Was driving and the pistons shot out of the engine. Oil in the coolant as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670989July 3, 2025
ENGINE
First issue started in February when check engine light came on for camshaft position sensor A circuit. Took to Shawnee Mission Kia and was told that I just needed an oil change. Not even a mile away and the check engine light came back on. Took to where I purchased the vehicle from and they fixed the sensor. 4 months later, almost the exact same thing is happening. Check engine light came on for ignition coils, replaced. Check engine light off for 2 days. Check engine light pops back on, checked oil and there's like none so I added 2 quarts and had the code read. Comes back on for camshaft again. Took to dealer, Bob Sight Kia this time, have been told I need a whole new engine. My third party warranty is covering it, but not the rental. This issue is also pretty much what everyone else is going through with the recall... I just hit over my 5y/60k warranty... I think the recall needs to be broadened and isn't fully covering the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670995July 3, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA ID Number: 10247553 (Steering, Structure, Electrical System), and the vehicle intermittently failed to start. While driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle jerked and shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent; however, the failure mostly occurred while the radio or A/C was in use. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a code for a failure with the ignition, and that an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671102July 3, 2025
STEERING
The steering wheel makes a loud clocking sound. It’s sounds like the pinion plug is broken or loose
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670838July 2, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact pulled over. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was no engine oil in the vehicle. The contact added engine oil, and upon starting the vehicle there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact scanned the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P1327 (Knock Sensor Issue). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (ENGINE) as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,815,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670936July 2, 2025
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia Soul Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) showed a blinking check engine light and entered limp mode while driving. I had the code read and received P1326, which is a known issue in Kia vehicles related to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). This code indicates possible engine bearing wear or impending engine failure, which could result in engine stall or fire, creating a serious safety risk while driving. My car has under 115,000 miles, but I purchased it used from a non-Kia dealer and was told by Kia that it's not covered under warranty or recall. However, many vehicles with this issue received engine replacements or software updates under TSB PI2002 and other campaigns. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2016 Kia Soul, as it appears to be part of the larger engine defect trend affecting many Kia models. This vehicle should be included in any safety recall or extended warranty coverage related to this defect. 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
#11670886July 2, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2025 Kia Soul LX Headlights. Totally inadequate standard headlights. Higher end models get LED headlights but this standard light system on the LX is dangerous on anything but well lit streets. Safety should not be an option. I would have upgraded to a model that has adequate headlights but was unaware of how bad the standard headlights were until after purchase. These standard headlights should never have been approved by the DOT. There are many reports online about this issue and I'm hoping it will be addressed soon.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670585July 1, 2025
ENGINE
Engine is running very rough. At a low idle, the engine turns off. Today the car turned off 11 times. A diagnostic reading shows all four cylinders misfiring.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670410June 30, 2025
ENGINE
On April 24, 2022, while driving my 2015 Kia Soul, the vehicle suddenly caught fire. The fire originated in the engine compartment and destroyed the vehicle. This occurred despite the existence of a known safety recall related to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS), which has been linked to engine fires in Kia vehicles. Following the incident, Kia America declined responsibility, and a joint investigation attempt by my insurer, USAA, was ignored. Kia proceeded with an independent investigation and later concluded that the cause was “undetermined” and that the fire originated in the engine compartment but could not determine the cause, which was likely due to the severe fire damage, per their own report. I have since been informed that USAA pursued subrogation against Kia, contrary to Kia’s recent claims. A letter of preservation was also sent to USAA following the incident to ensure the vehicle would remain in its post-fire condition. This was done to safeguard the integrity of the vehicle for investigative purposes. Following Kia’s refusal to assist, I was advised to explore reimbursement through other means, including the ongoing class action settlement related to this engine defect. I submitted a claim through that process but was ultimately denied due to a lack of “proof” that the fire was caused by the recall. However, my vehicle was so severely damaged in the fire that no conclusive cause could be determined , a point even Kia acknowledged in their own post-fire report, which stated the cause was “undetermined” but that the fire originated in the engine compartment. Over a year later, after the original dismissal of Kia, in September 2023, Kia America sent a letter via mail to the wrong address and email requesting documentation for reimbursement, which I provided only for them to again deny any responsibility. This delayed communication, along with the lack of transparency and accountability in handling a known safety issue, raises serious public safe
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670276June 30, 2025
AIR BAGS
This vehicle had just passed a inspection for me to get it licensed and Kentucky. There was no light showing that the airbags would not work. Unfortunately, this vehicle is not available.I had reached out to kia multiple times. My fears I have another Kia the same year.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11669941June 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Started the car this morning and noticed that the dashboard screen was blank. This had never happened before. Turned the car off and on twice thinking maybe it was just a software glitch but the screen stayed blank. Took the car to the dealer shortly after. When I picked it up the service advisor said they did a reset and a software update. The advisor had not seen this in a 2024 Kia Soul. But when checking on-line, I saw several similar complaints for this year/model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669624June 27, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Purchased 2018 KIA Soul from KIA dealer [XXX] in New Hampshire. There was 57,100 miles on the car at time of purchase. The vehicle was manufactured in South Korea in May 1, 2017. There is a potential safety issue concerning the absence of the rear view camera. The U.S. Government provided automobile manufacturer's beginning in 2014 a time limit for the installation of these safety devices to be completed by May 2018. Having owned vehicles with the rear view camera installed the last ten years, I would like the NHTSA to investigate this issue which poses a serious hazard in so far as reverse driving and pedestrians are concerned. I believe that is why the rear view camera was ordered by the U.S. Government in the first place. I would like the camera installed or a refund equal to the cost of the installation, labor and price of the instrument. Thank you. 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
#11669837June 27, 2025
ENGINE
Saw that there was a recall for faulty oil piston rings on my Kia 2021 soul received the letter from Kia in mid to late April made the appointment with Coughlin Kia of Newark for May 5. Coughlin Kia canceled it on May 4 June 24 had to have my Kia towed to Coughlin Kia of Newark June 20 27. They said Oil was going through my piston rings. There was vertical scoring on the cylinder walls, but they said that it was not because of the recall and I would have to pay $7000 to fix it even though I hid made the appointment and they canceled it. I had talked to Kia manufacturing in late February and had them record my call and ask them what do I do in the meantime because my Kia is burning a lot of oiland their response was we don’t know now I have engine failure and they’re claiming that they won’t fix it, even though it is under the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669435June 26, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
We purchased a 2016 Kia Soul with the GDI engine in October 2024 from Jim Shorkey Kia in Uniontown with 60K miles on it. We just had to have a whole new Catalytic Converter installed that cost us $1500 because the one on this car was completely messed up. It caused the car to stall, have no power and when my daughter was pulling into her parking space, this caused the brakes to stop working because the car was getting NO power. The converter was completely clogged and the whole thing had to be replaced (AT OUR EXPENSE)! This was a recall for the same year Kia Souls, but somehow this one is NOT on the recall list for the exact thing that these were being recalled. How does that work? We were left without a vehicle for days and we had to pay to have the car towed to a garage and repaired. Kia would do nothing, so we had to have it repaired at a reputable garage in our area! Only having the car of less than 8 months after buying it used from a KIA dealership, this is disheartening. How could they sell a car that obviously had issues with the catalytic converter, or they did just NOT check the vehicle out before they sold it to someone. I get that it was a used car but are we seriously going to sell a car to someone that obviously has an issue! So why exactly was this 2016 KIA Soul with the GDI engine, NOT recalled?? We should be reimbursed for this. This is crazy. My daughter could have been in a horrible accident. THANKFULLY she was only leaving her apartment and in the parking lot of her home! What do we do about getting this? This car clearly has issues and should have been recalled with the others!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669121June 25, 2025
ENGINE
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding Kia’s failure to honor engine-related recall repairs on my 2020 Kia Soul. Despite these recalls being publicly issued by Kia and clearly applicable to my vehicle, I have encountered significant obstacles in obtaining the necessary repairs. I have made multiple attempts to have the recall issues addressed. However, the required repairs have not been approved or completed. The extended warranty provider has also refused coverage, citing the recall as the manufacturer’s responsibility. This situation is unacceptable given the known safety risks associated with the affected engine components. The following safety recalls and campaigns have been identified for this vehicle: 1.NHTSA# 21V259 (SC209) Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2020–2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage. 2.NHTSA# 21V259 (SC209A) This is to advise that the piston-ring noise sensing software is now available for this safety recall campaign, even if you have already been to the dealer to have the recall repair performed. Kia America, Inc. has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2020–2021 MY Kia Soul vehicles. The defect can cause an engine stall which increases the risk of a crash, and in certain cases, may cause engine oil to leak onto a hot exhaust, thereby increasing the risk of a fire and injury. 3.Campaign# CS2306 (Dated 04/18/2023) Anti-Theft Software & Decal: SK3 Given the severity of these safety-related issues and the legal obligations manufacturers hold under federal recall enforcement, I respectfully request that Kia schedule and perform the necessary recall repairs at no cost and without delay. Please provide a resolution or confirmation within ten (10) business days from the date of this submission. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669187June 25, 2025
ENGINE
Recall by KIA for engine malfunction--website/nhtsa shows multiple recalls, issues & motor replacements due to Piston Oil Ring issues that could result in stall or fire; had 2 recall dealer inspections citing need for camshift replacement, & SC336 Piston Oil Ring failure. Engine has used excessive oil (now 3+ qts in 3000 miles) which nhtsa lists as issue with the engines--recall was issued for this engine 2/17/2025, letters sent 4/4/2025 which I never received, oil consumption occurred over years/months. Techs at dealer told me operation of the engine "can be detrimental". KIA refuses to replace or repair the engine--this has been noted by nhtsa. Independent testing (2) indicates camshaft and crankshaft sensors are not in sync. I am fearful to operate the vehicle due to danger of stalling and/or fire, which could cause crash or injury. I ask for NHTSA to enforce their directions to KIA and replace the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669170June 25, 2025
ENGINE
Unusual engine oil consumption. Engine using 1 quart of engine oil every 1000 miles. Not normal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668826June 24, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complaint Regarding Mechanical Failure and $315 Service Charge on Recent Vehicle Purchase I’m writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the recent service experience involving my vehicle purchased on April 12, 2025. A few weeks after purchase, I returned to the dealership with concerns over a check engine light. I was reassured by your service department that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. However, the car recently died while I was driving on the highway, putting me in an unsafe situation and requiring a tow. Now I am being told that spark plugs need to be replaced before further diagnosis can occur, and that I am responsible for a $315 charge. The technician noted that cylinder 2’s spark plug was loose and melted—an issue that clearly could have caused the breakdown. This is not typical wear and tear. It’s something that either pre-existed at the time of purchase or should have been caught during the initial inspection when I brought the car in with concerns. I haven’t even made my second car payment, and I’m already dealing with a major mechanical failure. I feel I was sold a vehicle that was not properly inspected and that now I’m being asked to cover the cost of repairs that should fall under the responsibility as the seller. I respectfully request that the $315 service fee be waived and that the vehicle be fully inspected and repaired at no cost to me. I purchased this vehicle in good faith, and I expect the dealership to stand by its product.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668529June 23, 2025
ENGINE
Burning oil have to put a quart in every 500 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668441June 22, 2025
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption noted at around 40,000 miles. No visible smoke coming from tail pipe but burnt oil smell coming from underneath car in region of catalytic converter. Had engine visually inspected and had pressure test done by repair shop; no engine seal compromise present. Took vehicle to dealer to report and was told that warranty did not apply to this issue. Car eventually burning 2-3 quarts of oil every 800 miles. Traded car in at just over 99,000 miles due to oil consumption and concern about failure. Private party mechanic and oil change facilities very familiar with this issue on Kia souls. Noted that class action lawsuit against Kia for this very issue was initiated in California but was abruptly dropped. First vehicle I've ever owned that had to have oil added between changes. Noted that Kia owners manual stated that up to 3 quarts of oil consumption between 7500 mile oil changes is normal. I had oil change service done predominantly every 3000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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