Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11616737September 26, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact called the dealer to schedule an appointment for the recall repair and the appointment was set for September 2024. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer informed the contact that the fuse needed to be ordered to perform the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact was advised by the manufacturer that the dealer would receive the part overnight to attempt the recall repair; however, the dealer later informed the contact that although they had received the fuse, they would not be able to schedule the repair until December 2024. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11616116September 24, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at night, the front passenger’s side low-beam headlight failed to illuminate as needed. The contact stated that while activating the high-beam headlights, the driver’s side high-beam headlight failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who determined that the driver’s and passenger’s side headlight assemblies had overheated and melted. The headlight assemblies and light bulbs were replaced but the failure eventually reoccurred. The contact stated that the light bulbs and headlight assemblies were replaced on several occasions. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615966September 23, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11616022September 23, 2024
ENGINE
Engine burns oil. Losing over 1 quart per 500 miles. Kia says it is normal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615867September 22, 2024
ENGINE
There is white smoke coming out of the tailpipe. The car is running in distress. We changed the spark plugs because there was oil on the original spark plugs. We took the car to Auto Zone for engine diagnosis. Their tests report Ignition coil failure in the power train system.. They report cylinder 2 misfire detected. They also diagnosed that the left rear vehicle speed sensor failed in the anti-lock brake system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615758September 21, 2024
ENGINE
Catalytic converter is not working properly. Car lost power. Coral Springs Kia diagnosed but they say it is not warranted by factory. I have the contract where it says engine warranty until 100k miles or 10yr. This car has less than 90k miles in this moment. They are billing me 5,880 if I want they repair
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615677September 20, 2024
ENGINE
On July 8th at 12:15 am my 2016 Kia Soul Engine suddenly caught on fire while I was driving alone on the I-5 by the grapevine. I am a 25 year old woman and was stranded alone on the side of the highway in a very flammable remote area known for fires at 1am. I heard a strange knocking sound while driving and pulled over as it started smoking and it immediately caught fire under the hood while I was still in the vehicle. Cars were flying by and I was stranded alone in flip flops and pajamas as the glass windows were exploding and I threw my heavy luggage to the side of the road. I was 4 hours into a 6 hour drive away from anyone I know in the middle of the night in a dangerous situation. I texted my boss I wouldn’t be able to make it to work the next morning. My car was totaled and I had to pay $982.50 for towing and additional fees and my friend had to drive 2 hours to pick me up at 2am since my family lived 4 hours north and all my friends lives 2 hours south. No warning lights came on, it's been properly serviced with oil changes every December and July each year within less than 7,000-10,500 miles between each oil change. I was terrified I almost started a forest fire and I have a copy of my 911 call recording where I frantically called and panicked because I was so scared and alone. 16 other people called it in. I submitted a claim for the Kia engine fire risk settlement that was ironically due that day of the accident and my VIN# was a class action vehicle because the previous owner had the KSDS "knock detection sensor" service done on the car. My settlement claim was denied because they state there wasn't enough proof of a qualifying fire but I'm currently trying to sort this with Kia since it burst into flames without any warning other than a loud noise 20 seconds before. The firefighter's incident report states the fire started in the engine area and the police report says it was caused by an unknown mechanical issue in the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615621September 20, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while pulling into a mall, there was an abnormally low rumbling and ticking sound coming from the vehicle. While driving 45 MPH, the message to turn off and restart the vehicle was displayed with an audible alarm. The contact stated that the vehicle had shut off on three separate occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed about a diagnostic test. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a pinhole in the filter. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Glassman Kia (28000 Telegraph Rd., Southfield, MI 48034), and was informed that there should have been an oil or check engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The manufacturer opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615417September 19, 2024
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal chain rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the unrepaired recall of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the recall notification was never received. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614910September 16, 2024
ENGINE
The catalytic converter is damaged. The check engine light will come on but will reset when checked with a code reader. At the time of the initial incident, all but .5 quart of oil had been consumed by the engine and would not hold speed above 30mph. I did have a non Kia mechanic look at the car and was told that it fit under the recall and to have it serviced by Kia. I took it to Kia. They have told me that since it wasn't giving any codes, they would not replace the catalytic converter and denied the recall repair. The letter from Kia Corp. stated the catalytic converter would be replaced if there was damage. All of this took place from 7/29/2024 to 9/16/2024. On 9/16/2024, the dealership basically told me to drive an unsafe car until the check engine light came back on and then bring it back in to see if it will fall under the recall. I have attached the letter from Kia along with my notes from phone calls with them, and a the notes from the first mechanic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614930September 16, 2024
ENGINE
While sitting at a light, the vehicle would completely turn off! I put the vehicle in park and attempt to restart it. After several attempts, the vehicle would turn on and work properly. This happened to me on 2 occasions. The first time it happened was [XXX]. (My son and I were on the way to church).The second time was approx. a week and a half later. Then, on 8/8/24 about a week after the second stalling, the check engine light came on. I called the dealership and explained the problem. I took the vehicle to the dealership on [XXX] and on [XXX] the Service manager was attempting to return the car to me, when the car shut off in traffic while she was behind the wheel. She called me to let me know what happened and returned the car to the dealerships service department. This was on [XXX] and the car is still at the dealership. The service manager told me they can't start working on my car until they hear from the Engineers! This was on [XXX]. It's now 9/16/24. I haven't heard from anyone at the dealership! I've made 2 car payments and I've paid my auto insurance in full for 6 months for a car that I can't drive and don't have!!! I called the gentleman that sold me the car and left a message asking him to have the owner of the dealership to call me. He returned my call and said that I could come in and trade the vehicle in for another car. I plan on attempting this on 9/20/24. This car was purchased at Clay Cooley Kia of Irving in Texas and this experience has been an ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE!!! I can't wait for this TO BE OVER!!! 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
#11614672September 15, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The entire car is infested with Mold due to a prior evaporator leak that was improperly installed prior to my purchase of the vehicle. The dealership Lighthouse Point Kia in Pompano, Florida, refusing to fix the car issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614490September 13, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where the camshaft accessory exhaust, the CVT exhaust, the timing belt tensioner, and the three bond were replaced. Additionally, an oil change was performed; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the catalytic converter, the crankshaft sensor, the spark plugs, and the ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 68,824.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614504September 13, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614118September 12, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2019 Kia Soul caught fire while I was driving it. I was driving and all of a sudden there was a light knocking sound in the engine. I was going up a slight hill and the knocking got super loud and then something went bang in the engine, the abs and engine lights started flashing and I pulled over. The lady who was traveling behind me, pulled in front of me, ran up to my door and yelled at me to get out and run away from the car as it was on fire. Within 30 seconds the car was completely engulfed. Total loss.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614298September 12, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, and the contact became aware that there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613900September 10, 2024
ENGINE
Engine is going excessive through oil .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613757September 10, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE PEDAL RUBBER IS MADE OF A HARD PLASTIC OR SYNTHETIC RUBBER. BOTH I AND MY WIFES FOOT SLIDES OFF OF IT NO MATTER WHAT TYPE OF SHOE WERE WEARING. I STARTED WEARING TENNIS SHOES, HELPED A LITTLE. BUT I'VE NEARLY HAD SEVERAL WRECKS WHERE I WAS GOING SLOW CAME UP TO THE LIGHT AND MY FOOTS COME OFF THE PEDDLE AND I NEARLY RAN INTO THE STOPPED CAR INFRONT OF ME, I MEAN BY INCHES. I PUT BOTH FEET ON THE PEDDLE NOW WITH ONE UP ON THE PEDDLE METAL STEM THAT HOLDS THE PAD OWN OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION. I'M REALLY AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR.IT'S AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613501September 9, 2024
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia soul 1.6 L engine has been serviced more than once within a month for the past year due to low oil. If not serviced then it could result in an engine lock up. The worker was concerned my engine might be on recall due to other Kia souls having the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613303September 8, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I believe my vehicle is apart of a recall that affects the same vehicle Yr./Mk./Mdl. as mine. When my VIN was searched by the service department at the dealer (same manufacture) it said no recall. I was told that the recall was for the vehicles from a different assembly plant. My vehicle seams to be having the same affect/issues as described in the recall. Recall in reference: Recall Date: April 17, 2019 Recall Number: SC176 Issue: 1) Car ran bad 2) Replaced Spark plugs and coil packs and the car ran good 3) Car ran bad 4) Replaced downstream 02 and the car ran good 5) Car ran bad 6) Replaced upstream O2 sensor and the car ran good 7) Car ran bad 8) Car spits oil out the exhaust pipe 9) Car no longer operable
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Soul