Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11613099September 6, 2024
ENGINE
Vehicle is consuming oil far before service is due. Easily a quart or more before 1000mi. Read about a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT regarding engine failure due to this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612745September 5, 2024
ENGINE
the vehicle would not accelerate. I was doing about 40 on the highway when I got off. The vehicle at no time was hot or had any leaks; it was checked by me as well as a man at the gas station. I proceed home as I approach my place; about 3 minutes in, I parked, then the vehicle started knocking, the engine light came on, and all the engine oil spilled. I took a picture of the oil leak on that day on or about 6/2. Kia's engines for Souls 2015-2016 have had engine recalls. My safety was at risk. Kia had the vehicle in April, and an inspection by their mechanics failed to note engine issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612867September 5, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have A 2018 Kia Soul I have been having problems with my oil running low and my oil and engine light coming on after I have had an oil change this has been going on since 12/21:2023 inhace taken my car to the dealearship over and over only for them to tell me I don’t have oil leak they have done oil consumption test and still said nothing was wrong with the vehicle continued to take to get oil change and same thing has kept happening finally paid for diagnostic after months of being told my car was fine to find out the oil was leaking to my catalytic converter now my catalytic converter has gone out on my 2018 Kia Soul and dealership quoted me A $5400 repair price I have 2 warranty and none cover exhaust repair Kia has given me the run around and also said my car wasn’t under recall but I am experiencing all the recall symptoms related to the 2018 Kia Soul base mode 1.6 engine
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612272September 3, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I was driving to work this morning and my check engine light started flashing.I took it to O'reilly's and plugged it in and it said something wrong with my engine.I just had it serviced and everything was fine and tell all of the sudden.This happened?Time this happened.I had to have 4 new engines put in my Kia.This has to be a recall
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612296September 3, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2015 Kia Soul affected by recall SC200, which addresses engine compartment fires due to oil/fuel leaks and potential engine damage. My vehicle experienced engine halts at high speeds, and Peak Kia in Littleton, CO, discovered a leaking valve cover gasket and PCV valve. Despite these issues being relevant to the recall, Kia and the dealership refuse comprehensive testing or repairs under the recall. The dealership initially suggested engine replacement but later claimed only a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update and lockup test were required. They refuse to conduct oil analysis, leak-down tests, or endoscopic inspections to rule out systemic issues or internal engine damage. The vehicle has been with the dealership for five weeks. Kia's customer service, including a case manager named Courtney, promised to review the case but failed to follow up. The District Parts & Services manager, Jacob, instructed the dealership to close my request without further testing and refuses to open a validation case or respond to emails. Kia Customer Support has promised callbacks for three weeks but has not returned them. The dealership is attempting to charge for an inspection fee and repeat systemic repairs despite these being likely covered under the recall. They have not addressed relevant Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) ENG222 and FUE053, which provide guidance for diagnosing and repairing oil consumption and leak issues. I believe Kia and the dealership are not complying with the full scope of the SC200 recall, which mandates comprehensive inspections and repairs for any oil leaks. They are using circular logic to avoid performing necessary tests and repairs, potentially putting my safety at risk and leaving me vulnerable to future engine failure. I request NHTSA's intervention to ensure Kia and the dealership comply with the recall requirements, perform all necessary testing and repairs, and address the potential systemic issues with my vehicle's engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612384September 3, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
My 2020 Kia Soul S is not even five years old yet and far under 100k miles and I noticed that the paint in several places has started to lift and this should not happen. I have heard that other Kia models with the same paint, Snow White Pearl, have had the same reported issue over the past few years. The paint started bubbling/lifting on the hood and above the drivers side rear door handle which has now peeled off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612062September 2, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My vehicle recall is to do with electrical issue that not only may have affected the air bag, but the electrical system shorting that’s burning the bulb holders that holds all of the brake and tail lights bulbs on this vehicle. These brand new bulbs consistently burn or short out within 1 to 2 weeks. This expense has grown expeditiously over the years of ownership, and because there is nothing in the information center to warn us, we are constantly due to no fault of our own, unknowingly driving with no brake light. Having to drive regularly on interstate 4, with traffic stopping warning, this is a great safety concern. Brake light are very very essential driving in sudden stopping traffic. Kia should be liable and responsible for correcting this traffic hazard. Thank you notes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611525August 29, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Got off of hwy traveling at 70 mph came to stoplight. Vehicle stalled. Noticed smoke, then flames. Within 2 minutes the entire engine compartment was engulfed in flames
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611214August 27, 2024
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and attempting to accelerate, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road to restart the vehicle; however, the engine failed to turn over. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired due to the Knock Sensor repair not being performed. The contact stated that the notice was sent to the incorrect address and the repair was not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611242August 27, 2024
ENGINE
Excessive engine oil usage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11610837August 26, 2024
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 63 MPH, an object hit the vehicle's front, driver-side tire which caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact crashed into a highway sand barrel as the vehicle flipped forward and rolled over onto the driver's side. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact exited the vehicle through the front passenger door with the assistance of a fellow motorist. The contact was taken by ambulance to the emergency room and was treated for head trauma, pain to both shoulders, neck, and back; as well as, scratches to the left elbow and right hand. A police report was filed. A couple of sand barrels were damaged which left sand scattered across the highway. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11610986August 26, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. While the contact was asleep, they were awoken by an abnormal burning smell. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the rear end of the vehicle had caught fire. A neighbor called the authorities and the fire department extinguished the fire. The fire department informed the contact that the fire was caused by an electrical wiring failure in the rear taillights. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle remained in the contact's possession. The vehicle had yet to be inspected or diagnosed for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611019August 26, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the camshaft position sensor, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11610641August 24, 2024
ENGINE
I was driving home from work on the highway. The check engine light came on. I made a mental note to tell my son, who is a mechanic. The engine stalled out. I had enough momentum to take the exit from the highway and turn onto a side street before the car quit rolling. A helpful dog walker informed me that it wouldn't restart because it was on fire underneath. Luckily, superman drove by and put the fire out before the vehicle or even the engine were fully engulfed. My son & friend (also a mechanic) arrived and peered at the engine... their opinion was that oil on the catalytic converter started the fire. The car has been towed to their shop while I investigate my options.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11610524August 23, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate independently. The contact pulled to the side of the road and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact waited approximately 30-minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle started but lost power immediately thereafter. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed. The contact was informed that the engine was consuming one quart of engine oil per 150 miles driven. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11610164August 22, 2024
ENGINE, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
To Whom It May Concern, I need a Recall Letter send to me to get my 2012 Kia Soul repaired. My Catalytic Converter needs to be replace, and my engine is leaking oil and that will need to be replace, and the Pillars on the front of my car, on the right & left side, needs to be replace, they flew off my car while I was driving on [XXX]. I looked up the information on the computer, that the vehicle emission warranty extends beyond the manufacturer's. along with others emission control devices, Federal Law requires to replace a defective Catalytic Converter & Engine for up to 15 years or 150,000 miles, the miles on my car is 128, 684. I took my vehicle to get check by Brake World , on [XXX] they said I needed a CRankshaft Position Sensor & a new Catalytic Converter. I have the printed out receipt from Brake World. I did get my Crankshaft Position Sensor replace with a shop call ECONOMICAL AUTO CARE LLC. Do I get a refund for that, the price was 182.73, I got it done on [XXX}, I do have my receipt for that. I did take my vehicle to Kia Auto on 735 South Military Trial #C, West Palm Beach, Fl 33415, on [XXX]. I had a Recall Letter for the HECU, and the Dealer Al told me I needed my Catalytic Converter replace, but he did not put it on the receipt when I pick my car up & he did not let me know it was a recall on it, until I looked it up. My car was making a loud knocking noise & would cut off when I stopped at a red light and I had to keep on starting my car up every time and my vehicle would jerked and shake and the Engine Light comes on. So when I got the Catalytic Converter Sensor on it, the loud knocking noise stop, but the Engine Light stills comes on. But I still needs the Catalytic Converter replace on my car. So Please send me the Recall Letters for I can get my vehicle completed. Thank you & God Bless. 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
#11610215August 22, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Please see the attached statement for a more detailed explanation. To summarize, Kia will not perform a recall to repair the knock sensor in my 2014 Kia Soul. The reason provided was that my engine needs to be replaced first. However, this recall calls for engine replacement if Kia is unable to perform the repair. The issues I am having with my engine are symptoms of a faulty knock sensor, which is the recall Kia will not repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609671August 20, 2024
ENGINE
While driving the vehicle, with no warning, the engine failed. The second cylinder lost all pressure, with the remaining 3 cylinders at the lowest passable pressure. This was on the highway, and the car began jerking and shaking, not allowing to follow flow of traffic. There is supposedly a recall for this issue, however Kia is refusing to cover the car, as it has 120,000 miles and is past the power train warranty. Kia dealership told me it was covered, while Kia is stating it is not. So now I have a 6 year old, $30,000 lawn ornament.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11608995August 16, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I have a 2016 Kia soul. Second owner. 144,000+ miles. For nearly a year my car has been consuming oil at an alarming rate. But I have no oil leaks anywhere. My dealership did an oil consumption test about 5-6 months ago and within 1000 miles, I was already below the half way line on my dipstick but the dealership told me I was still in range and sent me on my way. Fast forward a few months and I brought up my concerns again with my dealership and the oil consumption. I was told to drive it until the engine seizes and they would tow me. At which point, I told them that sounded dangerous but apparently Kia will not do anything for my vehicle if all it is doing is consuming oil. July 26, I’m out of town about two hours + from home and out of nowhere my car starts idling high. Failing to shift gears. If I go to speed up past 60mph, the car forcibly bogs down to 45mph and struggles to get back up to speed. The vehicle was shaking, knocking, and struggling with performance. I drove the car to a small town and checked my oil. Bone dry. So I top it off with a couple quarts. I drove the car to a non Kia dealership where a mechanic told me my car was misfiring. He popped the hood and for the first time, my engine was knocking back and forth. It’s never done that. He said that he felt confident there was rod damage and drove it around the block. When he returned he said it was not safe to drive and I had it towed to the closest dealership over an hour away. The dealership felt extremely confident that my car was going to qualify for the motor swap warranty that Kia offers up to 150,000 miles or 15 years. Keep in mind, my car NEVER once threw a check engine light during any of these occurrences, nor did a low oil light ever come on in the 4 years I owned the vehicle. My vehicle has been down 3 weeks and still has not been fixed from Kia.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609041August 16, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This vehicle was parked prior to the incident. The 2014 Kia Soul had been backed into parking space number 28 and pulled forward midway through the space where it appears the car was put back into park. It was here the occupant of the vehicle, Mr. Keith Nash perished in a fire that consumed his 2014 Kia Soul while taking his life. The 2014 Kia Soul has an open NHTSA recall 20V-750 and would have been eligible for settlement in the Kia Engine Class Action Settlement. [XXX] (C.D. Cal.) (https://kiaengineclasssettlement.com/CheckVIN). A copy of the Sharonville Police Report, [XXX] is attached along with the Sharonville Fire Department Incident type: [XXX] to this vehicle complaint. These reports go into great detail of this event. Based on this manufacture, and their parent company Hyundai’s history of non-collision fires and the hundreds of prior complaints on file with NHTSA, one might speculate that while in motion Mr. Nash noticed smoke from under the dash and put the car back into park. An engine fire can go from nothing to fully engulfing a vehicle in seconds, and as documented with these vehicles rendering the electronic door lock inoperable (as noted in the [XXX] incident in the rented 2019 Kia Soul). In a panic he placed his foot on the accelerator causing the motor to rev to a high RPM. It was noted in the report he seemed distorted and unable to escape, this is to be expected. This 2014 Kia Soul would have been one of the 13,114,339 vehicles recalled for non-collision engine fire according to the Center for Auto Safety Hyundai/Kia Fire and Engine Recalls 2010-2024 report, updated on March 28, 2024. Kia was aware of this incident as well as the owner’s insurance carrier Allstate insurance, yet they both failed to fie a complaint with NHTSA. This behavior is inexcusable and jeopardizes the safety of every American on the road and in close proximity to these manufactures’ vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
1

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