Kia Soul Complaints (2015)

908 consumer complaints on file.

#11619039October 10, 2024
ENGINE
The car has consistently burned oil, and I’ve had several engine-related repairs: 09/2022: Camshaft replaced. The check engine light came on again, but I was told the camshaft was fine and that the car just needed an oil change. 04/2023: Check engine light came on, AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 06/2023: Check engine light on again, AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 09/2023: Check engine light on again AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 06/2024: Check engine light came on AutoZone diagnostic code P0014. 07/2024: check engine light on-taken to Firestone Auto for an oil change 07/2024: check engine light on- car to Christian Brothers Automotive, where the camshaft and timing chain belt were replaced. Documented a knocking sound in the vehicle. 09/30/2024: Vehicle shook violently on the highway, sputtering as if the engine would fail. Check engine light came on after car began to shake. 10/2024: We Care Auto diagnosed the car. I was told the engine needs replacement due to misfires, low compression, and no oil in cylinders 2 and 3. Safford Kia Brown of Manassas recommended replacing the ignition coil, spark plugs, and conducting a fuel induction service, diagnostic, and synthetic oil change. Given the car’s engine history, I don’t believe this will resolve the root problem, and it’s likely the car will need more repairs soon. Driving under these conditions compromises my safety and the safety of others, increasing the likelihood of a life-threatening situation. Per Motor and Wheel and Fast Company, the December 2020 recall addressed engine issues and fire risks in Kia Souls from 2014-2016. Owners reported hearing knocking noises before their engines failed or caught fire while driving. Some saw smoke before safely stopping, highlighting the dangers of unnoticed warnings. CarMax's warranty acknowledges the issue and is willing to authorize repairs, so I would like to know why Kia will not honor this as well. I ask Kia to reconsider and investigate further.
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
#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
#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
#11611242August 27, 2024
ENGINE
Excessive engine oil usage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11602899July 17, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:BULBS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the high-beam headlights and turn signals were not working as needed. The contact stated that the local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: ELE093 (Headlamp Bulb Connector Replacement); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11600052July 8, 2024
ENGINE
I’ve taken my Kia to the Kia Dealership and still haven’t received a fix for the engine recall that came out in 2021z
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11598553July 3, 2024
ENGINE
My engine blew, was never notified of a recall to get that fixed things the big Kia lawsuit no one has helped me I’ve been reaching out for years. Took them a year to fix my Cadillac converter I’ve been without my car for years and it’s paid off and no one will help me Kia is supposed to fix it for free
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11597212June 27, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the driver's side headlight became inoperable and while using the turn signal, the driver's side headlight would shut off. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 95,014.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595557June 20, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
It started in September 2022 when my Kia soul started spuddering and slowing down quickly while driving on the interstate. Drove it on limp to the closest mechanic shop. They recommended a complete engine replacement, which would cost more than the vehicle was worth. Had it towed to a Kia dealership for their diagnosis. They came back and said it was a clogged catalytic converter. Replacing it fixed the car. Now to June 2024 and car slowed down drastically while on the highway, with my wife and newborn child in the car. I had it towed to Kia again and they diagnosed it as a total engine failure with a clogged catalytic converter again (catalytic converter only lasted 1.5 years!). Again, the replacement cost is more than the value of the car. I think they knew of the issue in 2022 or failed to diagnose the actual problem and put my family at risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594618June 16, 2024
AIR BAGS, ENGINE, STEERING
I am experiencing multiple safety and performance issues with my 2015 Kia Soul: 1.Vibration at Idle: Significant vibration when the vehicle is idling at a red light. Possible causes include worn engine mounts, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, issues with the idle control valve or throttle body, or vacuum leaks. 2.Electrical Issues: • Codes: B111216 (Ignition Voltage Low), B17672F (OCS Algorithm Cut Off), B251100 (Head Lamp High LH SCG), B251300 (Head Lamp Low LH SCG) • Symptoms include low battery voltage warnings and short circuits in the headlamp circuits. Possible causes might be a failing battery or alternator, or damaged electrical wiring. 3. Emission System Problems: • Codes: P0455 (Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected), P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) • Symptoms: Check engine light related to emission control systems. Potential causes include a loose or damaged gas cap, cracked EVAP hoses, faulty purge or vent valves, and failing catalytic converter or oxygen sensors. 4. Airbag System Issues: • Codes: B151100 (Buckle Switch Driver Open or Short to Battery), B110200 (Battery Voltage Low), B149000 (OCS Defect) • Symptoms: Warning lights related to the airbag system. Possible causes include faulty seat belt buckle switches, low battery voltage, or issues within the Occupant Classification System. 5. TPMS Issues: • Codes: C1314 (Sensor 3 Radio Frequency Channel Failure), C1662 (Auto Learning Failure) • Symptoms: TPMS warnings and inability to correctly monitor tire pressure. Possible causes are sensor failures or calibration issues. Despite regular maintenance, these issues persist and affect the safety and drivability of my vehicle. I request an investigation into these problems to determine if they are common in this model and if there are any recalls or service bulletins that address them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594365June 14, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11594446June 14, 2024
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Having acceleration problems with the Kia and catalytic converter. I had contacted the Kia dealer but can't be seen till August but I need vehicle to go to work plus have dr appointments and can't drive the car feel like it's gonna die on me how can I get this problem recall done sooner as I need my car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593838June 12, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle began decelerating and vibrating while driving at approximately 40-45 MPH. When attempting to accelerate forward and switch lanes, the vehicle would hesitate to respond as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle began overheating causing smoke to come from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The contact waited until the smoke dissipated and the vehicle cooled down before moving the vehicle to the side of the road. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence and the following day it was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the catalytic converter and diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to the same dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593555June 10, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Kia experienced acceleration issues and would randomly turn off while driving. A mechanic inspected and recalibrate the knock sensor. Almost immediately the car began to use excessive amounts of oil, a quart a week average, had a knock and started having acceleration issues. The Kia dealership stated that severe engine scoring had occurred likely caused by the catalytic converter. The problems began and lead to engine failure within several weeks. From March to end of May
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593303June 9, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car burning oil every 1,000 miles or less causing catalytic converter to over heat, which could cause fire. Wiring harness on driver side shorting lights out which could cause a fire. Vehicle can be ready for inspection at anytime. Have been calling dealer about it since 2019 said recall was fixed but wasn’t done properly. Electrical issues started around 01/15/2024.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593174June 7, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2015 Kia Soul Intermittent headlight Flashing at random Months ago the KIA dealership could not replicate. Contacted KIA-Customer-Care and they cared less. I have a car I am afraid to drive at night or in heavy rain. Youtube movie of problem at [XXX] 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
#11592461June 4, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle recalled by Kia for potential for short and resultant fire from battery pack. Recall performed, traction battery found to be defective. Vehicle taken and held by Kia for six months while awaiting back-ordered replacement traction pack. Advised by Kia staff no timeline for pack due to shortage of parts. After 6 months vehicle returned with 'software update' because battery is unavailable and remains backordered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590377May 23, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
NHTSA Recall:19V120 The ESC light went on during high winds and stayed on. The car stuttered going up hill @40+ mph, so I looked for any outstanding recalls and decided to take it into LutherKia Bloomington. There were other recalls I was unaware of that I checked boxes to fix. They examined my vehicle and told me that my Catalytic Converter was plugged/melted and needed to be replaced. That isn't related to ESC as far as I'm aware, also I asked -why- it plugged and they were unwilling/able to determine. Other mechanics online told me that it is crucial to determine the root cause of why it plugged/melted and fix it. I looked closer at the recalls and pointed out that the various outstanding recalls called for engine tests, none of which they did. I then noticed that recall #19V120 directly mentioned catalytic converter damage. LutherKia refused to check the engine, even though the other recalls stated they would. I called [XXX] and Luther refuse to do anything except update computer codes since KIA will not pay for it. The KIA's catalytic converter is damaged and very possibly engine damage as well, but they refuse to check since they said KIA wont cover labor costs. 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
#11590262May 22, 2024
ENGINE
My vehicle is burning oil, not leaking but burning oil. I’m having to put oil in it every 3-4 days. Also ever since they did a recall on the catalytic converter my check engine light has been on. When I’ve taken it to see the code it comes back my catalytic converter. I’m unable to drive my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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