Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11774449October 29, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The Paint is delaminating on the hood, around the windows, the mirrors and the door handles. I only have 28,000 miles on this white car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774466October 29, 2026
ENGINE
Issues with catalytic converters , manifold, fuel 02 sensor. Have had to replace multiple times. Not listed as a recal vin.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774242October 28, 2026
STEERING
I own a 2012 Kia Soul with approximately 99,000 miles. The vehicle has never been involved in an accident. During a recent inspection at an authorized Kia dealership, the technician discovered that the welds securing the steering-column mounting support to the cross-car structural support appear to have failed. The technician confirmed that the steering-column mounting bolts were properly tightened, yet the assembly exhibited significant movement. The dealership considers this a safety concern and recommends replacement of the entire structural support assembly at an estimated cost of $3,374.54. I am concerned that a structural component supporting the steering column has apparently failed in a vehicle with no collision history.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774261October 28, 2026
ENGINE
We have been in dispute with Hart kia and kia corporate over a reoccurring issue directly related to the recall remedy sc336 oil piston rings manufacturer defect that is affecting my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11774321October 28, 2026
STEERING
There is play in the steering wheel. Mechanic advised me a small plastic o ring holds steering wheel steady but I can’t just replace the o ring. Said I have to replace a lower a arm to get the o ring. He thinks it is a design flaw. It had no been fixed. I drive with the wiggle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773988October 27, 2026
STEERING
My 2024 Kia Soul has experienced three serious steering failures while driving since June 2026. The steering system suddenly malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become completely locked and leaving me unable to control the vehicle, putting my safety and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians at serious risk. During the last two incidents, the vehicle became completely undrivable and had to be towed to an authorized Kia dealership. During the most recent incident, dashboard warning lights appeared for approximately three seconds before the steering wheel locked completely. The vehicle has been at the dealership since October 10, 2026. Following the first two incidents, Kia replaced the alternator and addressed an overheating steering column control module. During the third incident, Kia diagnosed a battery issue and replaced the battery. Despite multiple repairs involving different components, the same potentially life-threatening steering failure has continued to recur, raising serious concerns about the vehicle's safety and reliability.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773649October 26, 2026
ENGINE
The engine burns oil too quickly. I only have 130k miles on my car, only owner. I don’t even drive it every day at this point. I have ran out of oil and been stranded 3 times in the past few months. The engine completely burns all the oil and the oil light doesn’t even come on until there is none left! It’s like we have to check it every 500 miles. We have refilled the oil over 6 times while only adding about 4k miles on total mileage. It is absolutely ridiculous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773682October 26, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle won't go faster than 60mph. It will go in limp mode. Vehicle should be part of the engine replace campaign, but it is not showing up on the NHTSA website.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773473October 25, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought my car brand new. 5 years later, im driving and come to a stop and stall. Crank up, drive and come.to a stop and stall again. I took to dealership twice and another shop for second review. Shop said I should be covered under the oil piston recall, but need to find out. Dealership at first only.told.me I just needed a tune-up. Then when I took it to the shop for second opinion, kia corporate then told.me.to take back to dealership. I did, on trailer, and then they confirmed what shop said and told.me.i had a bad motor. The dealership then told.me they take it as a trade in since I cant afford a.new motor, but when I get there, they tell me they won't take it. Ive paid.on this car 10 months while.trying to get answers. Now im going g to have this on my credit and I STILL DONT HAVE A CAR 10 MONTHS LATER AS A SINGLE MOM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773565October 25, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
**Vehicle:** 2018 Kia Soul\ **Mileage:** Approximately 198,000 miles 1\. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The engine appears to have experienced a serious malfunction, and the vehicle is no longer moving. I believe the engine may have failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2\. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** There is no immediate safety risk at the moment because the vehicle is not being driven. However, an unexpected loss of engine power or the inability to move could create a dangerous situation if it occurred in traffic. 3\. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** No. The vehicle has not been inspected or diagnosed by a dealer or independent service center. The exact cause of the failure has not been confirmed. 4\. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others?** No. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other party. 5\. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** The check engine light came on, and the vehicle showed misfire codes for cylinder 1 and cylinder 3, along with an oxygen (O2) sensor code. The vehicle was also producing a significant amount of white smoke from the exhaust. These symptoms occurred before the vehicle stopped moving. The exact cause has not yet been determined because the vehicle has not been professionally inspected.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773575October 25, 2026
ENGINE
this vehicle was service with a new engine in 2021 by the kia dealer in South Attleboro mass the car began to start loosing power on 10/15/ 2026 it now needs a new engine again I call the kia dealer to see if it had warranted and they said because it has 198 thousand miles the warranted is gone I don't understand how is a new engine last for only 3 years . no explanation after that please I need someone to let me know what is really happening with these Kia"s cause my 2018 also have the same problem and is not because of oil cause it has been service by the kia dealer itself . although I hav notice also that after service my oil will drop easily and I would have to put more oil in it can anyone get back to me now I have two Kias one 2014 and 2018 with engine problem in the same month.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772957October 22, 2026
ENGINE
2012 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI (VIN: [XXX]). Case #[XXX]. Safety Hazard Description: The vehicle experienced a sudden engine stalling event at highway speeds and repeatedly dropped into a restricted "Limp Mode" due to a recurring P1326 diagnostic code. This code is explicitly tied to Kia's Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) monitoring structural connecting rod bearing failure. The sudden loss of engine RPMs and throttle response created a severe traffic hazard, leaving me without power steering or predictable acceleration in active traffic. Dealer Information & System Non-Compliance: The vehicle is currently grounded and unsafe to drive. Southlake Kia (Merrillville, IN) verified that the vehicle's engine sensor and circuit are operating perfectly with an end-to-end wiring test reading at a flawless 0.2 OHMS (Repair Order #[XXX]). This mathematically confirms that the sensor is picking up real, severe internal mechanical vibrations from a failing engine block rather than an electrical short circuit. Official internal dealer records (R/O #[XXX]) prove that this severe engine defect initially manifested and was documented at 149,715 miles—strictly under the 150,000-mile extended federal class-action settlement threshold. Despite this clear history, the franchise dealership is actively refusing to open a factory Techline case or submit a Prior Work Authorization (PWA) to repair this safety defect, citing the vehicle's current odometer reading (152,142 miles). Kia Corporate has failed to override the dealer franchise or provide alternative transportation. The manufacturer is actively leaving an inherently dangerous, unserviceable vehicle on the road by refusing to honor a pre-existing condition documented within warranty limits. A formal dispute has been initiated with the BBB AUTO LINE (Case #[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
#11772958October 22, 2026
ENGINE
Reason for Dispute & Desired Resolution: I am filing an executive escalation regarding a catastrophic engine failure on my 2020 Kia Soul, which is actively included in the Piston Oil Ring Safety Recall (Campaign SC209). The engine suffered a total structural failure where a rod broke and punctured a hole directly through the engine oil pan. The vehicle is completely undrivable and presents an environmental hazard due to active fluid leakage. Standard Kia Customer Care and Roadside Support lines have officially denied emergency towing assistance and rental car coverage, stating they cannot help. The closest authorized dealership, Kia of Columbia, has an appointment backlog delaying an official inspection until October 29th. I cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs for an hour-long flatbed tow from my home or weeks of upfront rental car fees. As a consumer, I am being penalized and left stranded by a severe manufacturing defect that Kia has legally acknowledged. I demand that Kia’s Executive Resolution Team immediately issue a direct digital dispatch code to authorize a free flatbed tow to the dealership, and establish a direct-billed loaner or rental vehicle (via Enterprise) so that my livelihood is not disrupted while waiting for the scheduled recall repair and engine replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772606October 21, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the engine was not replaced under the recall. While the contact's wife was driving 10 MPH, the vehicle started sputtering. The vehicle later lost motive power while the contact was driving. Upon inspection, the contact discovered there was no engine oil inside the engine. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly's and diagnosed with a cylinder #3 misfire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed an oil change, but after 3,000 miles there was no oil in the engine. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times for oil consumption tests, and the spark plugs were replaced; however, the contact was informed that the engine could not be replaced under recall because the engine oil level was full at inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772118October 19, 2026
ENGINE, STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There are multiple recalls, including total engine failure recall, Kia is refusing to have it towed or reimburse for tow to dealership to fix recalls. I’ve attempted through local dealership and through Kia care corporate. There have been at least 6+ recalls, 3 of which are “urgent”, Kia has failed to repair ANY of them. I’ve already had to pay to have this vehicle towed twice when the engine failure occurred and again when I moved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772235October 19, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Engine seized while driving with no warning. Dealer has submitted findings to kia corporate techline for powertrain warranty claim which is requesting a $700 engine teardown at my expense
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772298October 19, 2026
ENGINE
The car stalled at red light. After a few minutes cranked back up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771908October 18, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RECALL SC176 INCOMPLETE- WHILE DRIVING IN AN UNINCORPERATED AREA IN [XXX] ([XXX] IN [XXX] COUNTY) THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ENGINE POWER AND DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP ON A DANGEROUS CURVE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START BACK UP. THE CRUVE WAS SITUATED IN SUCH A MANOR THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO TRY TO PUSH IT INTO THE SIDE AS IT WAS A STEEP DITCH LEAVING THE VHICLE COMPLETELY DISABLED IN THE COMPLETE DARK. EVEN WITH THE FLASHERS ON OTHER MOTORISTS INCLUDING A SEMI TRACTOR TRAILER NEARLY CRASHED INTO THE DISABLED VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES. WHILE ESCAPING THE DANGEROUS SITUATION ON FOOT I NOTICED THE MUFFLER WAS EMMITING SMOKE AND A STRONG ODOR. I WAS ABLE TO RETAIN THE SERVICES OF A LOCAL TOWING COMPANY TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE WHERE THEY HAD TO USE MULTIPLE UNITS WITH CONES AND AMBER LIGHTS AND FLAGMEN WITH STROBES TO SET UP A SAFTEY ZONE TO PROTECT ONCOMMING MOTORISTS WHILE THEY CLEARED THE IMMEDIATE SAFTEY HAZARD. THAT WEEK I HAD A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP CHECK ON THE NO START CONDITION. THEY REMOVED, CHARGED, AND BENCH TESTED THE BATTERY FINDING IT TO PERFORM AT AN ACCEPTABLE AMPERAGE. UPON INSPECTING THE NO START CONDITION FOUND THE MOTOR TO BE LOCKRD. THEY NOTED AN INCOMPLETE SAFTEY RECALL UPON CHECKING THE VIN AND ADVISED THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO GO TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR RECALL SERVICE. AT THAT POINT THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED INTO AN OUTDOOR STORAGE LOT AND THE KEY RETURNED PENDING TRANSPORT. I TALKED TO A LADY AT THE KIA DEALER IN [XXX] WHERE IT WAS MENTIONED THEY ONLY HAD 2 TECHNICIANS AND IT WOULD BE A WHILE TO GET IT LOOKED AT, SO I CALLED THE NEXT CLOSEST DEALER WHICH IS [XXX]. ON THE PHONE THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THE CAR FOR RECALL INSPECTION. INSTEAD OF PROCESSING THE RECALL THEY TEXT ME MENTIONING DIAG FEES AND COSTS AND TRIED TO GET ME TO TRADE IT IN INSTEAD. I FEEL DUPED HAVING IT TOWED THERE FOR RECALL BASED ON THERE WORDS JUST FOR THEM TO TRY TO GET ME TO TRADE IT IN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771433October 15, 2026
ENGINE
On [XXX], my 2020 Kia Soul (2.0L Nu MPI, VIN [XXX], approximately 102,420 miles) suffered total engine failure: complete loss of motive power, stalled and would not restart. This is the exact defect covered by federal recall 21V259000 / Kia SC209 (piston oil rings causing engine damage and stalling). The SC209 recall remedy had already been performed on this vehicle at Kia of Daphne (Daphne, AL) in June 2026. The recall did not prevent the failure. Symptom history matches the defect: the vehicle has burned oil excessively its entire life (oil changed every 3,000 miles; oil like sludge by approximately 2,000 miles) - the textbook piston-ring symptom. Sputtering began June 2026; a spark-plug replacement bought two to three months before total failure. Diagnostic codes at failure: P0304 (cylinder 4 misfire), P219F (cylinder imbalance), P0014 and P0017 (camshaft/crankshaft timing correlation), P1327 (knock sensor) - internal engine and timing damage consistent with the recalled defect. On [XXX], Kia of Daphne inspected the vehicle ([XXX]). The technician found low compression and wrote the failure 'does not have to do with recall campaign sc209A' and is 'not covered under Kia warranty or recall,' quoting $5,855.28 for an engine long block. I dispute this: low compression plus lifelong excessive oil consumption is the classic signature of worn piston oil rings - the exact SC209 defect. The one-sentence dismissal does not address the documented symptom history. Kia corporate cases [XXX] (opened 09/30/2026) and [XXX]; rebuttal submitted 10/07/2026 requesting field-engineer review; no response as of 10/15/2026, cases now closed. Safety: total loss of motive power AFTER the remedy was performed. This post-remedy SC209 failure belongs in NHTSA's investigation of Kia recall remedy effectiveness. 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
#11771506October 15, 2026
ENGINE
My 2022 Kia Soul was previously serviced under Safety Recall SC336 (NHTSA Campaign 25V099000), and the dealership only uploaded the monitoring software. The safety recall remedy has now completely failed. The software's warning triggers are active: the oil light is flashing, the check engine light is flashing, and the engine is vibrating violently and failing to run. The manufacturer's remedy did not fix the physical defect, and the car is now dangerously disabled."
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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