Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11520743May 6, 2023
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Engine and brake lights have come on. Engine knocks bad. Vehicles stall when pressing gas. Dangerous driving soecialy going through stop sign. Low power while pressing gas.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520647May 5, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown tbd
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520464May 4, 2023
ENGINE
The recall #19V120 States that engine damage may occur do to this recall & that in that case KIA would repair the engine at no cost to me. My car has the same engine damage that they refer to & also has recall open. I took to a KIA dealer & they confirmed that the engine has a bad connecting rod but like stated can happen but KIA will not cover it because recall was not performed soon enough. They state in their recall information that this is what can happen & that it is inclusive of the recall but then say they will not cover? I'm confused. Is this acceptable for Recalls. Then they do not understand why people do not want to take their time to take a car back in for a recall because its just a waste of your time & then the dealer wants to upsell you on something they say they saw when perfoming the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520473May 4, 2023
ENGINE
While driving on the highway… engine ceased and went on fire. Safety was at risk I could have died…. The vehicle has been inspected. I know it is from an engine defect, but believe they are dragging their feet. There was no warning
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520381May 4, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hands free dialing became disabled after a service visit. Infotainment system reports "Downloading contacts, please try again later" when trying to use the hands free dialing system, despite the most recent contacts being loaded. This forces the driver to make a call using the infotainment system screen by either referencing recent calls or the contact list. This creates an unsafe condition the hands free dialing system is supposed to prevent.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520321May 3, 2023
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while his girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and would not exceed 55 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle began to decelerate unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the contact's location. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged, which created back pressure in the engine and loss of power. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520326May 3, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
My car was stolen by a minor who had a USB cable and internet instructions. My car was lacking proper if any anti theft technology by Kia. Because Kia is aware of this issue and did nothing not only myself but anyone who drives a Kia is at risk for a theft or car jacking. The car was recovered and inspected by local police. No car should be made available for purchase without security features that keep you and your property safe. Who knows how things could have ended if there was a direct confrontation. If one is crazy enough to steal a car, one may be nuts enough to have a gun.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519953May 2, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a left turn a second vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle. During the crash no air bags deployed. The driver sustained a minor neck injury which did not require medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. In a second incident, the vehicle crashed down an embankment, and again no airbags had deployed. The driver sustained a minor neck injury that did not require medical treatment. Recently while operating the vehicle the check engine light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and the engine was burning excessive oil and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11520017May 2, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I brought my vehicle into an authorized dealer when my check engine light came on, having just been made aware of the recall notice when I took it in for an oil change earlier that day. He said the recall came about when cars of my make/model/year started catching fire out of nowhere due to engine issues. Given that my car is still under the mileage warranty, at 95k miles, the person at the dealership service center said it would likely be covered & the recall would qualify me for a new engine altogether. I got a call back a few days later that my catalytic converter was plugged, and that I would owe just under $3000 for the repair, as my vehicle did not show the correct diagnostic code to be covered. Once I spoke with KIA's corporate consumer satisfaction line, they agreed to bring the car out & retest it. The woman from the service center informed me that the whole engine does in fact need to be replaced now, not just the converter as they initially said, but that it still isn't spitting out the code necessary during diagnostic testing, to qualify it for a recall replacement. Under SC176, my issues exactly are being described as the symptoms & causation for the recall, and yet the diagnostic code does not match. My car is currently still at the dealership's service center, and I am getting some consultation as to whether or not this is a fix that's worth it, at this point.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520166May 2, 2023
ENGINE
Excessive oil burning causing catalytic converted to be clogged and requiring relacement. No oil leaks, no warning lamps, messages; car is driving sluggish.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519719May 1, 2023
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
At the inspection & emissions test on 01/10/2023, the vehicle failed with a P0420 cat code & Kia recommended I pay to replace the catalytic converter. The first P0420 was found in Aug '19 at an Auto Zone. The vehicle is available for inspection. My safety & those of others is at risk per the recall number 19V120 dated 04/12/19: "A defect has been identified which relates to motor vehicle safety. The defect may cause damage to the catalytic converter... If this condition occurs, you may hear knocking noise from the engine and/or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate. Kia will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection (COP) logic in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and if necessary replace the catalytic converter and/or engine at no cost to you." This Kia's ECU was upgraded on 04/24/19. About 3 months later, the check engine (CE) light illuminated. Auto Zone found a P0420 code but the Kia dealer found a P0455 & suggested the gas cap was not installed properly. They cleared the code and sent me away. The CE was back on Nov '19. An appointment with Kia on 01/14/20 revealed a P050A code which had no resolution. The dealer "reset engine adaptive values as per techline and released vehicle back" to me. I drove in stress, praying the vehicle doesn't catch fire since it was losing significant oil. I added additional quarts about 1500 miles after each oil change. After a while I got used to the CE being on. In August of '21, AutoZone found a P0420 diag code again. I didn't think Kia would resolve the problem. I finally called Kia in May of '22 & was told of another recall #SA485. I took the Kia in on 05/31/22 with the CE light on. After the ECM upgrade the CE light was off until a few miles were driven. Inspection on 01/10/23, Kia dealer found P0420 Cat Code, failed the vehicle, & told me vehicle is no longer covered under warranty. I think the vehicle should have been recalled for catalytic converter like other 2015 Souls. Please recall this Kia.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519754May 1, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact’s wife turned off and restarted the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519840May 1, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519590April 29, 2023
ENGINE
This vehicle, Kia Soul 2016, uses excessive oil, no matter what the manufacturer or dealers say. There is no reason to put 1 to 1/2 quarts of synthetic oil in this vehicle every week to make sure the engine doesn't seize. Severe manufacturer flaw and/or design with this engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519403April 28, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2014 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTS IN VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS HAVING ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO, AND COVERED, BY ONE OR MORE RECALLS THAT APPLY TO THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519529April 28, 2023
STEERING, AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling noise heard in the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that after the vehicle was returned, the steering, air bags, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became hot to the touch without the heated steering wheel function being activated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an oil change was needed, and the heated steering wheel fuse was removed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,796.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519194April 27, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought this vehicle new (under 3k miles) from the dealer Kiefer Kia. The very next day I brought the car back as there were obvious problems with it immediately. The car would hesitate, almost as if it were about to die, while driving or even sitting at a light. When I took it in the repair person heard the problem but said "that's normal for a new car". I wanted to reopen the car but they said there were no returns. I came in 2 other times. On the 4th time they finally replaced the computer. It did nothing to fix the problem but from that time I had electrical problems. They denied the electrical problems. 2 more visits they replaced the computer again and some other recall. Both problems continued. I've had to replace the battery more than once a year. It still hesitates but covid happened and now I'm in a wheel chair and have problems getting around so brining it in is even more difficult. I don't trust any more repairs they're doing I just want my money back. I stopped driving it on the highway as I'm to afraid of the engine catching fire with how it eats oil. If I want to go out of town I have to rent a car!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519239April 27, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Catalytic Converter malfunction and it was check by my mechanic at Hillebrand Automotive. It causes my 2014 Kia Soul to stop running in the middle of the highway. There were no warning lights, massages or any other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This happened 3 months ago. On January 21, 2023. It's still down because i can't afford to have it fix.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519124April 26, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound inside the vehicle then the vehicle started to decelerate without warning. The contact then stated that other drivers on the road alerted the contact’s friend that a fire had ignited underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact’s friend was able to pull the vehicle off the road and exit the vehicle. The local authorities were notified and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision lot where the technician diagnosed the vehicle that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518868April 25, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change; however, the contact stated that after the oil change was performed; while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal pop underneath the hood and then the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he was able to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where the contact was informed by the technician of an engine oil leak that was unmentioned at the time of the oil change. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the mileage was over the warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 129,890.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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