Kia Soul Complaints (2012)

516 consumer complaints on file.

#11432801September 13, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the ESC sensors needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the engine started knocking. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull into a nearby gas station. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling) since the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11432592September 11, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Steering has clunking sound and loose feeling while turning the steering wheel. Research would suggest steering coupler faulty. This same part has been recalled in other Kia models but not in the particular model I own.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11430641August 26, 2021
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, a abnormal noise and odor appeared from the rear both driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The contact managed to veer to the shoulder of the road, turn the vehicle off, wait for about 15 minutes, attempted to turn the vehicle back on when the noise became louder and the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle then was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the command rod fractured and went through the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not drivable. In addition, a visible leak was noticed by the technician. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no recalls were under the VIN. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V12000 ( Engine, engine coolant ) as a possible solution to the failure however the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximate 90,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11428000August 6, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the mechanic cleared the warning light. There was no code for the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired however, the recall was closed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426652July 27, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Steering wheel vibrate uncontrollable when driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426243July 24, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ESC LIGHT PROBLEM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11426300July 24, 2021
ENGINE
Our catalytic converter on our 2012 Kia Soul Base is not functioning properly. We cannot get the car inspected and it is not listed as a recall. The VIN is [XXX]. It is the same problem that other Souls are being recalled for. Why not ours? PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11425963July 22, 2021
STEERING:COLUMN
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55-65 mph, the steering wheel vibrated and made a knocking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424409July 12, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated there was an abnormal fuel odor inside of the vehicle. Additionally, the brake lights were inoperable prior to replacing the rear taillight housings. After replacing the brake lamp housings, the contact became aware that the brake lamps remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the abs module failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was warned that the vehicle was at risk of catching on fire. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was smoking, and the wires were melting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered by recall or warranty. The approximate failure mileage 109,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421886June 22, 2021
ENGINE
Engine failure on 2012 Kia Soul GDI engine on June 21, 2021. Crankshaft had been replaced last year by a Kia dealership under TSB PO335, for which I was charged $427.29. I had never been advised of any potential problems with this vehicle's engine nor advised of any alternative measures to prevent the loss. Engine failed in heavy traffic. Triple AAA mechanic gave a diagnosis of engine failure and suggested engine replacement. No one has inspected the vehicle other than the AAA mechanic in Asheville, NC. No warning lamps came on to indicate a problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419425June 2, 2021
STEERING
Knocking in the steering column lead to steering coupling being damaged. Steering failed when driving over speeds of 65. Almost died. No warning. Auto body shop explained noise
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11418506May 25, 2021
STEERING
Steering column is loose.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11417818May 19, 2021
ENGINE
I purchased the 2012 Kia Soul on 12-18-20 and I had vehicle less than a week and it was losing power so I parked it until I could get it looked at on approx 02-03-21 the engine was disassembled by mechanic and found catalytic converter stopped up and piston failure after that time I found out about recall we contacted Kia about issue and was told they would not look at it because it is not driveable to take to Kia and they would not honor recall because cop ecu was not updated well engine already failed so we couldn't drive it there and recall said they would inspect vehicle and repair up to changing engine if necessary but they wouldn't even look at this one because engine had already failed and my vin number is under recall. I don't think this is right.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11417427May 17, 2021
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS EXCESSIVELY CONSUMING ENGINE OIL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDER AND STALL WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD THE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD PLACE A REQUEST WITH THE LOCAL DEALER TO PERFORM A FREE OIL CHANGE. THE DEALER DECLINED TO HONOR THE REQUEST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11416175May 11, 2021
ENGINE
I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER THAT WAS DATED ON APRIL 6,2021 FROM KIA THAT MY CAR NEEDED TO COME IN FOR UPDATE TO THE ENGINE TO PROTECT FROM EXCESSIVE ROD BEARING DAMAGE. UPON GETTING THE CAR FROM THE COLLEGE CAMPUS AND ON THE WAY TO BRING IT BACK INTO THE AREA TO GET THE WORK DONE, IT BLEW THE ENGINE. KIA IS NOW STATING THAT THEY WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM SINCE I WASN'T ABLE TO GET THE CAR THERE TO HAVE THE WORK DONE BEFORE THE DAMAGE HAPPENED. THE ENGINE BLEW ON MAY 1,2021 LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER THEIR LETTER WAS DRAFTED. THIS IS A CAR THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN DEALER MAINTAINED AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN KEPT UP ON ITS REPAIRS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DIDN'T EVEN LOOK INTO THE HISTORY OF THE CAR AND JUST SAID THAT IT WAS MY FAULT FOR NOT MAKING IT IN TO THE SHOP, EVEN THROUGH THAT'S WHERE I WAS GETTING IT TO. THEY IN THEIR LETTER STATE THAT HAD I BEEN ABLE TO GET THE CAR IN IT WOULD HAVE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 150,000 MILES, THE CAR ONLY HAS 107,000 ON IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. EVEN THROUGH THEY SENT A LETTER STATING THAT THEY SOLD ME A CAR WITH FAULTY PARTS NOW THEY WON'T COVER THE DAMAGE. DAMAGE THAT LUCKILY DIDN'T END IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT BUT DID TOTAL MY CAR. THE CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 75 MILES PER HOUR ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE ROD BROKE OFF AND WENT THRU THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11415244May 5, 2021
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A RATTLING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, WITHOUT WARNING. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) WHICH SHE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11415032May 3, 2021
ENGINE, STEERING
THE ENGINE IS MAKING A TICKING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO HAD 3 OPEN RECALLS. TOOK IT TO ALL STAR KIA IN SAN BERNARDINO FOR 3 RECALLS AND THEY REFUSED TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT COMFORTABLE WORKING ON THE CAR, THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE TICKING SOUND WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM I SAW ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT DUE TO CATALYTIC COVERTER OVERHEATING IT COULD CAUSE ROD KNOCK. I EVEN TOLD THEM THE RECALL WAS SC176.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11414287April 28, 2021
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE AND LOSE FORWARD MOMENTUM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 40 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC WHO HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO SOUTHWEST KIA - DALLAS (39650 LYNDON B JOHNSON FWY, DALLAS, TX 75237, (972) 283-9797) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A CONNECTING ROD FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11407760April 12, 2021
ENGINE
VECHICLE STALLED AT A STOP LIGHT ON A BUSY STREET WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR ANY INDICATION ANYTHING WAS HAPPENING. WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT GO BY GIVING IT SOME GAS BUT IT WAS STILL SUPER SCARY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11406877April 7, 2021
ENGINE
MY VEHICLE'S MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON AND IT BEGAN TO LOSE POWER OFF AND ON GOING DOWN THE TURNPIKE. SINCE THEN, IT SOMETIMES WON'T START EVEN THOUGH IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS GOING TO. IT CONTINUES TO HAVE THESE PROBLEMS INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL WAS HOOKED UP TO IT, IT BROUGHT UP THE FOLLOWING CODES: P0420 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD), P0336 (CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR "A" CIRCUIT RANGE/PERFORMANCE. I BELIEVE THIS MAY BE RELATED TO RECALL #19V120000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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