Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11502859January 20, 2023
ENGINE
Car stalled while driving,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502662January 19, 2023
ENGINE, AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V75000 (Engine), the vehicle sputtered and hesitated while attempting to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the spark plugs were cracked. After replacing the spark plugs, the vehicle continued to experience failure. The contact stated that occasionally the vehicle stalled during the failure. Additionally, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact stated that the cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502682January 19, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the engine. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and 17V608000 (Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502726January 19, 2023
ENGINE
Check engine light came on and was showing issues with the camshaft and crankshaft sensors. I took it to the dealership where I purchased the car and they told me there was sludge built up due to lack of maintenance (regular oil changes). I have proof of regular oil changes being done. They told me there are no recalls (there is an open investigation on my make and model) and I would have to pay for a new engine which costs more than the car is worth.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502339January 18, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where a diagnostic test was performed and produced an unknown code indicating failure with the O2 sensor. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where the contact requested that a diagnostic test be performed due to the check engine warning light being illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that five recall repairs were performed. The vehicle was repaired; however, due to inclement weather, she was unaware that while driving, the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The contact also stated that while attempting to accelerate, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the vehicle had gone into Limp Mode due to a KSDS software update. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist due to the vehicle being out of warranty. The contact was informed that her case would be escalated. The failure mileage was approximately 206,975.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502398January 18, 2023
ENGINE
We had a computer flash done and it has not ran right since. Engine started knocking and almost caused and accident engine felt like it was locking up causing the car to lose control
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502455January 18, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sudden Acceleration (SUA--3 times same day); almost went through storefront, almost hit by truck @ stop sign, almost hit fence in parking lot twice, had difficulty in highway traffic jam. Vehicle currently at dealership. Car and brakes became uncontrollable at slow attempt to park and in traffic jam; had to turn off ignition. Dealer and independent service shop have not been able to recreate condition, the manufacturer was advised but only test driven by the independent shop and the dealership. No warnings; independent service shop advised that the problem appeared to be in the electronic throttle control. Dealership will not investigate same until they actually experience the problem. There are many articles about this problem on line. This car was sold as "certified" by the dealer
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502457January 18, 2023
ENGINE
I was driving on the Interstate, going about 65-70mph when my car make a "tick noise," I immediately noticed white smoke out the back, my car started to decelerate, and I could no longer accelerate when applying the gas. Luckily I was able to get over to the right shoulder and pull off on the side and stop. After taking it to my mechanic, he told me my engine was knocking and that Kia has all these recalls and class actions on these engines (for this EXACT issue) and that Kia extended their warranty for these vehicles to 150k. I take it to Kia and they tell me they won't cover it because I didn't get a KSDS software update. I bought this car Certified Pre-Owned from a Kia dealership. When a recall notice came through in 2019 I took it in to Kia to get it "fixed." Kia has been aware of this issue since at least 2018, so if this was such a problem, I'm not sure why it wasn't taken care of when I took my car in for the recall alert, which I believe was for the ECU update. The only other notice I received from Kia was a survey, not a recall! As you can see on the VIN profile that I have ZERO unrepaired recalls. I have maintained maintenance on my car: Oil changes, tire rotation, brake pad replacements, tire replacements, etc. For some reason, though, this oh so important software update for the the KSDS, which I've learned doesn't actually make their faulty engines....not faulty, seems to be their "get out of jail free card" to stick their customers with a faulty engine and a high price tag to get their car back to working order. Kia knew about this issue and are now shirking their responsibility by making this update their way to get out of paying to fix THIER faulty product. The contact stated that there are plenty of other similar complaints and no longer needs this one.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502171January 17, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
i was driving home and noticed my gas mileage rapidly going down. (before when i filled up i used to get 408 miles till “E” then got 380) so i knew sowmthing was starting to go wrong. then, my engine light started flashing. i got my catalytic converters replaced but i’m still losing gas mileage bad and engine ticking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502189January 17, 2023
ENGINE
We were driving the car along the highway at 70 MPH when the engine started making an odd sound and this went on for about 3 minutes before we found the nearest exit and pulled into a rest stop and as soon as we pulled onto the rest stop exit ramp the engine seized and the car shut down. The rod bearing failed. It is available for inspection upon request as it is currently sitting in a dealership repair shop waiting for repairs. Yes, my safety and the safety of others was put at risk. There was absolutely no warning that the engine was about to seize (no safety lights) and if we hadn't pulled over then the engine could have seized while we were going 70 MPH and we could have gotten hit by a truck and caused a horrible accident. The vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership service shop. No, there were NO warning lamps, messages, or ANY symptoms before the engine completely seized.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502241January 17, 2023
ENGINE
The contact’s father owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to make a knocking sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was hauled back to his father’s residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, no diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,024.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502010January 16, 2023
AIR BAGS
I was involved in a car accident where a truck pulled out in front of me causing me to hit him in his side with the front passenger side of my car resulting in the car to roll two times. As a result of the airbags not deploying the windshield came into the car causing lacerations to the face of the passenger and as the car was rolling his right arm was out of the window causing him to have to have staples put in his arm and the skin on his hand was gone both driver and passenger had concussions and I feel that these injuries could have been avoided if the airbags (front and side ) were to deploy !
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11501862January 15, 2023
TIRES, TIRES:SIDEWALL
We live in Virginia, and we were driving in Florida on 12-23-2022, when the tire size 215/55 R17 94V blew up. Car tire pressure lit up and then we heard a noise. We stopped immediately at the gorge of Highway 75 and exit number 213. My husband and I were super streesed and in panic mode as the traffic on highway 75 was super heavy. While waiting for what it seems forever for a towing truck, every time a semi drove by, the car was shaking. In addition, the only place available to change our tire was about to close. This issue has never happened before as we take care of our cars. We did not think about taking pictures of the tire, we were only thinking about getting to safety and continuing to our destination. An employee from FDOT named [XXX] stopped by our car to let us know there was a camera from their office right behind our car. We did not keep the tire as we did not know it was a requirement from Kumho to honor their warranty. We got the tires from the dealership we bought the car from. The dealership never mentioned Kumho's warranty. I learned about this requirement after I reached out to Kumho. Our car does not have a spare tire as most of car don't come with spare now days. We have a receipt from Costco to show the purchase of a new tire date 12-23-2022. Kumho will not honor the warranty as we don't have the tire and we have now been obligated to purchase 3 more tires for our safety. We don't feel safe with these remaining Kumho tires on our car. This experienced was super stressful for my total and permanent disabled veteran husband and me. 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
#11501883January 15, 2023
ENGINE
When the car gets to 60mph it loses power and slows down. No matter how much you press the gas it will not get above 60 and seems to struggle there.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501901January 15, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE
When driving this Vehicle my daughter was in a single car acciedent. The engine combusted. The piston rod went into engine. When we took it to the auto shop this is what they told us casued the engine to malfunction and my daughter run off the road. She is very luck she has not been hurt more than she has. We have tried to contact KIA. First we called Royal KIa in Tuscon then Jim Clickk Kia in Tucson. They told me it did not matter that the vehicke had a recalll. We would be financially responsable for fixing it. They would not even alow me to bring it in, THey asked us to csll Kia. Kia was no help. They said that if the car was over 150,000 miles they would not fix a recall. My daughter was in an acciedent due to malfuntion! At this point I did reach out to another dealership in Mesa AZ. If they can not help we need to take legal action. The exact same thing that the engine had a recall on is what happemed to our kia, No one will anwser or fix a recall.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11501914January 15, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Took my car in the dealership 3 months ago before I hit my 100K mark. The engine sounded like a Cummons diesel and the engine light kept going on and off. They did an oil change and kept my car for 3 days and were unable to diagnose the problem. I made sure the problem was documented by the dealer. Recently it started to sound the same and the light kept going on and off and I couldn't get into the dealership on my day off. So I went to a Jiffy Lube even though I still had some mileage before it was due. The guy there was very concerned and said my car was burning oil quite badly and there was an issue with the timing chain causing it and my car was at risk of seizing up. He recommended getting to the dealer as soon as possible. I took time from work the next day and fortunately the engine light was still on and they apparently diagnosed the problem without telling anything more than to expect a call from the manufacturer. That was on January 10th. It is now the 15th and I have not heard anything. I have never even been told when I take the car in for oil changes that I'm even low on oil and Jiffy Lube has been the only one to bring this to my attention. Prior to this the dealership has been the only one to do my oil changes and I was in one more time between when the problem started in February and now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501781January 14, 2023
ENGINE
The car died, found out it was the engine. We didn’t own the car for the 2019 recall and was never told. We owed 7,000 on a dead car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501819January 14, 2023
ENGINE
This 2015 Kia Soul has recalls for oil leaks but VIN has not been recalled. In 2020 check engine light was flashing and then stayed on. I drove to dealer it was bought. Kia Pride dealer on the Lynnway in Lynn, MA. said it was a knock sensor problem and needed repair. After, about six months later, check engine repeated to go on. At the Pride dealer, they updated software issues, that was what Pride dealer said. Around December, 2021, I asked to replace and change oil with synthetic oil. Three weeks , check engine light was on again. Upon this event, brought Kia Soul to Pride dealer. They suggested to drive car 1,000 miles and then return to dealer to see if the Kia Soul was consuming more oil that is allowed by Kia manufacturer. Last week drove Soul back to Pride Kia. Their customer service person said it was burning more oil in between oil changes above their protocol. Pride dealer suggested they perform a consumption test and a combustion cleaning. I did do what they recommended and and on Friday 13, 2023 paid $563.00. I was told to drive Kia Soul another 1,000 miles and return to Pride dealer , and the would determine next action step, or it could be fixed. Today Saturday 14,2023, check engine stayed on and car was stalling when given gas. The KIA Soul is back ar the Pride dealer. On Thursday 12, 2023, I spoke with Lisa at the Kia customer service center. A case file was opened , number is 15262414. Lisa informed me that because of the 2020 engine, I might be covered if engine needs further repair. I called Kia customer service center on Friday 13,2023 and spoke to Miranda and asked confirm, and inquire why the Kia Soul I drive has not been recalled. Other 2015 Kia Soul have been recalled for oil leaks and engine heating up. The two recall numbers are 20V750000 and 19V120000. What can I do about getting help from theNHTSA, if the Pride Kia dealer does not repair the 2015 Kia I drive. Alfred DiCenso [email protected] 781.731.2221
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501557January 13, 2023
ENGINE
On the day after Thanksgiving 11/26/22, I was driving this vehicle home via the interstate when it began to decelerate without any warning. I pressed to accelerator and the car began moving slower and slower. I pulled off at the nearest exit and as I was exiting the interstate, the car almost completely stalled on me, idling very rough at the red light. While waiting for the light to turn, the engine light illuminated and began flashing. I live a mile from the interstate but I was able to make it home. I was very nervous because the car jerked and shuddered like it was about to die on me in the middle of the road. The next morning, I took the car next door to my residence and has some diagnostics ran on it. I was told that the car needed new spark plugs and coils. After paying for this service, the car still ran poorly as describe above so I took the car back. I ended up having the car towed to the nearest dealership and it was determined that I needed a completely new engine. I thought to myself "well at least the powertrain is still under warranty since I am the original owner and have kept up with timely maintenance. My warranty was denied due to lack of one missing oil change invoice that was done at the dealership back in 2018 at 18,000 miles. Somehow this missing oil change was missing from the dealership's records as well. I am good at keeping up with the maintenance on my vehicle, especially one that i bought brand new back in 2017 that's still under warranty but somehow, it was still denied. I decided to pay out of pocket to get the car fixed. The cost was over $6300. I picked the car up today 01/12/23. After driving approximately 15 miles, the car began to make a ticking sound at which point the check engine light came on again. Obviously the car is not fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501444January 12, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
This car has experienced paint issues due to poor bonding of the primer. The paint is literally peeling off the car in sheets. It has been going on for the last 1.5 years , and Kia states that it is not their problem. I have worked patiently with them for almost a year as they have instructed me to go, and get paint estimates. After this was completed they then stated the case was determined “ No Goodwill”.As far as they were concerned ; they determined they were not going to pay to have the car painted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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