Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11460188April 8, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle made a clicking noise. The check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459979April 7, 2022
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459982April 7, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
On 4/7/2022 I was advised by Mike at Auffenberg Kia Group in O'Fallon, IL (618)624-2277 that the problem with my car stalling and starting is the catalytic converter. I had my car towed to the Kia Dealership and the diagnostic code that the car was giving is P0335. After replacing the crankshaft sensor, the car continued to stall and struggle to startup. The service repairmen advised me that they spend 9.5 hours of diagnostic time with Kia troubleshooting the problem because everything was testing good. The service repair and kia decided that the issue is the catalytic converter. The kia service repairmen also advised me that they opened a case with kia, case number 14741430 to try to get the repair covered under the recall but Kia's district manager declined the repair. My engine is 2.0L and the recall is for engines 1.6L. I ask that Kia does the right thing and repair my vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459813April 6, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2013 Kia Soul base model when Kia reset engine because catallactic convertor (to show proper MPG) this started shortly after. Soul started having fuel levels drop to EMPTY after fueling. With fuel light & engine light coming on. Driving a short time fuel gauge then shows correct amount. This is occurring more often, talking with other Kia Soul owners they have seen it also. I am told sensors in fuel tank will need replaced almost $1000.00 but nothing can be done until lights stay on all time with NO GAURENTEE it will fix problem. Both of my Souls have this issue, I have 1 Soul still on the road, Soul 2 was traded in. Pictures from a video as event was happening.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459893April 6, 2022
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
oil light came on randomly while driving. Took to the shop to have checked out. Was found to be almost empty of oil. Oil was changed 2 months prior. Filled up with oil and left. Everytime the vehicle would sit adle the oil pressure would cause the oil light to come on. Took to the dealership and was told it needed a new engine. Dealership promised to replace the engine for no charge. Stated it would take appoximatley 3 weeks. Stated there was a recall and issue with these engines. After 3 weeks dealership called and stated the vehicle only passed 1 or 2 test required before replacing engine. The engine would not be replaced free of charge. the vehicle has 82,000 miles. Have record of every oil change that was serviced at the appropriate time. The dealership wanted 8700.00 for a engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459484April 4, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and an engine software update was performed. The contact stated that later while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate and failed to accelerate above 55 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to second local dealer; Wyatt Johnson Kia (2285 Trenton Rd, Clarksville, TN 37040: (800) 748-8230) and the vehicle was diagnosed with needing the knock sensor system to be installed. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and made the mechanic aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459558April 4, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where she was informed that piston ring #3 was damaged and needed to be replaced; she was also informed that there was a recall on her vehicle. The contact was informed by the mechanic to speak with a dealer for assistance. Upon calling the dealer, the contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459583April 4, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. Several months after the repair, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal and the vehicle was shaking while idling. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming and excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the transmission was flushed; however, after the repair was performed the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted into limp mode with the check engine and oil level warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic and was informed that the knock sensor was defective. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the vehicle towed be towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and it was confirmed that the knock sensor was defective and that the repair would be covered under the original recall. Upon further investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which he also linked to the failure. The contact was informed that his vehicle was repaired but remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459407April 3, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I've had recalls on antiknock sensor and catalytic problems with vehicle I've had them repaired at kia dealerships to no avail I've had catalytic converter replaced with my own money because the solutions did not fix problems..still having severe issues.vehicles engine light blinks three times and goes into limp mode which prevents engine from accelerating past 45 mph
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459335April 2, 2022
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A loud bang was heard while driving approx. 35 MPH on a clear day. The vehicle lost all power, smoke started coming from the hood area and the cabin began to fill with smoke. Driver pulled over, opened the hood and discovered the entire engine compartment in was engulfed in flames. Passersby tried to extinguish the flame with fire extinguishers, but it kept reigniting. The fire department arrived and put out the flames. This could have been life threatening if the driver did not get out of the vehicle. Amica Insurance's claims processors and an independent forensic investigator engaged by Amica Insurance have concluded the engine fire was the result of catastrophic engine failure. The forensic investigator noticed an outward bump in the oil pan and indicated this was likely the result of a separation of crankshaft and or piston rod elements. The investigator indicated he sees about 10 of these engine fires each month. Kia's special unit that addresses their engine fire problem has been notified and are dragging their feet. We have not heard anything from them after filing a claim on or about 3/22/2022. There were no warning signs prior to this catastrophic failure event. Gauges and warning systems were all normal. The engine and the engine compartment are a complete loss. Other damage occurred as the fire department worked to extinguish the fire. The forensic investigator and Amica's claims processor have declared the car a total loss.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459351April 2, 2022
ENGINE
Complete engine failure at 120,000 miles. Engine will need replaced. Old engine will be sent back for core charge. The car went in for repairs at a local car repair shop. Kia dealership has done all the recalls on vehicle. No warning lights or noise prior to failure. Getting on the interstate and the vehicle started misfiring. Car went into limp mode and had to take the next exit to get to a safe spot to pull over. Got towed to local repair shop. They pulled the heads off and found gray gritty material sitting on the cylinders. There was also metal dust in oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458986March 30, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate. The contact depressed the accelerator and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to safely guide the vehicle off the highway. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had dislodged and detached from the exhaust causing a clog in the exhaust system. Additionally, the detached catalytic converter released hot exhaust against the fire wall causing the engine to stall. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle continued to experience the failure. The contact later drove the vehicle to a dealer, where it was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was invalid.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459026March 30, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate. The contact depressed the accelerator and the vehicle did not respond. The contact was able to safely pull off of the roadway. The contact turned the vehicle off and on and continued driving until the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil level was very low. The independent mechanic refilled the engine oil reservoir. The contact noticed that the oil level was dropping continually by checking the oil dip stick. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459045March 30, 2022
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had my car “recall” checked out at a dealership. They preformed a software update but I have had problems ever since. I’ve replace the catalytic converter twice. Had to replace spark plugs after the dealership blew them all and only decided to fix one. I’ve had engine misfires and burning smells and have had those issues fixed multiple times. The car is not safe to drive. They won’t do anything because there’s no active recalls, but I am having these issues continuously. The engines either going to blow up or stall and someone including me is going to get hurt. Kia needs to be help responsible for this. I’ve had regular maintenance and oil changes my entire time owning the car. I shouldn’t be having to replace coil packs, ignition coils, spark plugs and catalytic converters every 4 months. My car is also burning oil like no other.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458857March 29, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact's sister-in-law owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and passed the catalytic converter test. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and would not accelerate above 25 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The dealer informed the contact that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458690March 28, 2022
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
as i was heading home from work , about 12 miles into road, vehicle started loosing power, and at it would turn engine off at stop lights, and it would turn back on, and started shaking and running under 40 miles an hour, the next day , warranty was able to tow it to the manufacture dealership service, the service adviser called and said it was the engine, its been three weeks and the issues has not been resolved due to warranty not wanting to pay for repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458696March 28, 2022
ENGINE
I bought my 2018 Kia Soul from Fredy Kia Dealership in Houston, TX and after 3 years and 124K miles the engine failed. It started with the check light for 'engine knock sensor' code 1326. I had the sensor replaced but the mechanics mentioned that my oil was extremally low and needed oil. I just had my oil replaced by Archer Kia dealership 2 month prior how could that be? So they replace the oil and the sensor. I drove it for 4 hours and the check engine light came on again this time there is a knocking sound. The mechanics say its a blown piston and now the engine has to be replaced. This is incredibly sad and frustrating to know that these cars' engine fail after 100K and have to replace the engine. After researching on on this site and https://www.aboutautomobile.com/, this engine problem has been going on since 2012. How can this be? Why isn't Kia doing something to cover and fix this issue?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458495March 27, 2022
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car without warning started smoking from the hood. I immediately parked the car, popped the hood, and flames starting rising from underneath before I had even exited the vehicle. Within 5 minutes of the smoke, my car was completely on fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458284March 25, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph when the vehicle's engine was making a grinding sound then it started making a winding noise as if it was revving up. The contact stated they noticed that something had dropped from underneath the hood of the vehicle. Smoke began to come from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. The fire department arrived however the contact was unsure if a report was made. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who had not officially diagnosed the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was open regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458162March 24, 2022
ENGINE
In mid January 2022 I purchased from Baba's Autos in Houston 2013 Kia 5 speed 4cyl [XXX] vin. I immediately saw was using oil like 1gal per month. I took to Elite Auto in Feb2022 and they say engine recall on this as piston rings shot why oil blow-by. Was caused by a NHTSA Safety reacll #19V120000 with recall date 2019-02-21 so I took in on 9Mar22 as some outstanding recall items like software update and Catalytic check. They said on 9Mar22 "No Issues" with Catalytic converter. less than 3 days later on 12Mar22 I broke down driving less than 60 miles to northwest side of Houston with code P0240 Catalytic inefficiency trying to get to my kids who were broke down from a flat tire near 290 and 610. I towed to Clear lake area w/ AAA and on Monday 14th had towed over to Gay Family Kia. I was expecting to get a Catalytic converter replaced due to the NHTSA Safety recall as the damage caused to my 2013 Engine but after 2 weeks of waiting on 24MAR22 I was told by Roy that I would have to pay for the catalytic converter nearly $2k which should be covered under the Safety recall. I also should be provided a new engine as existing is sucking oil due to piston ring damage. At the moment, my Kia is in the Gay Family Service center and it seems any recall on my vehicle has been zeroed out of the national database even though any Catalytic converter upgrades have not been completed. My trust in Kia products has been damaged. My trust in Gay Family Kia service center is also damaged as I was stuck without transportation for 2 weeks. And though my vehicle has 139k miles why won't they change out the engine if there is piston ring damage that was caused by their faulty catalytic converter that they don't want to pay to change out even though the NHTSA 19V120000 safety recall clearly states is result of overheating Catalytic Converters. I don't know who to talk to now as this doesn't seem right. Can someone please help me [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

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