Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11453672February 23, 2022
ENGINE
My vehicle is a 2016 Kia Soul+ 2.0L engine. It is experiencing oil pressure failure in cylinder #1. A certified mechanic has diagnosed this as oil ring failure. KIA has a recall on the same model with the 1.6L engine, but there have been many instances of the 2.0L experiencing the same failure, but not being recalled. My vehicle has been well maintained, regularly serviced and not abused. My mechanic has had two other customers in less than a year experiencing this failure in the same engine. Vehicle has had loss of power along with oil pressure indicator light flashing. Car only remotely operates normal with in ECO mode. My local KIA dealership has not wanted to be helpful in any of these three cases. For the 1.6L that is recalled, owners who have this type of failure have had new engines installed. KIA America and my local dealership have not wanted to address this option. Said vehicle has sale value of $5,000 while this sort of repair would cost upwards of $9,000 if handled privately. As it stands, my repair bill is over $600 without actually fixing the problem that mechanic says will lead to complete engine failure. It would benefit myself and the other owners of Kia Soul+ 2.0L if the automaker would include these engines in the same recall as the KIA Soul+ 1.6L. As it stands, my vehicle cannot be sold in current condition and cannot be repaired due to very high cost. Any help from a government agency in encouraging KIA to include these KIA Soul+ 2.0L automobiles would be a great help to an untold number of US consumers experiencing this issue. It is simply too costly to repair on our own.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11453714February 23, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel tank is made in two parts a top and a bottom and assembled together along with mounting brackets. The joining seam leaks fuel when the fuel level is greater than half fuel. The fuel leakage is very close to the exhaust system creating a potentially dangerous Fire and Safety hazard. The design is flawed because the mounting brackets continually stress the joint which separates to cause fuel leakage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11453471February 22, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that he became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer did not complete the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started decelerating independently. The contact pulled into the nearest parking lot and opened the hood but could determine the cause of the failure. The contact continued to drive the vehicle and the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The check engine warning light, the oil warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 5 minutes; however, the vehicle was shuddering and would not exceed 15 MPH while driving. The contact also stated that there were abnormal sounds coming from the engine. The contact pulled into the nearest parking lot and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed a second dealer - Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) where it was diagnosed that there was a lack of engine oil and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer approved the request to cover the engine replacement under the recall of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the new engine had been shipped to the dealer but they did not have an ETA. The manufacturer also advised the contact to rent a vehicle and they might reimburse him for the expense. The failure mileage was approximately 25,053.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11453500February 22, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11453179February 21, 2022
ENGINE
My wife is driving our car down the street, dropping my daughter off at daycare when all of a sudden, the car does not want to do over 15 miles per hour and she almost gets rear ended. We have the car towed home and i check it later on on the evening once I’m off work. I think the engine and catalytic converters is gone. It only has 81,169 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11453207February 21, 2022
ENGINE
Took my car in for recall and they said I need an engine but will not replace it free of charge. Also the catalaytic converter was clogged and someone tried to take it off to get me home when I broke down on side of road. They won't replace it even though it was malfunctioning and I had to do what I could to get off side of road. They replaced the computer thing but said the engine would be at my cost. Can you please help. This is at Lancaster Kia in Pennsylvania.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11453086February 20, 2022
STEERING
Steering wheel couplen is going out and every kia soul 2011 2013 are recall some 2012 why isn't mine thats a sad situation kias are having major recalls kia needs to fix my steering
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11452812February 18, 2022
STEERING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel started making an abnormal noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the plastic bearing bushing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,577.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11452830February 18, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am unaware of what is able to be inspected of the vehicle at this time due to the amount of damage. My own and other drivers’ safety was at risk when my car began smoking and eventually caught fire. Nothing has been reproduced, inspected, or confirmed by any manufacturer, dealer, or independent contractor. I had my car in park for 2 hours before I began my trip. When I started the car up in the parking lot, the engine ran for about 10 minutes before I left. Within 2 miles of driving, the check engine light came on and the engine started smoking. I pulled the car over as soon as I could do so safely, put the car in park, turned off the ignition, and evacuated the vehicle. Soon after, the car ignited into flames under the hood and I called 911. The fire department extinguished the fire and reported to me that it was an electrical fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11452841February 18, 2022
ENGINE
Sudden engine lockup, car no longer driveable
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11452613February 17, 2022
ENGINE
Purchased used 2013 Kia Soul July 2018. June 2019, vehicle was taken to Kia Dealership for SC176-19V120 ECU Logic Upgrade. Neither catalytic converter nor engine were replaced during recall repair. In 2020, vehicle began consuming oil and poor mileage. No smoke or leak detected. Had vehicle inspected by local mechanic, who could not find pooled oil or a leak. Suggested replacing PCV valve and had that done, but symptoms persisted. April 2021 Engine Misfire Code P0300 and P0303 for cylinder 3 and multiple cylinder misfires detected. Local mechanic also checked for burning oil or leaks. Engine made knocking sounds on acceleration. Mechanic performed fuel system cleaning, and replaced spark plugs and coils. Engine knocking stopped, but loss of oil and poor mileage remained. Oct 2021 Campaign PI2002A Knock Sensor software update to ECU was performed by local Kia dealership with no other repairs performed. Feb 2022, visible oil leaking from beneath car and check engine light. Local mechanic diagnosed CodE P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1), and heard engine knocking. Recommended replace catalytic converter and reprogram ECU for short term fix, followed by engine replacement due to wear and damage from catalytic converter. Suggested I contact dealership who performed recall repairs to see about warranty or replacement of engine due to recall repairs failing to correct faulty engine issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11452546February 17, 2022
POWER TRAIN
I purchased a brand new 2022 Kia Soul GT line on 9/01/2022. At 4300 miles, the IVT transmission imploded while on the freeway. Same issues as all the others reported here - fluctuating rpms, followed by a complete loss of power while the tach is redlined. Had it towed to the Kia dealership, and they determined that I needed a new transmission. The only thing they could tell me was that there were metal shavings in the transmission fluid. Also, I didn't get a new transmission in my new car - they installed a refurbished trans, which I questioned, but I was assured that all would be well. Of course, the "new" transmission failed after only 1300 miles, same issue, and my car is still in the shop two weeks later. No warning lights came on, no notification of trouble through the app, either. Now I'm getting half-answers from my dealership about my next steps. I know what that will be - an attorney. KIA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THESE IVT TRANSMISSION FAILURES FOR OVER TWO YEARS AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING. I will never buy another Kia again. Ever. If you're reading this, please DON'T BUY A KIA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11452135February 15, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60mph when the engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road. The contact was informed by a passerby that the engine was on fire. The contact then called the fire marshals and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was taken and no injuries were sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was awaiting a response. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximate. 78,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451883February 14, 2022
STEERING:COLUMN
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering column would make a popping sound. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451929February 14, 2022
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH in an intersection, another vehicle ran the red light, causing his vehicle to crash into the passenger side of the other vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to exit the vehicle on his own. The contact sought medical assistance the next day and was diagnosed with a ruptured disk on his neck and lower back. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and advised the contact that the air bags acted as intended and did not have to deploy. The contact became aware of the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (AIR BAGS). The contact followed with the manufacturer who informed him they could not assist as his VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11451942February 14, 2022
ENGINE
The catalytic converter is causing my engine to have issues. I was traveling up an incline and the car would not accelerate past 30mph. I never received any warning signs such as engine light, black smoke from the exhaust, and the egg smell if the converter is going bad. I took the car to Kia and they could not see the car until the last week of February. The service department was backed up and understaffed. I took it to an independent service center and they said it was the catalytic converter. I continue to perform maintenance on the vehicle. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer etc. Again, I didn't get any warning messages, I did a vehicle diagnostic UVO It said no critical issues were found. Traveling 60mph, your vehicle shutting down to 30mph in traffic is dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451748February 13, 2022
ENGINE
Attempting to comply with recall. Possible related check engine light.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451636February 12, 2022
ENGINE
when i first checked my oil before i went on vacation. The oil dip stick showed no oil at all. i called the dealership and told them about it. I was informed that the 1026 kia souls had a issue with burning oil and that my car would have to go through a oil consumption test. over the course of the test my car burned over 2 1/2 quarts of oil and not counting how much the oil was down when i first brought it to them. the last time i brought it they said what kia sent out was that the oil is within the normal range of burning oil. my car had only 63,000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451687February 12, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Trouble is when i get speed with the car and press the brake the system fail and i dont have any acceleration. Ex. When i go about 50mph or more and press the brake. The electrical system fail and show on dashboard "check ev system" and after restart or shutdown the car and power on again the system works normal
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451702February 12, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Smoke will come from the vents and it fogs up the window to the point of no visibility while driving. The sent smell sweet
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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