Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11450293February 3, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while she was driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed all the way to the floorboard however, the vehicle would not accelerate above 10 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that both catalytic converters had failed, and the vehicle was not drivable and was unsafe to drive. The independent mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under the engine warranty or NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) without service records; however, the contact provided the six service records that she had available at the time to the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,834.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11450006February 2, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY, SEATS
I purchased the 2013 Kia Soul used on 5/22/2021 and shortly afterward discovered water leaking into the front passenger side compartment and evidence that the leak was old. I brought the car to Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh (kiaofraleigh.com) on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21, and they incorrectly diagnosed the leak as an air conditioner hose. And then, after they replaced the hose, they thought it might be a windshield leak. After the unneeded air conditioner repair, they referred me out for windshield/water leak testing. McConnell Auto Glass (mcconnellautoglass.com) determined that the windshield was not leaking. The leak was coming in from substandard factory welding in the car frame. The car has never had frame repair on that side. My attempts to patch the bad weld joints with JD Weld caused the leak to continue to move across multiple failing car frame welds. The leak has damaged the interior of the car, grown mold, and exposed the electrical components to failure, rust, and fire. I contacted Kia Corporation (800 333 4542) on 1/12/22, 1/20/22, and 1/21/22. They have told me that Fred Anderson Kia will not return their outreach calls, and they would refer my case # 14586235 to the district manager for a callback -- which has not happened. They tell me the DM’s name and contact information are secret, so I can not call them. Q1: The frame welds. I have covered some of the leaking areas with JD Weld, but the welds are unaltered and could be inspected by removing the JD Weld. I also took several pictures. The leak is still present. Q2: The leak caused interior damage, including mold, and could damage electrical components due to moisture, rust, or fire. Q3: Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh verified the leak but could not correctly diagnose it. McConnell Auto Glass verified the leak. Q4: Yes, Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21 Q5: I noticed the wet carpet shortly after I purchased the car, but there is evidence of long-term damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449724February 1, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449737February 1, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the oil pressure warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 67,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449774February 1, 2022
ENGINE
I brought in car for a recall notice on the engine component the check engine light came on stop driving it and scheduled an appointment to have the car serviced and have the recall done and now the dealership is refusing to do the repairs associated with the recall because I did not get a software update in a timely manner but there is no stimulation saying that the recall is void if I do not get the software update I did not know about the software update I was never contacted about any of this and now the dealership is refusing to do the repair job
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449535January 31, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle then stalled without warning and was parked on the side of the roadway. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449624January 31, 2022
ENGINE
Received Engine Code P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 1. There is an existing recall NHTSA # 19V120000 ( Kia Recall SC176), with similar issues and I received a letter from Kia to get the recall repaired, but when entering my VIN, my vehicle is not on the recall list, and now I believe I am experiencing this recall on my vehicle. If the cat. the converter is clogged it can cause engine failure and possibly a fire in the near future. Unfortunately, Kia will not repair my vehicle as the VIN is not listed. The possible repairs are in the thousands for a new catalytic converter, which I have seen may other customers not get reimbursed if they fix it on their own. I am hoping this can get on their radar to add my car to the recall. My vehicle is a 2013 Kia Soul (Base Model 1.6 liter). Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449657January 31, 2022
ENGINE
My vehicle started losing power and was making a loud whomping sound. The check engine light came on and was blinking continuously. I believe the engine blew up. I was at safety risk because these vehicles have a history of starting on fire and also it was below zero. The manufacturer is aware of the history of engine failure and this is a new motor installed from the last one failing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449454January 30, 2022
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My car is exhibiting the same issue as the recall below but not on my VIN #. I have an open case with Kia Consumer Affairs which has been open for a couple months with zero feedback. I do not feel safe driving the car but as it stands I have no choice but my car as shown below and I was also told at the Kia dealership I purchased it from that it will need a new engine. Recall Subject: Engine and Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor Report Receipt Date: 02/22/2019 NHTSA Campaign: 19v120000 Summary Kia motors america (kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 kia soul vehicles equipped with 1.6l gasoline direct injection (gdi) engines. high exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure. Consequence Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. a broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. the leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire. Remedy Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the catalytic overheating protection engine control unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. in addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. the recall began april 17, 2019. owners may contact kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. kia's number for this recall is sc176. Notes Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449476January 30, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Catalytic Converter overheated causing a fire beneath the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449336January 29, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My catalytic converter has gone out 3 times! There has to be something wrong more than just normal wear and tear
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449339January 29, 2022
ENGINE
I noticed my 2014 kia soul 2.0 not taking off when accelerating and hearing a high pitched screeching sound coming from the engine almost like metal was rubbing against metal. My vehicle also has been burning a lot of oilsince I purchased it in 2018 (1 quart every 2 weeks). I have taken my vehicle into kia for 2 other recalls and mention the oil burning and was told it was normal. On January 20th, 2022, I took my vehicle to the Kia dealership because of the acceleration issue and was told it may need an engine replacement but now I'm being told the engine doesn't need replacing but it needs a catalytic converter and that this may be a result of the car leaking oil into the catalytic converter causing it to become completely clogged. This will definitely be considered a safety issue because this could cause a fire or make the vehicle stall therefore causing an accident. The engine and catalytic converter for 2014 soul+ 2.0 needs to be recalled.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449227January 28, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,116.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449285January 28, 2022
STEERING
Steering coupler failing. Steering wheel currently clicks and feels loose when turning. Afraid it will break at any moment and needs immediate repair... Recall has been offered for other years of Kia Souls for this part but not 2012. This should be a recall for 2012 too!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449292January 28, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Brakes completely failed. It turned out that the brake line for the rear wheels rusted through where it bends near the rear wheels and all of the brake fluid was lost. I had just completed a 400 mile trip (New Hope, PA to Wash DC and back) and it was just my good fortune that the failure occurred in my driveway and not on I95
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449319January 28, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
I purchased the 2013 Kia Soul used on 5/22/2021 and shortly afterward discovered water leaking into the front passenger side compartment and evidence that the leak was old. I brought the car to Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh (kiaofraleigh.com) on 6/7/21, 6/25/21, and 7/20/21, and they incorrectly diagnosed the leak as an air conditioner hose. And then, after they replaced the hose, they thought it might be a windshield leak. After the unneeded air conditioner repair, they referred me out for windshield/water leak testing. McConnell Auto Glass (mcconnellautoglass.com) determined that the windshield was not leaking. The leak was coming in from substandard factory welding in the car frame. The car has never had frame repair on that side. My attempts to patch the bad weld joints with JD Weld caused the leak to continue to move across multiple failing car frame welds. The leak has damaged the interior of the car, grown mold, and exposed the electrical components to failure, rust, and fire. I contacted Kia Corporation (800 333 4542) on 1/12/22, 1/20/22, and 1/21/22. They have told me that Fred Anderson Kia will not return their outreach calls, and they would refer my case # 14586235 to the district manager for a callback -- which has not happened. They tell me the DM’s name and contact information are secret, so I can not call them. Q1: The frame welds. I have covered some of the leaking areas with JD Weld, but the welds are unaltered and could be inspected by removing the JD Weld. I also took several pictures. The leak is still present. Q2: The leak caused interior damage, including mold, and could damage electrical components due to moisture, rust, or fire. Q3: Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh verified the leak but could not correctly diagnose it. McConnell Auto Glass verified the leak. Q4: Yes, Fred Anderson Kia of Raleigh on 6/7/21, 6/25/21 and 7/20/21 Q5: I noticed the wet carpet shortly after I purchased the car, but there is evidence of long-term damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449088January 27, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The contact's mother took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall remedy completed. The contact stated in November 2021, while driving approximately 40 MPH, while depressing on the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to park on the side of the road and was able to continue driving shortly after however, the vehicle failed to accelerate over 20 MPH. The contact stated she had to stop four times before arriving at her residence. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear catalytic converter replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated after leaving the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to two separate independent mechanics and was informed that the original main catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the original main catalytic converter replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,558.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449024January 26, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure might be due to a piston slap. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448840January 25, 2022
ENGINE
I was driving normal speed of around 45mph and randomly without warning engine made very loud knocking sound. I had both my children in the vehicle when this happened. We immediately pulled over. Oil was bare but there wasn't any signs of a leak, and no prior warning lights appeared. I bought oil and added to the engine, but this did not resolve the issue. Ended up having to get vehicle towed for inspection. At this time they stated engine was blown due to bad rods. With still having owed around 14,000$ trading car in or selling was not an option, so I spent over 7000$ to get engine replaced. Not even a year later engine is now blown again same scenario. There has been engine recalls on prior years for this make / model along with 2020 and 2021 engines. This needs to be included. This is not safe and nearly caused me to get into a serious accident with another vehicle on both occasions. I have all documentation, and not only am looking to get current engine replacement completed. But I also feel I'm due reimbursement for prior engine replacement that was paid out of pocket. I cant drive this vehicle. If inspection is needed the vehicle would need to be towed, and with what I've already paid I don't feel I should have to pay for another tow either.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11448696January 24, 2022
ENGINE
Engine locked up at around 69,000 miles when contacting Kia about warranty the man on the phone knew the problem when told what the vehicle was and said that it is very common. There was no warning except for knock shorty before happening standing me on the interstate on January 19th 2022.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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