Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11444536December 21, 2021
ENGINE
RECALL NOT BEING FIXED
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444546December 21, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling) however, the check engine warning light started illuminating randomly. The vehicle was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense since the vehicle was no longer under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444250December 18, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My issue is constant engine stalling. It is a very scary experience.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443964December 16, 2021
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I took my car into the dealer for the COP logic recall with the ECU. Ever since that fix, every time I start my car when it’s cold outside it idles high. If the ambient temperature goes below 50 degrees or so when I turn the key to start the car the RPM jumps to almost 4K at cold it stays high for about a minute until it eventually settles around 1k. It only does this when it’s cold out and it never did it before that fix. Sometimes it will set off the MIL with the code P050A when this happens.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443983December 16, 2021
ENGINE
Vehicle is a 2014 Kia Soul with the 1.6L GDI engine. While traveling at highway speeds the engine began to run rough and the vehicle lost power. The check engine light did not illuminate. We pulled off the highway to a Kia dealership in Greensboro, NC with the engine continuing to run & idle roughly. The dealership replaced the spark plugs & coils believing it was a misfire issue, however the engine continued to run poorly. A compression test showed 30 psi in one cylinder with 130 psi in the others. The engine would require replacement at only 72k miles. The vehicle was maintained per the maintenance schedule, and fluids were kept at the proper level. Without any warning this could have caused an accident on the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444029December 16, 2021
ENGINE
Prior to completing the Kia Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software upgrade to add a Knock Sensor Detections System (KSDS) on my 2016 Kia Soul, my engine completely failed. After towing the vehicle to an auto repair show, my mechanic told me he won't repair my Kia as it was under warranty. I then towed my Kia to the dealership, I was informed that my piston rod had catastrophic failure and I needed to purchase a new engine ($10,800). According to the product improvement campaign, the vehicle has the potential of suffering damage of the exact failure I had. Kia claims that because my engine failed prior to getting the software upgrade, that I am required to pay for a new engine. There was no deadline to complete the software upgrade, nor was I notified in the letter that if my engine failed prior to, I would be held liable. Kia has a known product defect (MFG Recall SC176; NHTSA Recall 19V-120). My engine failed in the exact same manner as described in the recall. My vehicle only has 86,000 miles on it. My Kia has been at the dealership since July 6, 2021. I did receive a copy of the recall notice in Sept. of 2021. I called the dealership again, and they said no, my engine isn't covered, but they could replace my engine for 6000$ now. Then I got a call from the dealership that they could not find an engine, and it would take 3 months to get an engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444049December 16, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was blinking on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified but, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443904December 15, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
On November 18th, 2021, at 7.20 AM while driving at posted speed limit of 45mph, the hood on my 2011 Kia Soul suddenly flew open, hitting the window, causing me to slow down and stop on the side of the road. After inspecting the destroyed hood, hinges and severally damaged roof, I proceeded to secure the hood so I can get back to my home and begin the process of working this out. To my knowledge, there have been no recalls or complainants on the hood latch mechanism that should have prevented this. I was the only occupant at the time and could have resulted in serious injury or even death, if there were more cars at the time who knows what the outcome would have been. Unknow about reproducing the issue. The vehicle has now been estimated 2 times by the insurance company and still ongoing. No warning lamps of any kind were given. As of today I am still dealing with the Insurance company as they are not wanting to pay what the estimate is, leaving me stranded. Kia needs to make this right and step in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443925December 15, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
Nearly totalled Kia soul 2013, engine lost compression, then stalled. In the middle of highway, Preventing me to exit or stop, since brakes dont work when car isn't running.towwed it to dealership, they claim that it's part of recall sc176, which states engine failure, because of defect in motor, yet claim mine isn't part of recall, 19v120000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443746December 14, 2021
ENGINE
While attempting to accelerate on the interstate (around 70 mph),car would not accelerate engine began to knock. No warning lights were illuminated. Took the vehicle to a local automotive repair and was informed that it had completely burned through the oil and the engine would need to be replaced. This would be the 2nd Engine I replaced Engine 2 years ago.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443592December 13, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was making ticking and knocking sounds. Upon registering the vehicle on the manufacturer's website, the contact was made aware that the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, and both mechanics diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The dealer upgraded the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic and diagnosed the vehicle with engine rod knock failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they would not honor the recall since the contact was the second owner and the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 184,963.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443439December 11, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The alarm won’t let me in the car. Got a jump started for a few. Cut it off now it has not started again. Changed starter that did nothing. Can’t connect to the key, dashboard keeps blinking, Alarm keeps crashing. Battery checked out good. No ideal what is wrong
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443319December 10, 2021
ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine. Vehicle is currently at the dealership. No idea when we'll get it back, but we'd be more than willing for it to be inspected. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Any time a car engine is at risk of dying or seizing, it's a risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealer seems to know what the issue is and is jumping through Kia's hoops to try and get something done about it. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? By the dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The problem first appeared over the Fourth of July weekend of 2021. I was alerted to the fact that there was an issue because the oil light would flicker for just a split second on sharp curves. The car had somewhere in the neighborhood of 60K miles at that point. From what I'm finding out, many of the 2017 Kia Souls have the same issue with their engines that the Kias that are under recall have. Burning copious amounts of oil, stalling, running rough to the point that it feels like it's going to die at stops. Kia is quietly replacing these engines after a long cycle of testing, but they're definitely taking their time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443400December 10, 2021
ENGINE
Wed Dec 8,2021 - I was driving home after picking up take out when vehicle loses power upon acceleration. Check engine light begins blinking and vehicle monitoring system specifies an issue with the Engine Control Management System. I am able to limp home, turn off the car then turn it on again. Still have the blinking CEL and same message from vehicle monitoring system. I check the engine oil as it was making a clacking sound during driving but I did not think it was the engine oil because the car had just had a dealer oil change and inspection at 90,000 miles and I was at 93,100. The engine oil level was non-existent, so I refilled the oil to the working level on the dip stick. I start the vehicle again but the CEL was still flashing and acceleration did not go above 2,500 rpms. Fri Dec 10, 2021 - I bring it to my auto shop and have them diagnose the issue and am informed that the engine in my Kia is prone to excessive engine oil consumption. TSB-222 Excessive Oil Consumption -Nu/Gamma Engines. This I was unaware of and never brought to my attention by the Kia dealership that serviced my car, Citrus Kia in Ontario, CA and Riverside Kia in Riverside, CA. I had always brought my car in at 7,500-mile intervals for its oil change as specified in the owner's manual. I am then informed that because of the lack of adequate oil, some engine components are on the verge of failing, that I will need to replace my engine. This should be addressed by Kia and they should be responsible for this failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443218December 9, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road prior to the vehicle losing motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was informed that there were similar vehicles experiencing the same failure. The mechanic notified her of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact then had the vehicle towed to the local dealer and was informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443241December 9, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Daughters were stranded in middle of road ,, Car Dealer said everything was fixed not the case sent car back nothing was done had to tow to mechanic and they did the repairs as needed car is back in shop needing additional repairs that should have been done with original recall
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442951December 7, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
For a week or two when I turned the heated seat on I would often feel a very intense heat from the seat back when it started up for a period of time. I had just recently had a back injury so I thought perhaps my back was being overly sensitive. Finally on the 27th just after I started driving the car in the morning I felt the burning feeling on my back again and stuck my hand behind me to feel the seat. I felt burning on my hand and pain and yanked my hand away immediately, pulled over, and looked behind me at the seat, in time to see a curl of smoke coming out of a small hole on the back of the seat. I also found that the palm of my hand had a small mark beneath the base of my thumb where I had felt the burning pain. It took at least half an hour for the burning sensation to fade. I also detected an odor of smoke for a bit afterward. I had no warning that this was going to happen other than the burning feeling the heated seat had started to generate upon my back- no warning lights or such. I have not had any service done on the problem yet though I intend to contact Kia soon; so the car is currently in the same state although obviously I don't turn the heated seat on anymore since I don't want things in my car to be on fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11442972December 7, 2021
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving to work in my 2018 Kia soul on 10/16/21 vehicle has a significant hesitation pulling away from a stop sign/red-light. A very slight knocking noise could be heard. the oil light flickered on and then immediately went off. Next thing I know while doing 65 on the highway the oil, engine, and battery lights all lit up then suddenly power to the vehicle was gone! I managed to get the vehicle off the highway onto the shoulder of the road where I watched smoke pouring out of the engine bay. My vehicle only has 69059 miles. the 2.0L motor that is subject to many other recalls and issues is the same as what is in my Soul. . I've only had this car for less than two years! KIA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442791December 6, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an oil change. The dealer had the oil maintenance completed but continued to see the check engine warning and low oil level lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to a local dealer who called the manufacturer and was instructed to have an oil consumption test completed. The contact took the vehicle back on 11/2/2021 to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442930December 6, 2021
ENGINE
Engine failure on freeway 2 times in last 9 months. Engine rattles as if coming apart and almost complete loss of power. Had spark plugs replaced after both incidents for temporary fix. Mechanics informed me that 2015 KIA Soul engine have problems/issues. Engine is also burning oil. KIA dealer said it is "normal" for engine to burn oil with high mileage. (130,000 miles)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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