Kia Soul Complaints
5,626 consumer complaints on file.
- #11442718December 5, 2021ENGINE
My car is having the exact same problem (engine damage from rod bearing wear) as the issue that triggered Recall No 20V-750 in Kia Forte, which also has the same 2.0L Nu GDI engine. My mechanic discovered the problem, which has blown my engine, and I know there is no motive for him to lie about it because he advised me to ask Kia to replace the engine and did not attempt to sell me the service himself. I have performed all recommended maintenance on time, and the only previous owner of the car provided documentation of doing the same. I know not many people who buy a Kia Soul spring for the premium trim with this engine so there may not be many complaints about it yet, but my hope is that the 20V-750 recall will at some point be extended to my car's model and trim as my car has only about 85,000 miles on it.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11442750December 5, 2021EXTERIOR LIGHTING
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ALWAYS FLICKERS DURING USE. I CHANGE THE TURN SIGNAL BULB MONTHLY BUT IT NEVER LAST MORE THAN A FEW DAYS WORKING IF NOT AT ALL. I HAVE CONFIRMED THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BULBS AS I HAVE CHECKED THE BULB WITH THE LEFT SIDE.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11442639December 4, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased my 2015 Kia Soul in March 2019 and it was stolen from my workplace on November 16, 2021 because it was equipped with a defect that made it incredibly easy to steal. My vehicle was deemed a total loss by my insurance company with over $10,000 in damages (See attached pictures) of which I had to pay a $500 insurance deductible, and I lost 5 days of wages and I am still in process of shopping for a new replacement vehicle. The rental is due to be returned today December 4, 2021. I will have no other choice but to pay out of my pocket additional costs to keep my rental a little longer until I find a replacement vehicle. This whole situation has been a complete nightmare and has negatively impacted my life both financially and emotionally.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11442652December 4, 2021ENGINE
At 94,000 miles without warning I have a rod knock. I have maintained oil changes regularly and topped my oil off before this drive. No warning lights no indicators. Just a blown engine.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11442659December 4, 2021ENGINE
Engine consuming so much oil it caused several breakdowns while driving, including total loss of acceleration and very bad engine knocking/shaking. Constantly refilling oil to avoid these breakdowns. Integral engine parts failed including catalytic converter and cam shaft sensors. Parts replaced but issue is not resolved. Engine still miss fires and needed 3 oil changes in 3 months, in addition to constant extra oil being added in the meantime. Car isn’t safe to drive because breakdowns and miss fires happen without warning, without an engine light or oil light.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11442584December 3, 2021ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, STEERING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle wobbled and hesitated to accelerate. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming excessive amounts of oil. The local dealer and Gurley Leep Kia (4028 Grape Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545) were made aware of the failure. Both dealers informed the contact that the next available appointment was on December 20th. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact learned that there were two recalls associated with the VIN; NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering) and 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11442486December 2, 2021ENGINE
2914 Kia Soul with 49,405 miles. Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated-No drivability issues were noted outside of a rapid idle at startup. Dealer scan indicated fault code P050A and performed ECU upgrade for $186.51.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11442288December 1, 2021EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 times within 16 months, my passenger side headlamps low and high beam burned out with a melted headlamp connector plug. My 2015 Kia Soul was purchased in June 2016 and now has less than 38,000 miles. I have seen that there was previously (2016) a safety Recall SC149 Halogen Headlamp Low Beam Connector for 2015 Kia Soul but Danbury Connecticut Kia dealership denies this. I am concerned about a fire as well as cost of repairing this dangerous defect. [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
- #11441904November 29, 2021ENGINE
Unknown.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11441914November 29, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the catalytic convertor replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the check engine warning light illuminated for a second time. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the high-pressure sensor and the fuel pump to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the check engine warning light was illuminated for a third time. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. 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 had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 189,299.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11441963November 29, 2021ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The front of the car started to smoke (black smoke coming from under the hood) while driving on a highway and caught fire within one minute. The safety of the driver was at risk. He barely had enough time to get out of the car before the whole front of the car burst into flames. The driver had to call 911. The FDNY put the fire out with NYPD present. The fire was so big that there was nothing left to inspect after FDNY put the fire out. This was a total loss and insurance accepted the photos without physically inspecting the car. The car began to sound like it was running on diesel and lost power shortly before the smoke. No other obvious warnings or signs were noted.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11441984November 29, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while making a left turn, she heard an abnormal noise from the steering wheel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination but noticed the steering noise was progressing. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the flexible coupling to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11441862November 28, 2021STEERING
Steering system 'clunking' and getting unstable, increasingly 'loose.' Called local Kia service department about six weeks ago but they never returned my call. Contacted live agent online yesterday, hopefully someone will call back. I'm very afraid to drive it.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11441829November 27, 2021ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
My check engine light goes on and off and its reading catalytic converter there is a recall for that as well on kia souls
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11441786November 27, 2021POWER TRAIN
The vehicle started loosing power. the engine would rev up but the car wouldn't go. the car had to be towed to the dealership because the vehicle would not engage into drive or reverse. the dealership is replacing the transmission. It is the IVT transmission
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11441580November 24, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CONSTITUENT WRITES INQUIRING ABOUT THE STATUS OF A SAFETY RECALL RELATED TO THEIR 2015 KIA SOUL.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11441496November 23, 2021ENGINE
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 the dealership, I was informed that my piston rod had catastrophic failure and I needed to purchase a new engine ($4,000). 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), but my VIN isn't affected. However, my engine failed in the exact same manner as described in the recall. My vehicle only has 52,000 miles on it and out of factory warranty by 3.5 months when this occurred.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11441518November 23, 2021STEERING
popping sound in steering column when turning. it is available for inspection. problem identified by Firestone technician.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11441286November 22, 2021ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I recieved a notification of an engine recall for my Kia Soul. Took it to the nearest dealership an was told the issue was resolved. This was roughly March 1 2021. My check engine light appeared and was diagnosed as a catalytic converter/engine issue . Had vehicle towed to the dealership and after a week or who was told the issue was related to the recall and good to go Roughly 4-6 weeks later check engine light reappered with the same malfunction code. Vehicle has been towed to the dealer to diagnose and fix. The kia dealerships in my area are quoting serviced appointments months out, with no courtesy cars offered. Some dealerships have refused service altogether,.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11441189November 21, 2021ENGINE
Having a problem since 4/2021 with engine light coming on, diagnosis showing catalytic converter issue (code P0420) engine and exhaust not performing correctly, dealer requested assistance due to known recall problem with system and Kia has not responded. Could be fire and crash risk due to the problem.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0