Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11422200June 24, 2021
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, a loud knocking noise was coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced due to metal shavings being found in the oil pan. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then took the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the engine needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they would call him back. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421958June 23, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle has stalled several times. I was speeding up to merge on the freeway, pressed my foot hard on the gas, it went slow and a lot of smoke came from the back of the vehicle. I took my vehicle to a Kia dealership and was told that has nothing to do with the recall. I was there less than 30 minutes and feel like my issues were not taken seriously.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421852June 22, 2021
ENGINE
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 45 mph when she heard abnormal noise and saw smoke exiting from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated multiple warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The driver called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE). The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and they would not honor the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 101,027.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421881June 22, 2021
ENGINE
Bought used Nov2020. June 2021 took for a long road trip. Daily car use is less than 10 miles a day. So a long road trip should be fine. Got regularly scheduled oil change 1 month before trip, according to them no major problems with vehicle to take long drive. Drove over 1200 miles in a weekend, oil light came on, the check engine light immediately after. Stopped at gas station to put oil in allow to cool. Not over heating but wanted to allow to cool. Turned on car, check engine light and oil light still on. Then it went pop and I was stranded. It wouldn’t start.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421886June 22, 2021
ENGINE
Engine failure on 2012 Kia Soul GDI engine on June 21, 2021. Crankshaft had been replaced last year by a Kia dealership under TSB PO335, for which I was charged $427.29. I had never been advised of any potential problems with this vehicle's engine nor advised of any alternative measures to prevent the loss. Engine failed in heavy traffic. Triple AAA mechanic gave a diagnosis of engine failure and suggested engine replacement. No one has inspected the vehicle other than the AAA mechanic in Asheville, NC. No warning lamps came on to indicate a problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421623June 21, 2021
ENGINE
Took the vehicle in for oil consumption issues earlier this year. Kia cooperate stated the consumption was abnormal, but within parameters and would not fix the problem. The recall came out for the oil piston issue and i took the vehicle on for repair. Kia still refuses to fix the oil piston ring issue and oil consumption issue under the recall order. States the issue with the vehicle is abnormal, but passed inspection. The engine does not run correctly, while driving on the road, the engine looses power and has knocking sound. The vehicle still uses oil and Kia refuses to fix under warranty or the recall. .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421165June 16, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and a manufacturer's product improvement campaign software update however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving at 60 mph, there was a rattling sound heard then the vehicle loss motive power without warning. The instrument panel light and front driver’s and passenger’s side headlights flickered on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that there was a rod bearing knocking code that appeared on the code reader however, there were no oil leaks found. An oil consumption test was performed which found that the vehicle consumed a quart of oil for every thousand miles. An engine test was also performed, which the vehicle passed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage and advised the contact to drive the vehicle until the engine seized. The failure mileage was 93,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421175June 16, 2021
ENGINE
The first issue is that the oil light does not come on properly. It would only flicker on occasionally when the oil level began to get low. This is scary to think about not being warned that your car is out of oil and continuing to drive, when the engine could seize. The real issue is that the car is consuming oil. I am going through a quart a week just to keep up. I drive 500-600 miles a week. Kia will tell you that adding oil in-between oil changes is normal. There is nothing normal about having to give it this much. The car is not smoking and the car is not leaking. I had it checked by my mechanic, and they replaced the PCV valve. They said this was a long shot, and the next step would be to replace the engine. The valve replacement did little to help the consumption of oil. I know there are other cars in Kia's offering that have leaked oil into the pistons, I am thinking this could be one of them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421186June 16, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle would idle when coming to a complete stop and there was a heat source coming from the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was serviced for a manufacturer's product improvement campaign software updates for the engine control unit and knock sensor detection system however, the failure recurred after the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420997June 15, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
IN THE PAST YEAR FROM FEB LAST YEAR TILL TODAY I HAVE BOUGHT 2 SET OF LIGHTBULBS. THE 1ST SET LASTED A YEAR THE 2ND SET I BOUGHT 2/1/21 AND IT JUST BURNT OUT AGAIN. I AM NOT BUYING CHEAP BULBS EITHER.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421052June 15, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had misfired and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined the repair due to software update not being updated prior to the failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was 119,784.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11421069June 15, 2021
ENGINE
I was traveling back home from Dandridge, TN in July 2019. As I was going down the interstate at 70MPH, the engine made a very loud noise and the vehicle began to shake. I promptly pulled over to the shoulder and shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville. They had the car for three months before I received a phone call in September 2019. I was on my way to Florida with a friend, and Rusty Wallace Kia informed me that the engine had “threw a rod” and cut the oil lines. The recall is related to this exact issue. Rusty Wallace Kia then replaced the engine without my written permission. They called to inform me of this about a month later. I did receive mail from Kia Consumer Affairs alerting me of the recall a few months later. I have since contacted Consumer Affairs and they let me know they would be contacting Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville to discuss getting the repair payed for so I can get my car back. I received an email just today (several months later) from the service manager, Allison Richard’s, saying that I am responsible for the cost of the repairs. The recall paperwork in the mail states the engine will be replaced and the KDS software updated. As of today, Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville is refusing to release my car back to me (which is paid in full and I have the title in hand), and Allison also stated that consumer affairs said they wouldn’t help. I am needing my car back as soon as possible, and any help is appreciated. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420851June 14, 2021
ENGINE
My car caught fire upon a drive home. Had to call fire department and extinguished it myself before fire department arrival. Took vehicle to local Kia dealership to have them check car. Documentation of charting from fire. They told me it’s because I needed new snow tires. I purchased new tires. Months later my engine started knocking and vehicle is not drivable. I have filed a national claim with Kia due to safety recall on 4/21/21. I have sent pictures and report. I leave multiple voicemails. No one is calling me back. Case number 14128806. Case manager is Jesse. Twice I’ve been told his supervisor will call me back and no one has. Fire occurred in 2018- engine blew in 2021
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420883June 14, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. There was an abnormal ticking sound detected. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was sludge buildup in the engine from poor maintenance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was like the failure mentioned in NHTSA campaign number: 21V259000 (Engine). The failure mileage was 22,000. Consumer stated vehicle is not drivable will only drive about a block before it shuts off. Recall repairs for earliest date is August 6, 2021. Mechanic could not perform due to pre-existing damage caused by lack of maintenance and manufacturer would not honor repairs in the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420911June 14, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the cruise control failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that the ESC warning light was illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V114000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the Vin was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420914June 14, 2021
ENGINE
I received a recall notice from Kia. The notice said the engine may catch fire because of oil leaks and a Kia dealer would inspect the engine. The Kia dealer mechanic said there was no oil leak, though he noted oil on the valve cover (3-31-21). He also said one ignition coil spring was damaged. When I took the car to my mechanic, he said all the coil springs were soaked with oil due to a defective valve cover gasket. He replaced the gasket and the coils. I submitted documentation for all the claims in this note to the Kia Consumer Assistance department. They said I would have to wait 2 months for a response. I waited 2 months and have received no response. Sincerely, Joe Saccaro. What component malfunctioned? Valve cover gasket. Available for inspection upon request? Yes, I have all the parts. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Engine fire. The NHTSA required the recall. Has the problem confirmed? Yes, by a certified mechanic. (Document included,) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the dealer. Yes, the dealer mechanic confirmed the leak (attached) but did not say the valve cover gasket needed replacement. Were there any symptoms of the problem prior to the failure? Yes, oil on the engine cover, as noted by the Kia Mechanic. (attached)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420924June 14, 2021
ENGINE
Beautiful morning only 72 at the time been driving for only about 15 mins. Pressed the gas and the car didn't do anything . I took my foot off and tried again this time I heard a shattering of glass? In the engine and the knocking started. I only drive it a block before I stopped and turned the vehicle off. Opened the hood checked the oil and it was empty. Nothing dripping under the car no smoke except from the area you add oil. Added oil tried again started still knocking towed It to the mechanic. I was told I have to replace or rebuild the engine. Like many I still have a loan payment and the cost of the repair is more than the cost of the note. Asked from help from insurance its not covered. Asked for help from the service department at the dealer they offered to sale me a new vehicle. Talking to an attorney now. There were no indications that there was anything wrong with the car and the engine is blown??? With correct maintenance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420761June 13, 2021
ENGINE
We have concerns how Gerald KIA of Naperville handled the recall: NHTSA Recall Number: 20V750 (1/25/21)/Product Improvement Campaign (10/20/20) and at this point are very concerned about the safety of driving our car at all. We brought our car in on 2/24/21 for this important safety recall/product improvement campaign. They performed the PI2002B ECU Update (sc200b logic update), inspected the engine for sc200ps bct and fuel line and oil pan inspection which all passed. We expressed the check engine light was coming on when on the highway, the proposed fix was replacing Purge valve, spark plugs and air filter. I replaced the air filter and purge valve myself and had my local mechanic replaced the spark plugs and one coil on 4/10/21. Also note that the car has been consuming too much oil for the past year and started to get worse during this time - sometimes losing more than a quart a week and we just monitor the oil level and add when it is getting low and were hopeful that these repairs would help the oil consumption problem as well as the check engine light coming on. After these fixes the car started having severe acceleration/loss of power issues while driving on the highway when reaching 65 mph and the check engine light would flash. And then one time the check engine light started flashing and stayed on and I brought it to my local mechanic to diagnose. He cleaned our fuel system to see if it improves our performance and while doing so confirmed that our car has a clogged catalytic converter and recommended that we bring the car back to the dealership for an oil consumption test to inquire further into our car issues and that the high oil consumption may have led to the clogged cat. Before I brought the car back to the dealership I re-read the recall/safety campaign letters and realized that it appears what was happening was after the software update which updated the knock sensor detection system - the blinking check engine light was blinking and the
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420765June 13, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
Spontaneous paint loss down to the bare metal. Yesterday I noticed a large fist-sized paint loss on top of my car above the drivers side. There is no damage to the area just the paint loss out of nowhere. I also noticed a couple of tiny paint losses somewhat near the large loss, which are about 1/2 the size of a peppercorn. I'm confident they will get larger.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420702June 12, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When pulling out into traffic the car started to go, RPMs spiked all the way and the car just died… I shut it off, and all was fine…. Then I stopped to get gas, and when the auto stop/start kicked in, the car didn’t restart… the oil pressure light turned on, battery light, and check engine light all at the same time. Would not let me shift into park. I had to push the shift release to let me put it into park. I was then able to shut off the car properly and start it just fine, and no lights active. This all happened around 19,000 miles. The last 2 times I’ve been in for an oil change, there has been 2 recalls completed , and now this new recall related to the oil piston.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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