Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11420542June 11, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420575June 11, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a knocking sound heard. The vehicle was shaking while accelerating and there was a lag before the vehicle accelerate and then stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor was faulty. The crankshaft sensor was replaced. The failure recurred after the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they would not cover the cost for the engine replacement and they had already initiated a product improvement campaign by installing the knock sensor detection to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420456June 10, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle shuddered and loss motive power. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving to the residence. An unknown warning light was illuminated when the vehicle was restarted. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine rod had fractured and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage 59,600.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420253June 9, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving an abnormal sound was heard as the vehicle loss power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact opened the hood and checked the oil dipstick and discovered there was no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the oil was change three weeks prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to her residence and then towed to the NTB in Belair, MD to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rod had punctured the oil tank. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The Vin was included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a diagnostic trouble code. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420289June 9, 2021
ENGINE
2015 Kia Soul engine failure with approximately 71k miles, Jan 1029. This particular VIN was not part of a prior recall. A recall was issued after this date to request owners of these particular vehicles to bring their cars in to the dealership to have them checked and a possible software update to prevent engine failures. What recourse do I have as there is not a recall for my particular VIN to replace a failed engine and since the engine has already failed and modifications to software abviously is not a solution at this point? How does a consumer get protection from a clearly known failure mode for these particular engines? Please Help!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420292June 9, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
My issue has to deal with the catalytic converter. I received a safety recall letter dated 4/12/2019 which stated I had a defect related directly to the converter. I brought the car in within days of this letter to get the upgrade to the Catalytic overheating protection unit. starting in Feb of 2021 my engine light goes on, and stays on for a few days, then goes off again for a week . this has repeated itself since then. Ive since brought the car in twice explaining this issue, only to be told on my 2nd trip that my catalytic converter is clogged. I explained I have the safety recall later which states "Kia will upgrade the catalytic overheating protection logic in the engine control unit (ECU), and if necessary replace the catalytic converter and/or engine at no cost to you". The response from both the dealer and KIA has been, "that campaign has ended, and the repairs are your responsibility". My argument is, how can a safety recall that is directly related to my defect ever be expired?. The car has been diagnosed as having a clogged converter. I've been advised by a lawyer to reach out here to see if i can get any answers regarding the recall letter and if its valid for the life of the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420306June 9, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia SOUL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate and loss motive power. The vehicle was towed to an Independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was ½ quart low on oil, with no leaks present. The catalytic converter was inspected and flushed however, and additional diagnostic test was needed. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter fractured and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact felt unsafe driving at low speeds due to the vehicle not accelerating above 15 mph. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 107,269.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420154June 8, 2021
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oil light came on and engine started knocking, then car shut off in the middle of the highway
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419943June 7, 2021
ENGINE
I have been a 3 car Kia customer for almost 10 years. In the last 10 months I have had more than a dozen service visits. Starting in August 2020 my engine was losing oil. After first visit, my SA Edwin agreed this is a problem, do the oil consumption test and we’ll be on our way for a repair. Test Done, with a "sorry" we have to do the test again but we replaced the ignition coil. (2nd Coil since I’ve owned car) And again we test. With more "Sorry" it didn't burn enough oil, or you have to come in EXACTLY at 1,000 miles. (This is NOT true; math can be converted at any mileage over the 1,000.) Even when I told them it starts burning at the 2,000 mark after oil change. Over and over again, I miss work to sit in the dealership, or WALK home, as the dealership insisted on these appointments but wouldn't give me a loaner (I have full coverage insurance) Finally in March 2021 they decide they will clean the combustion chamber. Need to leave car: they make me RENT a car saying it will be paid for with my warranty. ADDITIONAL days needed as more problems occurred while in for repair. (Oil switch). Keep the rental they told me, it’s covered. Return the rental and the dealership won’t PAY THE RENTAL. I have now missed over 30 hours of work, repeated oil change costs for the process, Rental Fees, Inspection fees that were never reimbursed. All in avoidance of a repair that was clearly needed to my engine. Go back into a new Kia on 6/1/21 for scheduled oil change, and the Tech tells me there is NO OIL ON THE DIPSTICK. AGAIN. 10 months later and I still have the same problem. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE and KIA will not address.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419955June 7, 2021
ENGINE
In 2020 Kia Motors America sent letters about a Product Improvement Campaign. This 'campaign" was intended to update software for a Knock Sensor System (KSDS) that detects vibrations indicating the onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear in the engine. Per letter "The KSDS is designed to alert the vehicle driver AT AN EARLY stage of bearing wear BEFORE the occurrence of severe engine damage including engine failure". I never received this letter. I never knew that there was a severe issue with my car, my check engine lights never came on. I took my car in to Car Pros Kia in Huntington Beach a couple months ago for a transmission fluid change and they never told me anything was wrong or that this Product Improvement Campaign was available. On 6/1/2021 my car died out of nowhere. I took the car to KIA where they filed a claim for a new engine per the product improvement campaign but it was denied. Dan Boyer, supervisor from Kia Motors America Claims Department told me the deadline was 4/16/21. This date isn't on any letter they sent. After searching, I realized that these letters are available for the public to view. I realized that one letter from 3/21/2020 states in bold underlined format "We would, however, like to assure you that there is no immediate need to have this software update performed". Clearly this is incorrect information, getting this software update is CRUCIAL-your engine WILL be damaged if the rod bearings are damaged as mine was. Kia Motors expected me to bring my car, despite I never received a letter, I had no idea there was product improvement campaign surrounding this issue, and expected people to bring their car in for it in the middle of a pandemic. Now I can't go to work, my livelihood is at stake, and they want me to pay $6,000 out of pocket + any other fee associated without taking any responsibility on the matter. I'm seeking assistance in making things right, I'm looking for compensation, and awareness about this corporation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11420015June 7, 2021
ENGINE
My KIA Soul did not have any warning lights on or strange sounds/issues when I began driving on the highway on 6/5/21 with my 12 year old special needs son. A short time after we entered the highway I began to notice a strange knocking sound and it felt like the car was struggling to maintain speed. Within a few seconds I started to smell a "hot" smell and immediately pulled over to the side of a two lane highway with a very small shoulder. When I pulled over the knocking became very loud and then all of the warning lights on the dash flashed on and then the car died. We were stranded on the side of the road in the middle of no where while trucks and cars flew by at high rates of speed. It was also incredibly hot and the car was not functioning to be able to roll down windows. I was able to use roadside assistance through my insurance company and it was towed to a local repair shop. I was told that the engine was blown and my engine had "thrown" internal parts. They said the engine was completely dead and needed replaced. They also stated that they have seen this issue a lot with Kia Soul's especially 2015-2017 models. In fact the owner said as soon as he heard what the car was he knew it was going to be engine failure. I am very lucky that I was able to pull over to the small shoulder before the car died or I would have been stuck in the middle of the road right after a hill and my car would have been impossible to see stopped by drivers coming over the hill before it would have been hit. This has also caused my special needs son to become extremely panicked in the car and afraid to drive with me. After a quick Google search I was able to find complaint after complaint after complaint about this issue with the 2017 Kia Soul at around 70-80,000 miles which is exactly where I am at. I know owe a great deal of money on a car that is totaled out unless I spend over $6,000 to replace the engine. Money that I do NOT have after losing my job due to Covid.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419765June 5, 2021
ENGINE
My car, KIA SOUL 2013, had problems such as 1.car burned oil a gallon every 500-1000 miles 2.car not accelerating properly 3.check engine light PO420 and there was a recall about catalytic converter so I went to KIA DEALER (DTLA). I expected them to replace the catalytic converter but they just upgraded ECU. A couple months later, my car died in the middle of mountain road. According to a mechanic, one of engine’s pistons not working and suggested me to replace an engine. I did because I need a car for working. My car now still show code PO420. I am afraid that my car will die again from malfunction catalytic converter
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419776June 5, 2021
ENGINE
Engine started knocking and stalled on the highway going 70mph, almost caused a major accident. Had it towed to local KIA Dealership. Although I was the second owner, and the car was over 5 years old and had 71,000 miles, KIA replaced the engine under warranty. Metallic debris was found in engine, probably causing failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419623June 4, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). Upon retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the catalytic converter needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 128,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419629June 4, 2021
ENGINE
I was headed to a family BBQ on memorial day in my 2017 Kia Soul that I have had about 2 years and is a certified pre-owned vehicle and did not notice any abnormalities or sounds prior to the incident. I went to partk and noticed that my check engine light popped on but thought nothing of it as my gas cap lock was broken and so I turned off the vehicle. I want to note there was no sounds, and no over heating. That evening I went to leave and the car would not turn over and thought maybe the battery was bad, but was reminded that it was replaced one week prior. So I had it towed in the next day to a mechanic and upon initial inspection he found that the engine had siezed and locked up as well as it would not turn over. I'm pretty good about personally completing oil changes, but was sharing vehicle with my ex partner and was told that the oil came up 2 quarts short upon checking, but was told that should not be enough to make the engine seize. So the mechanic replaced the starter and upon turning over the vehicle the engine began to produce a bad knock and I was told that the engine was needing to be replaced and was going to lock up again if driven. The vehicle is at 70,000 miles so is no longer covered under the factory warranty and the extended warranty may not cover it so I'm at a lose at the moment. I find it really hard to believe that after all the research I've done on this engine problem and seeing all the people with the same situation occurring that a recall has not been issued on this year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419688June 4, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:BLINDSPOT:SENSORS
Recently I noticed when I stop and the stop-start system feature and the Blind-spot sensors are turned on the car will either shut completely off or stall once I step on the gas.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419713June 4, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6/4/2021 Returning from picking up my children in Maryland, my vehicle stalls out at MD 137 in Hereford. The idle stop and go system repeatedly engages and disengages, the engine continued to sputter and rev. I took the vehicle to the nearest service station, as all the Kia service techs no longer were working past 4 PM. I was able to have a Jiffy Lube service tech read the code P0420 (which has been a previous issue with catalytic converters wearing out at 80,000 miles for previous Souls) as well as several codes for the Camshaft sensor and Crankshaft.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419722June 4, 2021
ENGINE
Engine has a severe knock and is consuming large quantities of oil, oil light would flash even with oil at the max mark. It is available for inspection. When dealer looked at the car they flashed the knock sensor, and returned vehicle, drove 2 miles went into limp mode in traffic, would not go above 5mph. Engine light flashed. Dealer replaced knock sensor and returned vehicle. Again, approximately 2 miles the vehicle went into limp mode again in traffic. Upon 3rd time going to the dealer they determined Engine needed replaced and refused to warrentie under recall. Vehicle has 156k miles recall expires at 150k.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419534June 3, 2021
ENGINE
Engine shuddering violently, losing power and shutting off around 6500 miles causing loss of power and near accidents. The check engine light came on and remained solid during the duration of the incident. Oil level was found to be around 2.5 quarts low after being observed resting at a healthy level just 1000 miles prior during fluid checks by owner. Vehicle had recently been taken to dealership for first oil, lube and filter visit and inspection around 3500 miles. Following the discovery of oil loss vehicle was promptly taken to dealership where no external leaks were detected and an oil consumption test was started. The consumer stated the Kia oil consumption test disallows for the consumer to check the oil. The consumer would have to drive the vehicle 1,000 miles or until the car shuts off while testing the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11419379June 2, 2021
ENGINE
approximately 9 months ago (approximately 65,000 miles) the vehicle was operating oddly and there was a low level noise. Took it to a repair shop and they told me there was no oil showing on the dip stick. The references a NHTSA warning for this vehicle/engine that after 60K miles it begins to rapidly consume oil, something having to do with leaking valves and he oil burning up faster. The obvious problem is that the engine could seize up if this got worse. From that point forward I was putting in about a quart of oil every 2 weeks (500 miles or so). Made repeated calls to KIA and filed a report. They promised to look into it and have a decision at a regional level to repair. No response ever received. I took the vehicle to the local dealer about 2 months ago. They had nothing to report regarding my issue, treated another unrelated recall. Returned again as oil consumption was getting worse. they conducted a formal oil consumption test which showed dramatic increase in just the 2,500 miles the car was tested and at the last one said the oil was very bad and the engine was failing now, not just consuming a lot of oil. Today I was informed that any support from KIA has been denied and that my vehicle was damaged, needing over $5,000 in repair and basically worthless.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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