Kia Soul Complaints (2016)

825 consumer complaints on file.

#11508873February 24, 2023
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was difficult to start and remained running at restarting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under recall and referred her to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508920February 24, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he pulled over and checked the oil level and there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced after an oil consumption test was completed. The engine was not replaced as the dealer stated that it was not covered under the drivetrain warranty. The contact stated that the warranty was for 20 years or 200,000 miles as it covered the engine, transmission, transaxle, and other parts related to the drivetrain. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508742February 23, 2023
ENGINE
My car started making a ticking noise around 92k. I was afraid to drive it because of all the information id read on the KIA engines catching on fire. I had it towed to a local mechanic who wouldn't touch it and said I needed to bring it to the dealership because I'm still under warranty. I had my vehicle towed again which cost me over 400$ to a KIA dealership. They told me that the engine would need to be replaced but wouldnt tell me why. In fact they REFUSED to tell me why. After I demanded a diagnosis, they stopped responding to my calls.SIX WEEKS they held my vehicle hostage. I called Kia manufacturer customer service who made a call to them. The dealership tried every possible way they could to get out of fixing my engine. I went to the dealership to get something out of my vehicle but they denied me access. After I caught them doing something completely wrong (leaving my vehicle unlocked, keys in the ignition, and trashed on the inside) they decided they would fix my engine. I waited another 4 weeks for my engine to be replaced with a refurbished engine. They did not tell me it wasn't a BRAND NEW engine before they installed. Never even called me to tell me they were starting the work. The day they finished, I got a call demanding for me to pick it up or they would have it towed. Also, all 4 of my tires were "unrepairable and HAD to be replaced or I was in danger for my life if I drove it." I called kia customer service again. The dealership lied to me. They told kia customer service that they just needed to be aired up and the valve stems replaced..... on all 4 tires... very sketchy. After a very straightforward conversation with the manager, I had my car towed him. I'm terrified to drive it anywhere. I don't trust them with anything. They had my car a total of 3 months. I lost a ton of money on rentals and pain, disruption, and anguish in my personal and work life because of it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508012February 18, 2023
ENGINE
NHTSA - I own a 2016 Kia Soul that has a damaged failing engine; the problem is excessive oil consumption. This defect is causing motor oil to migrate into areas of the engine that it shouldn't be, thus inevitably causing a catastrophic failure; rendering the engine inoperable and irreparable. The oil pressure warning light came on only after the damage was done. Horne Kia in Gilbert Arizona, where I purchased the vehicle, has inspected it and found this to be true. However Horne Kia and Kia corporate will not repair or authorize repair, respectively. I was told to continue driving it until the engine is completely destroyed in order to have it repaired...WHAT. So I'm being told that the engine will definitely seize-up and fail leaving me stranded; this is a safety nightmare. What if I'm driving on a highway when this happens. What if the engine failure causes me to lose control of my vehicle and cause who knows what. This not only puts me at risk, it puts others driving around me at risk as well; not to mention passengers that may be in my vehicle. [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
#11507630February 16, 2023
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia Soul began having acceleration problems mid-December 2022, around 100k miles. I took my car to Kia Service and was told the ECU needed to be updated and that was most likely the cause of the problem. I received the update on 12/14/2022. My car drove a little better for two days but began experiencing the same acceleration issues. I couldn't go over 60 mph on the interstate. It also seemed to be burning gas fast. Although a diagnostic test was attempted twice, there were no findings since the engine light still hadn't come on. It wasn't until 2 months later, 2/11/2023, that my car stalled out on the interstate at 10:00pm at night. I had it towed to Kia and they confirmed the same thing that my reader did on 2/12/23: engine code P1326, knock sensor. On 2/16/23, Kia ran a diagnostic test and came up with the same code, however, they said it is my catalytic converter that needs to be replaced, for approximately $3100. I've read hundreds of reports at this point about the same issues, and they all say the catalytic converter ends up not being the fix or has to be replaced multiple times. It seems like Kia is just determined to not recall these vehicles even though they seem to be a huge safety & liability concern at this point.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507413February 15, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact's son owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her son was driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost power and would not exceed 2 MPH. The contact's son continued driving and pulled into a repair shop, where it was diagnosed that both catalytic converters had failed and needed to replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling), which she related to the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the recall remedy only included the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic software update. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised as the dealer. However, the recall remedy notes stated that the catalytic converter and the engine would also be replaced if they were damaged. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,631.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507473February 15, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
KIA Soul had a malfunction with the Catalytic converter and a bad injector which damaged the pinions and the sparks plug of the vehicle causing thousands of dollars in repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11507112February 13, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11506582February 10, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle stalled afterward while driving, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to Kia of Valencia (24095 Creekside Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355) where the dealer requested the oil change records. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505813February 6, 2023
ENGINE
Car is only a 2016 that has had issues since I bought it at 90k miles. It constantly required oil changes every other week. Paid in full the replacement of the catalytic convertor only for the engine to fail and the convertor be gummed up in less than 4 months
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505715February 5, 2023
POWER TRAIN
It been buckling at low speeds, acceleration is not consistance with how much gas I press. If I have the car at stop sign or red light. It completely stalls out with the battery and oil light comes on. This happen 5 times in a 40 minute drives it would have happen more if I didn't notice it was happening cause of the issue was going on at lower speeds. I notice the heat was higher, also was fumes coming into the car while on highway. There was a moment where the car started to stall on highway, but quickly regain. Very stressful and dangerous situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11505176February 2, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact then noticed a white cloud of smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence where an independent mechanic was notified. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic determined that there was a hole in the engine block. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she received the Manufacturer’s Recall: FC176; however, the manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was no longer applicable due to the contact’s failure to comply with the notice, and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504938February 1, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
1. On 1/30/23 I was heading home from work when my engine and oil light came on. I after parking at turning my car off, the engine began to shake and make clicking noises continuously. I got an oil change that day thinking that may help the issue. On 1/31/23 I took my car to another mechanic who notified me that they have seen many Kia Souls and Optimas with this problem and many engines have been recalled. Upon my way home which was 2 miles away, my engine entirely blew up on interstate 15. 2. My safety was put at risk by my car engine blowing up on the freeway and losing power within seconds as traffic was going at 70 mph. I then ended up right in front of an on-ramp and had a small area to park at as was within 1 foot of oncoming highway traffic for 30 minutes - in freezing temperatures. Something also blew out from under my car and almost his a vehicle behind me. 3. Kia stated this has been an issue and that I need to take it to a Kia dealer for inspection. 4. My vehicle has been towed to Young Kia of Layton UT for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504518January 30, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Check engine light came on and I had it read. It came back as P050A - Cold Start Idle Air Control System Performance. I saw online that there is an existing service action fix: SERVICE ACTION: 1.6L GDI WITH MIL ON DTC P050A ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA485). The dealership informed me that although my car is a 2016 Kia Soul it isn't part of this service action. However, seeing as how I am getting the check engine error code associated with this service action fix, I believe that my vehicle SHOULD be included.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503677January 25, 2023
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat and there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle then caught on fire. The contact stated that a significant amount of oil had leaked underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report or police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11503392January 24, 2023
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Car would not accelerate over 35 mph and started knocking had to pull over to let other vehicles pass. Turned around went back home a 1/2 mile checked alternator current, added 1/2 quart of oil. Started engine knocking continued oil was low again after running engine a few minutes. No smoking from exhaust, no oil in radiator, no dripping or leaking oil.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502682January 19, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the engine. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and 17V608000 (Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502457January 18, 2023
ENGINE
I was driving on the Interstate, going about 65-70mph when my car make a "tick noise," I immediately noticed white smoke out the back, my car started to decelerate, and I could no longer accelerate when applying the gas. Luckily I was able to get over to the right shoulder and pull off on the side and stop. After taking it to my mechanic, he told me my engine was knocking and that Kia has all these recalls and class actions on these engines (for this EXACT issue) and that Kia extended their warranty for these vehicles to 150k. I take it to Kia and they tell me they won't cover it because I didn't get a KSDS software update. I bought this car Certified Pre-Owned from a Kia dealership. When a recall notice came through in 2019 I took it in to Kia to get it "fixed." Kia has been aware of this issue since at least 2018, so if this was such a problem, I'm not sure why it wasn't taken care of when I took my car in for the recall alert, which I believe was for the ECU update. The only other notice I received from Kia was a survey, not a recall! As you can see on the VIN profile that I have ZERO unrepaired recalls. I have maintained maintenance on my car: Oil changes, tire rotation, brake pad replacements, tire replacements, etc. For some reason, though, this oh so important software update for the the KSDS, which I've learned doesn't actually make their faulty engines....not faulty, seems to be their "get out of jail free card" to stick their customers with a faulty engine and a high price tag to get their car back to working order. Kia knew about this issue and are now shirking their responsibility by making this update their way to get out of paying to fix THIER faulty product. The contact stated that there are plenty of other similar complaints and no longer needs this one.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502241January 17, 2023
ENGINE
The contact’s father owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to make a knocking sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was hauled back to his father’s residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, no diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,024.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11501862January 15, 2023
TIRES, TIRES:SIDEWALL
We live in Virginia, and we were driving in Florida on 12-23-2022, when the tire size 215/55 R17 94V blew up. Car tire pressure lit up and then we heard a noise. We stopped immediately at the gorge of Highway 75 and exit number 213. My husband and I were super streesed and in panic mode as the traffic on highway 75 was super heavy. While waiting for what it seems forever for a towing truck, every time a semi drove by, the car was shaking. In addition, the only place available to change our tire was about to close. This issue has never happened before as we take care of our cars. We did not think about taking pictures of the tire, we were only thinking about getting to safety and continuing to our destination. An employee from FDOT named [XXX] stopped by our car to let us know there was a camera from their office right behind our car. We did not keep the tire as we did not know it was a requirement from Kumho to honor their warranty. We got the tires from the dealership we bought the car from. The dealership never mentioned Kumho's warranty. I learned about this requirement after I reached out to Kumho. Our car does not have a spare tire as most of car don't come with spare now days. We have a receipt from Costco to show the purchase of a new tire date 12-23-2022. Kumho will not honor the warranty as we don't have the tire and we have now been obligated to purchase 3 more tires for our safety. We don't feel safe with these remaining Kumho tires on our car. This experienced was super stressful for my total and permanent disabled veteran husband and me. 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

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