Kia Soul Complaints (2017)

290 consumer complaints on file.

#11661776May 19, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle shut off on the highway and engine no seized however oil change was recently completed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661978May 19, 2025
ENGINE
- Engine failure/seizure with rod bearing failure! Yes, vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - Myself and my wife were driving through a busy intersection light when the engine failed and went into limp mode (Engine Control System) causing an abrupt stop in the middle of the intersection which forced multiple cars to have to slow down and break to not hit us. My wife is pregnant and a recent brain cancer survivor and this put all of our lives at risk! - Yes the problem has been confirmed by the Kia dealer with a full diagnostic inspection and confirmed reports of engine rod bearing failure. This is a known defect with this Kia engine. The car has never had any issues before and has always had regular maintenance and all software/recall updates applied in a timely manner! The car has never had any oil leaks, or leaks or issues of any kind until this day when the engine suddenly failed! All reports for maintenance history and recall updates are available. Many report this same issue online at around 100k mile range. My 2017 Kia Soul is at 108k miles. Metal shavings were found in the oil when the diagnostics were performed to further confirm this known reported engine defect. The oil was low but had never been low before and the oil or check engine light never have come on previously or leading up to this engine failure. - The vehicle and/or engine has been inspected by Kia the manufacturer/dealer. The dealer confirmed this is due to the known engine defect where a recall software update was issued and applied and is widely reported online by other owners. Police, and insurance have not inspected it because there was no accident and they do not cover engine failure/seizure. - As stated there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms such as oil or check engine light ever in the history of the car or leading up to this failure. Just before the engine failed it began to make a slight knocking sound from the engine as widely known with this defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656640April 24, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Am receiving a code for camshaft sensor bank 1 sensor a. Figured it could be timing but also know about TSB’s. Need to see if there are any posted for my specific 2017 Kia Soul.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656439April 23, 2025
ENGINE
Car stalls when at a stop. Restart ignition stalls again when placed into drive and accelerator is pressed. Restart, brake pedal and accelerator pressed at same time, while put into gear, and then it will move. The oil light and battery light comes on when it stalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651076March 27, 2025
ENGINE
After driving about 2,000 miles after an oil change, the oil warning light comes on. This happens regardless of whether I use 3,000-mile or 5,000-mile oil. When I check the oil, it is completely gone. This issue started about a year ago, and now I always carry extra oil because I am worried. My car has a 2016-manufactured engine, but since it is a 2017 model, the dealership says it is not eligible for a recall and refuses to repair it. They told me that if I want a detailed inspection, I would have to pay for the inspection and repairs myself, even if it is an engine defect. I don’t know what to do. Please help me!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647251March 9, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased my car new from the dealer in August of 2017; at 40,000 I started having an excessive oil consumption issue. I took it repeatedly to the dealer for remedy under the warranty. They examined and performed services that failed to remedy the issue. From my research I learned that this problem arises from faulty piston rings and valves. I continued to take the vehicle to the dealer, and their response was that oil consumption on my vehicle was within their specifications. Currently my vehicles has 103867 miles and the KIA warranty has expired. The engine burns 1 quart of oil every 300 miles. Prior to expiration of the warranty I filed a warranty claim with Consumer Assistance and the matter was referred to Mediation and Arbitration, and the arbitrator declined my demand for replacement of the engine. This morning I noticed an article on the WEB that KiA vehicles (including Souls) were being recalled to prevent engine fires from faulty piston rings. This prompted me to get my complaint on file.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645136February 26, 2025
ENGINE
My husband was travelling down the highway in our car with my [XXX] in the back seat. Suddenly the motor seized up and the car started the rattle. The car came to a stop. We had the car towed to a Kia dealership and was told that the engine had seized up and would need to be replaced. I also found out about a known issue with Kia engines. I had never heard about it. We are the second owner and weren't notified that there was an issue. They are claiming that they don't have to fix the car because we hadn't had a knock sensor repaired. I don't know how we were supposed to know about it. Because it wasn't actually a recall, I couldn't even look it up. Even though the error is Kia's, they refuse to fix the car. There were no warning lights before this incident. The car was fine and then suddenly shut down on the interstate. It's a miracle, we weren't killed. 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
#11644806February 25, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel soon after an oil change. Additionally, the contact stated that there was oil accumulating around the exhaust pipe. Upon inspection of the engine, the contact discovered that oil was leaking from the piston rings. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638868January 27, 2025
ENGINE
The crank shaft failed and is costing me 2800 to repair it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632169December 23, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an engine failure due to excessive pumping of engine oil. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was not under recall. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to several other independent mechanics but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11631650December 19, 2024
ENGINE
09/06/2024 MY KIA SOUL ENGINE BROKE DOWN TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND DETERMINED IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, DUE TO A RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED BEFORE MY OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE. KIA DECLINES DOING THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT UNDER THE 150,000 WARRANTY, DUE TO THE RECALL NEVER BEING TAKEN CARE OF. SPOKE TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM AND AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THEY HAD NO RECORD OF A RECALL BEING PRESENT ON THE VEHICLE. ATTACHED IS VEHICLES CARFAX AND DATES OF INCIDENTS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627996November 29, 2024
ENGINE
The Kia Soul is burning engine oil. I have to add an extra pint of oil every month. This known engine defect will one day damage the engine and may cause an accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619716October 14, 2024
ENGINE
Hi Nikki - This vehicle has an engine issue as of [XXX] when my car broken down on the road. The engine sputtered and the car was inoperable. I was told to call the Wynn’s Extended Warranty, however it was late and there was no one available to answer the call. So then my car was taken by AAA to their repair facility where they diagnosed the vehicle with needing a new engine. At that point, they called in to make sure the engine was covered by Wynn’s and they were told to have it towed to Kia as the car is below 100,000 miles and should be covered by them. Kia the performed a diagnosis and told me the engine needed to be replaced today on 10/7. They informed me the car would not be covered due to the car’s two engine recalls that were not performed on the vehicle prior to my possession of the vehicle. Wynn’s also stated the car would not be covered by them as this is a manfacturer’s issue and they should cover it. Kia cannot cover it due to the open engine recalls. I was not informed of these recalls when I bought the car three months ago and the car currently sits close to 87000 miles with a total of four open recalls according to Kia. There have been over 20 calls made to both Kia and Wynn’s and Wynn’s will not allow us to talk to their Claims department as we are not a repair facility. There is a current $13,000 bill for a new engine at Kia and they are saying it is my responsibility. I have a voice recording between the Kia service advisor and the wynns warranty rep. Please advise who & when this is covered as this has played a huge part of stress, lack of transportation, and overall my life without a vehicle. I’m very inconvenienced as a result of this. Please see all paperwork attached (contract and Kia paperwork) 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
#11618273October 5, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have wasted too much time and my own $ for my local KIA to dismiss their on going re-appointments and months of different service technicians to not have them reacting to an engine light to never retry something not done right. Now, they have my 2017 KiA Soul+ wrongly listed as no recalls remaining. I am trying to be as proactive and not lose my Kia or several more months of covering the Killeen, Tx Dennis Eakin KIA’s rear to quietly avoid redoing more recall call backs they need to finish. So now your national government database shows my Kia doesn’t have the P0420 catalyst and O2 sensor listed. —-I did my part for Killeen KiA and paid my $ to prove to them the check light kept coming back on after they turned it off in early 2022. The gas mileage is horrible. I’m a handicap driver on fixed income, but no stranger auto warns. After a couple recall, full engine replacement attempts. Since my local KIA services, have re-called their own and also factory mechanical repairs. Both myself and Kia have basically had custody of my 2017 KIA. The last attempt they took back my now 2nd reshaped/fresh block from the first ever KIA recall that blew the piston the first few months I invested into this KIA. Every attempt to fix the next following recalls or unfinished work, I was told about late 2021 locally “if I can bring KIA a code of the engine light”(they temporarily hid) Then maybe they would go back and fix it or recall what needs to be fixed. I paid a mechanic after 3 attempts since 2021 of barely getting to drive my KIA. The code is P0420 I already have enough basic vehicle knowledge, to understand it was exhaust system stalling me (and the suspension) ( hack hydraulic also stopped functioning) I do love my KIA and do not want to start ideas of revamping my interest to Dodge or Chevy yet. I just want the recall for the catalyst/O2 and thermostat issue done or redone if my local KIA attempted to check off the P0420 recall before my engine fails again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617617October 1, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple stations failed emission inspection in texas for fuel not completed and evap not completed. Tried multiple things to fix. Took it to shop that kept for days and diagnosed with logic lock with the ecm/ecu. Basically bad ecm which is common problem with kia soul and there are recall for models older than 2016. Moritz kia kept for 17 days and said they could not figure out issue but ordered new ecm. I contacted DPS and got steps to get waiver because it could take weeks to get part. Asked kia to inspect again since two failed inspections required for waiver. Some how it passed inspection with the same two not completed emissions. In texas vehicles newer than 2001 are allowed only one not ready. Kia said they would not replace ecm since it passed inspection. Appears they are trying to not fix known issue. Concern is if a real issue with car happens the ecm will not update with error since it has logic lock. There are lots of reports of issues with the ecm and kia not honoring warranty. The ecm is covered for 8 years 80k and the car has 7 years 70k now. It appears they are just trying to delay fixing issue. If battery is pulled, obd code reset, or ecm pulled out none of the codes reset like they should.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11616022September 23, 2024
ENGINE
Engine burns oil. Losing over 1 quart per 500 miles. Kia says it is normal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613099September 6, 2024
ENGINE
Vehicle is consuming oil far before service is due. Easily a quart or more before 1000mi. Read about a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT regarding engine failure due to this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11610986August 26, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. While the contact was asleep, they were awoken by an abnormal burning smell. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the rear end of the vehicle had caught fire. A neighbor called the authorities and the fire department extinguished the fire. The fire department informed the contact that the fire was caused by an electrical wiring failure in the rear taillights. No injuries were reported. A police report was filed. The vehicle remained in the contact's possession. The vehicle had yet to be inspected or diagnosed for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611019August 26, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the camshaft position sensor, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11607097August 7, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle shut off on an exit and blocked traffic. The vehicle was pushed out of the roadway by bystanders. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the failure was linked to an unknown recall campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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