Kia Soul Complaints (2021)

240 consumer complaints on file.

#11734070April 27, 2026
POWER TRAIN
took to kia of jackson for recall sc209a they said they would not do recall because i was a dealer ,called customer service and they said do to the fact that i was a dealer it would not be covered kia of jackson [XXX] kia customer service case [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [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
#11733594April 24, 2026
ENGINE
On [XXX], the check engine light illuminated. No other warning indicators activated — no low oil pressure warning, no low oil level warning, no driver alert of any kind regarding engine condition. On [XXX], at approximately 53,845 miles, the vehicle began running rough. I checked the engine oil and found the dipstick registered empty — no measurable oil in the engine. No low oil level or low oil pressure warning had been provided by the vehicle at any point prior to this discovery. I added two quarts of oil. The vehicle stalled while being driven to obtain the oil, and stalled again after the oil was added. I drove the vehicle to Jiffy Lube and had a full oil change performed. Mileage at the oil change was 53,852. I then scheduled an appointment with Gervais Kia in Lowell, Massachusetts, the nearest Kia dealer, less than one mile from my home. The earliest available appointment was approximately one week later. Because the vehicle stalled repeatedly at idle, I drove it to the dealer using both feet — keeping engine revs elevated with the accelerator while braking — to prevent stalling at stops. The vehicle is currently at Gervais Kia for diagnostic inspection. The symptoms match the failure mode documented in NHTSA recall campaign 25V-099 (Kia recall for 2021-2023 Soul and Seltos with 2.0L Nu MPI engines, piston oil ring manufacturing defect). My vehicle has the 2.0L Nu MPI engine and was manufactured at the Kia Autoland Hwaseong plant identified in the recall filing. However, my VIN does not appear in the current recall population per NHTSA VIN lookup and Kia’s recall lookup. The recall remedy includes installation of Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software specifically because the defect provides no driver warning before failure — consistent with my experience, in which the engine ran empty of oil with no warning whatsoever. 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
#11733263April 23, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Soul experienced repeated overheating despite replacement of major cooling system components including the thermostat and water pump. The vehicle continued to overheat and was later diagnosed by a Kia dealership with engine damage requiring full engine replacement. This failure occurred around 105,000 miles. The symptoms and failure pattern are consistent with known issues affecting similar Kia engines, yet my VIN is not included in any recall. I am concerned this represents a broader defect that may not be fully captured in current recalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732502April 20, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The engine (piston rings) and catalytic converter failed. The catalytic converter is available for inspection upon request. How was safety put at risk? The engine ran low on oil without any external leak, causing warning lights and engine rattling. Low oil pressure can lead to sudden engine seizure or fire. The failed catalytic converter can clog, causing loss of power on highways and increasing the risk of a crash. Has the problem been confirmed by a dealer or independent shop? Yes. A Kia dealer found the engine 2 quarts low, with no external leak, and recommended replacing the catalytic converter at a cost of over $6,000. An independent mechanic confirmed code P0420, which indicates catalytic converter failure. Has the vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer? The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Kia dealer, but they did not complete the required inspection for Recall SC336 (defective piston oil rings). They did add the software. Were there warning lamps or other symptoms? Yes. The oil pressure warning light and other dashboard lights came on. The engine made a rattling noise. The vehicle later felt sluggish on acceleration, fuel economy dropped, and the exhaust developed a smell. The check engine light came on and later turned off, but code P0420 was stored in the system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732120April 18, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The car rpm fluctuated from 1000 to 5000 rpm while in cruise control going 65 mph. At a stop, thr transmission took 30 seconds to engage to low speed. The car was stuttering and bucking at 10mph to 45mph
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731690April 16, 2026
ENGINE
the engine is consuming a quart of oil per thousand miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731425April 15, 2026
ENGINE
Hi my vehicle was stolen and the police found the vehicle. The car was damaged part of the damages was a broken ignition. I am unable to fix the damages until I get paid from the kia classaction lawsuit. The car still starts and stays running. I have the key for the car but I have been starting the car was butter knife bc it's easier then the key. I made an appointment to have the oil piston ring looked at. When I brought it I. They refused to look at it bc it has a broken ignition. I don't think the safety recall has anything to do w the ignition. The car is easy to turn on and shut off. I wouldn't care if my car wasn't stalling at traffic lights. My car is going thru a lot of oil. I am not working currently. This car was purchased for me by my dad. He paid cash for it. He bought it bc I had just been diagnosed w a rare autoimmune disease. He bought it so I would have something safe and reliable to drive in. We have had nothing g but problems since day 1. All I wanted was for them to look at it so im not going to be in harms way. Idk what to do the dealership said they cant look at it until I fixed the ignition. But like I said I won't have money to do that until I get the class action lawsuit.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731412April 15, 2026
ENGINE
I am filing a complaint regarding a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 25V099) on my 2021 Kia Soul that was marked as completed, but the defect was not properly repaired. On 3/17/26, I took my vehicle to a Kia dealership to have the recall addressed. The dealership performed only a software update and diagnostic testing and marked the recall as complete. No engine repair or replacement was performed. Within approximately one week of this recall service, my engine suffered a catastrophic failure while driving, resulting in a hole in the engine block and total engine failure. This created a serious safety risk due to sudden loss of power and fire hazard. I then had the vehicle inspected by a second Kia dealership. They informed me that the engine failure was consistent with the defect described in recall 25V099 (piston oil ring failure) and that the prior recall repair did not correct the underlying issue. This indicates that the recall remedy performed on my vehicle was incomplete or ineffective, and that the vehicle was returned to me in an unsafe condition. I am concerned that other vehicles may be receiving only software updates without proper inspection or repair, which could lead to similar dangerous failures. I am requesting that this situation be investigated as a failed recall remedy and a continued safety risk. Timeline: 3/17/26: Recall repair performed (software update only) 3/29/26: Engine failed catastrophically 4/2/26: Second dealership confirmed failure related to recall defect
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730709April 12, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Manufacturer defect: Massive paint delamination/adhesion failure on the roof. Large sheets of paint are flaking off while the vehicle is in motion, creating a debris hazard for following drivers and distracting the operator. The failure has exposed the bare metal structure, which may lead to premature rusting.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730043April 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Mi carro hay veces que prende la luz de la engine, lo lleve a checar y salió en la computadora que era un problema de Power Train system, que era secondary DTCs P1C28 Y P1C28000, lo busque en Google y salía que era un problema muy recurrente en Kias souls y sorentos. Que podría causar incendios
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730033April 8, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727919March 30, 2026
ENGINE
I am writing to formally report a failure by Classic Kia of Streetsboro to provide the federally mandated safety remedy under Recall SC336 for my 2021 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ). I have reason to believe the dealership has bypassed the mandatory safety protocols by intentionally omitting my documented diagnostic data—specifically Codes P0014/P0017, engine stalling, and excessive oil consumption—from the Techline Case Narrative. Evidence of Non-Compliance: 1. Improper Component Installation: Despite the documented timing failures, the dealership appears to have installed a Short Block (Part # 21102) instead of the required Long Block Assembly (Part # 21101-QQK). This leaves my oil-contaminated camshafts, valves, and VVT solenoids in the vehicle, posing a continued stalling risk. 2. Failure to Address Consequential Damage: The dealership is attempting to charge me a $99 "Customer Pay" fee for a catalytic converter back-pressure test. Under SC336, testing for consequential damage caused by a defective engine is the manufacturer's responsibility. 3. Withholding Documentation: The dealership has refused to provide the Techline Case Number or the Engine Part Number upon request, preventing me from verifying that the safety remedy was performed correctly. I will not be taking possession of the vehicle until Kia Corporate verifies that a Long Block Assembly was installed and that all diagnostic fees related to the recall symptoms are waived. This matter is currently being escalated but could definitely use your assistance. 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
#11727757March 29, 2026
ENGINE
NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT: RECALL SC336 (CAMPAIGN 21V-301) NON-COMPLIANCE VIN: [XXX] I. PATTERN OF RECALL EVASION Vehicle (2021 Kia Soul) was towed to Classic Kia [XXX] ) on 3/13 with documented engine stalling, knocking, and codes P0014/P0017 (VVT/Timing failure). The dealership withheld this data from Kia Techline for 13 days (3/13–3/26), delaying the safety remedy until state authorities intervened. II. MECHANICAL IMPOSSIBILITY & REMEDY VIOLATION On Saturday 3/28, the dealer claimed a full engine swap was "installed and tested" in only 6.5 hours (7:30 AM–2:15 PM). Per the SC336 mandate, a compliant Long Block assembly (Part # ending in QQK) requires extensive fluid flushes, software reflashing, and safety recalibrations that cannot be performed correctly in this window. I suspect a "Short Block" shortcut was taken, reusing contaminated components in violation of the federal safety remedy. III. FRAUD BY OMISSION & UNIFIED SAFETY HAZARD The dealership is demanding a $99 "diagnostic fee" for an exhaust back-pressure test. Under SC336, testing for "consequential damage" (clogged catalytic converter) caused by the recall defect must be covered by the manufacturer. By omitting the stalling/timing symptoms from the initial Techline report, the dealer bypassed the mandatory exhaust safety testing. Reusing oil-contaminated VVT solenoids, camshafts, and valves from the failed engine poses an immediate fire and safety hazard. IV. DEMAND FOR INVESTIGATION I request NHTSA oversight to ensure Classic Kia provides: 1. Proof of Long Block (21101-QQK) installation vs. unauthorized Short Block (21102). 2. Time-stamped DEVT and GDS Full System Scan logs from 3/28. 3. Verification that all contaminated components were replaced, as a partial remedy leaves the vehicle in a hazardous state. Reusing oil-soaked VVT/cams & skipping exhaust tests creates a fire risk. An incomplete remedy violates SC336, leaving the car a high-risk liability for fire & stalling. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726474March 23, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle started losing automotive power. The message that the engine was overheating warning was flashing on the instrument panel with an audible chime. The contact pulled over but was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and was advised by the dealer that the engine failure was not related to the recall, and the dealer refused to perform the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726314March 23, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle idled abnormally rough, and the engine was pulsing. The oil level was checked and was noticeably low. The contact added oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to Precision Auto Care for an oil change. The contact was informed that the oil level was low. The contact informed the technician that the oil had been recently topped off. The contact was informed of the excessive oil consumption. The contact was provided with information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced or repaired before the recall repair could be performed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle had to be repaired before the recall repair was performed. The failure mileage was approximately 134,431.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11725093March 17, 2026
ENGINE
My car experienced engine stall, fire risk, and piston ring failure while returning from a family road trip. Myself, my son, [XXX] old, and [XXX] pup was left in a ditch on a very busy road as the car stalled while driving. My VIN is excluded, however car experienced exact symptoms of recall SC2091. Codes P0300 P0304 P0302 P219D P0303 with no pressure in cylinder 2 and 4.This happened in 0ct 2025 and dealership and corporate do not want to exend goodwill to replace the engine. 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
#11724887March 17, 2026
ENGINE
DEALER ADMISSION OF NON-COMPLIANCE: I am updating my complaint to document that Kia of Streetsboro is officially refusing to perform the mandatory mechanical inspection required by Recall SC336. Despite the vehicle suffering from "Loss of Motive Power" (stalling in traffic) and "Abnormal Engine Noise," the dealership’s service department stated via text on March 17: "I asked my manager and he said as of right now since your vehicle passed the tablet we cannot do anything else." The dealer further stated: "I suggest calling consumer affairs since you have an open case and letting them know what's going on and seeing if they can help." TECHNICAL VIOLATION: The dealer’s refusal based on a "tablet pass" is a direct violation of TSB SC336, Step 18c, which states that if a vehicle exhibits mechanical symptoms that "contradict a PASS result," the dealer MUST open a Techline Case for further instructions. By their own admission, the dealer is choosing to follow a "manager’s" opinion rather than the Federal Recall Protocol. They are attempting to release a vehicle that is actively stalling at intersections, which they define as an "Early Warning" system success, while ignoring the actual mechanical failure (the stalling). SAFETY RISK: This is a documented Ineffective Remedy. The dealer is punting the safety diagnosis to a "Consumer Affairs" call center rather than performing the borescope and Techline escalation required by the NHTSA. I am reporting this dealer for knowingly attempting to return a stalling, unsafe vehicle to a consumer while claiming the recall is complete.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724841March 17, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Soul is exhibiting a severe safety defect documented in Recall SC336: frequent, unpredictable stalling in traffic ("Loss of Motive Power") and audible engine knocking. These symptoms create a high risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in a dangerous traffic situation. The vehicle is currently at Kia of Streetsboro. Despite being provided with evidence of these active mechanical failures, the dealership is attempting to "remedy" the safety recall based solely on a "Pass" result from the Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software diagnostic. As the TSB SC336 notes that the root cause is physical damage to cylinder walls caused by defective piston oil rings, a software diagnostic "Pass" is not a physical repair and does not address the existing mechanical stalling. I have not received any status updates or communication from the dealership service department since Friday. The dealership is refusing to perform a borescope inspection or open a Kia Techline case to investigate the stalling, effectively denying a proper safety remedy. I am reporting this as a failure of the manufacturer and dealership to provide a safe and effective remedy for a known life-safety defect. The car remains unsafe to drive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724786March 16, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety failure involving the service braking system and the failure of Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) on my 2021 Kia Soul. During an imminent collision event, the vehicle failed to brake as expected, and FCA/AEB did not activate, despite conditions that should have triggered emergency braking. This created an extremely dangerous situation and placed me and other motorists at risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle is currently subject to an active recall and has now been inoperable at the dealership for approximately one month under the lemon law process. The failure involved federally regulated safety systems, not supplemental or convenience features. I reported this incident to Kia America Customer Care, but the manufacturer has declined to conduct a manufacturer‑level safety investigation unless I personally pay for removal and shipment of the ACU/Event Data Recorder (EDR). Kia America has also declined to provide any transportation assistance while the vehicle remains unsafe and inoperable and has referred the matter back to the dealership and my insurance instead. Kia America has stated in writing that they rely solely on dealerships for diagnosis and repair and that they will not investigate further unless I incur additional costs. This refusal to independently investigate a braking system failure raises serious safety concerns, particularly given the potential risk to other drivers if this defect is not addressed. Due to the prolonged loss of use of the vehicle, I am experiencing significant financial hardship and risk to my employment, as I can no longer afford a rental vehicle. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA is aware of a potential defect involving brake system failure and non‑functioning collision‑avoidance systems on this model.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724523March 16, 2026
ENGINE, STEERING
1. Component or System Malfunction Engine (internal piston/piston ring system) is malfunctioning. The vehicle exhibits clanking noises (“marbles in a can”) and cuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving. The car is available for inspection by a Kia dealer or independent mechanic. 2. Safety Risk Vehicle loses power while driving, which is extremely dangerous, particularly on highways or in traffic. Stalling while moving poses a risk of collision, loss of steering or braking control, and endangers both driver and others. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive long distances. 3. Reproduction of Problem Symptoms have been observed consistently during normal driving and acceleration. Not yet confirmed by a dealer, but the stalling is reproducible during operation. 4. Vehicle Inspection The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, dealer, police, or insurance representatives. Immediate inspection is recommended due to engine stall risk. 5. Warning Lamps / Symptoms Clanking engine noise noted prior to stalling. Engine cutting off/stalling occurs while driving. No warning lights illuminated prior to stalling. Symptoms first appeared during recent driving prior to planning transport or repair. 6. Additional Notes The vehicle is a candidate for Kia engine piston/piston ring recall (SC209 / SC336). Owner recommends urgent inspection and repair to prevent potential engine failure and safety risks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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