Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11649671March 21, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
car keeps dying as going down the road.almost completely dies then kicks back in.have had it in several times always says something differant.has around 78000 miles.bought it new in 2015 have had it several times for same issue.have almost gotten in wrecks due to it dying out of the blue!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649783March 21, 2025
ENGINE
The component that malfunctioned is the catalytic converter, which became clogged due to excessive oil consumption from the engine. The oil consumption likely resulted in oil entering the exhaust system and contaminating the catalyst, causing it to lose its efficiency. The dealer replaced the engine but failed to inspect and replace the catalytic converter, which was clogged due to oil consumption from the engine. Yes, the catalytic converter is available for inspection and can be physically examined by a mechanic or technician to confirm the issue. The clogging of the catalytic converter resulted in poor engine performance, to include reduced acceleration, high rough idling and risk of fire. This lead to dangerous driving conditions, the vehicle stalled and had trouble accelerating. The issue of a clogged catalytic converter due to oil consumption has been confirmed by dealer. They performed diagnostic tests and read the vehicle's diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that indicated problems with the catalytic converter. No, the dealer relayed that they did not inspect the catalytic converter. Yes, I noticed symptoms prior to the catalytic converter clogging. Check engine light coming on. Reduced engine performance, sluggish acceleration. These symptoms occurred the day the vehicle became incapacitated. Rough idling was happening over time, during winter months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649496March 20, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle 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
#11649464March 20, 2025
ENGINE
car has a recall, engine keeps stalling. engine is knocking due to oil pistons
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649186March 19, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased this vehicle used just four months ago. Since then, I’ve had continual problems with it, costing me a significant amount of money. To date, it required all new tires, a new battery, and multiple problems related to the engine light turning on. So far, these problems have resulted in two sensors being replaced and my catalytic converter becoming so clogged that the car lost all acceleration while on the highway. A Kia dealer wanted $2800 to repair the catalytic converter. I then had to have it towed to private mechanic who only charged me $700 for the same repair. However, the engine light continues to go on. The latest later scan indicates that yet had another sensor needs to be replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649230March 19, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After 84000 miles my catalystic convertor is going out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649351March 19, 2025
ENGINE
The camshaft bolt broke off and destroyed the engine. A second bolt worked itself loose and photos show it at least half way out. Less than 100k on vehicle. The car was on the freeway when it lost acceleration ability. The dealership requested the extended warranty cover the replacement of the engine and they denied coverage. A few months before the codes for camshaft sensor came on. We replace the sensor and the car worked fine until recently.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649364March 19, 2025
STEERING
steering not tight, car shakes around 70 mph
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649200March 19, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The low oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648966March 18, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure, and it was determined that the long block, CAT exhaust manifold, intake gasket, exhaust, and oil O-ring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648970March 18, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My headlights turn off when I use my blinkers. They also flicker sometimes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649033March 18, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to leak oil. The contact stated that the oil was seeping onto the floorboard and the passenger's side floor mat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. On a separate occasion, while the contact was driving 50 MPH, there was a puddle of oil underneath the vehicle with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle five different times to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was unaware of where the oil leak was coming from. The contact stated that recently the vehicle started stalling and there was abnormal gasoline coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648755March 17, 2025
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH and attempting to overtake a Commercial Semi-Truck, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and started to decelerate. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to a nearby dealer who diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and were stuck in the fully opened position. The fuel injectors were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,754.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648806March 17, 2025
ENGINE
I was making a left turn onto a street and the check engine light started flashing and the car immediately went into limp mode. Code is showing p1326
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648867March 17, 2025
ENGINE
The engine in my 2021 Kia Soul has been experiencing serious performance issues consistent with Recall SC336. The vehicle has erratic RPM fluctuations while idling and has stalled multiple times at stoplights and in traffic. When this happens, it fails to restart immediately, leaving me stranded and creating a serious safety risk. The vehicle has been at Step One Kia in Fort Walton Beach, FL, for 2 weeks. The dealership claimed the issue was caused by a clogged air filter, replaced it, & stated the car was “adequately repaired.” However, when I attempted to pick up the vehicle, the Check Engine Light was still on. The owner of the dealership took the keys back and said I would receive a follow-up call on Monday. No call was ever received. I contacted Kia Headquarters and was told to “pick up the car and drive it if I choose to” because there is no remedy available. When I requested a loaner vehicle, I was initially told it was not guaranteed because this was "not an engine issue." When I pointed out that the symptoms were directly related to engine failure, the representative backtracked and said a loaner was simply "not guaranteed." 1. A clogged air filter does NOT cause stalling at idle or failure to restart. A clogged filter would cause gradual power loss, not sudden shutoffs. 2. The Check Engine Light remained on after the repair, proving the issue was not fixed. 3. The dealership refused to conduct recall-related tests, including the PNSS and oil consumption tests. The car stalls in traffic, increasing crash risk. It fails to restart immediately, leaving me stranded. Kia’s refusal to diagnose the issue properly puts my safety at risk. The vehicle is still at the dealership but has not been properly inspected for recall-related failures. Kia refuses to acknowledge a remedy and denies a loaner vehicle. Since these symptoms match Recall SC336, I urge NHTSA to investigate Kia’s failure to inspect and repair affected vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648803March 17, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shuddered and then stalled. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the failure might be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer would not replace the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648708March 17, 2025
ENGINE
[XXX], driving down highway [XXX] the car lost power. I was able to start it up again but was misfiring where I drove it home. I had it towed on March 12 to Koon Kia Service, 9610 Reistertown Road, Owings Mill, MD 21117-4128. On Friday, March 14, 2025 I spoke with Blaine in the Service department and he said I after a diagnostic my car indicates that I need a new engine to repair my car. Today, I called and spoke with Blaine and told him about the recall SC336 and he said the was no remedy for this recall. I told him I would call Kia Customer service which I did and received case #[XXX] from Denise. 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
#11648444March 15, 2025
ENGINE
My 2018 Kia Soul burns oil creating the engine to misfire, stall, putter, tick. Ive had my oil changed on a Friday, and by Tuesday, there is no oil left in my engine. The local Kia dealership is currently doing an "oil consumption" test, however was alerted by Kia Corporate to not go any further unless I get them 7 years of my oil change records. My car is still under warranty. I have provided the oil change records. The local KIA dealership advised I drive my car if I need to, knowing there is a faulty engine, and that could cause harm or death! KIA does NOT stand by their warranty and tries to nickel and dime their good, loyal customers. They manufacture faulty engines, putting peoples lives at risk! My car is sitting at the dealership, waiting on approval from KIA while I am left with no car. Also, the dealer does not have any loaners available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648478March 15, 2025
ENGINE
Owner was driving vehicle coming off of a highway onto sideroad when vehicle suddenly made a loud banging and grinding engine sound and engine quit immediately. Luckily able to drift over to shoulder and call tow truck. Vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership claimed vehicle was made in Mexico and therefore not covered by any recall. No forewarning by any dashboard lights. Owner needed a vehicle immediately for work and bought a brand new seltos the next day, then dealership refused to take soul as a trade in and so it remains unrepaired in the yard. It is able to be seen. I believe it should have been repaired or bought back by dealership. I feel like I was taken advantage of and lied to by the dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648180March 13, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the pistons and the PCV valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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