Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11593838June 12, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle began decelerating and vibrating while driving at approximately 40-45 MPH. When attempting to accelerate forward and switch lanes, the vehicle would hesitate to respond as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle began overheating causing smoke to come from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The contact waited until the smoke dissipated and the vehicle cooled down before moving the vehicle to the side of the road. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence and the following day it was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the catalytic converter and diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to the same dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 133,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593671June 11, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while slowing down with the brake pedal depressed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing unintended downshifts. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to respond and was sluggish while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact a diagnostic test needed to be performed and the repairs would be out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The check engine, the electronic parking brake warning light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,746. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593700June 11, 2024
ENGINE
went to Kia as car was approaching high 80's in mileage-significant power loss. Asked if my problem had to do with the class action suit--was told no. No diagnostic test was recommended. Approaching 100, miles mechanic told me I had no oil in my car. Called Kia, told them my car was suffering from power loss (and also burning excess oil) They told me "oh sounds like transmission. full tune up done 3/23-still lack of power still burning excess oil. Kia diagnostic -catalytic converter-service women suggested I call an outside mechanic to save money. replaced converter 11/23. 12/3 driving power drop, engine light--error-knock system 1/9 driving hwy power drop, engine light--very frightening.Kia replaced knock system thru the class action suit. In my research I see a faulty knock system can damage catalytic converter. Fighting to get reimbursed for the $1,0000 catalytic converter repair and being denied. My Kia is burning oil like CRAZY--I am putting in quarts multiple times before service is due. My dealership tells me that my oil consumption is normal --how can they even think that is ok to say. At the same time 2 different mechanics there told me that my years car has a problem with the piston skirts and the rings..A lot of Kia owners are getting new engines --which is the right thing to do since they are aware that there is a malfunction with the rings around the pistons. Worried that I will run out of oil (as 3 times now I heard the clicking and been told by 2 different mechanics and a gas station attendant--that my car was out of oil.)How can I get this addressed. Unintended oil is being allowed to enter the combustion chamber and burn with the air/fuel mixture. Engines typically burn excess oil because the engine is damaged or worn--I have done every oil change required since purchasing. I take excellent care of my car and I want to keep it. I should not have to pay for a new engine when this issue has been going on for years now with Kia skirting the issue-ty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593743June 11, 2024
ENGINE
There is a history of engine failure. The check engine light does not remain on for a diagnostic to be completed. This has been going on for about a year. One day it would run then the next day the engine would fail. It is happening more frequently such as after filling up with gas, waiting at stop lights, reversing, and DURING driving. The vehicle now will not restart when the engine fails. After investigating the failure, I related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). Kia's number for this recall is SC176. The manufacturer was notified of the failure due to the local dealership not replacing the catalytic converter due to being “out of warranty”. A case was opened and I am awaiting a response from a caseworker. I have a code in the History: P0172 code, which stands for "Fuel System Too Rich (Bank 1)". What this means in plain language is that there's too much fuel being delivered to combustion chambers on bank 1, or not enough air. Manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund, or in rare cases repurchasing the vehicle. However, that is not what I’m experiencing rather I am being dismissed and neglected even after the engine failed on the highway going 70mph with a semi-truck behind me nearly running over me. I then had to be towed to the dealership, which was expensive. I have spent thousands of dollars in attempts to repair/remedy this problem to only recently find out that there is a related recall. Kia's number for this recall is SC176. I refuse to drive this car as it is unreliable and unsafe. Also, the recall below has still not been repaired since the Notice was received in 2023. Manufacturer Recall Number: SC284AM NHTSA Recall Number: 23V652 Recall Status:”Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available”
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593436June 10, 2024
ENGINE
While driving vehicle suddenly lost power and the battery light, engine light and oil light turned on. My car did not start after. Upon inspection my mechanic added oil to the car to see if that will work and it didn’t. Granted I had an oil change one month ago and still had a bit of miles to go before my next one. The oil light never turned on before this so I thought it was odd that it was low in oil. Secondly we charged the battery and tried to jump start it. That was futile. When he inspected it more he said it was the engine that became detective. I’m glad this happened on a safe road rather than the freeway! There was zero indication prior , that my car was going to stop . I know there’s active recalls for this same issue …
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593446June 10, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Solo. NO quiso correr
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593555June 10, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Kia experienced acceleration issues and would randomly turn off while driving. A mechanic inspected and recalibrate the knock sensor. Almost immediately the car began to use excessive amounts of oil, a quart a week average, had a knock and started having acceleration issues. The Kia dealership stated that severe engine scoring had occurred likely caused by the catalytic converter. The problems began and lead to engine failure within several weeks. From March to end of May
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593562June 10, 2024
ENGINE
I am the owner of a 2018 Kia Soul. On May 19, 2024 I broke down on a highway in a dangerous construction zone. Just prior to this my oil light came on, so i put some in to be safe until I got home to let engine cool. No other warning lights or messages came on. Got a little further down the road and the light came back on with the engine now making noise. I managed to find an emergency pull off and as soon as I pulled off the car died. I had it initially towed to my mechanic but when they looked at it they said had to go to dealership it was the Engine and possibly under recall. Had towed to dealership on May 21, 2024. They were backed up and unable to look at it until after the holiday. They finally got to look at it on June 3, 2024. It does meet the requirements for the Kia Engine Recall. Here is where the plot thickens, Kia, not dealership, denied the recall work because the update was never done. I just received the update notice the end of March 2024. Due to me being disabled and I had some doctor appoints to keep I just cleared my schedule to make the appointment and was planning to do that when broke down with no warning. I called Kia customer service and they said because I did not have the update done it has to fall under the Class Action Settlement and they will not cover it. Now under the Class Action Settlement, you need to pay out of pocket and then seek reimbursement. However, the work has yet to be done and I am disabled and on a fixed income. It is now June 10,2024 and the Kia dealership still is not getting a straight answer from the warranty company on whether they will accept the claim and cover it or not. Meanwhile, I am putting a friend out to help me. What is a person to do?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593282June 9, 2024
ENGINE
Failure to fix the engine repair causing fires
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593303June 9, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car burning oil every 1,000 miles or less causing catalytic converter to over heat, which could cause fire. Wiring harness on driver side shorting lights out which could cause a fire. Vehicle can be ready for inspection at anytime. Have been calling dealer about it since 2019 said recall was fixed but wasn’t done properly. Electrical issues started around 01/15/2024.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593081June 7, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593169June 7, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY/WIPER
I was driving my 2016 Kia Soul down the road at about 20 mph when I heard a very loud bang that startled me. I looked behind and to the sides and nothing but when I looked up, the fixed panel in the sunroof had shattered but not yet fallen in.There are several lawsuits against Kia for the sunroofs, including through Gibbs Law Group and a case in Canada.They continue deny responsibility for all their defects despite their cars catching on fire, getting stolen, stalling out, rolling away and having exploding sunroofs. NHTSA has to do something to stop Kia and Hyundai from continuing to sell cars in the US or hold them responsible for the numerous defects.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593174June 7, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2015 Kia Soul Intermittent headlight Flashing at random Months ago the KIA dealership could not replicate. Contacted KIA-Customer-Care and they cared less. I have a car I am afraid to drive at night or in heavy rain. Youtube movie of problem at [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
#11592773June 6, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had my vehicle in PARK in my driveway. I was standing outside the vehicle & after I pulled the keys out of the ignition, the vehicle started rolling backward. My feet were on the ground the whole time, the vehicle was in park. I pulled the emergency brake as it was rolling with my legs stuck between the car and the door. I was finally able to push myself into the car to hit the brake with my foot & the car stopped right as it hit the curb of the other side of the street. My legs are extremely bruised from this and if anyone had been behind the vehicle, they would have been ran over as I could not stop it even though it was in park. This just happened so it has not yet been inspected by a mechanic or the dealership. There were no warnings, messages, or symptoms before this happened. It was clearly sitting in park perfectly fine before the engine was turned off. This is extremely dangerous. I have a video from my security camera that shows the entire incident. I'm unable to upload.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11592653June 5, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on another occasion, the vehicle started shuddering and jerking and almost stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a misfire and a failure in cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592665June 5, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592692June 5, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592540June 5, 2024
ENGINE
Brand new car 5800 miles engine failure after first oil change at dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592451June 4, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure increased significantly while driving. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the catalytic converter was fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling), where the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic was upgraded. Additionally, the contact was provided an estimate for the catalytic converter repair; however, the contact declined to pay a fee for the repair because the recall repair included replacing the catalytic converter if damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 139,762.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592461June 4, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle recalled by Kia for potential for short and resultant fire from battery pack. Recall performed, traction battery found to be defective. Vehicle taken and held by Kia for six months while awaiting back-ordered replacement traction pack. Advised by Kia staff no timeline for pack due to shortage of parts. After 6 months vehicle returned with 'software update' because battery is unavailable and remains backordered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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