Kia Soul Complaints (2021)

240 consumer complaints on file.

#11656342April 23, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and turning into a parking lot, the vehicle stalled and seized to function. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle was able to function as needed. The vehicle was taken to an O’Reilly to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with failure in the solenoids, which the contact fixed herself. The check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the contact thought the sensor was faulty. The vehicle was taken to various independent mechanics to be diagnosed and was diagnosed with timing belt failure; however, the contact was informed to first get the vehicle repaired under the recall and then get the timing belt replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and a multipoint inspection was performed. The contact was informed there was no fix for the vehicle presently. The vehicle was taken again to be diagnosed, and the vehicle was diagnosed with the cam shaft actuator and brake failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was connected with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655520April 18, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the piston oil rings had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 approximate failure mileage was 41,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654818April 15, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact towed the vehicle to a dealer, and the vehicle remained at the dealer for several weeks awaiting a diagnostic test. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and was awaiting the inspection. The contact then towed the vehicle to a second dealer, and the vehicle was awaiting an inspection. The contact stated that the dealer requested documentation for oil change services performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654738April 15, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, consuming 2 quarts of oil in a short time. 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; however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654522April 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I dropped off my 2021 Kia Soul at the dealership where I purchased it to address a nationwide recall, which states: “The piston oil ring(s) may have been incorrectly manufactured, potentially damaging the engine cylinder wall. This can lead to increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noises, engine seizure, and possible fire from oil leaking onto hot exhaust components. Loss of drive power and/or fire increases crash and injury risk.” My vehicle has shown multiple symptoms, including rough running, significant shaking, illuminated check engine and oil lights. On 01/02/23, I brought it in, but the dealership found no stored codes and took no action. On 04/20/23, a code for a cylinder 1 misfire was found, but because the issue wasn’t present at that moment, no repairs were made. On 10/05/23, spark plugs and fuel pump were replaced under warranty. No further issues occurred until 02/14/25, when the same symptoms returned. I was told I’d be charged for a diagnosis and they likely wouldn’t find anything, so I left without service. On 04/09/25, the symptoms reoccurred. I dropped off the vehicle on 04/10/25 and paid out-of-pocket for a rental until 04/14/25. On 04/14/25, after being told earlier that work couldn’t be done because the engine hadn’t cooled to 55°F, I was later told the recall was completed and the vehicle was safe—despite ongoing issues. I fear for my safety and the safety of others. I believe my vehicle needs an engine replacement and is unsafe to drive. The recall letter states inspection and software update should take 1–2 hours, and engine replacement 8+ hours. I request further diagnosis and repairs. Despite the vehicle continuing to show symptoms, I was dismissed. I am seeking accountability and proper resolution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654387April 14, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failure I have had it inspected already by Koons Kia of Owings Mills and State Farm. My vehicle 2021 Kia Soul stalled while driving. I received a recall letter by mail from Kia on April 12, 2025 letter was dated for April 4, 2025. The oil light illuminated when the vehicle stalled on October 21, 2024. The recall issue has still not been resolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653285April 7, 2025
ENGINE
I have contacted Kia several times about this recall, the latest being today. I tried to schedule an appointment with Galeana Kia in Fort Myers, FL. The service departement told me there was no remedy for this recall. I referred the dealer to the Kia website. "Remedy DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE ENGINE AS NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSTALL PISTON-RING NOISE SENSING SYSTEM (PNSS) SOFTWARE, FREE OF CHARGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MAILED APRIL 4, 2025. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 800-333-4542. KIA'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS SC336." I then called Kia directly. They told me to contact the dealer. I told them I already had done so. The Kia rep told me that I had to wait for the dealer. I said I don't accept that because the KIA website lists the remedy. I eventually spoke to two supervisors. I was told that Kia does not own the dealership, so they can't force them to service the recall. Kia told me that if I went to the dealer now the dealer would bill me. I said that is unacceptable. In November 2024 I had an issue with my Kia that may be related to this recall. My vehicle stalled and I could not restart it. I had it towed to Galeana Kia. Turns out that the oil level was low in the engine. However, there was never any warning or warning light indication that the oil level was low. I was billed $315.96. I expect to receive a refund of that amount as this is related to the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653114April 7, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the oil level was extremely low, due to a faulty cam shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11651966April 1, 2025
ENGINE, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES
Hi I keep needed a oil change on this vehicle please have Kia to check why thanks and I sometimes smell oil out of no where thanks [XXX] [XXX] and I have had serval oil changes at Walmart only since I got the vehicle from carmax 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
#11651362March 28, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and accelerating, the vehicle occasionally shuddered or stalled, forcing the contact to pull over onto the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone, where a diagnostic scan retrieved information for a cylinder #1 misfire. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that further diagnostic testing was required to determine the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
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
#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
#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
#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
#11648207March 13, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was completing a U-turn, and the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard however, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact came to a complete stop while approaching a red light; after the light turned green, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle responded and was driven to the destination. The following day the contact’s wife attempted to drive the vehicle; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine light warning illuminated. The following day, the check engine warning light illuminated again while the contact was driving, and the vehicle stalled. The contact towed the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 46,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648188March 13, 2025
ENGINE
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 unable to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and was assisted in pushing the vehicle to a safe location, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647329March 10, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the engine experienced excessive oil consumption. Eventually, while at a stop light with the Auto START/STOP activated, the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer. The dealer indicated that the engine failed due to a loosened oil filter, which caused oil to leak from the engine. The contact was advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the piston rings were faulty and had caused the engine to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 141,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647195March 9, 2025
ENGINE
The engine in my 2021 Kia Soul has been experiencing serious performance issues that align with Recall SC336. The vehicle frequently exhibits erratic RPM fluctuations while idling, and on multiple occasions, it's completely shut down while stopped at traffic lights or in traffic. When this happens, the vehicle does not restart immediately, leaving me stranded / creating a safety risk. I reported this issue to an authorized Kia dealership, but they refused to perform proper diagnostic tests related to the recall. Instead, they blamed a clogged air filter as the cause of the stalling. This explanation does not make sense. Why the Dealership’s Explanation is Incorrect: 1. A clogged air filter does NOT cause sudden stalling at idle or failure to restart. If an air filter were completely clogged, the engine would lose power under acceleration, not stall at idle. The engine requires very little air at idle, so a dirty filter would cause gradual power loss, not sudden shutdowns. 2. My symptoms match Recall SC336, which involves piston oil ring failure. Erratic RPMs, stalling, and failure to restart are all signs of compression loss or internal engine damage. 3. The dealership is refusing to conduct recall-related tests. I requested a PNSS (Piston Noise Sensing System) test and an oil consumption test, but the dealership refused. Instead, they tried to charge me for an air filter replacement, ignoring possible recall-related failure. Safety Risks: The vehicle stalls at stoplights and in traffic, increasing crash risk. The car fails to restart immediately after shutting down, leaving me stranded. Inspection Status: The vehicle is at the dealership, but they have not inspected it for recall-related failures. Kia Corporate was contacted but supported the dealership’s incorrect assessment. Warning Signs Before Failure: Erratic RPM fluctuations at idle began before the first shutdown. Check Engine Light was on but cleared but cleared by the dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647062March 7, 2025
ENGINE
I am experiencing a serious safety issue with my 2021 Kia Soul. My vehicle is consuming excessive oil, which should not be happening under normal operating conditions. The check engine light is on, and while driving, the car suddenly shuts off and displays the battery symbol before losing power completely. This has happened multiple times, creating a dangerous situation where my vehicle loses power unexpectedly on the road. I took my car to a mechanic, who confirmed that the engine is consuming oil at an abnormal rate. The mechanic also informed me that there is a known recall on certain 2021-2023 Kia Soul models due to defective piston oil rings, which can cause excessive oil consumption, engine failure, and even fires. However, when I contacted Kia’s customer service and provided my VIN, they stated that my vehicle is not included in the recall, despite exhibiting the same symptoms. This is a serious safety hazard, as my vehicle is at risk of sudden engine failure while in motion. Kia has issued recalls for similar models, but my specific VIN has been excluded, even though I am experiencing the exact same defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue further to determine whether more vehicles should be included in the recall before this defect leads to accidents or injuries. I am available to provide further documentation, including inspection reports, oil consumption records, and any additional information needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646862March 6, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owned a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning electrical odor. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on other occasions while the vehicle was idling, the RPM fell. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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