Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11544794September 15, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
When applying brakes over bumps the car sounds as if the brakes are locking up. When putting are in reverse and it uses the Automatic Emergency Braking aggressively too early. I have already paid to replace the window motors due to all windows not working when using the button on drivers side buttons, since replacing those motors the vehicle STILL continues to have electrical malfunctions when rolling windows down they won't roll up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11544554September 14, 2023
ENGINE
My car is burning oil fast! I had an oil change August 20,2023 and my oil like started flickering. My mom checked the oil on today September 14, 2023 and there was none. My Uncle is a mechanic he checked it and there was no oil. We put oil in the car and he did not see a leak. It was taken to valvoline and they don’t see a leak. Uncle thinks oil is just burning up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11544293September 13, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Received an "Important Safety Recall" notice from Kia recall number 23v218 in May 2023. This indicates my Kia Soul EV by VIN. The notice warns of a possible short in the main battery that can cause a fire. The notice says Kia is working on a remedy and that another letter will follow when the remedy is ready. No second letter yet, as of 9/13/23. The recall notice states that if in the meantime owner experiences "incomplete high voltage battery charging, loss/fluctuating vehicle EV battery range" to seek assistance from nearest authorized Kia dealership. My vehicle experienced rapid decrease in range, down below 60% of the full range over a period of weeks. Most recently charging the vehicle (using two different chargers) causes the circuit breaker at my home to trip, something that has never happened before. I contacted Kia America by phone and email. They said I should take the car to the dealer. At the dealer I describe the problem, show the recall notice. They say they cannot execute a remedy and that in order to have the battery checked I need to leave the car with them indefinitely. Service said some cars have been waiting 6 weeks for a diagnostic. So I have a recall notice, my car is experiencing a warning symptom, and I cannot get the dealer or Kia to take reasonable action.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11544323September 13, 2023
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact called on behalf of his daughter-in-law who owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle owner had been adding a quart of oil to the vehicle every week. The contact's mechanic informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic test produced DTC Code: P0420; and the dealer determined that the catalytic converter and the engine had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the engine could not replace under the recall because additional diagnostic test which related the engine failure to low engine compression. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the catalytic converter could be replaced under recall; however, the replacement would be pointless because the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he believed that the engine failure was related to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the dealer determined that the engine failure was not related to the recall. The failure mileage unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11544347September 13, 2023
ENGINE
On August 15, 2023 my 2020 Kia Soul's engine over heated causing a fire under the hood. There after the car smoked and would not turn back on or turn over.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11544399September 13, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Headlights turn off after using the turn signal switch. Started happening once in a while but now it happens not only after using the turn signal switch but the headlights will turn off for a few seconds and then turn back on. Other times they will just flicker for several seconds. This is a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. The headlights turning off or flashing at night is not a safe way of driving. There are many reported cases of this issue on the Kia Owners Portal so they can't say they didn't hear about it. I would think I could take it into Kia to have them replace the turn signal switch since that is the only thing that makes sense. And I can recreate the issue by wiggling the switch. (This is not related to the light sensor since I do not have automatic headlights.) Why hasn't there been a safety recall issued??? This has been happening for over a year and I just try to drive only during the day until Kia is forced to fix the problem. That is no longer possible as I am now working nights. What are my options to have this resolved without costing me any money??? Please have someone reach out to me at [XXX] to assist me in my research. 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
#11544402September 13, 2023
ENGINE
I was driving, and on my way back home the engine stopped working suddenly, oil leaked everywhere and I believe a rod blew. It exposed all my oil and it could have potentially injured or killed us. The only warning was the check engine light but that wasn't visible until 1 min prior to the incident. White smoke was visible after the incident, my biggest concern is that the oil could have caused a fire and killed someone.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11544178September 12, 2023
ENGINE
Car Insurence informed us that the Car is Missing the engine anti-theft interlock system and no Dealership is not responding, I have COPD and can not have the car missing for a TicToK steal this car challenge by Hyundai/KIA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543994September 12, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The KIA company is denying me the anti theft software. What can I do?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543795September 11, 2023
POWER TRAIN, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that after activating the air conditioning the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, the contact stated while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal extended to the floor causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact stated that there was popping sound coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The contact stated the headlights were dim and failed to properly illuminate the roadway and the rear brake lights also failed illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the rear brake light wiring harness was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543695September 10, 2023
STEERING
My 2013 Kia Soul does not currently have a recall issued for it, but there is a known steering problem that has resulted in 345,000 Kia Souls being recalled. The recall starts with models manufactured in 2013, and yet my model has been excluded. The recall that was issued affects Souls manufactured for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years, spanning manufacture dates from July 21, 2013 though September 30, 2015. Warning signs of an impending failure could be a clunking noise from the steering rack when turning. My 2013 Kia Soul has been experiencing this same clunking noise that has been increasing in severity and causing issues with steering. I am extremely concerned about the safety of driving a car with known steering issues. When I contacted my Kia dealer directly about this concern, they said that the recall wasn't issued for my VIN number. The issue appears to be prevalent for Kia Souls dating back further to 2012, as I have researched to see if others have experienced the same or similar issue. I have attached screenshots of other consumers who have experienced this issue and were also not included in the recall years. There were no warning lamps or messages and the issue has gotten progressively worse, and much more severe, over the past few weeks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543530September 9, 2023
AIR BAGS, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Air bag new
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
10
Deaths:
1
#11543492September 8, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My engine has had many issues stemming from a bad engine Kia of Irvine has avoided fixing they have charged for fixes under warranty and ignored code p0420 since 2018. After much push Catalytic engine was replaced replaced in 2021. I had noticed burning smell from engine along with low oil but was denied an oil consumption and pushed out of extended warranty with minor fixes. Told repeatedly it was all wear and tear. Car is currently in shop with 157000 miles after going limp on the freeway luckily with slow traffic. After being “fixed” on Tuesday 9/05/23 for a bad crank shaft sensor I drove it to pep boys straight out of the shop for scan and found ABS issue 1631 transmission failure and a failed emissions warning not fixed. Took car back right no explanation and asked that I leave my car once again. I have called to No communication from the shop And now I have just been informed they misplaced my key and have not yet inspected it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543495September 8, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our 2013 Kia Soul accelerated on its own at a Sonic drive-in restaurant. First ran into a brick wall and then when put in reverse, it continued at accelerated speed until it came to a stop. Nobody injured - just the car. Afterward I did some research and found it has been a problem with various makes and models of Kias.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543503September 8, 2023
ENGINE
The car experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure. We had just pulled out of the driveway and were on our residential street, so there was no accident, we were able to pull over and stop the vehicle without incident. It was towed to the Kia dealer (Premier Kia of Carlsbad 5331 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008). After detailed inspection by one of their service technicians they determined that the cause of the engine failure was the same connecting rod bearing failure that other years/classes of Kia Soul have experienced. The dealer initiated a claim with Kia to try to get the extended warranty and engine replacement covered for my vehicle since it was exactly the same issue they have seen with the vehicles covered in the legal settlement (Techline case #15756680). However, Kia has denied responsibility for what is clearly a defect in the engine affecting other Kia owners not currently being reimbursed for their loss by previous recalls and legal settlements.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543111September 7, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights will turn off and on randomly without warning. My driving panel shows no indicator or warning lights. This is an ongoing and extremely dangerous issue. I’m told it will be very expensive to diagnose and repair due to the need to remove the entire steering section to access the headlight control wand.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543143September 7, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle shuddered and stalled while accelerating. The transmission also shifted hard, and the vehicle shook abnormally. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filter, cooling system, and air cleaner needed to be serviced. The ECU update was completed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who removed the muffler and catalytic converter, due to engine damage. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed there was no warranty or recall coverage for the vehicle. The manufacturer referred the contact to the local dealer for a goodwill repair. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543263September 7, 2023
ENGINE
I took my 2016 Kia Soul to Fredy Kia back in June because it had been misfiring and dying while driving. They said the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. I had taken my car in for the ECU update because of the possible rod bearing piston engine failure due to catalytic converter failure. They would not do a good faith coverage for the repair even though it was just over warranty and they have a massive settlement going for the rod bearing damage on engines and I am seeing massive talk online with other Kia Soul owners having the same issues with the catalytic converter. These cars are catching fire eventually and dying on the freeway. This is a massive safety issue and I cannot believe they aren't including the catalytic converter under it. Furthermore, the service manager at Fredy Kia liedto me and said I had to contact Kia Warranty about a good faith coverage for the repair. Today, I finally learned from Kia Warranty that it is actually the Dealers who makes that decision. I would have taken it to a different dealer with more ethics.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11543267September 7, 2023
ENGINE
The car was having an oil consumption issue so I took it to the dealer where they said it wasn’t considered excessive to them and said to get the PCV valve replaced which I had them do. Then the car went into “limp home” mode while on the highway and began displaying a check engine light intermittently with a PO420 code. Took it to the dealer and they said it needs a new catalytic converter. It had just had the catalytic converters recall performed and when I talked to the service manager about that he agreed and said it was a latent defect in the car and that Kia would goodwill repair the catalytic converter. Kia denied doing that and continued to deny it even after I appealed several times. The car still has an oil consumption problem, still intermittently displays the PO420 error and has a check engine light on and last I talked to the dealer they said now the car needs an entirely new engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542704September 5, 2023
ENGINE
I bought this car in November of 2022 and it didn't make it its 3rd oil change. The car averaged a quart low at each oil change but that didn't seem to outrageous to me. It drove perfectly until June when the check engine light randomly came on and started flashing. I took it to the dealership who told me I needed a new engine, they couldn't tell me why or what was wrong but they assured me KIA wouldn't cover the cost since there was no open recall. Now I have an almost $20k lawn ornament, it won't even start and KIA can't even tell me why.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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