Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11536304August 3, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power. The engine warning light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the catalytic converter on two separate occasions. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the catalytic converter was clogged, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536025August 2, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the check "EV System Light" was displayed. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535795August 1, 2023
STEERING
In our 2012 Kia soul, the steering wheel is giving out and sticking resulting in the wheel, not being able to be controlled by the driver as it’s being yanked out of their hands. This is especially dangerous on the highway where there was almost an accident when my daughter was driving, the car and the car wheel stuck, and then abruptly yanked out of her hand. The Kia souls 2014 through 2016 have recalls on their steering wheel and the same issue is happening with our 2012 Kia soul. When we contacted Kia dealership and Kia customer service they told us that they would not help us, because it was not recalled and there was no current warranty for it past 98,000 miles but online it says 100,000 miles. Even though we are the third owner of the car we have received the car from her grandparents and have fold all recall information and then keeping tabs on keeping the car up-to-date to make sure that is mechanically sound, and always in good condition. We are scared for the dangerous situation that the steering wheel is putting us in to the point where we are not comfortable driving the vehicle. The Kia dealerships reached out to you about the safety concerns not only told us that they would charge us an obscene amount of money to bring it in for a diagnostic, but that they would not cover the cost to repair it, even if they found that it was related to the recall of the 2014 2016. The 2012s have the same steering an engine as the 2014 and 2016. We fear for the safety of our family, and Kia will not even look at it without charging us, and said that even if it was related to the same problem that they would not allowed to be covered under warranty, because there is not a specific warranty on the 2012 Kia soul model. I am reaching out to report that the same problem is happening with the 2012 version of the Kia soul in terms of the steering problems from recall on the 2014 and 2016 Kia souls. This is extremely dangerous and could weren’t a lawsuit if an accident happens
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535804August 1, 2023
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a turn, there was an abnormal clicking and grinding sound coming from the vehicle. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel drifted from one side to the next out of the hand of the contact. The steering wheel turned partially in one direction and aggressively before returning to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535651August 1, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine stalled on me while going 60mph on the freeway to almost 20 mph. Check Engine light flashed twice. Engine is now knocking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535521July 31, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I drove my car a short distance, parked, and turned off the engine. about 5 minutes after I left my car in the parking lot, we heard a loud explosion and everyone in the office stepped outside. My car became a ball of orange fire and burned for some time. It took 3 fire trucks to contain the fire and several other vehicles were damaged from the explosion. Pictures taken after the incident show the engine was gone (melted maybe). The inside of the car was also burned beyond recognition. My potential death was approximately 5 minutes after I parked my car. The gas tank did not explode; rather, the car burned from the front to the rear. This vehicle should not be on the road and the problem should be made public immediately.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535603July 31, 2023
STEERING
Steering column lock. I took the vehicle back complaining about the steering wheel having a rough spot in it they act like they could not find nothing while under warranty. Over the years it's progressively getting worse now the steering wheel will not lock when you pull the key out. While driving the car you can notice a click in the wheel in both directions where the key lock is trying to lock back in the position while driving. I called Kia and complained they said the vehicle was out of warranty how many other people has had this problem. When driving down the road I can feel in the wheel every time I move it right or left. My problem is what do you do if a steering wheel locks up running 60 70 mph down the road is other Kia owners having this problem has anybody been killed or because KEA is ignoring the problem with steering columns. The lock hasn't worked in two or three years now it is getting to the point that it has a real noticeable click and kink in the steering wheel. I think the government should check in on a KEA and make sure it's not an ongoing problem with other KEA's.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535608July 31, 2023
ENGINE
I had a noise for 2 days when I made right turns. Then my check engine light came on July 30 2023. On July 31 2023 I went to where I received the car from which was century 3 Chevrolet and they told me to go across the street to century 3 kia. I went there told them the problem. I was told they couldn't do nothing for me till September 2023. Mind you the check engine light is on. I asked would I be fine to drive it he says yeah. 30 minutes later my car start to jerk then it cut off. I restarted it it jerked then drove a little before it completely just cuts off and starts drifting backwards I was still in drive it wouldn't restart I put it in park.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535317July 30, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint on the car is delaminating and chipping off and the vehicle is becoming compromised due to the paint coming off the car. This has been confirmed by my dealership where I take the vehicle for service. Kia dealership has inspected the vehicle No, there are not warning lamps to tell me the paint is coming off the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535224July 29, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Kia issued recall 23V218 in relation to the High Voltage Battery being able to short curcut and catch fire. They don't know for sure the cause, nor do they have a remedy in place yet. If my car can randomly catch fire, that sounds like a pretty big saftey recall issue. That recall was issued 4 months ago. I asked about being given a loaner car until there's a fix and I was told no. I asked about them repurchasing the car since they don't have a fix, they said no. I asked about the battery being replaced as a precaution and was told that they don't yet have a way to make sure the replacement battery won't have to same issue. So there are all these ppl driv9ng down the street because we don't have any choice BUT to drive our car and Kia isn't willing to help us in any way shape or form.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535016July 28, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger’s side rear brake lights malfunctioned and were replaced on several occasions. While replacing the brake light bulbs, the contact discovered that the light bulb sockets were charred and melted. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534942July 27, 2023
STEERING
Clicking and knocking when turning or just parked turning the steering wheel. I hear it’s a steering coupler issue with lots of Kias and Hyundai’s that can be dangerous. Did I miss a recall, how do I get this taken care of?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534533July 26, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently taken to an undisclosed dealer for a routine oil change; however, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to the undisclosed dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil level was low, and the crank shaft position sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had previously been taken to the dealer for an unknown manufacturer recall repair related to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534677July 26, 2023
ENGINE
Vehicle shuts off after being idle (stopped at a red light, stopped in traffic). It goes completely dead & will not turn back on for 5 minutes or so. I have had the car for 11 months & it is currently at the dealership having the engine replaced for the third time. Kia has diagnosed the problem as “low compression” in the engine but does not know why so their solution is replacing the engine whenever it starts stalling again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534466July 25, 2023
ENGINE
illuminated check engine and oil pressure warning lights with stalling at higher speeds. Last incident car stalled on freeway while driving up a steep grade. This incident put me at risk for injury due to the traffic and location incident. Afterwards when starting the car again there would be a severe shaking and excessive smoke coming from engine and exhaust pipe. I initially had a mechanic from MIDAS inspect the car. The engine was leaking oil and mechanic had suspicion that there was a fuel leek. do to the danger of these malfunctions the mechanic suggested we have KIA deal with it directly
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534201July 24, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
1. Car was getting great gas milage 33 in town and 41 on highway. Suddenly, could barely get 28 - 31 regardless of circumstance; then,.... 2, Car kept shutting off automatically when driving, to include when making a left hand turn that nearly got us broadsided when it stalled. Nearby mechanic adjusted fuel mixture and kind enough to test drive. Stated to expect engine light to turn back on, but wouldn't shut down. Able to get to KIA dealership whom looked at, got engine light off but stated that the light would most likely come back on in the morning when started again. It did. Took it back to the dealership again. Note check engine light twice which should have a code. 3. Happened a third time, KIA stated reached out to manufacturer whom had them tear down certain parts and clean. (Associate stated same happened to their KIA and same repair). Working better. Check engine light again. Tried to tell me no code. Not possible with check engine light on. 4. Happened again. Can feel the car start to chug/sputter. Took to shop. Tried something else before I put on the road for about 1,200 miles. Milage improved to about 36/37 on highway 29 in town. However, when I went to return home it shut off as I was fastening seatbelt and placing purse. Mileage immediately stated 9 to 12 to 14. With the chugging detectable. Took an easy 50-100 miles before chugging settled and milage began to climb but not beyond 29-30 mpg. Next tank, rolled 50 feet to edge of gas station and average miles per gallon suddenly stated 50 mpg. Seemed to state averaging 46/47 mpg highway. In town is now dropping. Makes no sense whatsoever as to the variance in gas milage. These people want to keep my car for 5 days leaving me with no car, to pay for the parts they put into the car as they ATTEMPT to figure out the issue. I have heard gas and fuel somehow mixing, had to tear things apart and fix, fuel mixture automatically adjusts, the issue is with the tripometer device..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11533870July 22, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
On wednesday July 19th, at approximately 1745 (5:45 pm) I got into my car and started it. I attempted to back out of the driveway and noticed my steering wheel was locked. I pulled forward, and put the car in park. I tried to turn the car off. It then restarted itself, revved the engine, turned the heater on, rolled down the windows and engaged the back up camera. The check engine light came on, the low oil light, and the battery light were all on. The car would not turn off, every time I pressed the off button it would idle strangely and turn itself back on. I had to remove the key fobs, and my phone from the vehicle (i have a remote start app) to get it to turn off. I had it towed to the dealership, who returned the car the next day and told me nothing was wrong and that it was in auxiliary mode. They showed me auxiliary mode and it did not do what had happened. I told them I would film it if the vehicle did it again. Yesterday July 21, 2023 the vehicle did it again, at approximately 2110 (9:10 pm). The dealership advised me to bring it back up today. While driving it up there the engine shut off while driving I was doing approximately 43mph with the keys located in the storage space near the gear shift. The entire car shut down, instrument cluster and all, my steering wheel locked, and i had to coast to the side of a road. The car then restarted itself and picked up where the cruise control had previously been set. It did this twice and I was almost hit by a large pick up truck the second time. Had the truck not braked in time I could have been killed, and had my daughter been with me she could have been seriously wounded. The dealership told me to limp it to them as a tow truck would not be avalible for hours. During the short drive the instrument cluster continued to fade in and out. The dealers only solution was to let them hold the car and drive it for the weekend while trying to replicate the problem. I have filmed it restarting, but not dying on the road
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11533748July 21, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2019 Kia Soul with 63900 miles fan control switch overheating causing harness to turn black. Failure of Ac due to this defect. The Ac Control unit was replace under warranty because of a fan control swith failer in the past. The vehicle is unsafe when these controls are used because of the current going through the switch appears to be to much for the swith to handle. We took the vehicle to the Dealer and they stated that the electronics and wiring is only covered for 5 years 60,000 miles. However, the part was last replaced by the dealer under warranty so this would be the 2nd switch assembly. We contacted Kia Corporate and they advised us to bring the car into the Dealer to have them diagnose the issue. The dealer contacted us and stated that the wiring harness will need to be replaced as well as the Ac Control unit. There was no warnings that this switch was failing again other than the Ac no longer worked.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11533569July 21, 2023
ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine stall duo to faulty Piston rods. Probable cause of faulty Piston Rods is insufficient oil level. May also damage the crankshaft and cause the engine to seize. I have proof of oil changes on time and the car has only 92000 mile on it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle may stall and shut off in the middle of the road unexpectedly which may cause an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11533624July 21, 2023
ENGINE
We have a p0420 code with check engine light on (catalyst below threshold) with unusual oil consumption. We have been refused a replacement of the catalytic converter which is failing and may or may not have caused severe engine damage. Engine is going through an unusual high amount of oil with no oil leaks. Contacted Kia NA on July 21st and was told the cat was not covered even though it's failing and we have recall notices coming in the mail.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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