Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11517144April 14, 2023
ENGINE
I am writing this letter to inform you of what I feel is an unacceptable situation. On November 17, 2022, my friend and I were heading to a veterinary specialist about 3 hours from where we live. On the way there the engine in her 2017 KIA Soul with about 85,000 miles on it started knocking. I said this isn’t right, so we called for a tow. We had it towed back to our local mechanic, and they said it was a low-end engine knock. The mechanic called the local KIA dealership’s service department to see if it was covered by the warranty. The KIA rep asked for the VIN after which they informed the mechanic since Julie did not respond to a letter (not a recall) sent out about a software upgrade that needed to be done to detect the problem early, it was not covered. She never saw said letter and has been at that same address for over 30 years. Our local shop quoted her $6,985.25 and about 2 weeks to replace the engine. She called the local KIA service department and they said they could make an appointment to diagnose it January 21st (but if she brought it in, they would fit it in before then, if possible, she had no idea that it was going to be over 4 months.) She also called KIA corporation (which took multiple calls and was on hold forever) to inquire about the warranty and was told KIA would not cover it. KIA corporation said her problem is with the U.S. Postal Service if she never received the update letter. The local dealership finally diagnosed it days after her scheduled appointment and was told she would have to pay over $6,000.00 and it would be about 4 weeks to have the engine replaced. I find it unacceptable my friend is told to check back every couple of weeks. I could totally understand it if KIA said, “we’ll take care of it, but it will take some time” but to have a paying customer’s vehicle over 4 months (a third of a year) is ridiculous in my opinion. Julie is having to borrow vehicles and ut
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516862April 13, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test and the dealer stated that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 88,520.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516872April 13, 2023
ENGINE
THE 2.0 ENGINE OF THE KIA 2013 SOUL SEEMS TO HAVE TO SAME PROBLEM AS THE KIA 2013 SOUL WITH THE 1.4 ENGINE WHICH WAS RECALL DUE TO THE CRANKSHAFT TEETH GETTING DAMAGED AND ENGINE GET DAMAGED DUE TO THE SAME RECALL OF THE 1.4 ENGINE. 2.0 ENGINE SHOULD ALSO BE ADDED TO THE RECALL. PUTS THE DRIVERS AT RISK OF DEATH AS IT CAN CATCH ON FIRE LIKE THE 1.4 ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS EXPECTED BY A MECHANIC AFTER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND DESCRIBED THE SAME AS THE 1.4 ENGINE RECALL.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516947April 13, 2023
ENGINE
I was driving down the interstate at 72mph on my way to a funeral when I suddenly lost power. Cars began to swerve around me while I tried to make my way to the emergency lane. Once the car died, it would not restart. It had to be towed to a dealer where it has sat for over 5 weeks. They are claiming the engine has completely failed in spite of the fact it has been regularly maintenance and was, in fact, running low on oil and was having to have oil replaced every 1000 miles and had the oil changed just days before the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516954April 13, 2023
ENGINE
I own a 2014 Kia soul with 78000 miles. Engine light came on just changed my oil it was almost dry. I’m going through 2 quarts every two weeks due to KIAS power train warranty of 100000 miles I was sold on as a second owner. The dealer will not cover to replace the engine since the second owner warranty is inky warranted at 60k. Millions of people owning Kia’s are now trashing their cars because of this horrible situation! It’s in the courts I’m sure you know. This is criminal my safety and those behind me are at dramatic risk if my car fails on the highway which they are! I want this investigated for my safety. Several calls to Kia corporate no answer!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516974April 13, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failed on my 2022 Kia soul in June 2022 when my car only had 4,594 miles. I was stuck in the middle of a busy intersection with my daughter and I in the car unable to accelerate almost being hit by multiple vehicles. Transmission failed on my 2022 Kia soul once again when my car had only 10,734 miles on it. Again brought it into Kia dealership whom confirmed the transmission had failed again for a second time. In this incident I was stuck on the side of a highway almost being hit by multiple big rigs again with my daughter in the car. My daughter is currently pregnant and had to be seen at the emergency room for high blood pressure and anxiety attack. We now have hospital bills, car towing of about 800.00, rental car is now being used which I was forced to get because Kia would not assist me with getting it. This is a huge safety hazard as my vehicle went from 65 miles per hour down to 20 in a matter of seconds. I was so close to being hit then stranded in the middle of the desert. I called Kia corporate requesting this car be declared a lemon and me be refunded any money put into the car. I currently have an open case with them. If something happens to me or my child or now grandchild while driving I will fully hold Kia responsible for this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11516513April 11, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
got an engine catalytic converter check engine light
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516535April 11, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed 4 quarts of oil within 3,000 miles. The contact pulled into a service station and added two quarts of oil to the vehicle and resumed driving; however, after driving approximately 20 miles, there was a loud banging sound and there was smoke coming from the engine. The contact veered to the side of the road and noticed that there was no engine oil in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The dealer submitted a goodwill request to the manufacturer; however, the request was denied. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Kia of Greer (14345 E Wade Hampton Blvd, Greer, SC 29651), where the same diagnostic information was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 101,003.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516262April 10, 2023
FIRERELATED
The contact was an administrator of a probate trust who was filing a complaint on behalf of the deceased owner of a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while a relative of the deceased was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking. No warning lights were illuminated. The deceased relative pulled over into a parking lot and noticed there was smoke coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle caught fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. No injury was sustained. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle did not have insurance coverage. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516297April 10, 2023
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a clicking noise was present coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering coupler was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact noticed that after retrieving the vehicle that the noise had become louder and more pronounced when turning the steering wheel. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516306April 10, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair and the engine replacement due to the warranty being expired. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516094April 8, 2023
POWER TRAIN
I bought my 2021 Kia Soul on 10/21/20. Then on 11/11/20 my car started having transmission issues within less than one month of ownership & nearly 1000 miles on it. The transmission was replaced in late Nov./early Dec. of 2020. On 12/15/22, My Soul started revving up & the RPM needle was bouncing while driving, but the car would not go any faster when I pressed the gas pedal. I realized, I was having transmission issues with my 2021 Kia Soul, AGAIN. The car has less than 37,500 miles on it. I contacted Power Kia of Salem Oregon that day & the first appointment that I could get was on 12/29/22. I had the car towed to Power Kia on 12/27/22, then received a voicemail & text msg. from Power Kia on 12/28/22 that they will diagnose the issue. That was the last time that I got any information about my car without me contacting them. It has been OVER THREE MONTHS & Power Kia STILL has my vehicle & has not bothered to contact me with updates unless initiated by me. They have not provided any assistance for transpiration during this difficulty, even though that I told them multiple times, that I commute 80 miles daily. I bought a brand-new car to have reliable transportation to & from work, only to have to replace the transmission TWICE & be without my vehicle for nearly four months. The complete disregard of my safety by Power Kia when driving a car with a faulty transmission is reprehensible. I have developed anxiety issues, have had sleepless nights, and now have panic attacks just at the thought of dealing with this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515973April 7, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at slow speeds or while idling, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road and restart the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer test drove the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that upon research, the vehicle previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515984April 7, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The series of events leading to my theory of what is wrong with my 2012 Kia Soul: 1. Steering coupler replacement in March of 2021 left my steering wheel sideways instead of straight, air bag light remains on, and traction control light as well. The after-market (I assume) cruise control is automatically on when car is started. Must turn off manually. 2. U-joint connecting to steering column fell onto my feet while driving in December of 2021. I slid it back on, but it slipped off approximately 4 more times in the next month before it was strongly secured. 3. Alignment performed in February 2022. Approximately 2 weeks after the alignment, my car started stuttering, if you will, prior to shifting into third gear. Then, again, prior to each shift into the higher gears. It stalled a few times in response to this action. While accelerating, the car begins to jerk severely, as if the brakes are being pumped. It doesn't do this immediately, but only begins once it's warmed up. Several sensors have been replaced. Fuel filter replaced. It's a standard, but the transmission was replaced after I purchased it in 2018. After hooking up to the code scanner at the parts store, the Steering Tilt Sensor is the code shown. My theory is this: When the steering coupler was replaced leaving my steering wheel in the turned position, and then aligning it with it in the wrong position, that threw the tilt code. Maybe it's jerking because it thinks I'm turning when I'm not, and it could possibly be engaging the abs to slow me down while it thinks I'm turning. Would I be wrong in assuming that if I get the steering wheel straightened, get another alignment, and clear the steering tilt sensor, my car will act normal again? I am uncertain what system or part failed, but it is definitely available to be inspected. I could have died when the u-joint fell off if I hadn't been almost to a stop sign every time. The problem continues, but has not been addressed or confirmed by a dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515830April 6, 2023
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 35 MPH and ascending a slight grade in the road, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light had been illuminated intermittently even after routine oil changes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the gas cap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515522April 5, 2023
ENGINE
Driving down the road and the car caught fire for no reason
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515531April 5, 2023
ENGINE
My 2015 Kia Soul ! has been losing power upon acceleration for around 6 months now. We have had two different mechanic shops attempt repairs. First repair found a broken spark plug. Kia Soul continued to lose power upon acceleration and a second repair shop found a bent engine valve. All engine valves were repaired/replaced. After the engine valve repairs, around a month later, Kia Soul loses all power upon acceleration over 4,000 rpm or at an incline, absolutely no power when pressing the accelerator and this caused an instant safety issue for the owner/driver. The owner/driver was on the highway driving around 70 mph when the Kia Soul lost power and she had to maneuver onto the side of a busy highway three times to shut off the Kia Soul and re-start it to get power again. (Shutting off the vehicle and re-starting it temporarily fixes the power issue.) The owner/driver was almost hit by other cars twice trying to get to the side of the highway since there was absolutely no power and no way to accelerate. There were and are still no warning lights, no engine lights, no codes, absolutely nothing stating that anything is wrong with this Kia Soul. This Kia Soul also dumps 100% of its oil at random times. It will throw engine codes of O-ring 1 and 3 at random times not at the same time as the oil dumping. The owner has checked the oil level if the Kia Soul right before driving the vehicle and she has had the vehicle dump its oil during a drive and go into "limp mode" where it loses its power and will not go over a certain RPM to protect the integrity of the engine. The owner has had this happen twice since a KIA dealership did computer reprogramming after the latest recall. There is absolutely no warning, engine codes with this as well. The last time happened on a highway as well and safety was also and issue trying to get off the highway at 45 mph. There is no warning for when it loses power putting its driver in danger of getting hit by other cars.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515634April 5, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road before restarting the vehicle and continuing to drive 5 MPH to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the catalytic converter to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515649April 5, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Smoke from exhaust, randomly losing power, randomly struggling to start and accelerate
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515669April 5, 2023
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact retrieved DTC code: P0420 (Low catalyst system efficiency) using a handheld diagnostic tool and drove the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact reported that he informed the dealer that DTC code: P0420 (Low catalyst system efficiency) was related to the catalytic convertor. The dealer advised that they would replace the catalytic convertor if he paid for the spark plug replacement. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,951. The contact changed out the spark plugs but was still getting check engine lights for the catalytic converter. The manufacturer denied the contact's request for a rental car. No other assistance has been provided yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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