Kia Soul Complaints
5,626 consumer complaints on file.
- #11427151July 30, 2021ENGINE
2020 KIA SOUL CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL RELATED TO ENGINE OIL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CONSUMED OIL TOO QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT, THE FAILURE PERSISTED.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11427210July 30, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer performed a recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). After, receiving the vehicle back from the dealer the oil warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure and an engine test was performed and diagnosed that there was sludge in the engine from not having regular oil changes. The contact was informed that the oil needed to be changed every 2,000 miles, instead of every 3,000 miles. The vehicle was not repaired since an appointment was not available until August 25, 2021. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,363.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426984July 29, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
---COMPONENT OR SYSTEM ISSUE-- Not sure yet. Based on google, it's possibly either a "faulty fuel pump relay" or "defective ignition switch". ---SAFETY ISSUE-- Potential for grave injury if a child or someone got in the car and put it in drive There were many young children AND teenagers in attendance. --REPRODUCED? or CONFIRMED? NOT OFFICIALLY-- Only that it has happened twice now. 1st occurrence--First week of July 2021 Heard the car running hours after the car was parked and the key removed. Unlocked the driver door, put the key in and turned it forward, then back and car turned off. Double-checked it by starting car and then turning off and sitting a few minutes. Nothing else happened at that point. ---2nd occurrence-Sunday, July 25th, 2021 On camping trip...at campsite Someone in the group heard a car running. It was the 2010 Kia Soul I went to get the key and returned to the (unlocked) car and turned the car off. ---INSPECTED? Not yet ---WARNINGS? None that I noticed. Though, shortly following the incident, while driving (first 5 minutes of starting car), the OD light came on. I pulled over, turned off car, and the light did not come on again.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426836July 28, 2021ENGINE
The check engine light is indicating catalytic converter issues. I took it to the mechanic and he is describing the exact problem as found in recall 19V120000. He measured 900-degree exhaust gas temperatures on one side and 500 degrees on the other. The catalytic converter has subsequently been damaged. The Kia dealership is telling me that there is no open recall under the VIN number for my vehicle yet my vehicle is having all the problems as indicated in the aforementioned recall. I'm afraid that this car will catch on fire. What are my options if the dealership refuses to repair this problem as a recall item although my vin number is not listed?
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426765July 28, 2021EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front headlights failed to remain illuminated. The headlights independently regained normal function after a while. Also, on several occasions, while the vehicle was turned off, the headlights were erroneously turned on without driver input. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. An unknown dealer was contacted, and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426595July 27, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR STARTED JERKING, THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AT THE REDLIGHT WHEN I STOPPED, I RESTARTED IT AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF, CAR RAN FINE, BUT IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND AGAIN, TOOK TO THE SHOP THEY TOLD ME TRANS WAS FINE, NO CODES ON THE DIAGNOSTIC BUT IT IS STILL HAPPENING, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME I NEED WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED I PAID FOR THAT, NOW THE LIGHT IS STILL COMING ON AND THE CAR DOESNT START UNLESS YOU TURN IT OFF AND TURN IT ON AGAIN.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426652July 27, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Steering wheel vibrate uncontrollable when driving
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426715July 27, 2021ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
The exhaust manifold failed and yes, it is available for inspection. My daughter's safety was put at risk after I was advised by Kia service center that I needed to replace the rocker cover and a fuel pump. My daughter experienced the burning smell of fuel and the vehicle would not accelerate and would not go above the speed limit of 20, when on an incline. I took my vehicle to Kia service center on July 14, 2021 following the instructions written on the NHTSA Recall # 20V750 notice I received from Kia and they advised me that I needed to replace the rocker cover and a fuel pump. I paid $405 for replacement parts and service, left the service center with the impression that the vehicle was repaired. My daughter drove the vehicle back and forth to work and everything was okay until July 22, 2021 one week and a day after the repair, the MIL illuminated. I took the vehicle back to the service center and I was then advised that I needed to replace the exhaust manifold and all four coils. I was also advised that the exhaust manifold is on national back order with no expected date. I was told to call Kia corporate and Kia corporate office has advised me that there is nothing they can do to assist me. The associate at the Kia service center said I could drive the vehicle but after a while it would cause other damage to the engine. I questioned the service center manager about why would they tell me that the repair they made on the 14th fixed the issue. He informed me that they had no way of knowing what the issue was until the MIL light came on. I informed him that it is an issue that there was no warning lamp to advise of the first two parts I paid for that they said was the issue. Kia would not afford towing to service center. Kia service center has confirmed that the problem with the vehicle now is the exhaust manifold. The vehicle/component have been inspected by Kia service center. First visit to Kia no warning lamps/messages, there was the burning smell of fuel.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426437July 26, 2021STEERING
I had a serious issue with my steering yesterday. When I tried to parallel park my car yesterday, I turned the steering wheel both left and right to try and park and then I heard loud clunking noises in both directions until my steering wheel gave to the point where it could turn all the way around without turning the wheels at all. It's my understanding that others with my same year of Kia soul are reporting the same and starting in 2014, there was a safety recall. 2013 should be included in the recall because had I been driving, I could have been in a very serious accident.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426450July 26, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and lost power while she was stopped at a traffic light. The oil pressure warning light and two other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired, and the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer several times and the crankshaft sensor was replaced however, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for 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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was still waiting on a call back. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 15,500. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426241July 24, 2021ENGINE
Without warning indicators, my car lost power while I was driving it on a busy highway. I was able to coast onto an exit and a friend towed it to a safe area. I discovered there was no oil in the engine, even though I had had a recent oil change and no indicator on the car showed a problem with oil pressure, excessive heat, etc. I added oil and drove it a few feet to a secure location, but heard engine knocking. I called a mechanic, who inspected it and confirmed that a rod was thrown and the engine would need to be replaced. He is sourcing the replacement currently. This is a 2017 Kia Soul, 2.0 engine.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426243July 24, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ESC LIGHT PROBLEM
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426300July 24, 2021ENGINE
Our catalytic converter on our 2012 Kia Soul Base is not functioning properly. We cannot get the car inspected and it is not listed as a recall. The VIN is [XXX]. It is the same problem that other Souls are being recalled for. Why not ours? PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426087July 23, 2021SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
This is the second time I have had to have the traction and ABS sensors go bad. The first time it was fixed under warranty, this time I'm being told I have to pay $400 for a $37 part. This is a safety issue as I do not have ABS and traction control at all. You need that in Florida when it rains...every day. This needs to be fixed under warranty, no excuses. This is a safety hazard, and if something like this doesn't get fixed, it opens lawsuits for Kia. I suggest that this be corrected under warranty or I will seek legal counsel.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426142July 23, 2021POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 mph. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11426153July 23, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving on freeway when another car got my attention a fire had started outside (backside) so I thought I better pull over and my brakes wouldn’t stop. By this time the fire was entering the vehicle. I saw it in my backside so I acted quickly and pulled emergency brakes and jumped out before car went up in flames. I am thankful to be alive and walk away from such a frightening scene. However this is not normal and feel like this could’ve been avoided. I am notifying you so other Kia Soul drivers don’t experience anything like this.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11425963July 22, 2021STEERING:COLUMN
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55-65 mph, the steering wheel vibrated and made a knocking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11425775July 21, 2021UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The lights flicker on and off making it dangerous to drive. This is an ongoing problem and did not just happen one time
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11425863July 21, 2021ENGINE
Catalytic converter failed, sending pieces into engine, causing engine to catch fire. Melted some major components while driving. Same thing as last MAJOR recall in which Kia Replaced my engine. so, this was a BRAND new 1 1/2 year old engine. This vehicle is currently at Keifer Kia in Eugene, OR awaiting Kia National to do their fire investigation.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11425706July 20, 2021ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled on several occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The engine failure message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was no oil in vehicle. Additionally, the contact was informed of an oil flow failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed 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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0