Kia Soul Complaints

5,626 consumer complaints on file.

#11693476October 14, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Second engine installed in the car ceases to fire. Condition does not change with new sensors for camshaft nor crankshaft. Engine turns freely cranks but will not restart. Unreliable driving conditions. Mathew’s Kia wants $1400 upfront to start exam in blind faith to see if a properly serviced car has a common warranty claim
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693405October 14, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving, the vehicle began accelerating (forced acceleration) without driver input. When driver attempted to stop or slow the vehicle down, the brakes were unresponsive due to the brake override system failure. Because the vehicle could not be stopped or slowed down, and to avoid hitting or harming others, driver veered off the road which caused the vehicle to flip multiple times and finally stop, landing on the roof. It was noted that the engine was still running at that time. The safety of the driver and others was in immediate risk, as the vehicle could not be controlled. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11693140October 13, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STRUCTURE:BODY
Brake petal sensor broke keeping the tail light on. Has trouble accelerating and throws the traction light on burnt up battery, both front door locks have broke with no reason. Wipers broke does not give water.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693181October 13, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Service Campaign Hazwewdiouse may cause colition or vision impairment. from ongoing traffic and or insufficient illumination While driving lights will flicker, causing drivers to high beam you, it does not matter if the high beams are on or not, the light will randomly flicker and turn off, very dangerous in southern and eastern areas, there is limited to no street/road Lights It has been noted that For some 2014 Kia Soul models, Kia issued a warranty extension and a service bulletin (SC330) to address intermittent flickering of the low/high beams. This is caused by wear on the contact points inside the multi-function switch, which controls the headlights and turn signals. Kia has extended the warranty on this specific component from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/unlimited mileage from the date of the vehicle's first service. If your headlights are flickering, you can have a Kia dealer diagnose and replace the switch at no cost to you under this warranty extension. This malfunction is not just happening to the specific year, Component: Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Problem Description: The vehicle's headlights and/or high beams intermittently flicker and turn off while driving. This is a severe safety hazard, as it causes momentary vision impairment and can lead to a collision. Hazardous Condition: The flickering and sudden deactivation of the headlights cause temporary blindness for the driver and can lead to a loss of control or a collision. The erratic light behavior causes a "high-beam" effect on oncoming traffic, causing other drivers to react by flashing their high beams in an unprovoked manner. This issue is extremely dangerous in areas with limited or no streetlights, where visibility is already compromised. History: I have experienced this issue on multiple occasions. I am aware that Kia has issued a service campaign (SC330) for certain Kia Soul models regarding this issue, but my vehicle is not included in
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693193October 13, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
started smelling burning oil intermittently shortly after purchase as new vehicle. When checked by service at Kia, could not find anything. Then vehicle started to stall on multiple occasions while on the road. Spent $1500 at Kia to try and fix it. Service folks couldn't find the problem. Vehicle stopped working and car won't start now. These are the same exact symptoms under this recall for Kia Souls from 2021-2023- SC336 Recall which his known to result in fire or destruction of engine. Date below is approximate date when car stopped working.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692941October 12, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was traveling on Saturday at about 40 miles an hour down the road car just all of a sudden lost power and started smoking. No engine light or anything else came out to indicate a problem. Got it too a repair shop waiting to hear Monday exactly all the damage but they did say it had no oil in the car. It’s only been 2 1/2 months since an oil change checked that last month had plenty of oil could this be related to the 2021 to 2023 engine oil burning and KIA. I have been towed on the last three or four oil changes that it was almost a half a quart low each time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692473October 10, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, SUSPENSION
The engine makes a noise like a knock, when the car is running or the speed increases the noise becomes louder and it feels like a strong blow coming from the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692488October 10, 2025
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while reversing and parking the vehicle, the steering wheel malfunctioned and became difficult to turn, and the driver was unable to control the direction of the vehicle, causing the rear passenger side wheel to strike the curb. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the steering failure was due to a faulty ignition key. The keys were replaced, but later the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who indicated that the keys needed to be reprogrammed. The keys were reprogrammed. Later, while at the dealer the steering wheel failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692619October 10, 2025
ENGINE
Since the first year of ownership, I have noticed that the vehicle burns oil excessively. I reported this issue to the Kia dealership, but I was told that “it is normal to add a quart of oil every other week.” Despite this statement, I believe this is not normal and points to a defective engine design consistent with the piston ring problems known in similar models and engines. In the summer of 2025, the vehicle began having hard-start issues when the engine is hot. Over time, I replaced several components at my own expense through an independent repair shop, including the alternator, starter, PCV valve, MAP sensor, and camshaft sensor. None of these repairs resolved the problem. When I returned to the dealership, they performed a borescope inspection and found scoring and damage on three cylinder walls inside the engine block. Thats whats causing the engine to seize when the engine is hot and make it hard to start and misfire when accelarate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692373October 9, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The rattling sound also occurred while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine would not be replaced due to the mileage exceeding the mileage limitation of 60,000 and other unstated reasons. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692206October 8, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact purchased the vehicle four months ago. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and stalled. The contact was close to the residence and pushed the vehicle to the driveway. The contact called the Salesperson and informed the Salesperson of the failure. The Salesperson stopped by the residence and took the vehicle away. An independent mechanic hired by the Salesperson informed the contact that the failure was related to the engine. The contact had purchased a 2013 Ford Fusion from the same dealer and while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and there was a large amount of oil leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was then replaced by the 2019 Kia Soul. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692223October 8, 2025
ENGINE
Kia soul engines are known for burning through oil very quickly. the recall does not include my car because i have a 2.0L engine. The excessive oil consumption of my engine completely melted the inside of my catalytic converter. my car only has 106,000 miles, so this shouldn't be an issue. I had my check engine light come on, so the mechanic told me to use different gas and turned the light off. My catalytic converter being completely blocked and melted is directly related to the oil consumption of the engine. i had two mechanics comfirm this. I experienced a major loss of power, and inability to accelerate normally, which can be very dangerous. I was trying to accelerate uphill on a road with little shoulder space or many places to turn around, and my car STOPPED and the check engine light started blinking. Very unsafe, if my car won't let me accelerate and i come to an unexpected dead stop, it could cause accidents. I can't believe my car isn't included in the recall, it has the same issues as the 1.6L engine. I now have to put out thousands to get my catalytic converter replaced, and with the engine burning oil, it'll ruin a new catalytic converter faster than normal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692078October 8, 2025
ENGINE
Engine Failed Mid Drive. Started with knocking sound then went into limp mode and then shut off and did not want to start. Car failed in the middle of traffic and could of injured me and others. I've read of other failures of the same models but for some reason the 2017 model isn't eligible for the settlement even though the same issues are present in the 2017 Kia Soul Models. Had to have my vehicle towed home.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692147October 8, 2025
ENGINE
Low compression on cylinder 3 and 4 and the car only has 40,000 miles on it. It's not covered in warranty because it's a 2018 model but I've only had the car for 1.5 years and still owe 18,000 on it and I'm a officer and a single mother and can't afford to let the car go back when Kia knows these cars have engine issues and low compression engine problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691781October 7, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2019 Kia Soul is experiencing severe and abnormal engine oil consumption. This issue requires frequent refilling of engine oil to prevent damage. The malfunction is in the powertrain system, likely within the GDI engine, specifically related to the piston rings. This type of structural defect can lead to a sudden and catastrophic engine failure while driving, which poses a serious safety hazard to occupants and other motorists. The problem has been confirmed by me, the vehicle owner, through the observation of consistent and rapid oil level depletion. Prior to a complete failure, there were no specific warning lamps or messages related to this issue. The manufacturer, Kia Motors, has declined to perform a proper technical review, citing an expired warranty and my status as a second owner. I have opened three separate cases with Kia regarding this matter, all of which were closed without a proper resolution. I am requesting an investigation into this defect by NHTSA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691926October 7, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights seem to flicker off and on while using turn signals. Dash lights will brighten during the incident as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691975October 7, 2025
AIR BAGS
I was in a collision while stopped at a red light. Other vehicle impacted the entire drive’s side including back passenger rotating the vehicle over 90 degrees and pushing vehicle about 25 yards out into the intersection. The airbags didn’t deploy and experienced head, neck, and back injuries.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11691579October 6, 2025
ENGINE
Engine shut off while driving, Would not restart, vehicle VIN included in PI2107 campaign, Kia refused to cover repair. This is a serious safety hazard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691596October 6, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at a very low speed, the vehicle's speed increased independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was being parked. The contact noticed an unusual sound, and the engine revved up. The contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle went across the street into the neighbor's yard. The vehicle crashed into the neighbor's rose bush and up onto the patio. The contact stated that the neighbor, who was seated on the patio, had been knocked out of the chair. In addition, the vehicle crashed into a wooden post. The neighbor was transported to the hospital by ambulance. A police report was filed; however, the information was unavailable. The neighbor's injuries were unknown. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,500.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11691536October 6, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
It started appearing to be electrical and ended in some type of engine/system emergency! I rented this vehicle through Avis and the first few days everything appeared ok, regarding the functionality vehicle. Mid-day on 10-4-25, I attempted to put groceries in the trunk, wouldn’t open. After 4 minutes, I gave up, assuming I’m doing something wrong.That evening, the gas mileage hadn’t moved remained at (90), the battery light, oil pan, mph:stuck on 23, and the rev stuck on 1.2, and the Odometer hasn’t changed. When I removed the key the dash board remained on and once I hit the lock button it turned off.10-5-25, I put gas in the car and the indicator marker never moved. I called to report these issues because my vehicle was not inspected before I left the lot. We canceled our paid trip and headed back to TX. While driving, the gas and oil pan light would turn on (2-3 min) then go off. While on the freeway, suddenly, the car shuts off. The best way I can describe it during the process is (sitting in a parked car with the ACC position) everything is working but the car isn’t “on”. Due to MPH being stuck at 23, I can say I was literally going the speed limit (60-65, flow of traffic) to 0! The phones were still charging, lights, and dashboard stayed lit, hazards light worked, and we literally rolled until the car stopped! Since this is a rental by law it should have been checked before handing me the keys. The employee handed me the keys and pointed to the car from his computer. As soon as I was aware it was a problem I called multiple times to report this. When the situation was not properly handled by Avis the first 4 times, I called the police. I requested to file a report and the officer did not show, however, Harris County sent a tow truck. I will be filling a police report in the morning. Although there is not a recall, I see there are social groups with similar issues in the Kia 2024 Sol! This was a lemon rental and the experience was traumatic!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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