Kia Soul Complaints

406 consumer complaints on file.

#11667677June 18, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I took my 2021 Kia Soul to Kia of Leesburg here in Florida, and dropped it off yesterday June 17th, per service department request and was told that they were going try to repair the multiple recalls on this vehicle. They told me that it was going to be 24-48 hours before I was going to be able to get it back when I called, regarding my safety critical recall. So, I dropped it off last night as instructed, the KIA of Leesburg service department called me today stating that due to sludge in the engine, they're refusing to fix the recalls, and stated that I owe them $200 before I am able to pick up my vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667358June 17, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, another vehicle attempted to merge in front of the contact, causing the front driver side of the vehicle to collide with the rear passenger end of another vehicle, but the air bag did not deploy. The contact sustained neck and shoulder injuries. Medical attention was not sought as of yet; however has a doctor appointment scheduled. The vehicle was then towed to a tow lot where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11667030June 15, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, SUSPENSION
When vehicle stopped at red light, foot on break. The whole car shut down and locked up and I was unable to move. I had to turn the car off and back on and jerk the wheel to get it to respond again. This happened twice in one drive. This is right after getting my car back from dealership for parts that had to be replaced due to a re-call.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666893June 14, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Horn malfunctioned, a known issue recognized by Kia on these models. Visited an authorized Kia repair center in Maryland on June 14, 2025. The repair center indicated that the necessary parts (96611-K0030 and 96619-T6000) are not available in Maryland or surrounding states, and backorder delays are at least four to six weeks. The vehicle is meanwhile not road safe due to the lack of a horn.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666645June 12, 2025
ENGINE
My car had sputtered leaving gas station I took it to my mechanic February 17 had engine coil and spark plugs replaced There was a anti theft recall for software update I took my car to Kia dealer and they preform the update As I was waiting I looked up my vin for any other recalls and there was one but letters would not be sent out till April 4 2025 On May 10 th my car had loss power and on the 12 th I called Kia and they said there was a recall for sc336 piston oil rings I took my car in on May 17 they did a software update 2 days latter my car was making a knocking sound I had that repaired by my machanic on May 20th I received a email from Kia reference a up date to the recall and says my car will be fixed with no charge I spoke with a Kia representative and out in a claim for reimbursement but was denied…. WS my repairs related to the recall SC336 if so I would like to be reimbursed please help me get this resolved I would think Kia would send me a detailed explanation on why my part that was repaired are not reimbursed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666033June 10, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that a recall appointment with a local dealer was scheduled; however, while driving to the dealer the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at the dealer. The dealer attempted to restart the vehicle and then ran several tests on the vehicle. The dealer stated that the engine had failed; however, the dealer would not be replacing the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665847June 9, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am submitting this complaint regarding the well-documented engine defect involving faulty piston rings in Kia vehicles, which has led to an official recall 25V099. While Kia has agreed to repair the engine IF it fails when it fails, they have refused to offer a repurchase or fair compensation for the diminished value of the vehicle — despite the fact that this defect is a manufacturer-responsible issue and has significantly compromised the value, safety reputation, and resale potential of our vehicle. We purchased this vehicle in good faith, unaware of any such defect at the time of purchase. The recall, once publicized, instantly reduced the car’s market value and undermined confidence in its reliability — even if a repair is offered. We do not believe a mere repair fully resolves the financial impact or the breach of trust involved. A permanently compromised engine, even when repaired, may still pose long-term risks that affect performance, safety, and value. This is a material defect that devalues the asset we financed. Kia’s current position is to offer only repair, refusing buyback or compensation for depreciation resulting from their manufacturing defect. This is not acceptable, as it disregards the economic harm to consumers and the loss in vehicle equity stemming directly from Kia's own negligence. We are requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia’s broader policy in addressing this defect, including whether its refusal to compensate consumers for lost value constitutes a failure of consumer protection standards under federal safety and recall law. We respectfully ask that NHTSA: Continue oversight of Kia's recall process and consumer remedies. Encourage Kia to offer buyback or financial restitution to impacted owners. Recognize that for many consumers, a repair does not restore what was lost. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am happy to provide documentation of our purchase, communication with Kia, and further details as needed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665596June 8, 2025
ENGINE
my vehicle was part of a recall for the piston oil rings. the car was taken to KIA for testing. The car failed the test and I was told that the engine would need to be replaced (I have a video and test results of the failed test. Then KIA stated that too many cars were failing and that they were redoing the test. My car was in the Kia repair shop waiting for an engine that was ordered. KIA cancelled my engine and my car was tested with the new test and it passed. After two weeks of being in the repair shop I was told to come and get it. This not only appears unethical but a blatant attempt to circumvent the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665480June 7, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
[XXX], the vehicle was delivered to Crain KIA dealership located in Conway, Arkansas, due to failure of engine to start (engine would turn over but not run). I scheduled a service appointment for May 20th at 0930, for the car to be evaluated/troubleshot. While at the KIA dealership service desk, I discussed KIA SAFETY RECALL SC336, and that my VIN# was effected by the recall (verified by speaking with KIA Customer Care representative) and by using NHTSA's VIN/Recall search engine. At that time, I disclosed that the car was a SALVAGE TITLE vehicle, but was restored, looked nearly brand new and was otherwise operational prior to the engine "no start" condition (4 months of ownership). The service team at the dealership confirmed the SALVAGE TITLE via "Carfax", however they noted that KIA's internal VIN/TITLE database DID NOT REFLECT the car as salvaged. Crain Kia dealership then decided to submit the car for KIA's SAFETY RECALL inspection and possibly warranty work since the vehicle has not exceeded the 5yr/60,000 mile limited basic warranty. Unfortunately, the dealership did not open a "tech-line case' until approximately 15 days later. Tech-line communication between the service technician and KIA's engineering/recall rep, directed the dealership to perform an engine wet/dry compression test (due to deficient piston oil-rings). On June 5th, Crain KIA notified me that the resulting 'LOW" compression test results indicated that the piston rings were faulty, and that the engine would need to be replaced. Additionally, they told me that the vehicle would NOT BE ELIGIBLE for factory warranty due to the SALVAGE TITLE and that I would be responsible for engine change costs. Moreover, the dealership's service team charged me for the cost of the compression testing. I have thoroughly reviewed the KIA recall SC336 documentation as well as NHTSA's 25V-099 bulletin and verified that neither notices proclaim, exclude or deny coverage to salvage title vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665443June 7, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JAN 2024 AND IT NOW HAS 16000 MILES. TOOK MY CAR INTO RAY SKILLMAN, PIKES PLAZA WESTIDE FOR SERVICE LAST MONTH BECAUSE MY HORN WAS NOT WORKING. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A NATION WIDE BACK ORDER ON THE PART AND JUST 2 DAYS AGO, I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE/CARE, STATING THAT THEY WERE TOLD THAT THERE IS NO ETA AT THIS TIME. THIS (NOT HAVING A HORN) IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND ALSO THE SERVICE TECH THAT TOOK MY CAR IN, TOLD ME THAT IT AFFECTED OTHER KIA MODELS AS WELL, THEY DID NOT SEEM TO THINK THAT IT WAS A BIG DEAL AND THE CAR WAS DRIVEABLE, BUT WITHOUT A HORN, IT IS VERY UNSAFE. I'M ALSO CONTACTING THEM FOR A LOANER WHICH THEY REALLY DON'T SEEM TO WANT TO DO THAT ROUTE, BUT I ALSO DON'T WANT TO RENT A VEHICLE TO BE REIMBURSED (SINCE IT IS A WARRANTY REPAIR), BECAUSE THAT IS A LOT OF MONEY OUT OF POCKET THAT I DON'T HAVE. IF THAT IS A PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE KIA MODELS, WHY IS THAT NOT A RECALL? THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE THEN, THAT I HAVE BEEN IN A SITUATION WHERE MY HORN WAS NEEDED SO AS TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY, AND I DID NOT HAVE ONE. (NO ACCIDENTS SO FAR) BUT IT IS BOUND TO HAPPEN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665023June 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while decelerating, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 32,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664753June 4, 2025
ENGINE
While driving to work [XXX] my engine seized on the highway, going 50mph, leaving me struggling to get it to the side of the road and out of traffic. No warning lights came on, no signs of any kind to alert me. Car completely shut off while moving at a high enough rate of speed for a fatality or serious injuries, to myself and other drivers. Immediately that day, after calling KIA, I was informed of the engine recall that wasn't in effect yet. Shortly after that I received two notices in the mail from KIA, two recalls, regarding my VIN number. I towed the car to KIA in Blufton SC from Pembroke GA, after towing it home from the side of the road. All at my own expense. KIA informed me 6/02/2025 that they will not perform any repairs free of charge because I am "out of warranty coverage". I am still making payments on this vehicle, and have not been in possession of nor been able to drive it, for several months now. I am the second owner, purchased the car December 2023, with 40,000 miles or so on it. Mileage now is roughly 85,000. And I still owe $12,000 on the vehicle. 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
#11664594June 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that the recall repair was on hold. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664555June 3, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated causing the contact to depress the accelerator pedal to continue driving. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light the vehicle stalled with the message “Auto STOP Off” and to shift to park to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light, battery failure, and low oil light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle remained with the dealer for a month and the contact was informed that the recall repair had been completed. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the recall repair was on hold. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Tempe Kia (8005 S Autoplex Loop, Tempe, AZ 85284); and the contact was informed that the first dealer had reported that the vehicle was already repaired under the recall even though the VIN tool indicated that the VIN was still under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,600. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664284June 2, 2025
ENGINE
Engine overheating and leaking oil due to faulty piston ring, kia will only check the vehicle when its cold and claims its passes their tests. The car only acts up when runing for 30 mins or so
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664063May 31, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My car keeps losing a major amount of oil and has been doing that before the correct date or miles is due for a new oil change and then my car makes a funny noise. It has issues when I accelerate, it langs, it takes longer to get up to speed and the shifting sometimes is loud and behind, my rpm goes really high and I'm going no where at times. My air conditioner also makes a really bad humming sound on when turned up. Not exactly sure on date when started honestly. It's been some months now.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663556May 28, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Driving, slowing down for a stop light. Put the brakes on, they did not work. Push the all the way to the floor. Hit the vehicle in front of me. Luckily going slow between lights
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663408May 28, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, but the recall repair was denied by the dealer due to poor maintenance record. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663371May 28, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated the vehicle was not repaired to his expectations. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed the completion of the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663331May 28, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a local mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the piston oil rings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced; however, the manufacturer had placed a hold on the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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