Kia Soul Complaints

406 consumer complaints on file.

#11746339June 24, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nothing happened - YET. I'm reporting a manufacturing error. Refer to my upload. I wouldn't be suprised that this defect has been the root cause of some accidents though.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744630June 16, 2026
ENGINE
My vehicle has been in the shop 7 times for misfire in all cylinders over a 2 1/2 year span Kia dealer refused to replace the engine, 8 months after I threatened to sue the dealership for saying they fixed the misfire in all cylinders issue and 8 months later I’m getting misfire in 4th cylinder. As the engine light came on again and I have a high end car diagnostic tool attached to the car which is giving me that code and previous codes of misfire in all cylinders. First misfire in all cylinders started at 16,000 miles bought car brand new and it continued all the way to 37,067 miles . The Kia dealership keep saying it’s this or that and it’s been fixed but the lights come on the previous 7 times after a week or less after taking it home from the dealer and then saying it’s fixed last time I wanted a new engine a Kia representative said it doesn’t need a new engine. I talked to a technician there about reading about this issue in alot of same vehicles he said I was right but Kia doesn’t want to pay for a new engine so they give excuses or just reset or clear the codes which doesn’t resolve the problem , Kia has changed the fuel tank, changed the spark plug wires, the spark plug cables the assembly,ecm which never resolved the problem
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744472June 16, 2026
ENGINE
The first incident occurred on November 2, 2025. I was driving down a state road. I missed my turn so I pulled into a parking lot to turn around. Once I was able to pull out, I put my foot on the accelerator and felt no resistance. The car rolled out of the parking lot onto the road. I kept pressing the accelerator hoping the gas would return but my car rolled along without picking up speed. I was able to turn into a gas station to get my car off the road. I turned the engine off. When I turned it back on, all of the lights on the dashboard came on, before the only one that remained lit was the check engine light. I had the car towed to my local mechanic who after diagnosing, told me my car over consumed oil which resulted in the engine shut down. I was due for a change in a 400 miles. He said it was a known problem with Kia Souls and advised me to take it to a Kia dealership for inspection, which I did. I've taken it to Kia Danvers. Since 11/2/25, the issue has persisted. On 3/27/26, my car shut down 4 times while driving. Each time I would hear a loud noise coming from the engine, and I could feel the power draining from the steering wheel and pedals before the engine would shut off. After a minute or two, the car would restart. The problems continued on 3/29/26 where it happened 8 times. I was able to get it to Kia Danvers on 4/1/26 for a diagnostic exam and an oil change. They suggested an oil consumption test which I did on 5/4/26. They said my oil reduction was normal. On 5/7/26, while driving, my car began violently shaking with the shaking occurring in the engine. The check engine light came on. I pulled over and immediately called the dealership to explain what happened. The said to come in but I wasn't able to get it towed. When I took it in for scheduled service on 5/27/26, they noted the car consumed a lot of oil and suggested another oil change, and a combustion chamber cleaning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744354June 15, 2026
ENGINE
I took my 2021 Kia Soul to the dealership for a piston ring recall; they ran their standard test and said it passed, but my car is still showing a misfire fault. I replaced the ignition coil, spark plug, and fuel injector, yet the problem persists. I’ve taken it back to the Kia dealership twice, but they refuse to inspect it because it already passed their test.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743951June 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
• a theft attempt caused by the widely reported Kia software vulnerability (documented in my police report) • a display failure that Kia refused to repair • a recall that Kia refused to perform because the display was broken • repeated defects lighting, battery warning indicators never come on when the oil is beinf consumed • and now a complete engine failure on a 2022 vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742765June 8, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while checking the engine oil level, the contact noticed that the vehicle was consuming excessive oil. Upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact's husband did not find any leaks. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the piston oil rings needed to be replaced, and the engine was consuming excessive oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall due to the vehicle mileage. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742679June 8, 2026
ENGINE
States having problems with oil lost, but only inside the motor as if the rings are faulty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742668June 8, 2026
ENGINE
On XXX My car was stopped at a light, the vehicle shot down, and would not restart. I had the car towed to Galeana Kia, [XXX]. Upon isnpection at Kia it was found that the engine oil was three quarts low. I was shocked. There had been no warning lights on the dashboard. I had a synthetic oil change 9,000 miles previously. Galeana Kia charged me $315.96. There was a subsequent recall 25V099. "The piston oil ring(s) in your vehicle may have been manufactured incorrectly...This may lead to increased oil consumption..." On April 16, 2025, subject to the recall, Galeana Kia replaced the engine block. I requested a refund of the $315.96 for the work done on November 25, 2024. Galeana Kia refused. Because the repair work done in November 25, 2025 obviously relates to the subsequent recall, I request that you have Kia reimburse me. See Kia case XXX 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
#11741891June 3, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Initial Breakdown: July 2024, my 2021 Kia Soul (under 40,000 miles) idled roughly and stalled while in motion. It restarted, but as a precaution, I towed it to Kia Greenbrier Chesapeake while it was operable. After diagnostics, the vehicle would no longer start. Warranty Denial: The dealer blamed engine sludge from two missed oil changes in 2022 and quoted $10,000 for a new engine. In August 2024, I appealed the decision but was denied (Exhibit A & B). There were no recalls active for the 2021 model at this time, but there were recalls for the 2018-2020 models for identical symptoms. Third-Party Repair: I paid $3,017 out of pocket to an independent shop for a new timing assembly to make the vehicle safe and drivable again (Exhibit C). Because my daughter is disabled and requires transportation, getting repairs was imperative. A new valve kit, fresh synthetic oil, and filter service were completed by the third-party repair shop. I also returned to Kia Virginia Beach for several subsequent oil changes (Exhibit D). In April 2025, Kia Corporate issued an official safety recall for my exact vehicle (Exhibit E). Before that, in March 2025, I attempted to have the newly issued recall (25V-099) performed, but the dealer turned my vehicle away, claiming a lack of parts. Final Failure: In May 2025, the night before a rescheduled recall appointment, the car became permanently inoperable (at only 47,500 miles). Due to extreme financial hardship and health concerns, I am without my vehicle and without an option. Complaint: The Kia dealership refused to perform the safety recall remedy, verbally citing the same 2022 maintenance gaps from the previous year. The dealership violated federal recall regulations for a known defect. I was left stranded, resulting in a financial charge-off of my auto loan.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741632June 2, 2026
ENGINE
Was issued a recall from kia for an oil piston ring that wasn't heat treated properly, kia told me the problem was fixed and the recall shouldn't affect me, my car was in an out of the shop for months after that, they replaced my timing belt and transmission under warranty, said i sould be fine between oil changes my car started knocking, i checked the oil and it was completely dry, no warning lights which is part of the recall fix is early detection warning light. I add oil to my car seems to run better for the day, the next morning on my way to an oil change the engine starts knocking the warning light comes on and then im on the side of the road with all my oil on the ground
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741265June 1, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while at a light the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the valve train needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the engine light was illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740988May 30, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car window was broken into while the car was locked and the alarm was on. the alarm did not go off!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740949May 29, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
When pulling out of a parking spot all of collision responses started to flash. This included front collision, side collision and rear collision. The power steering no longer worked. I bought the car new in 11/05/2025. I only have 1,311 miles on the car. I did have an oil change done by the dealer about a week prior and the report showed no problems. I am now very concerned about driving it even after the car would be repaired. I will say that KIA America arranged for the tow back to the dealership and I was given a loaner car to use. I honestly feel this is a safety hazard. Regards, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 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
#11740662May 28, 2026
ENGINE
2021 Kia Soul | VIN: [XXX] | Recall SC336 (NHTSA 25V099) | Kia America Case No. XXX DEALER: Team Kia of El Cajon, 541 N. Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020 SYMPTOMS: Rapid oil consumption, abnormal engine noise, overheating, vehicle stalling at complete stops, difficulty restarting. All symptoms are explicitly documented in SC336 TSB (Rev 6, 10/21/2025) as consequences of defective piston oil rings. DEALER CONDUCT ISSUES: 1. CHARGED $280 DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO PERFORM A RECALL. Owner confirmed open recall on VIN before arrival. Dealer required $280 diagnostic payment as condition of recall service, in violation of 49 U.S.C. 30120. 2. 24-HOUR TSB PROTOCOL VIOLATION. SC336 TSB requires engine vibration inspection no sooner than 24 hours after R/O open date. R/O opened May 16 at 7:38 AM. Inspection report also dated May 16 with no timestamp. If test ran same day, PASS result is invalid under Kia's own guidelines. 3. FAILED TO OPEN REQUIRED TECHLINE CASE. SC336 TSB Page 2 states: if engine noise is present and inspection results in PASS, dealer must open a Techline case. Owner continues to experience engine noise. Dealer has not provided a Techline case number despite two written requests. 4. DEMANDING $2,500 FOR RECALL-RELATED SYMPTOMS. Dealer is attributing stalling and oil consumption to a separate camshaft issue and demanding $2,500 more. SC336 TSB documents that piston ring damage causes cascading engine damage including timing components. 5. OWNER IS [XXX] , drives for Uber. Vehicle out of service 12+ days. Lost income and rental costs incurred. Kia America corporate (Case XXX) has been copied on correspondence but has not responded. Requesting NHTSA review of this dealer's SC336 recall compliance. 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
#11740270May 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN, SUSPENSION, ENGINE
Cv joint and axle causing car to stall when turunning
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740264May 26, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, STEERING
Before the accident which my car was totaled, I would take it in with issues. Electrical lights coming on the car would stop .my transmission locking up . I would tell them that there was something wrong with the car . I had videos to show pannel lights coming on at 70 on freeway and car locking up and would just stop . That's what happened to son driving. My car was totaled. Why should I loose and now I don't have a vehicle .
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11739415May 21, 2026
ENGINE
On may 20 2026 car died out multiple times when driving but would start back up. Today may 21 2026 car was lacking power and engine making noise while driving. Then the check engine light came on also the oil light flashed then turned off. Checked the code it said p00114. Then checked oil it was about 1 1/2 quart low after we did complete oil change a month ago. I then found this engine has the same exact problems we are experiencing and have a recall to replace engine, but when we enter our vin it doesn't show for our vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738706May 19, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the oil pressure sensor light was illuminated. The vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact had to add additional oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the vehicle was related to the recall. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft and timing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken previously to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738167May 15, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that one cylinder had low pressure while the other three cylinders had pressures higher than 100%. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who performed the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine And Engine Cooling); however, the engine was not replaced. The piston ring was tested and passed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737863May 14, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact noticed the oil drained quickly and RPMs increased rapidly upon starting the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 86,100. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the ECU was replaced twice, the piston rings were not replaced; the issue persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 86,100
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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