Kia Soul Complaints

406 consumer complaints on file.

#11724073March 13, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at night, the low beam headlights were very dim. The headlight control was set to automatic, but the dimness of the headlights was the same as when switched to manual control. The failure was not as noticeable while using the high beam headlights. The contact stated that the low beam headlights failed to properly illuminate in low-light areas. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that there was no fix for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723841March 12, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723373March 10, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle consistently stalls at complete stops in traffic. After the engine stalls, it requires a manual restart to resume operation. This creates a severe safety hazard, as the vehicle becomes immobile at intersections and in stop-and-go traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. The dealership is refusing to perform the necessary diagnostic for the engine stalling issue under the Havis v. Kia Settlement/KSDS recall protocols, claiming maintenance gaps, despite the vehicle having 0 open campaigns and the KSDS software update previously installed. This stalling issue is a known defect currently under NHTSA investigation (Audit Query AQ23-001) for this specific model and engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723229March 10, 2026
ENGINE
Vehicle is only 4 years old. Engine light came on. I used my Fixd code reader to diagnose. It mentioned several sensors which I replace cam shaft sensor. Intake sensor. Crank shay sensor. All were replaced, engine light came back on after each replacement. I took it to dealership for service and diagnosis. They indicated engine replacement due to timing being out of line; sheared king pin. Vehicle has been serviced regularly. Never anticipated having to replace an engine on a four year old vehicle. Still making payments and now $9,000 repair is Absurd! Additionally, these symptoms are consistent with similar symptoms listed in other kia soul recalls. This is my second Kia but probably will be my last if the manufacturer does not rectify this problem. Codes: P0017, P000B, P0068, P0014
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11723078March 9, 2026
ENGINE
The car stopped several times and had to be towed! One day the car just wouldn't start! My brother took it to the dealership and they said it needed a new engine!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722928March 9, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Low beam headlights so dim is impossible to drive at night.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722861March 8, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES
3/6/26 5:50 am unintended acceleration w such force pulling car toward right side n unable to stop, jumped over side walk, then stopped, it happened very fast, very scary accident, I was in shock and shaking so bad. Wknd disrupted, couldn't sleep n reliving bad experience over n over. Bringing it to the dealer 3/9/26. no damage to anybody or third party, unknown under car damage. Didn't file a report to the Police or DMV. no warning of any kind at all. Afraid to drive the car n how to proceed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722559March 6, 2026
ENGINE
Check engine light on due to catalytic converter, took it to Kia motors in Bakersfield, California due to recall let them know that there was a check engine light on after buying the vehicle and only having it for one month and I thought it was due to the recall, which was on oil, piston rings, the dealership stated I could give all my paperwork that I had in regards to that, and if the engine failed, they would take care of it. After the test for the recall was done the engine failed and then a few days later a new updated recall, came out where the engine had to be running hot for the test to be done and then my recall passed so nothing was ever fixed with my vehicle. I believe that the catalytic converter is bad due to oil running into or around the catalytic converter. I also believe due to the malfunction of the oil, piston rings being bad/malfunction or whatever the recall was on is a determination of why my check engine light is on stating it’s a catalytic converter I believe if I continue driving my vehicle in the condition that it’s in it eventually will catch fire due to the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11722002March 4, 2026
ENGINE
My 2021 Kia Soul is having the same piston issues leading to engine failure as other previously recalled Kia Soul vehicles but for some reason my VIN is not part of any recall. Now it has been determined there is heavy scoring in my engine and I will need a new engine. My car is only 5 years old and there should be no reason for such major engine damage. My car has stalled on me while driving and other very similar issues as described on previous recalls. How does NHTSA determine when a certain model/year of car needs to be part of a national recall?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11720757February 26, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The entire car is dead from the engine to the key function completely dead. The car broke down 3 time in the middle of the street which could've caused a serious crash putting my safety and others at risk. The problem has been addressed to two different dealers and Kia corporate without resolution. I did make a police report about the mold infestation inside the car. I did now see any warnings prior to the complete reck. The cars been dead from the past 3 months. Both dealers are refusing and/or delaying any type of resolution in fact they gave me even more pressure. Causing me more anxiety than tranquility. Elevating my emotional health.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719469February 20, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that nearby drivers assisted with pushing the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle started; however, it was unsafe to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Prior to the engine seizing, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that 3 to 4 quarts of oil needed to be added between oil changes. In addition, the contact stated that in 2021, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact stated that after the recall repair was performed, the excessive oil consumption started. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718935February 18, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Description of Incident: On February 13, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, I was driving my 2021 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) on Calvine Road in Elk Grove, CA. A vehicle suddenly merged into my path. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the pedal failed to depress or engage normally. Despite the imminent collision, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) failed to provide any alert, and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. To avoid a high-speed rear-end collision, I was forced to perform an emergency steering maneuver toward the curb and into roadside bushes to stop the vehicle. This maneuver resulted in severe mechanical failure, including a broken driver-side axle, damaged rims, and broken brake pads. The dealership (Elk Grove Kia) has provided an estimate of $9,461.67 for these repairs but has failed to explain why the primary safety systems and service brakes failed to function as designed during this emergency. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718325February 16, 2026
ENGINE
We are the 2nd owner of 2021 Kia Soul bought in July 2025. Took to a dealership for open recalls shortly after purchase. After supposedly passing the piston ring recall (NHTSA 21V259) for the next several months after it had severe oil consumption but other wise drove fine. Then immediately after our last oil change on Feb 13, 2026, less than 10 miles later the car stalled and was knocking badly. Towed to nearest dealership and after diagnostic was told engine needs replacing. Wants us to pay for it. The software update (Piston Ring Noise Sensing System or PNSS) installed during the recall visit did not fix the faulty piston rings and also failed to give any warning for the impending engine failure. We never had any check engine or oil pressure lights come on until this incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718259February 16, 2026
AIR BAGS
The airbag in this 2023 Kia Soul vehicle had a faulty airbag deployment. The steering wheel airbag exploded upon a minor impact of under 20 mph and no other airbags deployed. The steering wheel airbag never fully deployed or made driver contact, it just simply exploded. The dealership was notified, but declined to research the car immediately following the impact and said that was not part of their repairs and to take the vehicle to a body shop. So, no investigation was done by the dealership to identify the airbag's faulty deployment. Then, the manufacturer refused investigation when a case was filed and waited several weeks after pictures and a full report was filed to say they were dropping the case. Insurance did not declare the claim as a total loss and $7000 of work was performed. There was no assurance that the work performed at the body shop was secure as Kia never reviewed the case. Also, there was no safety camera detection or warning of impact. This model had recalls for the side airbags, but Kia neglected to follow up on this particular faulty airbag from the steering wheel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717950February 13, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Description of Incident: On February 9, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM, I was driving my 2021 Kia Soul on Calvine Road and Winterberry in Elk Grove, CA. A vehicle suddenly merged into my path. I immediately attempted to apply the brakes, but the pedal failed to depress or engage normally. Despite the imminent collision, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) failed to provide any alert, and the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not activate. To avoid a high-speed, rear-end collision, I was forced to perform an emergency steering maneuver toward the curb and into roadside bushes to stop the vehicle. This maneuver resulted in severe mechanical failure, including a broken driver-side axle, damaged rims, and broken brake pads. The dealership (Elk Grove Kia) has provided an estimate of $9,461.67 for these repairs but has failed to explain why the primary safety systems and service brakes failed to function as designed during this emergency.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716734February 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The transmission on the vehicle has gone bad twice since we purchased it used. The car has 34,400 miles on it. The problem puts the driver in an unsafe situation as the problem causes the car to lose power while at high speeds. The piston rings have also been replaced as part of the recall. Kia just keeps replacing these parts with more defective parts. I have videos if you want them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716041February 5, 2026
ENGINE
I own a 2021 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ). It is under Safety Recall SC209. The engine has failed TWICE due to this defect (stalling in traffic). The dealer (Ourisman Kia) and Manufacturer (Kia America) are refusing to provide a safe loaner vehicle while they inspect it, leaving a 100% disabled veteran stranded. I am reporting a failure to remedy a safety defect in a reasonable time. 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
#11716039February 5, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owner was driving home at the normal posted speed limit when the car stalled out. The check engine light was on along with the oil Light, the car cranked back up in time before owner was rear ended. No accident occurred but a close call. The vehicle made it about another 1 mile before stalling again this time losing all control in steering as well and was towed home.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715290February 3, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Headlight housing kept falling out of the bracket Driving at night impossable. Fixed one light still dim lights maKES DRIVING AT night dangerous. Second dealer instructed me to not sue the suto light setting because it dims the headlights. It appears that the front bumper design blocks the light to the roadway. In my view the 4 seperte visits to the Family dealership in Saint Augestein Fl suggest ther is nothing more he can do to improve the light problem. What am I supposd to do to have this 2025 new KIA soul problem corrected that I so I can drive at night
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714991February 2, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, WHEELS, SUSPENSION
I am submitting this complaint to report serious concerns regarding the quality, safety, and reliability of my new Kia Soul, as well as the financial burden caused by defects that should not occur on a vehicle with such low mileage. At approximately **8,500 miles**, one of the original tires failed prematurely. I was forced to purchase a used tire to keep the vehicle safely drivable. I had the front alignment inspected, and I was informed that it was within normal specifications, yet the tire issue persisted. Now at **10,000 miles**, I am still experiencing abnormal tire wear. Additionally, at **10,000 miles**, the vehicle began making **grinding noises when applying the brakes**, which is extremely concerning for a car that is still essentially new. These issues raise questions about the vehicle’s manufacturing quality and whether it meets reasonable consumer expectations for safety and durability. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that it would be reliable and free from major defects. Instead, I am facing unexpected expenses, safety concerns, and ongoing problems that should be covered under warranty. I am now questioning whether I should continue making payments on a vehicle that is already showing signs of significant defects. I am requesting that the FTC review this matter as a potential issue involving product quality, warranty compliance, and consumer protection. I am seeking assistance in ensuring that Kia addresses these defects appropriately and that my rights as a consumer are upheld. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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