Kia Soul Complaints (2018)

223 consumer complaints on file.

#11458696March 28, 2022
ENGINE
I bought my 2018 Kia Soul from Fredy Kia Dealership in Houston, TX and after 3 years and 124K miles the engine failed. It started with the check light for 'engine knock sensor' code 1326. I had the sensor replaced but the mechanics mentioned that my oil was extremally low and needed oil. I just had my oil replaced by Archer Kia dealership 2 month prior how could that be? So they replace the oil and the sensor. I drove it for 4 hours and the check engine light came on again this time there is a knocking sound. The mechanics say its a blown piston and now the engine has to be replaced. This is incredibly sad and frustrating to know that these cars' engine fail after 100K and have to replace the engine. After researching on on this site and https://www.aboutautomobile.com/, this engine problem has been going on since 2012. How can this be? Why isn't Kia doing something to cover and fix this issue?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458170March 24, 2022
ENGINE
MY ENGINE STARTED TO KNOCK OUT OF NO WHERE AND IT BLEW A ROD. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT THE CAR AND HE SAID THE ENGINE WAS GONE. HE SAID YOUR CAR SHOULD NOT BE HAVING ENGINE PROBLEM AT ALL FOR THE YEAR OF THE CAR. I HAD ONLY HAD MY CAR NOT EVEN A YEAR. I GOT MY CAR IN 2020. MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING IN MY YARD WITH A BLOWN ENGINE AND I AM MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON A CAR I CAN NOT DRIVE. I AM FURIOUS. I GOT MY CAR FROM HERTZ. I AM SO PISS. I NOTICE THEY RECALLED OTHER YEARS EXCEPT 2018. I NOTICE ALOT OF PEOPLE HAS REPORT THIS PROBLEM.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451929February 14, 2022
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH in an intersection, another vehicle ran the red light, causing his vehicle to crash into the passenger side of the other vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to exit the vehicle on his own. The contact sought medical assistance the next day and was diagnosed with a ruptured disk on his neck and lower back. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and advised the contact that the air bags acted as intended and did not have to deploy. The contact became aware of the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (AIR BAGS). The contact followed with the manufacturer who informed him they could not assist as his VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11447800January 17, 2022
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Follow up to complaint number 11446088 submitted on 1/3/2022 Car was taken to dealership on 12/18/2021 for check engine light with code P1326 and car entered a limp home mode that limited engine RPMs to 1800-2000 RPM. I received a call from dealership on 1/12/2022 informing me that car was ready for pickup. Picked up car on 1/13/2022, where invoice says the following: "77240 p1326 DTC 39250fln/39250rq0 check engine light on arrival, trouble code p1326. bearing clearance test was not able to be performed due to no tsb opened yet for this year make and model. opened a pwa case performed compression and leak down test passed . performed few test tech line required and came to a conclusion that engine replacement is not approved, knock sensor was approved under warranty vehicle will be shipped with no dcts over 2 drive cycles of 10 miles" Two notes: (1) it appears that the manufacturer informed dealership that it would not approve replacing the engine, despite the engine being under warranty, because no recall has yet been issued on the 2018 model year. (2) the dealership say they performed 2 drive cycles, each of at least 10 miles. This was not done, as shown on the mileage in/out readings on the attached invoice (see attached document, "06 - 2022-01-12 - Kia Carson - Invoice"). Attached are 8 documents for all the documents I have related to this problem: (1) NHTSA - Vehicle Complaint - 11446088 - 2022-01-03 (2) Kia Product Improvement Campaign Letter - 2021-11-16 (3) 01 - 2021-12-04 - Kia Carson - Workorder (4) 02 - 2021-12-04 - Kia Carson - Invoice (5) 03 - 2021-12-07 - Kia Carson - Workorder (6) 04 - 2021-12-07 - Kia Carson - Invoice (7) 05 - 2021-12-18 - Kia Carson - Workorder (8) 06 - 2022-01-12 - Kia Carson - Invoice Answers to questions above: (1) not available for inspection. I no longer possess vehicle (2) see complaint 11446088 (3) dealer confirmed problem, see 2022-01-12 invoice (4) yes, see 2022-01-12 invoice (5) see complaint 11446088
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11447464January 14, 2022
ENGINE
The contact's daughter-in-law owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The oil warning light illuminated, and the contact's husband poured oil into the oil reservoir. The vehicle was towed to the contact's daughter-in-law's residence. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was diagnosed by two independent mechanics with engine damage and connecting rod failure, which punctured the engine block. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they had issued a Product Improvement Campaign for the engine in November 2020; however, they did not have the contact's daughter-in-law's address. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11447348January 13, 2022
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My engine blew it just hit 80,000 miles on the dot and since I’m purchasing it threw Freedom Chevrolet Buick gmc by Ed Morse and not Kia directly my car cannot get fixed! I still owe a pretty penny and now I have no way of fixing when other Kia’s have had the same issue with engine blowing I just would like my car fixed. My safety and my kids what put in danger when it decided to do this On a busy road!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446088January 4, 2022
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 16 November 2021, Kia sent a letter for a Product Improvement Campaign to install software called "Knock Sensor Detection System" ("KSDS") on my 2018 Kia Soul Plus. The software update was installed on 4 December 2021. The 16 November letter noted that if KSDS detected a problem, the car would enter a limp home mode that limited engine RPMs to 1800-2000 RPM and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("check engine light") would blink continuously. On 17 December 2021, the check engine light started to blink continuously, and the engine RPMs never exceeded 2000 RPM. I took the car to the dealership on 18 December 2021. The car is not safely operable. The dealership told me that they needed technical assistance from the factory, which they have not yet received as of 3 January 2022. I'm reporting the issue because it appears to be related to the known engine manufacturing defects in Theta, Nu, and Gamma lines of engines, and that these issues persist beyond the 2011-2016 model years (for which a recall has already issued) and at least into the 2018 model year. Answers to questions: (1) powertrain/engine failure, possibly other system(s) (2) safety risk is known fire danger in Theta, Nu, and Gamma engines (3) dealer is currently diagnosing/confirming the issue (as of 1/3/22) (4) only dealer has inspected vehicle (as of 1/3/22) (5) no issues prior to 12/17/21, when Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("check engine light") started to blink continuously and engine RPMs were limited to 2000 RPM.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445253December 28, 2021
ENGINE
Engine Failure, Started burning oil, within a month of that started knocking, after 4 weeks the connecting rod went through the block. I was driving on a public roadway. Vehicle is in for repair now for a new short block, catalytic converter (oil damage) with the dealership and being repaired by the manufacturer under warranty. Only warning lamp the car has had was about a month prior for an inefficient catalytic converter. No warnings for low oil or engine trouble prior to developing the knock. Vehicle is at Celebration Kia in Delaware Ohio for repairs. The incident date is approximate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445325December 28, 2021
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Buyer beware, DO NOT PURCHASE A KIA. Kept up with oil changes on the car. Purchased used in 2019 at 45k miles. While driving from work car just stopped working, and engine and oil light turned on. Electrical was working replaced battery maybe two months earlier. Wasn’t due for an oil change. Took car to a mechanic who said it was low on oil which seemed odd. Also replaced brake pads and rotors. $1000 later the car starts making a horrible rattling sound and the oil light and engine light turn on and car almost immediately dies. Took car to dealership, engine is done. This is happening to ALL of Kias cars that are being put on to the market. These cars are STILL being sold and they are all very much aware that these engines are bad. An entire decade of BAD ENGINES from Kia. And they are doing nothing. NOTHING. No recalls on this car. So now I am f*****. I have had this car for TWO years and it is only THREE years old and the engine is DONE. How is nothing being done about this???? Why are our voices being ignored?? There are complaints on this page with this EXACT issue. Why aren’t these cars being recalled?? I had my boyfriend and 3 dogs in the car, what if my car had caught on fire like their other crappy cars they have put out? Would I just be another person murdered by Kia and no one does a thing about it? (Allegedly)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443439December 11, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The alarm won’t let me in the car. Got a jump started for a few. Cut it off now it has not started again. Changed starter that did nothing. Can’t connect to the key, dashboard keeps blinking, Alarm keeps crashing. Battery checked out good. No ideal what is wrong
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442972December 7, 2021
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving to work in my 2018 Kia soul on 10/16/21 vehicle has a significant hesitation pulling away from a stop sign/red-light. A very slight knocking noise could be heard. the oil light flickered on and then immediately went off. Next thing I know while doing 65 on the highway the oil, engine, and battery lights all lit up then suddenly power to the vehicle was gone! I managed to get the vehicle off the highway onto the shoulder of the road where I watched smoke pouring out of the engine bay. My vehicle only has 69059 miles. the 2.0L motor that is subject to many other recalls and issues is the same as what is in my Soul. . I've only had this car for less than two years! KIA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442652December 4, 2021
ENGINE
At 94,000 miles without warning I have a rod knock. I have maintained oil changes regularly and topped my oil off before this drive. No warning lights no indicators. Just a blown engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440153November 11, 2021
ENGINE
I have my oil changed regularly. At about 49,000 miles, upon braking, the oil light came on. When accelerating the oil light would go off. I checked the oil and it didn't even register. I added 2 quarts of oil to bring it to the mid line of dipstick. Took the car in, and had oil changed. 3 weeks later, at 50,000 miles, the oil is now a 1/2 quart low. Took car in to the dealer. They told me that the oil consumption of 1 quart every 1,000 miles is within normal range. This is ridiculous. I should not need to add oil to a 3 year old car between oil changes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11439996November 10, 2021
ENGINE
I went and got my oil changed yesterday. The man at the Kia dealership showed me a water bottle that was about 8 oz full with black oil. He told me that that’s all the oil I had in my car and I probably have engine damage. There were no warning lamps or anything else. And I routinely get my oil and tires maintenance. I am now having sounds coming from my vehicle but still no warning lamps.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11439319November 4, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During a front end accident the car burst into flames and the driver was trapped and passed away at the scene.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
1
#11439020November 2, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On the evening of 7/31/2021 myself and my 2 brothers were on our way home from shopping. It had just got dark outside. Suddenly there was a loud noise under the hood and the vehicle stopped dead in the middle of the road. Thank GOD we were not hit from behind. I put the flashers on to warn others. Other cars were blowing there horns, it was very dangerous for us and others as well. I called and got AAA there as soon as possible. The car was smoking and oil was every where. I had the car taken to an independent shop. They told me the connecting rod had gone through the engine block and that it was very bad. They suggested that I take it to the Kia dealership. They said Kia would know about the warranty's. I had AAA take it to the Kia dealer ship in west Orlando. I paid them 265.00 to do the diagnostics on the car. They told me the connecting rod bearing had caused the rod to go thru the engine block. They said I would Have to have a new engine (approx. 10,000.00 ). I said if I gave them the money when could i get my car? They said they didn't know. I ask if I could have a loaner vehicle to get myself to work. They said they don't do that. They also said at that cost I would not get a new engine. I was not treated very nice. I never had any trouble with my car. I had no warning of any kind it just suddenly stopped. I am a widow and my husband always told me to keep my oil changed. He said it is the life of the car. So I always changed my oil ahead of the scheduled time for it to be changed. I got my oil changed on 7/29/2021 and the bearing went bad on 7/31/2021. A friend from my church tried to contact Kia Corp. in California for assistance,but was treated rudely.I know there have been recalls on different Kia and Hundai engines for connecting rod Bearing issues.This was very dangerous many people could have been hurt or killed. Kia Will not help. I only have 71,000 miles on my car. I was the second owner of the car so my warranty is no good. 3 tech's have seen it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11436700October 13, 2021
ENGINE
Engine started to knock, then it got louder and finally the engine stopped running. If it would have shut down on the busy interstate, it could have been a disaster. The problem has not been inspected by Manufacture. Trying to report to KIA. Engine has less than 84000. The oil light came on right before it died.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11433980September 22, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
So, I was driving down the road and there was like a tapping sound coming from the engine. It had been doing that tapping noise for a couple of days. All of a sudden a heard like a loud bang/pop noise and see smoke coming out of my engine area. The car stalled and I slowly let it coast to the side of the road. I looked at my rear view mirror and I see black smoke and a man running toward me yelling, "Get out of the car! Get out of the car! It's going to explode! Get out of the car!" Other cars were stopping and I couldn't tell what all the fuzz was about. I picked up my work lap top, parked the car, and took the keys off the ignition. Smoke was coming into the cabin and I realized this was something else. I opened the door and the man yelled again, "Get out!, Get out!" I did. I slowly got out of the car and made my way away from the car. I began recording because I was mad that this KIA that I had bought just over a year prior had broken down. It wasn't until I stepped further back that I see the fire coming upward and the engine was on fire as well. The KIA Soul 2018 burned completely down in less than 10 minutes. I was lucky to get out alive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11433904September 21, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
On several occasions now the vehicle has sped up on its own while parked. Thank goodness I had my foot on the brake but as soon as I let go of the brake, it went fast without my peddle on the gas. I stopped it with the break peddle and it did it again once I let go of the brake peddle. It usually takes a couple of times for the car not to do that. Also, the oil light hasn't warned me that the oil is low. The motor began rattling while I was near work and I stopped the vehicle. Someone helped me and told me that there was barely any oil in the engine. So, we added oil but now it's always rattling. It has also stalled while going up a hill. That's happened on two occasions. I believe I may have a lemon in my hands. KIA has yet to accept that it's still under warranty and they keep brushing me off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11432892September 14, 2021
ENGINE
My engine failed and gasket blew with no signs of over heated and no issues prior to failure car had no issues at all.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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