general problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul - part 1

In June 2024, my 2014 kia Soul (VIN: [xxx] ) experienced a sudden engine failure without warning. I was driving on a busy road when the engine began sputtering and quickly stalled. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed. I had it inspected at a kia dealership, who diagnosed the issue as complete engine failure but have not provided me with a full diagnostic report despite multiple requests. This type of failure is consistent with the known defects in the theta ii engine that have triggered recalls and extended warranties in similar kia models. Although kia has denied coverage for my vehicle, I believe this is a related safety issue. The vehicle stalled unexpectedly, creating a hazardous condition on the road. I was traveling with my toddler in the back seat and felt our safety was at risk. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this failure is not an isolated incident and should be investigated. Kia has refused to acknowledge a defect, but the symptoms match those in previous recalls for other Soul and forte models with similar engines. I have also attached documentation showing service history and repair costs, and I am happy to make the vehicle available for inspection. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Ive tried to get my recalls fixed since I bought the car 2 years ago, jeff wyler kia eastgate ohio has given me the run around, at least 5 attempts of no call backs or prolonged appointment dates not having me on record, my car breaks down I pay for diagnostic blown engine, I pay to have it towed to jeff wyler kia eastgate ohio, it's been there for 5 weeks and they still have not done a diagnostic on it. They are saying they never received my driver's license, then it was proof of ownership, they won't call me back or email. I'm just so frustrated because kia the main company actually has sent me many letters to get it fixed I call them and they told me their wasn't even a diagnostic done, they tried reaching out to them. Should I tow my car to a different dealer? I'm not sure what to do anymore, I'm almost afraid now they'll say they can't cover it for same reason, my trust is gone at this point with the dealership. I recently had a full knee replacement and getting in and out of my daughter's car has been very hard on me, I asked for a loaner and they said they don't provide them there and I have to pay. I've already put in so much money on this car at this point I feel cheated or targeted for some reason. They treat me like I'm trying to get something for free, they aren't paying out of their pocket. My car is still sitting there soon to be 6 weeks and don't know what to do, the treatment of this dealership is beyond horrible and I don't trust them. It's not my fault this happened I'm sorry for everyone involved especially kia , it must be a lot, thank you for listening to me , I hope you have a great day [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving and my mil came on. When I parked, I could smell strong exhaust fumes. I went to get an obd2 scan and it came back with p0420: catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank 1) reading. I was told to replace the O2 sensor. After getting it replaced, this did not fix the issue. After some research, I discovered there is a TSB out recommending catalytic converter inspection and/or replacement. However, it only applies to the 1. 6l engine and not the 2. 0l engine, which makes no sense. The dealership denied coverage because of this and the vehicle exhaust fumes are still strong. This can cause emissions issues later, so the TSB should be expanded to all kia Soul models, regardless of engine size.

Multiple misfires, codes codes p062e x2 p0300 p0303 p0302 p0500 p0267 p0264 p050b.

Please see the attached statement for a more detailed explanation. To summarize, kia will not perform a recall to repair the knock sensor in my 2014 kia Soul. The reason provided was that my engine needs to be replaced first. However, this recall calls for engine replacement if kia is unable to perform the repair. The issues I am having with my engine are symptoms of a faulty knock sensor, which is the recall kia will not repair.

I have a re call on my 2014 kia Soul my check engine light is on the reason is I'm having issues with my catalytic converter I been asking for this repair to be done for over a month now kia has been giving me the round around.

When first taking off in it in the mornings, it jumps and goes very fast and reverse. There’s no control in it. I have no brakes they go all the way down so the car just like flies backwards when I’m backing out of my garage I don’t even even have to hold the gas it’s going it’s gonna fly out anyway and when it does that the brakes go completely completely to the floor.

The engine is consuming motor oil in excess after conducting oil changes. If it goes unaddressed after oil changes, it causes the pins in the engine to not operate properly. This results in a check engine light requiring the owners to get another oil change prior to actually needing one. Kia motors is aware of this issue; however are only willing to replace the engine if it fails due to pins and not the excessive oil consumption if your mileage is over the 10 year/100,000 miles. Both issues are interrelated and the engine needs to be replaced regardless!.

I drove my car a short distance, parked, and turned off the engine. About 5 minutes after I left my car in the parking lot, we heard a loud explosion and everyone in the office stepped outside. My car became a ball of orange fire and burned for some time. It took 3 fire trucks to contain the fire and several other vehicles were damaged from the explosion. Pictures taken after the incident show the engine was gone (melted maybe). The inside of the car was also burned beyond recognition. My potential death was approximately 5 minutes after I parked my car. The gas tank did not explode; rather, the car burned from the front to the rear. This vehicle should not be on the road and the problem should be made public immediately.

I was driving the speed limit of 60 mph and all of a sudden it sputtered and hesitated; stalling out while attempting to accelerate going lower speed. My vehicle luckily got a parking spot at an automotive repair shop. No warning signal illuminated during my driving incident. The next morning the engine wouldn't start, but eventually they get it to start. They got the "check engine message center warning" showing during road test. The automotive repair shop did a diagnostic test on it saying that the technician diagnosed the problems to a bad fuel injector fouling out the spark plug #4 cylinder recommending to replace all 4 fuel injectors and spark plugs, my transmission has no dipstick, oe factory maintenance due and is required, tires were getting weather cracked and recommending tires soon, technician noted that the car had some oil leaks and needed to be diagnosed further, cabin air filter missing and need to install a new filter; recommend cabin filter replacement service: includes anti-bacterial duct service, tune up items: fuel induction service recommending tune up labor 3-part fuel induction system service to where tune up is due/overdue by mileage if not already done so, engine oil was over filled dark/contaminated with fuel in oil and recommended oil change after changing fuel injectors and plugs (but, I had my oil changed about a week before all of this occurred), air filter: oe maintenance interval dirty and recommended installing new engine air filter, brake fluid: oem recommended service interval/brake fluid exchange service recommended due by mileage if not already done so. I purchased this vehicle December 10, 2022 and then this all occurred after just 4 month of purchasing this vehicle. It took 3 weeks to fix this vehicle. I had this fixed and still I have to wonder how safe is it really? I'm concerned so much so that I plan on taking this vehicle to a kia dealership appointment tomorrow June 17, 2023 to have a multi-point inspection.

Check engine light came on the evening of 3/08/2023. Auto zone said it was a knock sensor code and was listed as a recall. Next morning while driving on highway to ft wayne kia dealership my car engine lost rpm while driving at 65 mph on I-69 chapel exit in ft wayne indiana. The car engine compartment almost immediately ignited into flames with an explosion. Driver barely got out before fire was in the dash. The front interior dash and front seat areas were caught on fire. Shrapnel blown from car started a grass fire as well. The fire department arrived to get both fires under control. My car was still under warranty at 108 months and 89,000 miles. Never had any problem with my Soul until that next day after light came on. I was not notified of the recalls except only recently received an airbag recall on 3/30/2023. I have contacted kia to file a claim with them.

Since I bought this car, I have experienced hesitation, stalling, high rpm idle, fluctuating idle, burning smell, lurching, running though gas very fast (not due to increased driving), engine noises, dash panel half lighting up, hard to accelerate when the headlights are on, or heat, or air con, odd noises. . And through this entire time, check engine light comes on and off and on and off. . . Along with my gas gauge saying empty when its full. I have reported all of this throughout the entire time since all bought it. Every single time they say "software update" and send me home with nothing ever fixed. Ever. Now again check engine and false fuel reading, hesitations, etc. . . . Again! this engine and fuel pump is bad and explains all of my complaints since 10kmiles. My car has under 80k mi on it, its been a lemon from the start. Hesitation with no pick-up at an intersection and noises. . . . Just beyond dangerous. I have not driven my car on the freeway in 5 years because itis not safe, but kia never checks out problems. They charge for inspection and say "software update". Its maddening.

I was driving home and noticed my gas mileage rapidly going down. (before when I filled up I used to get 408 miles till “e” then got 380) so I knew sowmthing was starting to go wrong. Then, my engine light started flashing. I got my catalytic converters replaced but I’m still losing gas mileage bad and engine ticking.

My check engine light came on and took it to coastal kia. Was told the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. After checking it’s not on the recall list but why are some on recall and not others. It started with the light at 127,000 miles. At first it would only stay on for a few days and then go off. Now it stays on all the time. I’m going to have it replaced but trying to find out why only some of the 2014 Souls are under recall.

I have did a diagnosis on the car and it’s coming back to the catalytic converter, the gas in my car is draining out like crazy it’s like I’m putting in so much just for it to run out. The rpms won’t go up when suppose to. The seems like it’s trying so hard to switch in and out of gears.

While driving on the highway, my car blew a puff of smoke, and I was no longer able to accelerate higher than 15 mph. I had to stop and get my vehicle towed to the local kia dealership because my vehicle was inoperable. The dealership told me that dtc p0420 was triggered and that I would need a catalytic converter replacement, exhaust flex pipe replacement, and a new drive belt. There is a recall (NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000) for the exact issue I experienced and my vehicle falls in the category of my2012-my2016 kia Soul with a 1. 6 liter engine, but the dealership is stating that my vehicle is not part of the recall population and it will cost $3,000 to fix this known issue. This is unacceptable and the recall population needs to be expanded.

A loud bang was heard while driving approx. 35 mph on a clear day. The vehicle lost all power, smoke started coming from the hood area and the cabin began to fill with smoke. Driver pulled over, opened the hood and discovered the entire engine compartment in was engulfed in flames. Passersby tried to extinguish the flame with fire extinguishers, but it kept reigniting. The fire department arrived and put out the flames. This could have been life threatening if the driver did not get out of the vehicle. Amica insurance's claims processors and an independent forensic investigator engaged by amica insurance have concluded the engine fire was the result of catastrophic engine failure. The forensic investigator noticed an outward bump in the oil pan and indicated this was likely the result of a separation of crankshaft and or piston rod elements. The investigator indicated he sees about 10 of these engine fires each month. Kia's special unit that addresses their engine fire problem has been notified and are dragging their feet. We have not heard anything from them after filing a claim on or about 3/22/2022. There were no warning signs prior to this catastrophic failure event. Gauges and warning systems were all normal. The engine and the engine compartment are a complete loss. Other damage occurred as the fire department worked to extinguish the fire. The forensic investigator and amica's claims processor have declared the car a total loss.

I am unaware of what is able to be inspected of the vehicle at this time due to the amount of damage. My own and other drivers’ safety was at risk when my car began smoking and eventually caught fire. Nothing has been reproduced, inspected, or confirmed by any manufacturer, dealer, or independent contractor. I had my car in park for 2 hours before I began my trip. When I started the car up in the parking lot, the engine ran for about 10 minutes before I left. Within 2 miles of driving, the check engine light came on and the engine started smoking. I pulled the car over as soon as I could do so safely, put the car in park, turned off the ignition, and evacuated the vehicle. Soon after, the car ignited into flames under the hood and I called 911. The fire department extinguished the fire and reported to me that it was an electrical fire.

The front of the car started to smoke (black smoke coming from under the hood) while driving on a highway and caught fire within one minute. The safety of the driver was at risk. He barely had enough time to get out of the car before the whole front of the car burst into flames. The driver had to call 911. The fdny put the fire out with nypd present. The fire was so big that there was nothing left to inspect after fdny put the fire out. This was a total loss and insurance accepted the photos without physically inspecting the car. The car began to sound like it was running on diesel and lost power shortly before the smoke. No other obvious warnings or signs were noted.

Unknown, issue is the vehicle will not accelerate or change gears properly on an incline. On level roads the acceleration is still very slow.

One day it was fine, drove to louisville ky from lexington ky and noticed sporadic, weird shifting which seemed very off, shifting at the wrong time I had grown accustomed to for the previous 6 years on the way back home car would not go over 55-60 mph and to try and force it to downshift only made the engine rev extremely high and noisy with no forward motion, car acted as though it wanted to just quit altogether, and from that point on its been bogging down like a giant sat on the hood upon pushing the accelerator to get more speed, and upon backing off 9f the accelerator pedal the loud revving noise eased up and car seemed to recover somewhat until the next acceleration. . . The car has hesitated, engine idle is, for the most part, ok, but 55-60 is as fast as it will go unless going downhill, then I can 65 mph until the next time it needs to go up an incline then it shows to 40-45 with obvious stress trying to maintain a certain speed.

While driving at 15-20 mph, the engine started knocking loudly, smoked a little and died. There were no warning lights or messages. There were no previous symptoms, the car had been running fine and the oil and water had been checked 3 days prior. My car had never leaked or burned oil. I was able to restart it, the knocking was very loud. I was a couple miles from home so I slowly drove it home stopping 3-4 times to allow it to cool. At home I checked the oil and all had drained out except what was still dripping out underneath. A mechanic friend added oil and started it, it still knocked loudly and he thought a rod and/or rod bearing were bad. I parked it not knowing what to do yet. A little over 2 months later I was notified of recall 20v750, sc200. This was during covid. Between end of Jan 2021 (when notified) and Nov 2021, I had been quarantined 4 times and had lost my job so I couldn't afford to tow to the dealer. When I did, Nov 22,21 the dealer would not honor the recall because an update on the ksds on the ecu was not done. The recall letter said they would do the update and repairs. I researched all letters from kia to their dealers, other owners and NHTSA. There are no restrictions or conditions regarding this. All information states the update will be done with recall repairs, there is no time limit given (other than an offer to recieve a free visa with update that expired 11-15-21), and suggests to do it ASAP. Even letters to dealer had 2 q&a letters, each had a question if there were any restrictions on owners, the answer is no on both letters. There are no restrictions regarding the updated ecu, the warrenty, or condition of the car. Kia does give the dealers instructions for cars that are towed in, if stored, if they start, if they crank. Each of these include updating the ksds, again making the excuse I was given false. There was no reason the update could not be done and my car repaired per kia's instructions to dealers and recall owners.

Loses acceleration going uphill. Knocks and rattles when car is turned on. Previous car was a sorento and did the same. Shut off on me in the middle of the freeway with my children and myself in it. Felt like the engine fell out from underneath the vehicle. I seeing the beginning phases of the same issue with my Soul. Im scared that this car will not only shut off on me while driving on the freeway but that it may cost me my life if someone were to rearend me when my car loses power to an issue no one seems to know what the problem may be. There should be a recall on all kia engines and is poor manufacturing. Major issues with this brand of car is the electrical, engine and that it sucks up so much oil without warning.

While driving at 55mph,white smoke began pouring from rear of vehicle from under car and exhaust. All warning lights came on we got the car to the side of the highway and it stalled and would not restart, was told by local dealer a new engine was needed. All of these symptoms are covered under the recall and service bulletins, please help this is our only vehicle and we can't afford the new engine that should be covered, thank you.

After multiple attempts at the shop, the kia has been burning oil. There is no smoke or leaks. A compression test was not done at the original inspection of the car, and there is no oil in the car after about 500 miles. This engine has been burning oil since 85000 miles and there is "nothing" that kia can do for our issue. Thus, in line with other complaints about this issue there should be something done for the engine replacement. This is a known issue for the other engines, but the 2. 0l engine is not under recall. . . . Yet. This is a very serious issue and a general consumer should not have to monitor oil consumption of an engine at 60-80k miles. There is something wrong with the engines and it could be a real concern for safety.

While driving at speed limit, 75mph, the car starting losing power and started to shake, then it sped up again and leveled out. Once I reached the nearest gas station, in park, it was shaking and rattling. I was able to get the car to my mechanic and upon his inspection, found a hole in the piston. I contacted the local kia dealership and was told they could replace the engine for $9000. 00. I had informed that there may be a recall, so I asked the dealership and was told no. They did not ask for a VIN or anything.

My car has been burning oil in an abnormal rate. It begin at the beginning of 2020. I always took my car for recommend maintenance to the kia of carson in California. Now about every month I have to top off the oil. An estimate of less than 600 miles per month. Sometimes when I am at a light the car will shake a bit. Also if I use the ac the car will shake a bit as well it did not do that before. If am driving I don't feel that shakes. The first time that I noticed something was going on I was at stop light and my car shaked and felt like it was going to turn off. After that it shakes if am too long at a light but not too hard.

Check inline light is on and it keeps reading catholic converter and it won't go off I switched my gas from 87 to 93 and did a fuel treatment and at times it won't go over 35 miles per hour and the check engine light keeps flashing and my gas runs out fast I've gotten a tune up done and a oil change.

The vehicle shut off while I was driving, I had to push it off the road, the problem is a fuel leak, other kia Souls are currently on recall for the same reason but this plus model isn't so it's sitting in my drive way while I pay over $400 a month for the vehicle ! recall this dangerous vehicle ! this is a defect in the kia/Hyundai engines.

I took the car into kia dealership in cape coral, FL. Engine light on. The car kept stalling and would lose all power while driving. I wanted service done on it and all recalls fixed. They fixed recalls and put a new catalytic converter in it to solve the engine from stalling and lose power. They told me the car was fixed. I picked it up and drove it on the hwy and it stalled at 75mph and totally had nothing and had to maneuver the car off the hwy with my grand kids in the car. I managed to get it started to get it home and it stalled again at all the stop signs and was almost t-boned from the side. It happens when the converter heats up and the fuel is not feed into engine right. It was towed back to kia and they told me the engine has metal shavings in the oil from the convert getting hot. I cant believe they let me drive this car off the lot knowing that there is a recall # sc176. . . I almost got killed with my family in the car. I spoke with corporate and they refuse to help me even though the recall exists!! I was hung up on during the conversation with a consumer affairs mgr. Named kayla. . . She told me the car is out of warranty and I would have to pay for a new engine! recall# sc176!! I need help! the car is still at the dealership since my family was in the car when it kept dying on the road and we almost was killed or in a very serious accident. Kia is not honoring sc176 even though it states on my invoice that the car needs a new engine because of the converter failure. Its printed on the invoice with the work that was done on it. Engine light is still active and the car sits. I took the car into kia to service it and all they did was the oil change w metal. . . . And converter recall. But it was to late the damage has been done from the recalls overheating. They say its not throwing the right code for a new engine so they wont fix it. I talked to 3 people .

Our kia Soul has 65000 miles on it and the oil has been changed regularly, did an oil change last week and was missing 3 quarts of oil and found metal shavings in the oil pan. The engine light is on and engine knocking. Took to kia and said there is a gdi failure and needs a motor and they will not replace under warranty. Car has bee very well cared for an not abused. Symptoms match related problems on kias Sould with 1. 6 liter.

Check engine light turned on, took it to auto zone for a diagnostic. Error code read p0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold (bank1) then the next day the check engine light was not on anymore.

I went to the kia dealership and they did the recall on my engine. The cuyler dealership told me that they would need to replace the cop ecu logic and the catalytic converter. They told me that the engine doesn't need to be replaced. I got the recall done on a Friday. , and the next day my check engine light was back on and my oil light keeps coming on. I believe I need a whole new engine. I'm just really disappointed in how it turned out. My check engine light should not be on!.

Driving my 2014 kia Soul on July 4th on the highway at 75 miles per hour, engine revved up to 5 rpm's for no apparent reason, and engine light came on. Went back down to proper rpm's after about 10 seconds, then about 15 seconds later revved up to 7 rpm's, battery light came on and car stalled in the middle of the highway. Called kia corporate on July 8th, they created a case for me, I had a contact there that was working my case, and they had it towed it to midwest kia in wichita, KS. , because there was an active recall on the car. They had it for 2 weeks, refused to fix it because they couldn't get the car to start to throw the code for the recall, but they repeatedly told me they would do nothing to get it to throw the code because they might pay to fix something they shouldn't. A man at corporate told me on July 22nd that they were not going to honor the recall nor the warranty that is still on my car, and I had my car towed back to my house. When I got it back, I looked under the hood and the service center had torn my engine apart and left it in pieces under my hood, where it sits now awaiting permission on what I can do so I do not ruin any chances I have of them fixing what they should anyway.

I recieved a recall letter the recall number is 19v120 I went over too the kia dealer, van devere kia, akron ohio west market st, prior to going for recall nothing was going on with my car no lights coming on or anything it have very low miles and every time I go there they try too sell me a new car, any way went on a Friday in may that Monday the indicator lamp came on{ engine} took it over they said they had no time too check it and if it not flashing its safety issue, a few days later the light went out but I did notice that the car is using more gas, on Monday 6-3-2019 the light was back on so I went over they had 2 cars in the bay and the guy said they had no time too look at it by the way this guy been rude too me since I told him I did not want too buy a new car, he said I could come wed but I had too work have appt on Monday the 10th but this is not right my car been using a lot more gas and it seem too be iddle very high when I start it up, when I got off work stopped at a auto zone to get a read out on the light and it showed that reprogram the powertrain control module the code was po50a. Not happy with this car dealer I go there for all repairs I have 23045 miles 2014 Soul.