Electrical System Problems of Kia Motor Soul - part 1

Auto start stop issue - vehicle will stall and not start when waiting at a red light after you let go of break. All warning lights would turn on and stall.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I was driving in the carpool line to anaheim with my daughter, the car starts pulling and make a noise in the front part and start loosing speed, from 75 miles per hour to 40 miles per hours in 2 minutes. I drove to the safety zone but in high risk to a crash. All the sensor lights on in the front part. And the steering feels hard, no movement. We feel so stressed and unsafe. The police officer help us and the 511 towing help this was on October 16th. We pay $830 dlls to the aaa to bring the car to san diego.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

It started appearing to be electrical and ended in some type of engine/system emergency! I rented this vehicle through avis and the first few days everything appeared ok, regarding the functionality vehicle. Mid-day on 10-4-25, I attempted to put groceries in the trunk, wouldn’t open. After 4 minutes, I gave up, assuming I’m doing something wrong. That evening, the gas mileage hadn’t moved remained at (90), the battery light, oil pan, mph:stuck on 23, and the rev stuck on 1. 2, and the odometer hasn’t changed. When I removed the key the dash board remained on and once I hit the lock button it turned off. 10-5-25, I put gas in the car and the indicator marker never moved. I called to report these issues because my vehicle was not inspected before I left the lot. We canceled our paid trip and headed back to TX. While driving, the gas and oil pan light would turn on (2-3 min) then go off. While on the freeway, suddenly, the car shuts off. The best way I can describe it during the process is (sitting in a parked car with the acc position) everything is working but the car isn’t “on”. Due to mph being stuck at 23, I can say I was literally going the speed limit (60-65, flow of traffic) to 0! the phones were still charging, lights, and dashboard stayed lit, hazards light worked, and we literally rolled until the car stopped! since this is a rental by law it should have been checked before handing me the keys. The employee handed me the keys and pointed to the car from his computer. As soon as I was aware it was a problem I called multiple times to report this. When the situation was not properly handled by avis the first 4 times, I called the police. I requested to file a report and the officer did not show, however, harris county sent a tow truck. I will be filling a police report in the morning. Although there is not a recall, I see there are social groups with similar issues in the kia 2024 sol! this was a lemon rental and the experience was traumatic!.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Second engine installed in the car ceases to fire. Condition does not change with new sensors for camshaft nor crankshaft. Engine turns freely cranks but will not restart. Unreliable driving conditions. Mathew’s kia wants $1400 upfront to start exam in blind faith to see if a properly serviced car has a common warranty claim.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I thought my headlights needed cleaning because they are blurry instead of clear. As I am cleaning the headlights I tree that both of my headlights have micro cracks throughout the entire headlights this is not chips in the headlights it is literally toni look cracks.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact's son owned a 2012 kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact's daughter-in-law looked through the glass door of the residence and noticed that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire started from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the entire vehicle had burned significantly. The fire was extinguished by fire department, and the fire department filed a report. The contact stated that he resided in a lot for rvs converted into permanent residences. The contact stated that the contact's residence and a neighbor's residence sustained heat damage from the vehicle fire, and the side of the contact's residence melted. The contact's deck also caught on fire, and the fire was extinguished by fire department. The vehicle was totaled. The vehicle remained at the residence. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed but the police report information was not available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 23v652(service brakes, hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The contact stated that the recall notice had not been received. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I am reporting a recurring safety issue with my kia vehicle that began around labor day 2025. The vehicle has abruptly shut down multiple times while I was driving on public roads in hillsborough county, florida. These shutdowns occurred without any dashboard warning lights, including while stopped at red lights and while in motion, creating dangerous traffic situations. Despite having a scheduled service appointment on September 5, 2025, I took the vehicle to the dealership a day earlier—on September 4—due to the increasing frequency and severity of the issue. Upon reviewing my service history (dating back to 2022), I found no documentation that the battery had ever been tested, despite regular multi-point inspections performed at the dealership. A battery test performed during the September 4, 2025, visit revealed that the battery was failing. I was required to replace it at a cost of nearly $400. The service team confirmed that the battery was draining and likely the cause of the vehicle shutting down. This issue could have resulted in a serious accident. I believe the failure to identify the battery problem earlier represents a potential safety oversight.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Inhibitor switch has to be replaced. 2017 vehicles had a recall, dealership wants 747. 00 to fix same when a recall for same a year later?.

While driving my 2016 kia Soul plus on the highway, smoke began coming from the rear of the vehicle. Within seconds, flames were visible. Other drivers flagged me down, and I was able to pull over. I evacuated three dogs from the car, but the vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames and was a total loss. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire. There were no warning lights or unusual performance issues immediately before the fire started. The vehicle had not been modified and was in regular use. This incident posed a severe risk to my safety, the safety of my pets, and others on the road. My VIN currently shows no active recalls, but kia has issued recalls for engine and electrical fire risks in other Soul models. The fire appears related to engine, electrical, or fuel system malfunction. I strongly believe this defect should be investigated for inclusion in kia’s fire-related recalls.

I had some work done on the drive train of my car by a local mechanic. When I picked up the car, the brake light and the low tire light were on. I asked the mechanic to see about getting them turned off. He came to me a bit later, said they tried to replace a fuse connected to these sensors, and the fuse blew out a small flame when they tried to start the car. He looked it up and discovered there was a recall on this very fuse from kia (I never received a notice), and he had the car towed to the local dealership. They are refusing to correct the issue because they said he messed it up, and therefore they are not liable. They are wanting to charge me several thousand dollars to fix the problem. This seems completely insane because were it not for their faulty equipment, none of this would have happened. They are also refusing to perform a recall on the abs system, claiming that someone has previously worked on it. Unless they did it before I bought the car in 2017, no one has worked on the abs system. Again, they are trying to charge me $2000+ to fix this issue on top of the other.

On [xxx] jim ellis kia of kennesaw performed recall sc284 on my 2013 kia Soul (VIN: [xxx] ), replacing the hecu fuse. The next day, [xxx], the vehicle lost acceleration while driving, produced a muffled engine sound, and became barely able to move forward, creating an unsafe driving condition. At no point did the check engine light illuminate, even though the vehicle was experiencing severe drivability issues. Prior to the recall, kia’s own diagnostic (July 19, 2025) showed no catalytic converter or battery issues. An independent aaa diagnostic performed after the failure (July 21, 2025) ruled out pre-existing converter damage and linked the problem to the recall work. Despite this, the dealership denied responsibility and issued an unsupported estimate of $4,951. 41 for catalytic converter replacement. The absence of a check engine light raises concerns that the recall work may have compromised the vehicle’s obd-ii diagnostic system, preventing detection of a safety defect. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that damage occurred to the catalytic converter while the vehicle was in kia’s possession or as a direct result of the faulty installation of the recall fuse. This incident involves a safety risk, improper recall repair, and potential violation of federal recall law. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the adequacy of recall sc284 installation procedures and kia’s handling of this case. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact informed the dealer of an attempted theft of the vehicle and that the ignition was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be performed. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding the handling of my vehicle recall and repair process at kia killian road in columbia, south carolina. Vehicle information: - year/make/model: 2020 kia Soul - VIN: kndj23auxl7084518 - registered owner: stephanie nadine hessell timeline of events: - my vehicle was brought to kia killian road for recall repairs related to recalls 21v259, 21v259a, and cs2306 concerning the engine and starter. - the starter was replaced as part of the recall work. Despite this, the vehicle remained at the dealership for over a month and a half without resolution. - I was then informed I would need to pay approximately $1,200 to replace the ignition, even though there had been no issue with the ignition prior to the recall service. - the ignition was replaced at my cost, but I have since been informed that my vehicle is still not repaired due to an alleged electrical issue. - at the time of this complaint, my vehicle has been at the dealership for more than 2. 5 months, and I have been given inconsistent explanations and no resolution. Concerns: - the dealership appears to be tying unrelated repairs to the recall, causing unnecessary costs and delays. - I have been without the use of my vehicle for an extended and unreasonable period of time. - I have not been provided a loaner vehicle or alternative transportation despite the lengthy delay. Requested resolution: - immediate completion of the recall repair work at no additional cost to me. - reimbursement of the $1,200 ignition replacement charge, as the issue arose only after recall work began. - provision of a loaner vehicle or compensation for transportation expenses incurred during the 2. 5 months my vehicle has been out of service. - written clarification from kia corporate as to why this delay has occurred and how kia will ensure resolution. This matter has caused significant hardship, and I am seeking urgent assistance from kia consumer affairs, NHTSA, and.

When the car was originally going out, the check engine light came on and the engine was making a funny sound, then after we filled up on gas like 10-15 miles later, the engine shut off and stopped accelerating but all of the electronics were still coming on, the battery and oil pressure light came on as well, we pulled it over and when trying to start, it was cranking but not coming on, but the electronics and everything was still working just fine, radio worked and my phone was charging, eventually when we tried cranking again, the engine started rattling and grinding . Towed it to kia. Kia said they did every test possible on the car and are about 90% sure that the car needs a new ecu, but that kia doesn't manufacture that part anymore and that if they made it, it could take 2 weeks to 4 months, they're saying that it's not apart of the warranty so it would be expensive. They said that the best bet would be to trade in the car. Then they asked for all receipts for oil changes. Then they said it's the camshaft. "wanted to reach out to let you know we need to replace the cam shaft, the camshaft phaser and valve cover gasket before we can do the test for the recall this will cost about $1530". He said this after already saying they tested it. They are refusing to repair the recall. This is the kia dealership in gettysburg PA.

Was driving on the highway when my car started to smoke pulled over and it was a fire under my hood from the abs module.

Started the car this morning and noticed that the dashboard screen was blank. This had never happened before. Turned the car off and on twice thinking maybe it was just a software glitch but the screen stayed blank. Took the car to the dealer shortly after. When I picked it up the service advisor said they did a reset and a software update. The advisor had not seen this in a 2024 kia Soul. But when checking on-line, I saw several similar complaints for this year/model.

Complaint regarding mechanical failure and $315 service charge on recent vehicle purchase I’m writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the recent service experience involving my vehicle purchased on April 12, 2025. A few weeks after purchase, I returned to the dealership with concerns over a check engine light. I was reassured by your service department that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. However, the car recently died while I was driving on the highway, putting me in an unsafe situation and requiring a tow. Now I am being told that spark plugs need to be replaced before further diagnosis can occur, and that I am responsible for a $315 charge. The technician noted that cylinder 2’s spark plug was loose and melted—an issue that clearly could have caused the breakdown. This is not typical wear and tear. It’s something that either pre-existed at the time of purchase or should have been caught during the initial inspection when I brought the car in with concerns. I haven’t even made my second car payment, and I’m already dealing with a major mechanical failure. I feel I was sold a vehicle that was not properly inspected and that now I’m being asked to cover the cost of repairs that should fall under the responsibility as the seller. I respectfully request that the $315 service fee be waived and that the vehicle be fully inspected and repaired at no cost to me. I purchased this vehicle in good faith, and I expect the dealership to stand by its product.

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.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an abnormal sound could be heard coming from the engine. The check engine light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that once the vehicle gets up to speed, the abnormal sound could be heard coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and contact was provided with dtc codes: p0014 and p0013. The contact stated that the check engine light was turned off. The cam shaft was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. Most recently, the contact stated that the horn failed to function as intended. The horn is no longer functioning. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was due to an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). However, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was unknown.

Someone broke my window, and entered my car. Then proceeded to tear apart the entire area of the car that it below the steering wheel including the ignition. The car was not able to be turned off. This left the car unable to be used and unfortunately needed to be towed away. This is the second time this has happened and it is causing a serious safety hazard to my family, my home and my neighborhood. I unfortunately cannot get rid of the car because I am not the title owner and cannot afford to trade it in. I am looking for some assistance and to learn what other options I may have.

When using the blinker, the headlights turn off completely or temporarily. I’ve seen this as a normal thing on reddit and other sites.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owns a 2012 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA id number: 10247553 (steering, structure, electrical system), and the vehicle intermittently failed to start. While driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle jerked and shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent; however, the failure mostly occurred while the radio or a/c was in use. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a code for a failure with the ignition, and that an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

While driving kia 2012: it will suddenly quit running while driving. Loss of control of steering. Loss of electrical controls, brake lights, head lights & all electrical devices. Dangerous to drive.

Am receiving a code for camshaft sensor bank 1 sensor a. Figured it could be timing but also know about TSB’s. Need to see if there are any posted for my specific 2017 kia Soul.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The concern, is that kia recently (2023) recalled the bms (and potentially the hv battery) for vehicles as old as 2015 on the koa Soul ev, and their warranty on said parts is 10 yrs or 100k miles. The concern is that there is no extended warranty period for the cars. So if the cars fail again within a yr, you end up paying out of pocket for the repairs. There are plenty of forum posts that talk about their batteries being replaced with re-manufacturered, only to need to be teplaced again within less than a yr. I think kia needs to be forced to extend the warranty on these batteries to cover any potential future issues.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle intermittently stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My headlights turn off when I use my blinkers. They also flicker sometimes.

Well, isn't it wonderful that kia has extended the warranty on the horn assembly. Now, how do I avail myself of the warranty? simple - if the horn does not work or emits an unusual or different sound just bring it to kia for a diagnosis. Now, when is it most likely that I realize the horn does not work? when I need it the most, or when the bicyclist or pedestrian or whatever needs my horn to work. How in the world does kia think it can keep possibly unsafe vehicles on the road? I have no idea but I am filing a complaint and ask all others to do so. The horn is a critical safety feature that must work all the time. How does kia think it can get away with this? vehicles are required to meet and continue to meet at all times federal motor vehicle safety standards in existence at the time of manufacture. This is simply unacceptable.

My engine under, the 2018 kia Soul engine recall, first problem was on October 2023 when it arrived at the dealership with 'no oil'. The mechanic said for kia to replace the engine. At this time they also found 'sludge' for the first time. I had done my oil changes at the dealership and the most current was August 2023; 2000 miles prior. Kia extended my 100k miles engine warranty to 150k miles. Since, I have experienced excessive oil consumption and firing of the engine. In December 2024, the engine light went on. The kia mechanic said the engine must be replaced. This time I had a problem finding two maintenance receipts. Kia refused to honor the warranty. The dealership refused to work more on the car. In March 2025, the car began to fire large bangs, then much smoke and the engine seized. What if I was driving on a busy street when this happened? what if the car caught fire? I towed the car to the dealership. Kia manufacturer refuses to honor the engine warranty. I explained to kia my car has documented engine problems. The sludge found is part of the engine problem. The car uses excessive oil, the high burning is coagulating in the bottom of the engine causing the sludge. I have followed the scheduled maintenance in the owner's manual. I have been harassed, badgered, called names at the kia dealership who wants me to take my car away. I told all of them I have a car with a well known and documented engine defect that they must fix. I read the NHTSA 23v-099 recall. My kia Soul has experienced similar problems according to the descriptions from the kia mechanic. Because my car does not fall within the specific car description kia keeps turning me away. I am driving an unreliable and unsafe car on the road. We cannot allow kia to continue to sell unsafe cars they have no intention to correct. Another problem that began after the October 2023 break is the car has an error that reads, '. . . The battery is on'. I have replaced 3 die hard batteries since. Thank you.

Unknown.

When I signal a lane change, the lights flicker or turn off completely. Happens often.

Unknown when I get shut off and it give me signal with engine and I bring it to kia dealer and found out that my 2022 kia Soul had pin in cvvt broken and replace exhaust cam and cvvt assembly and its cost me almost 3000 dollar to fix and I had it as 2022 and purchased by chevelote and it was not coverage by warranty but I bought it was 18,000 mileage and now I am at 64525 mileage and I had only less than 2 year to drive that car so ??? anything that canbe on recall or warranty for those kia Soul?.

Less than 24 hours after being purchased as a kia factory certified pre-owned vehicle my daughter was driving. While driving headlights, wipers, and dash lights went out including infotainment/carplay map display on a rainy day. California requires headlights be on when wipers are used. Occurred while doing approximately 25 mph after going over a speed bump. When stopped and key was turned to acc, they came back on. Issue did not return when vehicle was started again. Dealer has said they can find not fault. We have located threads for this issue with other kia models on [xxx] . One common factor is they are key start, not push start models. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2012 kia Soul. The contact stated that while reversing and parking the vehicle, the steering wheel malfunctioned and became difficult to turn, and the driver was unable to control the direction of the vehicle, causing the rear passenger side wheel to strike the curb. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the steering failure was due to a faulty ignition key. The keys were replaced, but later the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who indicated that the keys needed to be reprogrammed. The keys were reprogrammed. Later, while at the dealer the steering wheel failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available.

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.