Electrical System Problems of Kia Motor Soul - part 2

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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A kia franchise dealership demanded payment for diagnostics in order to perform a federal airbag safety recall, which I refused. After the dealer’s involvement, the vehicle’s diagnostic/obd port became unreadable, preventing recall completion. A second kia dealer states they cannot complete the recall and wants thousands of dollars just to attempt diagnosis. The vehicle has been out of service for over six months with an open safety recall. I believe the recall process has been obstructed.

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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.

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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.

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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.

On 12/30/2024 my wife was returning home when all of the instrument lights went out. She stopped to make attemps to get the lights to come on but nothing worked. She had to drive home with no instruments for speed, directions, service, etc. When she got home ( very upset ) she only wanted to know why e new car with only 1400 miles would have this problem. I checked all the obvious cause for this condition but I could not find anything obviuos such as blown fuse, etc. Searching on line I found this was a common problem and people said a temporary fix was to disconnect the battery and retighten. This did work for the time but soon it did the same thing on new years eve and after supper we had to drive home with no dash lights. On 01/04/2025 the lights were out and error messages kept appearing. On 01/06/2025 I called the dealer service because of the safety problem and asked to speak to the manager and I have still not heard from him. My wife now refuses to drive the car and I understand why.

Headlamp multi-function switch service campaign hazwewdiouse may cause colition or vision impairment. From ongoing traffic and or insufficient illumination while driving lights will flicker, causing drivers to high beam you, it does not matter if the high beams are on or not, the light will randomly flicker and turn off, very dangerous in southern and eastern areas, there is limited to no street/road lights it has been noted that for some 2014 kia Soul models, kia issued a warranty extension and a service bulletin (sc330) to address intermittent flickering of the low/high beams. This is caused by wear on the contact points inside the multi-function switch, which controls the headlights and turn signals. Kia has extended the warranty on this specific component from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/unlimited mileage from the date of the vehicle's first service. If your headlights are flickering, you can have a kia dealer diagnose and replace the switch at no cost to you under this warranty extension. This malfunction is not just happening to the specific year, component: headlamp multi-function switch problem description: the vehicle's headlights and/or high beams intermittently flicker and turn off while driving. This is a severe safety hazard, as it causes momentary vision impairment and can lead to a collision. Hazardous condition: the flickering and sudden deactivation of the headlights cause temporary blindness for the driver and can lead to a loss of control or a collision. The erratic light behavior causes a "high-beam" effect on oncoming traffic, causing other drivers to react by flashing their high beams in an unprovoked manner. This issue is extremely dangerous in areas with limited or no streetlights, where visibility is already compromised. History: I have experienced this issue on multiple occasions. I am aware that kia has issued a service campaign (sc330) for certain kia Soul models regarding this issue, but my vehicle is not included in.

Hello, I would like to report that someone attempted to steal my 2010 kia Soul. The incident occurred on [xxx], in san jose, CA 95111. As a result of the attempted theft, there is damage to the car’s steering wheel and ignition. Please let me know if additional information or documentation is needed to assist with this report. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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My 2017 kia Soul failed while going 70 on the highway, almost completely lost power. Pull over to the side of the road to check the issue. Checked the oil, and it was down to less than a quart. There was no indicator light to bring attention to this issue. Brought it into the dealership after returning home. The Soul was completely unsafe to drive due to engine knocks. Despite letting the dealership know of the oil lamp issue, they are still refusing to do anything about this issue, even charging me six thousand to only fix the symptoms. I wasn’t the only person to experience this issue, moving me to make this complaint. In summary: oil was low due to oil burning, the Soul never indicated as such, no oil pressure, completely lost power at accelerated speeds, and now the bearings in the motor are destroyed with no help from kia company. Contact the kia dealership in boardman for more information in regards to a detailed list of part failures in regards to the Soul.

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The battery on this vehicle is absolutely worthless. If tales 8 hours to charge and on a full charge it will get 37 miles. The dealership refuses to replace it and the I owe over 10k on the vehicle.

I was driving about 50mph when my car suddenly stopped accelerating. I rolled down the hill a little before I hit the brake and put the car in park right in the middle of the street in traffic.

2022 kia Soul, engine failed on the highway interstate. Was traveling on 528 in FL at 70mph and I slowed down due to an accident infant of me and went to accelerate again and my car shut down. And thats is when my engine failed. This is not safe at all. Took three weeks to get fixed car was only t 61,000 miles also head gasket was leaking at the time they found. But plenty of oil and jut had an oil change the week prior. Then a week after my engine replacement my starter went out. Kia corporate did not help with any warranty and the dealership are responsible for any types of warranty and they won’t grant a good will warranty. So kia is an awful car manufacturer. Something needs to be done. And kia is not inspecting why my engine failed or why m starter went bad at only 61,000 miles.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in a carport and suddenly caught fire. The fire had expanded and caused damage to their garage near the carport and other vehicles within the garage. The fire department had arrived and put out the fire. A fire report stated that the failure was caused by an electrical issue. The vehicle was towed and identified as totaled. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The contact learned that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulics), which states the failure could cause a fire. The deaelr had not been contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Upon releasing the break, all warning lights appear (like when initially starting the vehicle). Then they usually all turn off again. From time to time, specific lights come on but disappear upon turning the engine off and then on again. In effect, it's hard to tell if there really is a maintenance issue or not.