Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor Soul - part 1

I am writing to formally report a failure by classic kia of streetsboro to provide the federally mandated safety remedy under recall sc336 for my 2021 kia Soul (VIN: [xxx] ). I have reason to believe the dealership has bypassed the mandatory safety protocols by intentionally omitting my documented diagnostic data—specifically codes p0014/p0017, engine stalling, and excessive oil consumption—from the techline case narrative. Evidence of non-compliance: 1. Improper component installation: despite the documented timing failures, the dealership appears to have installed a short block (part # 21102) instead of the required long block assembly (part # 21101-qqk). This leaves my oil-contaminated camshafts, valves, and vvt solenoids in the vehicle, posing a continued stalling risk. 2. Failure to address consequential damage: the dealership is attempting to charge me a $99 "customer pay" fee for a catalytic converter back-pressure test. Under sc336, testing for consequential damage caused by a defective engine is the manufacturer's responsibility. 3. Withholding documentation: the dealership has refused to provide the techline case number or the engine part number upon request, preventing me from verifying that the safety remedy was performed correctly. I will not be taking possession of the vehicle until kia corporate verifies that a long block assembly was installed and that all diagnostic fees related to the recall symptoms are waived. This matter is currently being escalated but could definitely use your assistance. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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Nhtsa safety complaint: recall sc336 (campaign 21v-301) non-compliance VIN: [xxx] I. Pattern of recall evasion vehicle (2021 kia Soul) was towed to classic kia [xxx] ) on 3/13 with documented engine stalling, knocking, and codes p0014/p0017 (vvt/timing failure). The dealership withheld this data from kia techline for 13 days (3/13–3/26), delaying the safety remedy until state authorities intervened. Ii. Mechanical impossibility & remedy violation on Saturday 3/28, the dealer claimed a full engine swap was "installed and tested" in only 6. 5 hours (7:30 am–2:15 pm). Per the sc336 mandate, a compliant long block assembly (part # ending in qqk) requires extensive fluid flushes, software reflashing, and safety recalibrations that cannot be performed correctly in this window. I suspect a "short block" shortcut was taken, reusing contaminated components in violation of the federal safety remedy. Iii. Fraud by omission & unified safety hazard the dealership is demanding a $99 "diagnostic fee" for an exhaust back-pressure test. Under sc336, testing for "consequential damage" (clogged catalytic converter) caused by the recall defect must be covered by the manufacturer. By omitting the stalling/timing symptoms from the initial techline report, the dealer bypassed the mandatory exhaust safety testing. Reusing oil-contaminated vvt solenoids, camshafts, and valves from the failed engine poses an immediate fire and safety hazard. Iv. Demand for investigation I request NHTSA oversight to ensure classic kia provides: 1. Proof of long block (21101-qqk) installation vs. Unauthorized short block (21102). 2. Time-stamped devt and gds full system scan logs from 3/28. 3. Verification that all contaminated components were replaced, as a partial remedy leaves the vehicle in a hazardous state. Reusing oil-soaked vvt/cams & skipping exhaust tests creates a fire risk. An incomplete remedy violates sc336, leaving the car a high-risk liability for fire & stalling. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S.

When I drive in alloys mode the system jerky and engine makes noise or hangs and I have to turn it off and on to start it back up to drive. When I drive without alloys on it thugs sporadically as if it is going to drive backward. Per the dealer the engine oil is slugs even thought it had oil change. But this vehicle is scary, I need it but scare of driving it.

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Excessive oil consumption/burning catalytic converter clogging check engine light/misfires my engine has all of these issues. It has been determined as known kia issues not driver/owner related. My car has 94,000 miles but none of what's going on is any cause other than kia issues/problems. I work a full time job and have missed work due to car not being able to be driven at random times.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle started losing automotive power. The message that the engine was overheating warning was flashing on the instrument panel with an audible chime. The contact pulled over but was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling); and was advised by the dealer that the engine failure was not related to the recall, and the dealer refused to perform the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Driving on busy highway with one passenger. Vehicle began losing power and acceleration, but no warning lights came on. Kept driving for 20 miles and oil warning light came on, but temp vuage registered fine. I parked, checked fluid amounts, and oil was extremely low (even though it had been checked the week prior and was full). Put 2 quarts in, started vehicle and warning lights went off. Proceeded back on to highway, drove 5 miles and engine lost acceleration and started knocking loudly, and all the warning gauges lit up. I pulled into parking lot, turned off the vehicle. Checked oil level and it was fine. Got towed home. Fairly certain it's the rod bearing. Engine has about 103,000 miles on it and has been well maintained. I see so many of this exact complaint, but our year model seemed to be ignored with a recall. Have loved our kia's until now. Watchable got Hyundai?.

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On Feb. 11, 2026, while driving, the vehicle displayed a flashing check engine light and entered limp mode with major loss of power. A code reader recorded p1326. The vehicle was taken to an authorized kia dealership for diagnosis and repair. After the dealership returned the vehicle to me, the same problem happened again within about 30 miles. The last repair order listed 142,352 miles, and the vehicle re-entered limp mode by 142,382 miles. I captured video of the flashing check engine light and a code-reader screenshot showing p1326 as the last trouble code. The malfunction appears related to the engine/engine management system and the vehicle is available for inspection. The safety risk is sudden reduced power and limp-mode operation while driving, which can make it difficult to maintain normal traffic speed or safely continue in traffic. This creates a safety concern if the event happens in traffic, during a turn, or while crossing an intersection. The problem has been reproduced more than once. A kia dealership previously inspected the vehicle and returned it to me, but the problem recurred almost immediately after pickup. Kia corporate was notified in writing. The warning symptom was a flashing check engine light with limp mode. I am not continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition.

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I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2022 kia Soul lx with approximately 97,500 miles. The vehicle has experienced sudden and excessive oil consumption despite regular maintenance and a recent oil change about 1,500 miles prior to failure. While driving in normal traffic conditions, the vehicle suddenly began running rough, lost power, and entered limp mode. Shortly after, the engine stalled while I was actively driving, creating a dangerous situation and safety concern for myself and other drivers. A mechanic inspection found diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft timing issues and determined that the timing chain tensioner likely failed due to oil starvation. The mechanic also found internal engine damage including piston ring failure caused by abnormal oil consumption. I was advised the engine is not repairable and requires replacement. I understand there have been widespread reports, recalls, and class action litigation involving kia engines experiencing similar oil consumption and catastrophic failure issues. However, I was informed my specific VIN is not currently included. Because this failure caused a sudden stall while driving and poses a significant safety risk, I am requesting that this complaint be investigated. I believe this defect could affect additional vehicles beyond those currently included in recalls or service campaigns. This vehicle was properly maintained and the failure occurred unexpectedly and prematurely for a modern engine. Before the stall that happened going at least 35 mph with my [xxx] daughter in the rear seat, there was no prior warning oil lights or engine lights. Causing severe safety concerns for myself and child. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Dealer admission of non-compliance: I am updating my complaint to document that kia of streetsboro is officially refusing to perform the mandatory mechanical inspection required by recall sc336. Despite the vehicle suffering from "loss of motive power" (stalling in traffic) and "abnormal engine noise," the dealership’s service department stated via text on March "I asked my manager and he said as of right now since your vehicle passed the tablet we cannot do anything else. " the dealer further stated: "I suggest calling consumer affairs since you have an open case and letting them know what's going on and seeing if they can help. " technical violation: the dealer’s refusal based on a "tablet pass" is a direct violation of TSB sc336, step 18c, which states that if a vehicle exhibits mechanical symptoms that "contradict a pass result," the dealer must open a techline case for further instructions. By their own admission, the dealer is choosing to follow a "manager’s" opinion rather than the federal recall protocol. They are attempting to release a vehicle that is actively stalling at intersections, which they define as an "early warning" system success, while ignoring the actual mechanical failure (the stalling). Safety risk: this is a documented ineffective remedy. The dealer is punting the safety diagnosis to a "consumer affairs" call center rather than performing the borescope and techline escalation required by the NHTSA. I am reporting this dealer for knowingly attempting to return a stalling, unsafe vehicle to a consumer while claiming the recall is complete.

The engine seems to be stalling, more than likely being caused by the piston rings being defective. With the piston rings being defective, this can cause oil to be lost, and then in turn causing damage to the vehicle. This can put others at risk as this will stall the vehicle, and in any form of traffic, can cause an accident. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer, but they claim it is another issue. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. The engine light turned on shortly before this happened.

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1. Component or system malfunction engine (internal piston/piston ring system) is malfunctioning. The vehicle exhibits clanking noises (“marbles in a can”) and cuts off or stalls unexpectedly while driving. The car is available for inspection by a kia dealer or independent mechanic. 2. Safety risk vehicle loses power while driving, which is extremely dangerous, particularly on highways or in traffic. Stalling while moving poses a risk of collision, loss of steering or braking control, and endangers both driver and others. This makes the vehicle unsafe to drive long distances. 3. Reproduction of problem symptoms have been observed consistently during normal driving and acceleration. Not yet confirmed by a dealer, but the stalling is reproducible during operation. 4. Vehicle inspection the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, dealer, police, or insurance representatives. Immediate inspection is recommended due to engine stall risk. 5. Warning lamps / symptoms clanking engine noise noted prior to stalling. Engine cutting off/stalling occurs while driving. No warning lights illuminated prior to stalling. Symptoms first appeared during recent driving prior to planning transport or repair. 6. Additional notes the vehicle is a candidate for kia engine piston/piston ring recall (sc209 / sc336). Owner recommends urgent inspection and repair to prevent potential engine failure and safety risks.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed a leak underneath the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that the master seal was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The repairs were denied due to the failure not being covered under the recall. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the master seal needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 90,140.

Check engine light came on. Car starts to shutter upon acceleration as well when its idling. Changed spark plugs 3 times since Jan 2025 and coils twice. Code for engine misfire in cylinder 3. Also have to add oil every 2 weeks.

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My 2021 kia Soul is exhibiting a severe safety defect documented in recall sc336: frequent, unpredictable stalling in traffic ("loss of motive power") and audible engine knocking. These symptoms create a high risk of a rear-end collision or being stranded in a dangerous traffic situation. The vehicle is currently at kia of streetsboro. Despite being provided with evidence of these active mechanical failures, the dealership is attempting to "remedy" the safety recall based solely on a "pass" result from the piston ring noise sensing system (pnss) software diagnostic. As the TSB sc336 notes that the root cause is physical damage to cylinder walls caused by defective piston oil rings, a software diagnostic "pass" is not a physical repair and does not address the existing mechanical stalling. I have not received any status updates or communication from the dealership service department since Friday. The dealership is refusing to perform a borescope inspection or open a kia techline case to investigate the stalling, effectively denying a proper safety remedy. I am reporting this as a failure of the manufacturer and dealership to provide a safe and effective remedy for a known life-safety defect. The car remains unsafe to drive.

Owner of 2020 kia Soul experiencing engine failure symptoms including stalling and oil consumption vehicl is associated with engine fire risk safety recall vehicle is currently disabled at mechanic and unsafe to drive I requested kia arrange a tow to authorized dealership for recall diagnosis but kia customer service refused to cover tow bc this involves potential engine fire hazard I believe manufacturers should arrange safe transport for inspection under the recall.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle idled abnormally rough, and the engine was pulsing. The oil level was checked and was noticeably low. The contact added oil to the engine. The vehicle was taken to precision auto care for an oil change. The contact was informed that the oil level was low. The contact informed the technician that the oil had been recently topped off. The contact was informed of the excessive oil consumption. The contact was provided with information on NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced or repaired before the recall repair could be performed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle had to be repaired before the recall repair was performed. The failure mileage was approximately 134,431.

The contact owned a 2016 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and the engine made an abnormal sound. The contact turned off the vehicle to let it cool down. The vehicle was restarted and taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the catalytic converter and exhaust pipe had caught fire and melted. The mechanic performed an oil change and drilled a hole in the catalytic converter, and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the spark plugs were saturated in engine oil. The dealer flushed the radiator and performed a second oil change; however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs but refused to repair the engine until the recall was repaired. The contact stated that later while coasting downhill in neutral (n) after adding a quart of engine oil due to no oil in the engine, he heard an implosion coming from behind the driver's side front seat. No warning light was illuminated. The contact unbuckled his seat belt and jumped out of the vehicle, fracturing his ribs. The contact suffered burns to his right hand, legs, left side of face, nose, and eyebrows. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled downhill, and there were flames underneath the vehicle on the passenger's side. The contact ran after the vehicle. The vehicle drove into the bushes and came to a stop. Two bystanders alerted the contact that there were flames inside the vehicle. The police were called and arrived, attempting to extinguish the fire with an extinguisher until it was empty, and the fire had restarted. The firefighters arrived and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed and included with the fire department. The contact was transported to the hospital via ambulance an.

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Vehicle consistently stalls at complete stops in traffic. After the engine stalls, it requires a manual restart to resume operation. This creates a severe safety hazard, as the vehicle becomes immobile at intersections and in stop-and-go traffic, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision. The dealership is refusing to perform the necessary diagnostic for the engine stalling issue under the havis v. Kia settlement/ksds recall protocols, claiming maintenance gaps, despite the vehicle having 0 open campaigns and the ksds software update previously installed. This stalling issue is a known defect currently under NHTSA investigation (audit query aq23-001) for this specific model and engine.

The engine burnt through all the oil in it, many miles before an oil change was needed for it. I have taken it to the dealership and the dealership submitted an extended warranty claim for it and despite the fact that the issue is mechanical and covered by the extented owarranty, the claim is being denied.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at undisclosed speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal, fluttery sound detected before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was due to the crankshaft and camshaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 135,864.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle and driving to the residence, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a code reader and retrieved dtc: p0420 (catalytic converter). The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling); and four other recalls. The vehicle remained with the dealer for approximately 4 days before the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was provided with an estimate for the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance; however, the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

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The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. Additionally, the engine was leaking oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine); however, the failure recurred. The contact's friend diagnosed the vehicle with a code reader and retrieved dtc: p0017, p0301, p0302, p0303, and p0304. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

My 2021 kia Soul is having the same piston issues leading to engine failure as other previously recalled kia Soul vehicles but for some reason my VIN is not part of any recall. Now it has been determined there is heavy scoring in my engine and I will need a new engine. My car is only 5 years old and there should be no reason for such major engine damage. My car has stalled on me while driving and other very similar issues as described on previous recalls. How does NHTSA determine when a certain model/year of car needs to be part of a national recall?.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the hood. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a blown engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

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The contact owns a 2022 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling). After retrieving the vehicle, there was an audible tinging sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer for an extensive overhaul, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The oil level was approximately ¾ of a quart low. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer suggested driving the vehicle for 1,000 miles and having an oil consumption test performed. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Unknown. . . The car goes into limp mode suddenly. . . My battery was boiling an shot liquid out of it, prior to this my other battery leaked an the alternator was bad . . . . When this happens suddenly you have no steering, an if course the boiling battery may explode. . . . I've had this car checked over several times since begining of January with everything checking out fine but this still happening.

We are the 2nd owner of 2021 kia Soul bought in July 2025. Took to a dealership for open recalls shortly after purchase. After supposedly passing the piston ring recall (NHTSA 21v259) for the next several months after it had severe oil consumption but other wise drove fine. Then immediately after our last oil change on Feb 13, 2026, less than 10 miles later the car stalled and was knocking badly. Towed to nearest dealership and after diagnostic was told engine needs replacing. Wants us to pay for it. The software update (piston ring noise sensing system or pnss) installed during the recall visit did not fix the faulty piston rings and also failed to give any warning for the impending engine failure. We never had any check engine or oil pressure lights come on until this incident.

Subject: engine ? stall ? loss of power while driving: while driving normally, the vehicle began losing power and could not accelerate properly. The engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle repeatedly entered a reduced-power condition where it could barely maintain speed. The vehicle would stall while driving and then restart after sitting. This occurred multiple times over a period of time and progressively worsened. The engine also began consuming large amounts of oil between oil changes. Eventually the engine suffered catastrophic failure and would no longer run. A dealership later stated internal engine damage was present, including a failed valve and spark plug damage. The vehicle is currently at a dealership and available for inspection. The loss of power and stalling created a safety hazard because the vehicle could not maintain normal traffic speed and could have been struck by other vehicles. The problem was confirmed by a dealership service department. Warning lights were present prior to final failure and appeared during the loss of power events.

Anti theft ignition protector and another recall that makes the car have engine compartment fires. My car is at risk of being stolen as well as catching fire. Yes the problem has been confirmed from by kia dealer. Yes the check engine light keeps coming on. It first appeared 02/10/2026. I purchased the car from b&g auto sales located at 3922 w indian school rd, phoenix, az 85019 and they installed an aftermarket ignition cylinder so the recalls that needed to be done couldn’t be done.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph on the interstate, the vehicle started shaking and there was a knocking sound coming from the engine with smoke and a burning oil odor. The engine, abs, and traction control warning lights simultaneously illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road to cool down. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a fractured engine pin, which caused the knocking sound. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine); however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 138,929.

My 2015 kia Soul (VIN: [xxx] ) experienced sudden catastrophic engine failure: loud pop, knocking, and immediate loss of power. The engine has a hole in piston #2 and a hole in valve #3. This is a known safety defect included in the Hyundai/kia theta ii engine settlement. My vehicle has ksds update installed, but kia and the dealership are denying warranty repair unless a specific code (p1326) or rod-bearing damage is found. The engine failure occurred without warning and placed me in danger. Kia's refusal to cover a known safety defect leaves an unsafe vehicle unrepaired. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The transmission on the vehicle has gone bad twice since we purchased it used. The car has 34,400 miles on it. The problem puts the driver in an unsafe situation as the problem causes the car to lose power while at high speeds. The piston rings have also been replaced as part of the recall. Kia just keeps replacing these parts with more defective parts. I have videos if you want them.

My car suddenly cut off while I'm driving putting me and others at risk in traffic and then my mechanic confirmed that its due to a defect in the engine with the piston. When I looked it up there is a recall for this on my type of car but not for my specific car VIN.

Owned vehicle for 1 year. On [xxx} the vehicle kept stalling and wouldn't accelerate. Drove to service station. Had 4 coils and spark plugs replaced. Car was still not right- compression test confirmed engine failure. Had car towed to kia dealer matt blatt rt 37 toms river, NJ. Their diagnostic shows 3rd cylinder failure top engine. Class action lawsuit on engine failure coverage is for bottom engine failure. Regardless the entire engine needs replacement. There's thousands of these cars with both top engine and bottom engine failure- yet they will not assist in replacement. It seems ridiculous to know the engines are bad and only cover the 1 area- when the entire engine needs to be replaced regardless of engine failure location. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Unknown but told by multiple mechanics that the kia Soul eats oil and the engine constantly runs dry which is pricey and unfair.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.