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

On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, my engine stalled and would not start. Aaa looked at it and tried to jump it, and could not get it to start. I was stranded an hour and a half away from home, so I had to have it towed to my home. On Monday, September 22nd 2025, I had a mechanic come look at my car. He ran diagnostics,a compression test, replaced my spark plugs, literally every test he could do, and said there was an issue with my engine. I know there was a class-action lawsuit against kia, and tried to find out of my car qualifies for the extended warranty, but upon searching my VIN, was told it does not. Even though I have all the same symptoms. And I have been excessively burning oil for a few months, having to put about two (2) quarts of oil in my car a week.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The engine is having oil consumption since may 2025. It is a 2019 kia Soul, 1. 6l gdi engine. I have taken it to get oil changes, however there is no leak. It is also making a rattling noise and having a hard time to accelerate. I was informed by a mechanic that it is the pistons knocking around, due to the overheating and oil consumption. Even the dealership told me that it is dangerous to drive. I bought the car brand new and am the only owner, it's crazy that it's falling apart after 6 years.

Check engine light came on. 4 new engine coils and spark plugs. Carb cleaner in gas. Check engine light on again then while driving car jerked and check engine light blinking. Code 420 catalytic converter. This vehicle was under recall for same issue but was ok at time of recall. Was checked at kia dealership u see recall time.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My 2016 kia Soul is experiencing severe oil consumption, piston ring failure, and smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is covered under kia’s engine warranty extension (product improvement campaign pi2002b and subsequent updates), which extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles on the engine short block/long block assembly. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to piston oil rings, but kia America has denied warranty coverage, stating that because the rod bearing clearance test passed, the repair is not covered. This denial contradicts kia’s own documentation, which defines the covered “short block assembly” as including pistons and piston rings, in addition to bearings and connecting rods. By refusing coverage, kia is effectively narrowing the warranty in a way that leaves consumers unprotected, despite the campaign language. This issue raises a safety concern because excessive oil consumption and piston ring failure can lead engine smoke and emissions problems, sudden power loss, and increased risk of engine failure while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate kia’s handling of piston ring and oil consumption failures under the engine warranty extension, as kia appears to be limiting coverage only to rod bearing failures, despite covering the entire short/long block assembly on paper. Summary: VIN covered under pi2002b/ksds update. Engine is consuming oil and smoking due to piston ring failure. Kia refuses coverage because rod bearings passed the clearance test. Piston rings are part of the short block, yet warranty is being denied. Safety issue due to risk of engine failure and increased emissions.

Excessive oil consumption leading to complete engine failure. My wife bought this car to be her daily commute to work. When we took the car for its first oil change after hitting the change sticker milage, the mechanic noted that the engine had no oil. We filled it up with full synthetic. History of the vehicle showed proper and on-time maintenance schedule, that's why we bought it. At the time of purchase there were no codes or engine lights. Clean title and no accidents. The engine had oil at the time of purchase. There were no indicators of problems. We also took the car to the kia dealership for recalls and campaigns, they told us nothing about this issue. One day, first came the engine light, my wife was driving to work, the car started shaking heavily, then the vehicle failed to supply enough power to go above 50 mph. She was in the middle of the interstate, she felt that she was going to crash, or someone will crash into her. She was terrified, rightly so. When she finally reached a safe place to stop, she called me. When I came to check it out, I let the engine cool down first then checked the oil, it was very low. I put some oil and took it again to the same kia dealership for diagnostics - the engine turned off multiple times on me at traffic lights (when near stop), the dealership took about a week to diagnose it and they finally told us that the cylinders misfired and the pressure in the cylinders were lower than capacity; they said the engine must be replaced and quoted us a used engine of 114k at $7k replacement fee. Kia must be held responsible for their engines. We did everything in our capacity to ensure the vehicle is maintained as best as we could, my wife took loans from her family to pay for this car, and we are left with a lime.

According to ray skillman southside kia, located in greenwood, indiana on [xxx], the “exhaust engine lock pin” broke inside the engine causing metal to shear inside the engine causing engine failure and needing engine replacement. Prior to this diagnosis the car was stalling during running in the middle of traffic potentially causing an accident or collision with other vehicles. This is a known defect in the manufacturers engines, yet there is no recall. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

New updated testing for recall regarding piston oil rings seems to be faulty. My engine failed with previous testing, which is consistent with the issues my engine is having. However, the new testing claims that my engine has passed even though it is evident that my engine is not in good standing and should have failed. Extreme oil consumption is the number one sign of the faulty piston oil rings, which my car does. I have to add oil every couple of weeks.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My 2016 kia Soul is now consuming oil excessively and emitting smoke from the exhaust. These symptoms only began after a dealership performed recall-related work (knock sensor replacement and ksds software update). The vehicle is covered under kia’s technical service bulletin eng222 (rev. 7, Feb. 2025), which lists the kia Soul (2012–2024) as eligible for evaluation and repair of oil consumption due to piston oil ring failure. This bulletin requires that a sealed oil consumption test be performed when customer complaints of oil consumption or smoke are verified. Despite this, kia America has denied warranty coverage, stating the vehicle passed the rod bearing clearance test (bct) and therefore does not qualify for an engine replacement under the class action settlement. This is misleading and incomplete because: the oil consumption issue is a separate covered defect under TSB eng222. My vehicle is within the mileage (94k) and time limit (15 years/150k miles). Kia has refused to authorize the required oil consumption test. The smoking and oil consumption symptoms only began after the dealer performed recall service. This denial leaves me with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive due to risk of sudden engine failure, increased emissions, and potential fire hazard from oil burning. Kia is not following its own published service procedures, leaving consumers without protection despite official warranty extensions. I request that NHTSA investigate kia’s handling of oil consumption claims under eng222, as owners are being denied the mandated oil consumption test and warranty repairs even when they clearly qualify.

In February 2025 I had taken to the garage the first moment the check engine light came on and had to have the catalytic convertor replaced, costing me over 4300. 00 it could have caught on fire the garage said. I have all documention and reciepts for all work since I have had the vehicle I am the 2nd owner and still making payments on this. I have kept up to date on every oil change and have the proof of that also. The car has been burning oil excessively and now the garage has determined it needs a engine replacement or rebuild costing over 5000. 00 and the car only has 93,000 miles on it. I know kia is known for issues with their engines burning excessive oil , but I found no recalls of it for my VIN.

The engine in my 2015 kia Soul was replaced under warranty in June 2025. Only 3,568 miles later, the replacement engine failed. The vehicle displayed code p1326 and quickly lost oil, leaving it unsafe and undriveable on the road. This sudden failure created a serious safety hazard, as the vehicle stalled without warning and could not maintain safe operation. I was fortunate to be close to home and immediately turned back, narrowly avoiding a dangerous situation on a busy road. Provide any assistance. Instead, they declined to repurchase or replace the vehicle, leaving me with an undriveable car and a $9,900 loan balance. This second catastrophic failure has not been inspected by a kia dealership because kia refused to take responsibility or even arrange for evaluation. This was not an isolated incident. Problems began on 11/27/2024, less than 3,000 miles after I purchased the vehicle, and have been ongoing ever since, including prior emergency towing events due to similar safety issues. Kia’s repeated failures to provide a lasting fix or safe remedy have left me without reliable transportation and have put both myself and other drivers at risk. I have full documentation of the June 2025 engine replacement, the subsequent failure, and kia’s refusal to act. The vehicle remains available for inspection. Warning messages and engine lights appeared only after the failure had already occurred.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

2016 kia Soul- while driving, vehicle lost power, check eng light came on and vehicle would not accelerate, engine started making noise- pulled over and shut car off. Had vehicle towed to independent shop and was diagnosed with bad catalytic (manifold) convertor- they changed oil and filter and also found metal in oil, which I never experienced till this incident- upon research I found that there was a recall on that convertor, I called dealer, had towed there- diagnosed as convertor, was told covered one day, then called next and told it was not. Evidently, looking at reviews and complaints, there are many people driving 2016 kia Souls that were not covered under this catalytic recall. Seems that kia never fixed the original issue. Warning don't buy a kia- I have contacted kia customer care, case#25526209 and they have said car did not have recall and are not giving any assistance. To edit, this is my grandson's vehicle.

To whom it may concern, I am submitting this complaint to report that a kia dealership of garden grove, CA falsely recorded a safety recall as “completed” on my 2019 kia Soul upon review from another kia dealer, I discovered that the recall repair — essential to prevent engine failure — was never actually performed. My engine has now failed catastrophically (broken connecting rod at 128,600 miles), consistent with the known risks that recall was meant to address. This misrepresentation by the dealership not only endangered my safety but also undermines the recall process intended to protect consumers. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter and ensure accountability for the dealer and manufacturer. To answer your questions more directly. : 1. Connecting rod exploded out of engine. Kia is aware of thier faulty torque on said part. 2 my wife was driving on the free way with her kid at the time and could have caused a major accident. 3. Yes they had a class action lawsuit against the recall. 4. The car is waiting at kia dealer. I was told that the update they didnt do that was put out in 2022 was not done when bought and brought to said dealer in January 2024 and that another recall was said to be done but was not done . 5. There was a knocking or shaking but when asking the mechanics hired by the dealer they said it was the rotors . We replace the rotors and a week later the connecting rod shot out of the engine.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

For some reason my 2019 kia Soul is not included in the previous engine recall. My vehicle is experiencing severe oil burn which has caused the failure of a second catalytic converter. The first was replaced on 11/25/2024 and it is being replaced again on 8/28/2005. This failure is due to improperly heat-treated piston oil rings that lose their ability to seal, leading to cylinder wall damage, increased oil consumption, and potentially engine failure or fire.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where an inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the inspection. The mechanic stated that no repairs were needed, and the recall was removed from the VIN. The contact then stated that while driving 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated, and there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an inspection, and the contact was provided a diagnostic test fee. The contact declined the diagnostic test and took the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic determined that there was a defect with the piston oil rings. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Out of no where my engine just started knocking. No engine light came on, no oil light came on, no warnings at all. I just got an oil change 12/18/2024, with 2 top offs 04/23/25 and 07/23/25. And August 24 th my engine started knocking. I took it to midtown kia on 08/25/25 and they told me kia customer care won't cover the engine recall.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I was driving and all a sudden my engine light came on and the car started like stuttering with no power very scarey. The mechanic said the 3 power train warranties on my car would not fix he said I need a new engine and I still owe like 12000 ugg.

Perform check engine light diagnosis. Heard knocking noise at any speed even at idle. Added 2 quarts of oil. P0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1. The engine is consuming too much oil and has a noise coming from the valve train. Also, a slight rod bearing knock. Our auto mechanic had told us to check with kia dealership because it is a known issue on this vehicle. But the kia declined to repair.

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.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the piston oil rings, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that a piston was missing, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v099000 (engine and engine cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Basically since I bought this car back 2020, brand new, the engine loses oil. Vehicle even stalled in the middle of the highway because there was no oil and no warning at all. Kia dealership tells me over and over that there is nothing wrong with it, after doing oil testing for 1000 miles. They have replaced components but nothing has worked so far. Latest issue that after 2700 miles from an oil change, I had to fill it up with oil. Now my car has about 57000 miles on it.

Was driving home from work and the car started smoking and making nose. Full power loss but was able to safely pull over to side of the ride. Had vehicle towed to mechanic and a piston had blown a hole through the engine. Mechanic estimated the cost of repair $7000 or more to replace the engine.

My engine stalled out as I was heading up a hill after taking a right turn. There were cars coming up behind me and could have had a rear end collision. A day or two before, the check engine light came on but it was not flashing. I was going to have it looked at ASAP. I had it towed to my mechanic who found that there was zero oil in oil tank. They did some research and found a technical service bulletin for excessive oil consumption for kia Souls through 2021. (I have kept up with all maintenance) they recommend I have it towed to a kia dealer. I spoke with corporate and they refuse to cover engine repairs which would cost approximately $4,000, even though there is a TSB on this make and model. This is outrageous as my car only has 49,000 miles on it.

The vehicle started losing power and then stalled just as we pulled onto our road to our home, no light indicators were on and it started back up, but the traffic behind us causing slowing and potential risk to us and others. When restarted it would not accelerate appropriately and at that time we were able to put it in neutral and push it the remaining way, again causing a very dangerous situation. Upon inspection it was noticed that the oil was barely readable. We added 4 quarts (the vehicle has routine oil changes and is not due for another month or 1,000 miles) and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Upon restarting, the engine started making a loud pinging sound and oil was noticed coming out around the butterfly valve. At that time the cabin air filter and engine air filter was changed, butterfly valve cleaned and another quart of oil with valvoline stop leak added. Engine started and ran decent. Used car next day after rechecking oil, after about 15 minutes of driving it stalled once again, in traffic and pinging was tremendous, black smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is the only vehicle we have, only transport to work and have now lost out on 4vdays. We need this addressed. This is ridiculous that our VIN isn't included in the recalls that are experiencing the exact issues in the exact year makes and models. Help please!!!.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for routine maintenance, the mechanic detected a knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine rod bearing and camshaft failures. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.

Kia 2016 died in mid traffic, would not switch out of 1st gear as an automatic, on a major road in texas, no warning lights etc. Could be transmission or catalytic convertor.

Originally, my ce light came on the first week of July 2025 and threw a historical p0011 code for my intake camshaft variable timing solenoid. Light went off, and I took it to my local kia dealership within a couple of days for a diag. They didn't catch a code, but said that sometimes the p0011 code will throw if there is any oil build-up, so they just recommended a 60k mile maintenance about 9k miles early and that it "should clear the code" with a flush. I couldn't afford a $1400 total service so I took it to a service shop nearby for an engine flush and an oil change on 08/08/25. The service shop also got a code for my variable timing solenoid and they cleared it after service. After one drive cycle, the ce light came back on, and this time threw a pending code for a cylinder 2 misfire. The employee at the auto parts store said that cylinder 2 could have a faulty coil and suggested a replacement, which we did. After another drive cycle, the ce light came on once again and threw a code(of unknown status) for a cylinder 2 and 4 misfire. They advised us that due to the misfires after an oil change, that the solenoid sounded like the problem afterall. I replaced my solenoid, and not only did my ce light come on again, but I also experienced misfire, along with white smoke from my exhaust and rough idle. I got one last diag on 08/09/25 and they were able to do a scan, where they found oil had reached my spark plugs, and had noted the walls of my pistons were worn from the pistons knocking the walls. We also noticed that we burned through the entirety of the oil added to my vehicle during my oil change. With all of that information, the mechanic advised me that his best opinion without looking at my internal motor that my piston rings are likely worn, causing my misfires, oil consumption, burnt oil, and oil rising past the piston rings. We discussed the current recall on 2022 kia Souls due to faulty piston rings and that it could coincide.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My vehicle was originally diagnosed (after recall) with a defective engine and I was to be notified when the replacement engine arrived. On a subsequent visit to the dealer to repair an additional check engine light episode I was informed that the replacement engine was no longer needed and that kia was installing software to monitor the condition of the piston rings. On [xxx] (third incident) while operating my vehicle in heavy traffic the check engine light went on and the vehicle immediately started to lose power and developed an engine noise which continued as I immediately drove to the kia dealership and when I arrived there was a burning smell when I got out of the vehicle and I was told it would be two weeks before they would diagnose the incident. The vehicle continues to sit at International kia of orland hills, IL 60462. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine has lower end knocking noise,internal failure.

While my 80 yr old dad and 18 yr old daughter were driving on the highway to get to my uncle’s funeral. My dad had his cruise on, when he and my daughter started noticing a strange sound almost a knocking sound. But the next hill when the car went to go up the incline it kept reducing in speed. My dad took the cruise off and at that point had no power to keep traveling. So August 2nd the car threw a rod. My dad had a warranty plus an extended warranty with the company gwc. They missed my uncle funeral, sat on the side of the highway for an hour before the tow truck got there. A local Dodge dealership has gotten the vehicle and have done a complete inspection. The safety of my dad and daughter were at risk do to the car malfunctioning on the highway. As well as them sitting on the side of highway. And now the stress of all of this on my dad’s health has started causing him to not be able to eat, if he does eat he will throw it up. His mental health is declining due to kia and gwc denied to fix the car now. My dad has had to pay for towing, a u-haul res talk to get home, the Dodge dealership has gotten to do full inspection. Unknown if any warning lights or messages before hand. He bought the car with cash and it had 70,177 miles on it, when rod blew it had 78,784. He bought it used from a local dealership on or about sept 16th 2022. Extended warranty paid for was 36 months. 1month shy of the extended warranty expiring.

On [xxx] around [xxx], we were headed westbound on [xxx] toward boise when the car began making a clanking sound. In less than a minute, the car was pouring smoke, clanking stopped and car completely failed. I coasted to side of freeway, car would not turn over, I did not try more than once for fear of further damage or starting a fire. When tow driver came and car was moved, it exposed a giant puddle of oil and pieces of what looked like melted metal. The tow driver stated it was a connection rod piece and engine is likely shot. I immediately scheduled a service ticket to have it looked at my local kia dealership. They confirmed that I experienced a catastrophic engine failure and that it matched the exact recall sc176 issue. They attempted to contact and file a claim under both the recall and the powertrain warranty and were denied both by kia, due to negligence of the owner. I had a passenger with me who has severe medical conditions. It was in 90's in desert like heat. It took 4-5 hours to have it towed and get out of the heat. We almost got into an accident when the car malfunctioned. There were zero warning notifications or lights on the dashboard until the car completely went disabled while coasting to the side of the freeway. No warning chugs. No previous issues with smoke/warning lights/ nothing prior. This literally happened out of no where and now I am being told by kia they will not repair because its my job to look into recalls. I have lived at the same address for the whole time I owned the car. I have printed records and digital records from my local dmv to prove it. I have written and digital proof that I properly maintenance my vehicle on time and that I paid for synthetic oil rather than just the lowest possible choice they offered. I have proof that I was notified for the recall regarding the steering issue in 2017 and that I immediately made a service appt with my local dealership to have it address. I received no notice for any other recall information redacted pursuant to the freedom of in.

Check engine light flashing and began to lose exceleration. Pulled off the highway and vehicle died. Unable to start it. Told that the engine is bad by a mechanic.

Engine started running rough, took it to a shop and was told that oil has been going through the exhaust and has clogged up the catalytic converter. Advised the engine must be replaced. Contacted a second shop and was told the same thing. Have been advised this is the same failure as the current recall for 2021 to 2023 but ours is 2015 and isn’t covered. Looking for guidance. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2021 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal ticking sound emanating from the engine compartment. The contact also stated that the steering wheel was tighter than she previously recalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine); the VIN was included but the vehicle was already repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 24,000.

My kia Soul had no warning lights until last week when it shut down completely while pulling into an intersection, I have just purchased it 6 months ago. The engine light came on along with the oil lamp, battery light and master warning light. The car shut down and after a few minutes came back on. It has been doing this randomly for a week now so its barely been driven. It had a p000a code so I took it to a kia dealership for repairs after having it checked elsewhere and being told it needs a new engine. The repairs they quoted me at are over 4k and included the intake cam and intake and exhaust cam phasers. There is not much of a guarantee that this could not happen again if I spend it. I was told its unsafe to drive so its parked and may have to be defaulted on. I've seen others with similar issues while researching.

I have owned this car now, for 3 years and uh, in those 3 years, I have had to add a quart of oil to it every week. There is a problem with oil consumption. It does not burn it and it does not leak it. And uh, apparently, kia says there is no problem. So in my opinion, the 1. 6 l kia engine is garbage. It has blow by if I take the oil cap off. The oil cap will sit there and rattle and blow off. Now it sou ds like it is getting ready to blow the motor, it has a rod knocking.