Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor Soul - part 2

Code p1326 popped up - my mechanic replaced the p1326 knock sensor for the kia. Code p1326 popped up 2nd time - replaced sensor again. Code p1326 popped up and now there is some knocking. Check engine light flashing - then went off for a while after part was replaced, and then back on again, and off again and back on. There are many kias listed for recall with this code, same year and model. Yet mine is not under recall. It says to reach out and ask for an ecu update and that kia should cover an extended warranty for this known issue.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My vehicle is part of an active engine recall related to defective piston oil rings. When I brought my car to the dealership for the recall inspection, I informed them and kia corporate that my car had been stalling and shutting off while driving for months. I have text message documentation of these incidents. This safety concern was ignored. The dealership performed only a basic visual inspection (removing coils and air filter, checking battery, alternator, starter, and attempting to start the engine) and refused to perform a full recall diagnostic or engine tear-down. They claimed the engine was “hydrolocked” and stated that water in the engine “voids any recall” and that outside influence is not covered. I requested that kia corporate dispatch a field service engineer (fse) for an independent inspection, but corporate told me that I cannot request an fse directly and that only the dealership can request it. Since the dealership refuses, corporate will not act. Safety concern: stalling and shutting off while driving is a serious safety hazard that can lead to accidents. The vehicle is part of a federally mandated engine recall, but the dealership and corporate have refused to perform the proper recall inspection. The refusal to inspect the engine or acknowledge stalling incidents leaves me and other potential drivers at risk of unsafe operation. Requested action: investigate the dealership’s refusal to perform the recall inspection. Ensure kia performs a full recall diagnostic, including internal inspection of piston oil rings and related engine components. Require corporate or a field service engineer to review the vehicle given the dealership’s refusal. Address the stalling incidents as a potential safety defect related to the recall.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The car is frying my battery. I had a duralast platinum that should last approx 4 years. It killed one at 26 months. I replaced it, free of charge per the warranty, and 6 months later the brand new one is testing low again. Also, at 127k miles a flashing check engine light came on, I took it for a pre-check at a local shop and the tech identified that there was 0 oil in the reservoir. I had him change the oil just so I could get it out of there and took it into the dealership a day later. After charging me $250 for a diagnostic the dealerships response was that the cylinder walls and piston rings were damaged causing excessive oil consumption and that I need to replace my engine. $9,000 for a new engine at 127,000 miles is ridiculous. Apparently just about every other model but mine was recalled. I had to take it in for a recall last year.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Excessive oil consumption.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

On my morning commute the engine light popped up and I started feeling a rumbling in my car when idle and gliding after accelerating. I suspect the issue is consistent with the recall for 2. 0l nu mpi engine due to a fire risk caused by faulty piston oil rings. Some sources say this is for 2020-2023 models and others report it being 2021-2023 so I am unsure if my car falls under this recall or perhaps this recall needs to be expanded.

The check engine light came on and took in to have checked and am told I need a whole new engine. When kia is contacted they are saying that they do not honor 100,000 mile warranty as I am not the first owner. I would like this to be honored because it is ridiculous that an engine would fail this soon. I have kept up on all oil changes and services since I have owned the vehicle.

Car is suddenly stalling without warning during idling or slow acceleration. No check engine light initially appears. When the stall happens a check engine light comes on. When the car restarts there is not a check engine light. Car will sometimes Mar a funny sound like a loud fan and jerking motion before acting “normal” but when idling at a light again will suddenly turn off. Car will start back up again, no warning lights, no check engine, etc. When doing a read of the computer there are no codes to determine any issues.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 20 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that three cylinders were misfiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 164,410.

The engine began to sound like it was missing or sputtering. This occurred for a short period of time, and then the sound stopped. The next day the sound started again, shortly after engine seized while driving which created a very dangerous situation. After about 10 minutes the vehicle restarted, was making a sputtering noise, and was driven a short distance into a parking lot. Still, no warning lights appeared on the dashboard, vehicle was towed to a kia dealership. At the dealership, 4 days later, we were told that the vehicle was completely out of oil. The check engine light, nor the oil icon, came on at any time. There was no evidence of an oil leak of any kind. There has been no damage to the vehicle. The vehicle has received regular oil changes either at a dealership or at a business that supplies oil change services. The engine seizing, really with no warning, created a dangerous situation.

The engine stalled. I was in a left turning lanev(which there's 2 left turning lanes and I was in the far left turning lane when the vehicle stalled and I had to get out in heavy traffic and push the vehicle to the gas station to the right of me. Cars were coming so close to me and I was so scared) I've spoken to the dealership and they said twice that someone would call me but no one has yet. The engine light came on and when I pressed the gas to go, it wouldn't move. Once I got the vehicle into the gas station, a gentleman told me to let it sit for 5 minutes and turn it back on. I did, the vehicle started but, would only allow me to drive around 35 mph until I was able to park it back in my driveway. Im terrified to drive it now.

The contact owns a 2014 kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating, the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle was sluggish and slow to accelerate before responding as needed. There was an abnormal, rotten odor coming from the vehicle. The abs, engine, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The local dealer was contacted and suggested a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

This is a 6 year old car, with just under 108,000 miles. The catalytic converter is clogged, most likely from oil getting past the piston rings and contaminating the catalytic converter. High oil consumption, resulting in 1 qt needed to be added every 850-875 miles on average. Extended warranty company excludes this part. Kia warranty covers exhaust parts only up to 80,000 miles. To replace is $4,100. Car is valued at $3,000-$3500, with dealership saying without replacement car is worth less than $1,000. Other kia’s in years before and after this vehicle have recalls for this specific issue, and this year car and this vehicle specifically should be added to the recall.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The problems with the kia sol began with the "check engine" light continuously coming on in January of 2025. Took it to the dealership twice and numerous repairs were made and the vehicle continues to malfunction. It sputters and has created a dangerous condition to drive. For example, my 21 year old son was on the freeway and the car started sputtering. Thank god that the truck behind him moved lanes when he saw the car was struggling or it could have ended tragically. That was incredibly scary. I took it to the dealership again. They kept for two weeks trying to find the root of the problem, I spent $4,000 to "fix" it. When I drove it around town it did the same again, which put my brother and I in danger. The dealership finally said that the car needs a catalytic converter, which I was quoted as costing approximately $5000 dollars. I have spent a lot of money to try to fix this car and have been in two dangerous situations because the problem was not located. I have been trying in good faith to work with the dealership and kia corporate to put a new catalytic converter by requesting a good will gesture.

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.

The engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle began to hesitate and lose power while driving, making the vehicle unsafe to operate. The problem involves the engine and powertrain. A kia dealer inspected the vehicle and found a timing-related engine fault code (p0014). The dealer stated the condition is consistent with the kia engine bearing failure recall and referenced recall sc200ps, but said this VIN was not included. The vehicle has reduced power and cannot be safely driven. This creates a safety risk because the engine can lose power without warning while the vehicle is in motion. Warning lights were present before and during the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired and is available for inspection.

P1326 code followed by loss of power (limp mode) followed by multiple misfires and loss of compression in cylinder 2. Loss of power going up a hill on interstate with a full car one under age 10. Dealer and firestone states no compression in cylinder 2 and says needs engine.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

While I was parked, I got into the vehicle inserted the key and turned the vehicle on as it was started five seconds later the vehicle shut off instantly and the check engine light came on. I tried to keep starting the vehicle a couple of times. When it finally started, I had no warning lights on the dashboard so I took it a parts store who checked it out with a handheld diagnostic machine. The results were nothing was showing wrong. Everything was okay. They said it could be a glitch in the computer system and to follow up with dealership if problem persist.

I took the car to the shop because it had been consuming a lot of oil within the last 2 months and everytime I went to the shop they would just top off my oil . They ended up doing an oil consumption test and my car failed it and mind you they had just put oil in my car the week prior . I took my car Monday because my engine light had came on . When arriving the guy scanned my car with a machine they told me it was bad spark plugs in my engine . He sent me to firestone because he said the process would be cheaper or faster . ( mind you I told them I am doing the oil consumption test) they proceeded to send me to firestone . Firestone checked my oil and that’s when they found out there was no oil in my vehicle . They asked me if I was doing the oil consumption test I told them yes firestone would not allow me to drive the car back to kia so I ended up waiting 2 hours for a tow truck . When it got back to kia they told me I had a bad engine without checking it . They said I don’t qualify for the warranty because I am not the first owner . According the website it said the engine should be good up to 100,000 miles .

Component that failed: the engine (2. 0l nu mpi) suffered a sudden internal mechanical failure. A connecting rod broke and punctured through the engine block. The failure was catastrophic and occurred without any warning lights, oil pressure warnings, overheating messages, or performance symptoms beforehand. Safety risk: the vehicle stalled instantly and lost all power while I was driving, which put my safety at risk. A sudden engine failure at speed can cause loss of control, a crash, or the inability to move the vehicle off the roadway. This type of failure is a serious safety hazard. Inspection and confirmation: the failure was confirmed by kia of riverdale on November 13, 2025. Their mechanic documented that the engine rod blew through the block due to internal damage. The dealer stated the vehicle is no longer drivable and needs a full engine replacement. Manufacturer response: kia declined assistance because I am the second owner and the warranty has expired, even though this type of failure is consistent with known engine defects in kia’s 2. 0l engines involving connecting rods, oil starvation, and internal bearing failures. Kia did not inspect the vehicle beyond the dealership diagnosis and did not offer goodwill repair. Warning signs before failure: none. No warning lamps, noises, or messages appeared prior to the incident. The engine failed suddenly without any advance symptoms. Best assessment of cause: based on the dealer inspection and kia’s documented history of engine defects, the failure appears related to the same connecting rod and internal lubrication issues affecting similar kia engines from nearby model years. Although my VIN is not currently included in an active recall, the mechanical failure matches the defect patterns described in existing kia engine recalls. The vehicle remains unsafe and completely inoperable.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or accelerating, the vehicle started shaking at the front end near the engine. The vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine), and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The software update was performed; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact of dtc: p70300, which should have been resolved with the recall repair, which allowed the vehicle to pass the inspection as a successful repair; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not received any additional repairs. The contact found information on TSB: eng222, NHTSA id number: 11014912 (engine), which was related to the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, then opened a case and informed the contact that no additional assistance would be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 89,600.

The contact owns a 2022 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and jolted before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I was driving approx 70mph on the highway when a piston ring popped off and blew a hole in the engine, causing the engine to fail once the oil spilled out.

Kia is aware of these issues why haven't they issued a recall for engine oil composition low and causing problems.

I was driving home from work and got about 5 miles and I see smoke and pulled over. I had it towed to repair shop and they said they found a hole in my engine block and a broken connecting rod. They told me I should take it to kia as I only have 132,179 miles and that repair should be under warranty. I took it to kia and they denied the repair due to a class action lawsuit and I did not qualify for that as a recall was missed ksds update. I bought the car used in late 2019 and the last ower has since died. I was never notified of these updates.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I bought the car 2 yrs ago come April and it's had nothing but issues. I've had one recall did which was the knock sensor however now the check engine is on and it's smelling like rubber my brakes are wearing like an eraser and my engine just feels sluggish. The code is p0420 which from what I understand is a catlic converter and I read online there is a recall for that with kia . I've spent a lot more than what I paid for the car not even 2 yrs ago and every place I take it has a new opinion and none of those have any connections with the code so I need help.

I am submitting this report regarding an ongoing issue with my kia vehicle related to the recall for code p1326 (knock sensor detection system / engine bearing wear). The first time this issue occurred, kia documented the problem and kept my vehicle overnight to perform what they referred to as an “engine soak. ” I was informed that this procedure might resolve the engine performance and oil consumption problems. I was also advised that if the issue reoccurred within 15 years of vehicle ownership or before reaching 150,000 miles, kia would replace the engine under the recall warranty. Recently, the same issue has reappeared, but kia is now refusing to replace the engine, citing “gaps in maintenance” from the early years of my ownership. I explained that, at that time, my father performed all oil changes and maintenance at home to reduce costs, as I was a young driver living with my parents. Kia is requesting proof of oil or tool purchases from over ten years ago, which I no longer possess. Additionally, all vehicle-related documentation was left inside the car when it was stolen and broken into twice—incidents connected to the nationwide kia theft issue that has been subject to another class-action lawsuit. As a result, I no longer have access to those records. During my initial visit, the kia service representative, jake, assured me that if the engine failed again and I maintained the vehicle properly, I would be covered for a full engine replacement. I have made every effort to comply with those terms, yet kia corporate has denied my claim. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance in resolving this matter and ensuring that kia honors its recall obligations and prior representations made to me as a consumer.

Engine is loosing oil into the #2 cylinder, causing an damage to the downstream exhaust. Once the cylinder fills with oil, the care immediately drops in operation speed causing significant driver response and immediately surrounding vehicles.

While driving my 2016 kia Soul on the highway, the vehicle suddenly began shaking and immediately lost power. The check engine light came on and the car would not accelerate, even when pressing the gas pedal. This happened with no prior warning. I had to coast to the shoulder in moving traffic, which created a safety concern. The engine then stalled completely and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to findlay kia in las vegas. Their technicians diagnosed a major internal engine failure. The repair report shows zero compression in cylinder 2, a cracked intake valve, oil contamination, and extensive internal engine damage requiring a full engine replacement. Diagnostic trouble codes included p0300, p0302, p0303, and p0326. There were no earlier symptoms, no overheating, and the vehicle has been properly maintained. The failure was sudden and left the car completely inoperable. I opened case #[xxx] with kia corporate. They reviewed all documents, service records, and the dealer’s findings. Although they did provide assistance in reviewing the case, the final outcome was not in my favor, and they declined to cover the repair. This is concerning given the history of engine-related issues and recalls involving kia Souls from similar model years, particularly involving sudden engine failure and loss of power. My vehicle remains inoperable at the kia dealership. The sudden loss of power while driving presents a clear safety risk. Based on my experience and the dealership’s findings, I believe this engine failure is safety-related and should be evaluated further by NHTSA. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Description of problem: my 2021 kia Soul experienced complete engine failure consistent with the defect described in recall 25v099 (sc336), which addresses faulty piston oil rings that can cause engine damage, stalling, and potential fire risk. Kia of round rock performed a compression test and found cylinder 3 at 102 psi, well below the normal minimum of 160 psi. Despite this, the service advisor stated in writing that the failure was “unrelated to the recall” and quoted an engine rebuild cost of $7,476. 32. The recall specifically identifies incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings as a cause of engine damage. Low compression from defective piston rings directly aligns with this recall’s description and the findings in my vehicle. Additional detail: prior to the failure, a warning light briefly appeared on the dashboard but did not remain illuminated. It was not the engine light, and it disappeared shortly after. This suggests the defect was developing internally without a consistent diagnostic warning, making it unpredictable and dangerous. Safety concern: this is a serious safety hazard for my family, including our two children (ages 6 and 9). A sudden engine failure or stall could cause a dangerous accident or even be fatal. We trusted kia to provide a safe vehicle and to honor its recall obligations. The refusal to address this under the recall leaves us driving an unsafe car that could fail at any time. Supporting documentation: dealership diagnostic report showing compression test results and repair estimate. Recall notice (25v099 / sc336) identifying the piston oil ring defect. Written communication with kia of round rock and kia consumer affairs. Additional notes: I contacted kia consumer affairs to open a case and request escalation. I am filing this complaint to inform NHTSA that vehicles like mine are being denied coverage for a failure directly related to the recall.

Had 3 oil consumption test 2 oil leak repairs, low to no oil each time, now car is stalling , catalytitic converter problem, yellow engine light is blinking, kia of newton new jersey need to fix my car.

Engine failing, pistons, and major oil consumption.

Rcall sc176 I have tried multiple times to schedule the required recall repair for my kia, but my local dealer has not responded to phone calls or emails. I cannot travel to another state to complete this recall. Kia has not provided a reasonable option to complete the safety repair. I am requesting assistance to get this recall completed safely and locally, and at no cost.

I was driving back from cleveland OH to columbus OH, the car started to slow down on its own , the engine light came on,and the car started to shake, and back firing. I made back home took care of to a certified mechanic shop for diagnostics. I just got an oil changed two days before this happened the mechanic noticed there was no oil in my car, it was in my piston rings. They told me there was a recall on my year kia for the piston . I called kia, they said they couldn’t find a recall for my car. If there was a recall sc336 for kia Souls and seltos. I asked if the dealer could honor the recall on my vehicle they said no because the recall didn’t include my VIN number.

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.

On oct. 14, 2025, this vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure while driving approx. 70 mph on a highway. While in the passing lane, the vehicle began to lose power, shake, and wouldn’t accelerate. The check engine light came on just moments before a loud explosive noise came from the engine, and a burning smell came through the vents - the engine completely shut down. This failure occurred with other vehicles on the roadway, creating a serious safety risk. I was forced to quickly maneuver the disabled vehicle across multiple lanes of traffic to reach the right shoulder, where I called for roadside assistance. The vehicle was inoperable from that point forward, it would not turn on, and was towed from the scene. There were no warning signs prior to this event. The vehicle had been operating normally before the incident - I had recently checked the oil levels, there were no warning lights, no drivability issues, and no known mechanical problems before the sudden failure. This led me to find the vehicle was subject to an open safety recall addressing engine damage consistent with this failure; NHTSA recall 19v120000. On oct. 27th, the vehicle was towed to an authorized kia dealership in prescott valley, az for recall inspection. The dealership advised the connecting rods failed and blew 3 holes through the engine block, confirming catastrophic internal engine damage. The manufacturer required a recall-related software update be performed before reviewing the engine failure under the recall. The software update was completed in Nov. , but the manufacturer later declined to repair or replace the engine. Kia corp. Refuses to address the safety recall entirely, and instead repeatedly mischaracterizes the issue as a warranty matter - they are unwilling to provide a written explanation of how the failure falls outside the scope of the safety recall 19v120000, despite the failure matching the recall’s described defect & consequences.