Equipment Problems of Kia Motor Soul - part 1

March 22, 2026: driving through town when the engine started making an odd high pitched sound then lost all acceleration and had to get it towed back to my house. No indicator lights on the dashboard came on. March 26, 2026: my mechanic diagnosed it as a catalytic converter clog. 2019: vehicle was serviced at a kia dealer for sc176 recall relating to catalytic converter failure. December 2022: kia replaced the engine due to failure from metal shavings from the tie rod getting into the oil. In 2024 kia reimbursed me for the cost of this replacement due to a class action lawsuit for this issue. March 30, 2026: both kia dealership and kia phone line advised that my vehicle no longer qualifies for catalytic converter replacement since the recall service was completed in 2019.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The contact owned a 2015 kia Soul. While driving at 55 mph, the contact heard a loud "pop" sound followed immediately by visible flames originating from under the hood. No warning lights or indicators were illuminated before the fire. The vehicle was occupied by 2 occupants; the occupants were able to safely exit. The contact noticed black smoke coming from underneath the hood. The fire started in the engine bay and spread to the rest of the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire dept, police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed destroyed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 215,035.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Vehicle paint(white) is peeling off 2016 kia Soul.

I can not gain speed. The dealership says it’s the catalytic converter and there is an active recall for this on kia Souls. They previously did recall work to my car but now the catalytic converters not showing as a recall.

This issue is a significant safety concern. The vehicle intermittently loses propulsion, causing a sudden forward lurch, and then abruptly regains power, pushing me back into the seat. This unexpected deceleration and surge can create a dangerous situation in traffic and may lead to an accident if it occurs while merging, crossing intersections, or driving at highway speeds. In addition, I am experiencing significant engine oil loss between regular oil changes. This week, just before my scheduled service, I found the engine to be approximately two quarts low. There were no warning lights indicating low oil or pressure. I only became aware of the issue after hearing noticeable engine ticking, at which point I immediately parked the vehicle and have not driven it since. I added two quarts of oil due to concern over potential engine damage caused by operating at a low oil level. I have contacted my dealership to report the oil loss and the engine noise, and I am currently waiting for a return call as I had to leave a message. This level of oil consumption is abnormal and concerning, especially combined with the lack of warning indicators. I believe this condition may pose a safety risk and could potentially lead to engine failure while driving. I have recorded video showing the amount of oil needed, the dipstick readings before and after adding oil, and the process of topping up the engine. I also have receipts for the oil I purchased. I can provide all documentation upon request. Based on my research, this appears to be a documented issue reported by multiple vehicle owners, and it is known to require corrective repair. I checked my VIN on the manufacturer’s recall website and confirmed that there are currently no open recalls associated with my vehicle. However, despite the absence of an official recall, the issues I am experiencing are safety?related and require investigation and correction.

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.

Mapping system will not update. Vehicle is dangerous.

My 2020 kia Soul is suffering catastrophic engine failure from a known safety recall defect involving the piston oil rings. I received a safety recall notice from kia on July 5, 2021 warning that defective piston oil rings could cause engine damage and engine fires. I brought the vehicle to a kia dealer for recall service on July 5, 2021 and again on February 1, 2022 for the same safety recall. Kia did not replace the engine and did not explain what repairs were performed. Now, despite having complied with both recall repairs, my engine is knocking, burning oil, losing power, and the check engine light is blinking. The vehicle has stalled in traffic, creating a serious safety risk. I am afraid to drive it due to the risk of engine failure and fire. The kia dealer is now telling me the engine needs to be replaced at a cost of $5,000 or more, or I must replace the vehicle. They claim the recall was already performed and the vehicle is no longer under warranty, even though the same recalled defect has now caused engine failure. This appears to be a defective and ineffective recall remedy that did not correct the safety defect and has resulted in dangerous engine failure.

I went into the store come out of the store and got in the driver seat shut my door and the rear windshield exploded. I looked it up online and there are other customer complaints of the kia Soul with the same issue of the rear window exploding I called kia and they told me even if the warranty was still good on my vehicle that it would have to go under inspection and it still would be an if he situation because other factors could be making the windshield explode kia was unhelpful rude and did not want to help with the problem.

Owner of 2017 white kia Soul that has peeling paint. I've never owned a vehicle that paint peeled like this. I understand there are other owners with the same issue. This issue first started in may 2025 on driver's side near roof that I paid out of my pocket to repair. Now I have same issue on the passenger side. Very disappointed ??.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I have a white 2017 kia Soul. I bought it new in 2017. The paint is peeling off really badly. Something is not right. This is not wear and tear paint peeling it is massive all around the car, especially the hood. The whole hood is peeling. My friend has an old 2011 kia and his paint is fine. Please help.

On [xxx] apex [xxx] central I was driving west on [xxx], approaching the bridge that crosses from [xxx] to [xxx] and I heard a loud pop,I looked to my left and the driver's side window exploded with the glass shattering into tiny pieces and leaving a huge hole in the window with chunks hanging down. By the grace of god I did not have glass in my eyes or face drive to safety covering my face w my sweater. Pulled off the bridge pulled the rest of glass out and took picture and called my insurance company online there are hundreds of postings with this happening on kias there needs to be a recall on this ASAP please before someone gets severely injured or dies. My name is [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My kia’s engine light came on. It was my catalyst converter verified by my mechanic and 2 other people. My my car lost power. I took to my mechanic. Well he told me it was a recall issue and I’d have to take it to kia. In December 1 it was towed into kia , central Ave, albany, NY. Yesterday I was told my car was finally finished after trying to reach the service center for days. When I talked to the service man and asked what was done on the car, he said everything but the converter. Told me recalls were done. Not if the converter wasn’t done. He said there was no light on. If it’s a recall why does a light need to be on? I need my car but I’m afraid to drive what I feel has not been fixed. I’m heading this am to pick it up and worried. I’ve been getting nothing but a run around. I won’t know anything they did do. I know something about brakes, and steering. I know the converter wasn’t done no even done even though the car lost power, and I called the recall center, had it towed up to kia, they kept it since December 2nd but what I sent in for was not fixed. Please help me.

The instrument cluster, the speedometer and "now" the odometer are not working--absolutely dead. "now" is in caps because to my surprise I noticed just recently that the odometer is not working. In April 2021, after several weeks of waiting for the repairs to be finished, a kia dealer, peak kia in colorado replaced the instrument cluster because of the faulty speedometer. (this repair was done after several months of back and forth to more than one kia dealer about this problem. Unlike now where the speedometer is dead, not moving at all, at that time it would stop working periodically, perhaps when my car was cold or not. It took several months of dealing with kia dealerships to acknowledge that it was a problem. ) right after the replacement in 2021, I texted the peak kia mechanics-representative, named trevor, that it was still a problem, not working every now and then. He replied in a text "what?" and that he would check with his technician. He never got back to me with an answer, and would not return my phone calls. ) since that time, I've been dealing with this infrequent or sometimes-problem. Note, I work from home so I do not drive my car every day, only once or twice a week. However, just recently before and around the holidays, I noticed first that the speedometer was dead, the needle was not moving at all during the entire time of driving, instead of every now and then. And closer to the holidays, I was shocked, noticing that the odometer was now not moving. This had never been the case before. To date, I only have a powertrain warranty(?) left that expires in December 2028. I called kia, the manufacturer, the other day and reported the above information. They said too bad, they will not cover it because the warranty for that 2021 repair expired 12 months after the repair, something I did not know. My concern is whether the kia dealer, arapahoe kia--where I usually go , will or should cover it. Plus, I feel this is a serious safety issue.

Honking function no longer works, this is a consistent problem noticed first on the beginning of December 2025, when I needed to notify another driver of a potential safety hazard. There is no honking sound available at any speed or at any time. Have an appointment with dealership this week.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Subject: reimbursement request for engine defect repairs - VIN [xxx] dear kia consumer assistance center, I am requesting full reimbursement for repairs necessitated by the known engine defect in my 2014 kia Soul with the 2. 0l vehicle information: •year/model: 2014 kia Soul plus •current mileage: 145,861 •owner: [xxx] expenses incurred due to engine defect: 1. Oil change - $152. 34 (November 21, 2025) jiffy lube work order #410 documents excessive oil consumption with notation "1/2 quart low on oil. Check your oil often" despite oil change only 46 days prior. 2. Oil change - valvoline (oct 6, 2025) full synthetic oil change $0. 00 because they gave me a oil change for free because my oil light came on the next day. Valvoline 5w30 full synthetic oil api sp 4. 20 qt valvoline oil filter 3. Oil change – valvoline - $106. 00 (oct 5, 2025) full synthetic oil change valvoline 5w20 full synthetic oil 4. Diagnostic service firestone - $110. 99 (engine analysis sept 6, 2025) * possible bottom end damage to the engine from overheating** needs to go to engine shop** diagnostic service (engine analysis) **hears squeaking when accelarting. Customer was driving up the grape vine and car had shut off. Car also takes a while to get up to speed. ** 5. Catalytic converter replacement - $1,100 (sept 6, 2025) othe catalytic converter failed due to excessive exhaust temperatures caused by the engine defect. Per kia TSB and recall documentation, high exhaust gas temperatures damage the catalytic converter, resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to engine pistons. 6. Autozone - $26. 99 (Aug 28, 2025) ocataclean fuel & exhaust osystem cleaner 7. Valvoline - $140. 00 (may 11, 2025) complete fuel system $19. 99 8. Spark plug replacement & tune-up - $391. 81 (March 29, 2025) engine diagnostic codes (p0302, p0300 I request full reimbursement for these expenses totaling $2,011. 13. Kia of downtown los angeles will do the oil consumption test 11/24/2025. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Transmission failed when mileage was at 88,000 miles and is not opererational to drive. After taking car to a pirate auto shop the mechanic informed me it showed codes p0753 and p073, and informed me the transmission fluid had metal debris inside it. This is a known defect from this specific kia model. Then took it to the kia dealership in chula vist, for diagnostic, they informed me p073 code shown up and recommended to replace the transmission. This is known defect that is associated with the kia Soul manufacturer, and is related to the recall. My safety was put at risk when I was driving and after I stopped at a red light the car was in drive and would not accelerate when I pressed the gas, this problem was confirmed by the dealership with diagnosis paperwork. Their was no warning when this issue occurred, additionally kia corporate refuses to accept responsibility for their manufacturer defect.

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

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Paint chipping and peeling in several places.

On 10/23/25, my car caught fire due to the abs module.

I was driving on interstate I-40 when the closed sunroof spontaneously shattered. Nothing external or internal hit the sunroof. Due to the explosive noise, I was distracted and almost wrecked. Luckily, no one was injured, and no property was destroyed other than the shattered sunroof. This is an extremely unsafe issue and needs prompt attention to rectify before someone gets seriously hurt!.

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).

10/01/2025 I took my vehicle to crain kia of conway for four different safety recalls. Safety recall 15v123 (sc116) , 22v096(sc229) ,17v608(sc155a) ,and 19v120(sc176). Mr. Jerime york handled my paperwork. I told him my car has. Diagnotic code of 420(catalytic converter is not operating efficiently on bank 1) he told me they would take care of me. 10/14/2025 when I got there to pickup my vehicle I ask mr. York, what they did about safety recall sc176. He said upgraded the module. I brought to his attention that the remedy stated that in addition, they were suppose to check catilatic converter and motor for damage due to module not controlling tempature. He stated he trusted that his mechanic followed repair procedure. I requested a printout of the diagnotic codes my vehicle had when I brought in which they gave me. Ive attached a copy of the diagnosic codes on my vehicle. Notice the 420 code also attached is kia technical service diagnostic procedure and repair instructions for safety recall sc176. Which they did not do . I question if they did any of the recall repairs. The document prove they did not do the most important one sc176. Please help with this situation.

I am getting a code that indicates an issue with the catalytic converter. P0420 to be specific. The engine is continually misfiring and check engine light comes on and off randomly. Car broke down completely at one point in October and had to replace the battery but check engine light was still on when I got it to start. The car shakes uncontrollably every time I drive it and gets even worse when idling. I took it to a mechanic and they believe it to be amongst the 2011-2016 sc176 recalled kia Souls where high exhaust temperatures can damage the engine’s catalytic converter. Have attempted to take it for repairs/open recall and the manufacturers have consistently refused. Help in getting this issue sorted out would be much appreciated.

Catalytic converter bad. 2015 kea10. Shows to be no warranty. Will cause engine problems.

Paint is peeling on the roof of my 2021 kia Soul - for no reason. I have read that other kia owners have this problem and kia is not taking responsibility for this.

Driving home from supermarket. Car made a loud bang and started smoking from under the hood. Pulled over into parking lot. Car continued to smoke and within minutes caught on fire from under the hood. Car was engulfed in flames within minutes.

On [xxx], my 2014 kia Soul received the pi2002a knock sensor detection system (ksds) ecu update at southwest kia, 39650 lyndon b johnson freeway south, dallas, TX 75237. After the update, the engine sustained catastrophic damage (a hole in the block). Southwest kia informed me that kia denied the engine replacement under warranty, which is inconsistent with the official pi2002a bulletins (NHTSA #mc-10172065 and mc-10189615). These bulletins clearly state that the short block warranty is extended and that engine replacement is covered for this type of failure. I am requesting an immediate review of my case, a written explanation for the denial, and a timeline for resolution, as my vehicle is currently inoperable. Attached are service records, photos of the engine damage, and copies of the pi2002a bulletins for reference. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving for less than ten minutes on an expressway when my kia Soul shut down. I had just changed lanes. Fortunately, I had moved to the far left which was adjacent to the emergency lane prior to the shut down. I was able to steer the car to that area and brake. The car had completely shut down out of the blue. I could not accelerate. Thank god the brakes and steering were still working. After a few minutes I tried to start the car. It turned on quickly. I was able to drive to the nearest exit. The car seemed to work fine. I made an appointment with a kia dealer. I was informed that certain 2014 kia's may have a problem with shutting off. My car is in their hands. I am trying to get in touch with kia. If they say my car isn't one of the "certain" 2014 kia's that were recalled and don't pay for the repairs, I will be very upset. This is not normal behavior. A car shouldn't just completely shut down. I could have been killed. I no longer feel safe with this car.

Kia initially refused to honor engine-related safety recalls on my vehicle (including recall no. 21v259). Only after I filed a complaint with higher authorities did kia agree to replace my engine. After completing this recall repair, kia suddenly claimed my vehicle’s ignition “needs replacement” and is attempting to charge me $1,200. This is deeply concerning because: •kia ran multiple diagnostic tests before the recall repair and never reported any ignition issues. •there was no ignition damage when kia received my vehicle. •I believe this claim is either false or the result of tampering, and may be retaliation for my prior complaint. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate kia’s handling of this matter and ensure consumers are protected from false charges and retaliation when exercising their right to safe recall repairs. Thank you for your attention. Please let me know if you need additional documentation.

When initially finding out about the recall I attempted to schedule an appointment to have it fixed. Unfortunately, I was told by someone at kia of north austin that the recall was no longer open and was unaware until now that there is in fact an open recall for my vehicle.

First I get a safety issue warning with the front camera then I get a safety issue warning with a back camera well those warnings go off and I'm left with an abs signal on my dashboard orange triangle with a exclamation point in it skid something with the car it shows it's weaving and I'm not sure what the fourth one was. But this has been going on going issue with this dashboard because when it starts flashing everything the car goes into limp mode. Usually if I shut the car off wouldn't turn it back on about 10 minutes later I don't get any flashing lights and the car is no longer limp mode. The problem has ever been found or corrected. The car is not sitting in my driveway waiting for a tow truck to take it to kia Soul over there in perryville rockford illinois but they don't provide tow service for the vehicles either. Even when it's a safety issue. I would never buy from this company again it's been one thing after another. This is only a 2 year old car has been driven 2500 miles.

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.