Equipment Problems of Kia Motor Soul - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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).

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Paint bubbling on both side of the car. Kia claims there is no defect in their paint however it seems to be a known problem with the white kia Soul.

My car is losing oil and the light does not come on to tell me when oil runs low I have been to coral springs kia in the coral springs automall many times and they have all my records.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Ive tried to get my recalls fixed since I bought the car 2 years ago, jeff wyler kia eastgate ohio has given me the run around, at least 5 attempts of no call backs or prolonged appointment dates not having me on record, my car breaks down I pay for diagnostic blown engine, I pay to have it towed to jeff wyler kia eastgate ohio, it's been there for 5 weeks and they still have not done a diagnostic on it. They are saying they never received my driver's license, then it was proof of ownership, they won't call me back or email. I'm just so frustrated because kia the main company actually has sent me many letters to get it fixed I call them and they told me their wasn't even a diagnostic done, they tried reaching out to them. Should I tow my car to a different dealer? I'm not sure what to do anymore, I'm almost afraid now they'll say they can't cover it for same reason, my trust is gone at this point with the dealership. I recently had a full knee replacement and getting in and out of my daughter's car has been very hard on me, I asked for a loaner and they said they don't provide them there and I have to pay. I've already put in so much money on this car at this point I feel cheated or targeted for some reason. They treat me like I'm trying to get something for free, they aren't paying out of their pocket. My car is still sitting there soon to be 6 weeks and don't know what to do, the treatment of this dealership is beyond horrible and I don't trust them. It's not my fault this happened I'm sorry for everyone involved especially kia , it must be a lot, thank you for listening to me , I hope you have a great day [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Component/system failed: engine and power train. Available for inspection: yes, the vehicle is currently at the dealership. After a loud ticking/knocking noise from the engine began, the car lost power while driving. It matches symptoms associated with kia’s known connecting rod bearing failure issue (covered under recall sc176 and campaign pi2002a). There were no warning lamps at first, but later the oil pressure warning light began to flash intermittently. A kia dealership confirmed the issue and completed the pi2002a ecu update. However, they denied the extended engine warranty coverage under the campaign, saying that the vehicle was purchased at an auction, even though this issue stems from a known manufacturing defect and recall that should apply to the vehicle, regardless of ownership history. This creates a serious safety concern, as the engine could seize while driving. This issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership and documented under kia case #25414628 and #25331856. This denial contradicts the campaign terms and puts drivers and others at risk.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Complaint regarding mechanical failure and $315 service charge on recent vehicle purchase I’m writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the recent service experience involving my vehicle purchased on April 12, 2025. A few weeks after purchase, I returned to the dealership with concerns over a check engine light. I was reassured by your service department that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. However, the car recently died while I was driving on the highway, putting me in an unsafe situation and requiring a tow. Now I am being told that spark plugs need to be replaced before further diagnosis can occur, and that I am responsible for a $315 charge. The technician noted that cylinder 2’s spark plug was loose and melted—an issue that clearly could have caused the breakdown. This is not typical wear and tear. It’s something that either pre-existed at the time of purchase or should have been caught during the initial inspection when I brought the car in with concerns. I haven’t even made my second car payment, and I’m already dealing with a major mechanical failure. I feel I was sold a vehicle that was not properly inspected and that now I’m being asked to cover the cost of repairs that should fall under the responsibility as the seller. I respectfully request that the $315 service fee be waived and that the vehicle be fully inspected and repaired at no cost to me. I purchased this vehicle in good faith, and I expect the dealership to stand by its product.

We purchased a 2016 kia Soul with the gdi engine in October 2024 from jim shorkey kia in uniontown with 60k miles on it. We just had to have a whole new catalytic converter installed that cost us $1500 because the one on this car was completely messed up. It caused the car to stall, have no power and when my daughter was pulling into her parking space, this caused the brakes to stop working because the car was getting no power. The converter was completely clogged and the whole thing had to be replaced (at our expense)! this was a recall for the same year kia Souls, but somehow this one is not on the recall list for the exact thing that these were being recalled. How does that work? we were left without a vehicle for days and we had to pay to have the car towed to a garage and repaired. Kia would do nothing, so we had to have it repaired at a reputable garage in our area! only having the car of less than 8 months after buying it used from a kia dealership, this is disheartening. How could they sell a car that obviously had issues with the catalytic converter, or they did just not check the vehicle out before they sold it to someone. I get that it was a used car but are we seriously going to sell a car to someone that obviously has an issue! so why exactly was this 2016 kia Soul with the gdi engine, not recalled?? we should be reimbursed for this. This is crazy. My daughter could have been in a horrible accident. Thankfully she was only leaving her apartment and in the parking lot of her home! what do we do about getting this? this car clearly has issues and should have been recalled with the others!.

There was a knocking sound, so I pulled over and smoke started coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was a fire and the car was later deemed a total loss.

Horn malfunctioned, a known issue recognized by kia on these models. Visited an authorized kia repair center in maryland on June 14, 2025. The repair center indicated that the necessary parts (96611-k0030 and 96619-t6000) are not available in maryland or surrounding states, and backorder delays are at least four to six weeks. The vehicle is meanwhile not road safe due to the lack of a horn.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

2016 kia Soul engine burns excessive amounts of oil leading to constantly needing to top off oil and/or oil changes. When car accelerate white smoke comes from engines; mechanic has pictures of white ash on engine components. We have taken it to the dealership after it was purchased by carmax in June 2024 the check engine light was displayed, but were told no codes came up. We have taken the car to multiple private mechanics and were told this is a common problem and there is a recall on these engines. Finally 2 weeks ago auto repair shop confirmed engine faulty took pictures of white ash on engine components and advised to tow car to dealership extended recall on these engines. Dealership states the car now needs a catalytic converter; however this is a direct result of oil deposits in the exhaust that damage the catalytic converter. We have been getting the runaround from the dealership that says no engine codes come up but when the car is driven the white smoke and rattling of the engine is apparent.

My 2015 kia Soul is experiencing ongoing, severe oil consumption. Despite having an extended warranty for rod bearing failure (15 years/150,000 miles), my kia dealership refuses to perform an oil consumption test because my vehicle has slightly exceeded 100,000 miles (currently at ~106,500). I brought the vehicle in multiple times for oil loss before reaching 100,000 miles, but no one informed me that a test existed or was needed. The car burns through oil every 3,000 miles or less, sometimes with no oil showing on the dipstick before the next change. It often chugs or knocks, but no warning lights currently appear. I previously received engine codes p1326, p0011, and p0014, and I did receive the ksds update. The dealership told me I must wait for the engine to fail to qualify for replacement. This is unsafe for me and other drivers. Kia consumer affairs has confirmed I’m under warranty, but no solution has been offered to prevent a dangerous breakdown. I am concerned that this is a widespread issue that is being ignored unless the vehicle fails completely. I’ve been instructed by kia service staff to continue topping off oil to avoid engine damage. However, by doing so, I am also preventing the p1326 code from triggering—effectively disqualifying me from warranty help. I’m forced to choose between protecting my car or triggering a code to qualify for repair. This puts consumers at risk and creates an unfair barrier to accessing the warranty coverage kia advertises.

I purchased this vehicle in Jan 2024 and it now has 16000 miles. Took my car into ray skillman, pikes plaza westide for service last month because my horn was not working. They told me that there was a nation wide back order on the part and just 2 days ago, I received an email from kia customer service/care, stating that they were told that there is no eta at this time. This (not having a horn) is a safety concern and also the service tech that took my car in, told me that it affected other kia models as well, they did not seem to think that it was a big deal and the car was driveable, but without a horn, it is very unsafe. I'm also contacting them for a loaner which they really don't seem to want to do that route, but I also don't want to rent a vehicle to be reimbursed (since it is a warranty repair), because that is a lot of money out of pocket that I don't have. If that is a problem with multiple kia models, why is that not a recall? there have been multiple times since then, that I have been in a situation where my horn was needed so as to avoid an accident or injury, and I did not have one. (no accidents so far) but it is bound to happen.

Someone broke my window, and entered my car. Then proceeded to tear apart the entire area of the car that it below the steering wheel including the ignition. The car was not able to be turned off. This left the car unable to be used and unfortunately needed to be towed away. This is the second time this has happened and it is causing a serious safety hazard to my family, my home and my neighborhood. I unfortunately cannot get rid of the car because I am not the title owner and cannot afford to trade it in. I am looking for some assistance and to learn what other options I may have.

My kia Soul, which only has 7600 miles, was parked in my garage. When I went to wash it this afternoon, I found that the back window had shattered.

As of today 05/08/25 car will not start, it was also chugging while I was on the freeway and would not go over 50mph.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My car is still under factory warranty and there's a recall, yet kia will not provide any help.

Am receiving a code for camshaft sensor bank 1 sensor a. Figured it could be timing but also know about TSB’s. Need to see if there are any posted for my specific 2017 kia Soul.

I dropped off my 2021 kia Soul at the dealership where I purchased it to address a nationwide recall, which states: “the piston oil ring(s) may have been incorrectly manufactured, potentially damaging the engine cylinder wall. This can lead to increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noises, engine seizure, and possible fire from oil leaking onto hot exhaust components. Loss of drive power and/or fire increases crash and injury risk. ” my vehicle has shown multiple symptoms, including rough running, significant shaking, illuminated check engine and oil lights. On 01/02/23, I brought it in, but the dealership found no stored codes and took no action. On 04/20/23, a code for a cylinder 1 misfire was found, but because the issue wasn’t present at that moment, no repairs were made. On 10/05/23, spark plugs and fuel pump were replaced under warranty. No further issues occurred until 02/14/25, when the same symptoms returned. I was told I’d be charged for a diagnosis and they likely wouldn’t find anything, so I left without service. On 04/09/25, the symptoms reoccurred. I dropped off the vehicle on 04/10/25 and paid out-of-pocket for a rental until 04/14/25. On 04/14/25, after being told earlier that work couldn’t be done because the engine hadn’t cooled to 55°f, I was later told the recall was completed and the vehicle was safe—despite ongoing issues. I fear for my safety and the safety of others. I believe my vehicle needs an engine replacement and is unsafe to drive. The recall letter states inspection and software update should take 1–2 hours, and engine replacement 8+ hours. I request further diagnosis and repairs. Despite the vehicle continuing to show symptoms, I was dismissed. I am seeking accountability and proper resolution.

I've had issues with my air conditioner not working properly and now making a loud humming sound. Also my car is very sluggish and my motor is very loud when the car is running. Sometimes it doesn't want to shift exactly when it should it takes longer and I have to take my foot off the gas to let it shift. My car keeps running out of oil every time before the designated oil change time and mileage. This really worries me and no lights show on my dash when my oil pressure gets low which is alarming because it got low one time and I could hear the pistols rubbing together, I knew immediately I needed oil. Sure enough I put oil in the car the noise stopped and I went and got an oil change the next day because I was worried about my car. The oil issue has happened multiple times. .

Hello, my oil rings in my engine failed, which there is a recall of 2021 and newer but same issues, causing my oil to burn and get trapped in the catalytic converter, then burning it out the exhaust, also I kept loosing oil. Under further diagnosis from a mechanic, I had to get a full rebuild of my engine at a cost of $5,000, and also I had to get a new catalytic converter with a cost of 500. 00. Please look into this and let me know what I can do further. Thank you!.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My engine under, the 2018 kia Soul engine recall, first problem was on October 2023 when it arrived at the dealership with 'no oil'. The mechanic said for kia to replace the engine. At this time they also found 'sludge' for the first time. I had done my oil changes at the dealership and the most current was August 2023; 2000 miles prior. Kia extended my 100k miles engine warranty to 150k miles. Since, I have experienced excessive oil consumption and firing of the engine. In December 2024, the engine light went on. The kia mechanic said the engine must be replaced. This time I had a problem finding two maintenance receipts. Kia refused to honor the warranty. The dealership refused to work more on the car. In March 2025, the car began to fire large bangs, then much smoke and the engine seized. What if I was driving on a busy street when this happened? what if the car caught fire? I towed the car to the dealership. Kia manufacturer refuses to honor the engine warranty. I explained to kia my car has documented engine problems. The sludge found is part of the engine problem. The car uses excessive oil, the high burning is coagulating in the bottom of the engine causing the sludge. I have followed the scheduled maintenance in the owner's manual. I have been harassed, badgered, called names at the kia dealership who wants me to take my car away. I told all of them I have a car with a well known and documented engine defect that they must fix. I read the NHTSA 23v-099 recall. My kia Soul has experienced similar problems according to the descriptions from the kia mechanic. Because my car does not fall within the specific car description kia keeps turning me away. I am driving an unreliable and unsafe car on the road. We cannot allow kia to continue to sell unsafe cars they have no intention to correct. Another problem that began after the October 2023 break is the car has an error that reads, '. . . The battery is on'. I have replaced 3 die hard batteries since. Thank you.

I am submitting this complaint regarding the well-documented engine defect involving faulty piston rings in kia vehicles, which has led to an official recall 25v099. While kia has agreed to repair the engine if it fails when it fails, they have refused to offer a repurchase or fair compensation for the diminished value of the vehicle — despite the fact that this defect is a manufacturer-responsible issue and has significantly compromised the value, safety reputation, and resale potential of our vehicle. We purchased this vehicle in good faith, unaware of any such defect at the time of purchase. The recall, once publicized, instantly reduced the car’s market value and undermined confidence in its reliability — even if a repair is offered. We do not believe a mere repair fully resolves the financial impact or the breach of trust involved. A permanently compromised engine, even when repaired, may still pose long-term risks that affect performance, safety, and value. This is a material defect that devalues the asset we financed. Kia’s current position is to offer only repair, refusing buyback or compensation for depreciation resulting from their manufacturing defect. This is not acceptable, as it disregards the economic harm to consumers and the loss in vehicle equity stemming directly from kia's own negligence. We are requesting that NHTSA investigate kia’s broader policy in addressing this defect, including whether its refusal to compensate consumers for lost value constitutes a failure of consumer protection standards under federal safety and recall law. We respectfully ask that NHTSA: continue oversight of kia's recall process and consumer remedies. Encourage kia to offer buyback or financial restitution to impacted owners. Recognize that for many consumers, a repair does not restore what was lost. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am happy to provide documentation of our purchase, communication with kia, and further details as needed.

Unknown.

I had this car go to the garage back in February under the 2021-2023 seltos and Soul engine recall. The engine was fine but the check engine light is has been on since March. I personally believe this was software related as I had multiple technicians verify the sensor and wiring is still in top shape. My obd2 reader shows the engine is pulling a large amount of retarded timing and it only happens under acceleration.

Radio recall 2025 uvo work stop.

Unknown when I get shut off and it give me signal with engine and I bring it to kia dealer and found out that my 2022 kia Soul had pin in cvvt broken and replace exhaust cam and cvvt assembly and its cost me almost 3000 dollar to fix and I had it as 2022 and purchased by chevelote and it was not coverage by warranty but I bought it was 18,000 mileage and now I am at 64525 mileage and I had only less than 2 year to drive that car so ??? anything that canbe on recall or warranty for those kia Soul?.

After 84000 miles my catalystic convertor is going out.

Was stalling, would loose power, now will not start. Found a recall ( engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic converter # 19v120000. ) same problems. Towed to local kia, they say not under recall list. This recall is only for engine size 1. 6. My engine is a 2. 0. But they said catalytic converter needs replaced. Although car is aged only has about 55,000 miles. Catalytic converter should not be an issue. I believe the 2. 0 engine needs to be added to the recall list.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.