Equipment Problems of Kia Motor Soul - part 1

Car caught fire while sitting in my driveway with no one in it for about 12 hours.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The check engine light on my 2024 kia Soul came on. I took the car to the dealer and had them check it. They said said that there were multiple problems with the transmission. They recommended that I have the transmission replaced. I had them replace the transmission for over 4,100 dollars. I bought the car brand new from kia. I drive for lyft and the car has 127,738 miles on it, but I think that a transmission should last longer than 2 years and 127,738 miles.

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I purchased a used 2025 kia Soul with approximately 12,930 miles on the odometer in July 2026. Prior to Friday, August 1, 2026, I had not experienced any warning lights, warning messages, drivability issues, or other symptoms. The vehicle appeared to operate normally. On August 1, 2026, as I pulled out of the parking lot, the car surged or lurched forward while pushing on the gas. I pulled over, and the engine rpm still would increase on its own while the vehicle was in park, and and while stopped with the brake pedal applied. On one occasion in traffic a week before, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly. At the time I thought I did something wrong and didn't initially think it was a defect. This has created a safety concern because the vehicle appears to accelerate or push forward without me doing anything. The condition raised concerns about maintaining control of the vehicle in traffic and while stopped behind other vehicles. The vehicle was inspected by a kia dealership. I was informed that a technician performed a road test and was able to reproduce the concern I reported. The dealership initially identified contaminated a/c refrigerant and recommended evacuation and recharge of the a/c system. After further diagnosis, I was informed that the a/c compressor may have internal damage and may require replacement. The root cause of the unexpected revving, stalling, and lurching has not been conclusively determined. I have received conflicting information regarding whether the a/c system is responsible for the condition and whether the vehicle is safe to drive. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Kia customer care reviewed the situation and recommended that the vehicle be evaluated by a different kia dealership for a second opinion. No police report or insurance investigation has been conducted regarding this issue. Someone advised me to file this report, saying that an ac compressor can't make a car engine lurch.

See all problems of the 2025 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Dealer refusing to honor open recall remedy for sc200 / NHTSA 20v750000 on 2015 kia Soul VIN [xxx], approx 100k miles. Recall shows "no unrepaired recall found" on NHTSA VIN lookup, but ksds update and engine bearing test were never performed. Kia of cheyenne states: 1) must pay for recall because update not done, 2) must pay for unrelated repairs first, 3) must provide all oil receipts, 4) will not perform free remedy. Second dealer fort collins kia service phone rings no voicemail. Request NHTSA reopen recall and enforce free remedy per 49 usc 30120. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My 2021 kia Soul has stalled unexpectedly while being driven on multiple occasions. When the vehicle stalls, the engine shuts off and the vehicle loses propulsion, creating a risk of a collision, particularly if it occurs in moving traffic. There have been no warning lights or messages before the vehicle stalls or when the stalling occurs. The vehicle has severe engine oil consumption. After approximately 3,000 miles, the oil level can become so low that no oil is visible on the dipstick. I do not know whether the excessive oil consumption is causing the stalling, but I believe that to be the reason. I previously brought the vehicle to an authorized kia dealership while it was under warranty because of the oil-consumption problem. The dealership told me that the vehicle was probably leaking oil, that a part needed to be ordered, and that they would contact me when the part arrived. They never contacted me, and the problem was not resolved. I have since reported the repeated stalling and excessive oil consumption to kia corporate. Kia instructed me to return the vehicle to the dealership for additional testing. I told kia that I do not feel safe driving the vehicle approximately 40 minutes to the dealership because it has repeatedly stalled while being driven. I asked whether kia would tow the vehicle, but kia would not commit to providing a tow. I also asked kia to put in writing its instruction that I should drive the vehicle to the dealership despite the reported stalling, and kia declined. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The cause of the repeated stalling is most likely due to burning of excessive oil. I am concerned about an unexpected loss of propulsion occurring again while the vehicle is in traffic.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Took my vehicle in a year ago for the oil piston recall to the kia dealer in north huntington, PA. I was told they corrected the recall during other servicing. My vehicle just broke down and is unable to be driven due to this unresolved issue.

The trunk/ back hatch and it will not open I have tried to use the key fob and nothing it just failed randomly. I went to open it and nothing happens. I have tried locking and unlocking and nothing. This is extremely dangerous because one if I need access to my spare I can't get to it. Also if there was a crash and someone had to pull me or my child out through the back we can not get out. Especially with children in the back seats.

Jeff smith kia in perry was doing the maintenance they went out of business kia hutchinson I told several employees more than once that I was having problems the car would slowly shut down and cut off start then stop on the hey I had to call tow trucks have rentals there was a chainsaw sound underneath had to constantly place oil in the car kia never contacted me about a recall the dealerships never communicated recalls on the engine and oil burning they placed me and my grandchildren at risk and say I have to pay $110000 for a new engine. A belt. Cadillac converter and I simply do not have that. School starts in a week 1/2 and I cannot get four children to school or make it to my dr appointments tremendous hardship and safety concern because a mechanic told me the shutting down is a mechanism to keep the engine from catching on fire and exploding. I have been told by several kia owners they had the same issue. Walmart mgr told me it is a manufacturer issue I should not have to pay for repairs.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My engine light came on about 6 months ago because I was smelling a gas. I had it run on a code computer and it just showed a gasket needed changed. I didn't think that that was serious enough to address urgently because was unsure how much the cost would be. But was going over a big mountain about a week ago and car was on cruise control at 55 mpr and all of a sudden it just started dropping down totally stopping on me in very active traffic had my grandchild in the car also, got off the road barely in ongoing traffic and called for roadside assistance, but my son showed up and got it to start I barely got it back to his house in rogersville TN. Where I was staying for a visit , I ran a code computer on it again and it said it was the Cadillac converter, I looked it up and there is a recall on this situation. Why your sight is saying it's 0 idk why. This is my report and I think u need to change that problem there . I am currently still at my sons house staying cause I can't get my car home cause it won't climb clinch mountain or any sharp hills. Thank you.

During a bbb dispute regarding warranty coverage, kia corporate claimed the vehicle is ineligible for safety recall repairs.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Car window was broken into while the car was locked and the alarm was on. The alarm did not go off!.

Backup camera intermittently glitches and cuts to a black screen. Display will also occasionally appear darker than normal. Concern began suddenly with no known cause. It first occurred after vehicle was parked for 10-11 hours.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The abs/traction warning lights came on. On April 29,2026, I took it to beck and masten group 1 kia intomball, texas and they diagnosed as hecu failure. The repair cost $2377. 16. Kia corporate denied reimbursement. Lights were resolved after hecu replacement. There was no accident/injury/fire. Mileage was 60400. I wanted to note and document as a potential safety trend.

My car burns oil very fast. I am putting in more than 5 quarts of oil in between oil changes. I have replaced the flex pipe, the catalytic converter two times, and both the upstream and downstream oxygen sensors. The catalytic converter now needs to be replaced again after only 7 months after being installed. The car keeps getting p0420 codes. I found out this last converter was bad while on the highway going 70 mph up a hill. The speed suddenly decreased all the way down to 50 mph which put me in great danger of getting hit from behind at high speeds. It would not go any faster. .

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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.

Complaint summary: post recall catalytic converter failure on 2016 kia Soul with 1. 6l gdi engine (sc176 recall previously performed). Complaint details: I own a 2016 kia Soul equipped with the 1. 6 liter gamma gdi engine (engine code g4fd, emissions family gkmxv01. 6dbe). This engine is part of kia’s sc176 recall for catalytic converter overheating and thermal damage. My dealer performed the sc176 ecu software update in may 2019, but did not replace the catalytic converter at that time because the p0420 code had not yet appeared. In early 2026, my catalytic converter failed with a p0420 “catalyst efficiency below threshold” code. My mechanic confirmed the converter was internally damaged. This failure is consistent with the known sc176 defect, where converters can be partially damaged before the ecu update and fail later. Kia and the dealer refused to replace the converter under the recall, stating that because the p0420 code did not appear in 2019, the converter is no longer covered. I was forced to pay $2,781. 91 out of pocket for a new catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, and oxygen sensors. The diagnostic test was another $120 plus tax. This appears to be a case where the converter was already compromised by the sc176 defect prior to the software update, but the failure occurred later. I am requesting that NHTSA document this issue, as it suggests the recall remedy may not fully address pre existing catalyst damage and may leave owners with significant repair costs. VIN: [xxx] mileage at failure: ~90,000 miles engine: 1. 6l gamma gdi (g4fd) recall: sc176 (ecu update performed, converter not replaced) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

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.

I want to make a complaint about my 2020 kia Soul. It is a great car, but the white paint will not stay on the car no matter what I do. It keeps flaking off all over the car. Just recently, it was my right passenger side door. It looks horrible. The car is under a car loan and is loosing paint as I pay off. I want to make kia aware of this issue. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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 🔎.

At 63387 miles my backup camera on my 2020 kia Soul ex stopped working without warning. It will blink on and off occasionally but is generally just a black screen when placed in reverse. All of the other screens work fine. This is concerning to me as it is an important safety feature. It seems like kia would repair such an item at no charge. I called my local kia outside of dallas about the issue and I was told the repair would cost at least $800. I’ve gotten used to using my mirrors again but it’s concerning I no longer have a backup screen.

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).

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.