Equipment Problems of Kia Motor Soul - part 2

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Driver attention warning (daw), "consider taking a break", is coming on randomly, sometimes multiple times within a short driving distance. Has become a distraction instead of a safety feature! cannot turn off or even turn down the sound. Even on "low" sound, still loud enough to wake up a sleeping passenger! taken back to kia dealer 3 times. They will do nothing because as they say" technician cannot duplicate customer concern. ".

See all problems of the 2024 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Started smelling burning oil intermittently shortly after purchase as new vehicle. When checked by service at kia, could not find anything. Then vehicle started to stall on multiple occasions while on the road. Spent $1500 at kia to try and fix it. Service folks couldn't find the problem. Vehicle stopped working and car won't start now. These are the same exact symptoms under this recall for kia Souls from 2021-2023- sc336 recall which his known to result in fire or destruction of engine. Date below is approximate date when car stopped working.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor 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.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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!.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

They have a recall on the catalytic converters for the 1. 6 engines but not the 2. 0. I have had to have mine replaced two times in a year. There is definitely a problem. The second time it almost caught fire due to glowing red cause it got so hot. The same problem is happening to the 2. 0 engines just like the 1. 6 engines, but nothing is being done.

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 🔎.

My engine is using excessive oil consumption and want to know if my gas direct injection system is covered under manufacturer or a dealer.

Honor catalytic converter failure under manufacturer warranty which they refuse to honor after 90 days at the kia service center , and fail to replace the defective part.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I am not the original owner but after changing my oil on 10/05/24 I have had to add oil on three different times, twice I myself put oil into my car and oil change at valvoline instant oil change and other added quart today and all between 98,219 to 99,967 mileage,.

2023 kia Soul lx problems clarity dive problems.

2025 kia Soul lx headlights. Totally inadequate standard headlights. Higher end models get led headlights but this standard light system on the lx is dangerous on anything but well lit streets. Safety should not be an option. I would have upgraded to a model that has adequate headlights but was unaware of how bad the standard headlights were until after purchase. These standard headlights should never have been approved by the dot. There are many reports online about this issue and I'm hoping it will be addressed soon.

See all problems of the 2025 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I believe that I am needing the knock sensor detection system updated. I have called the dealer and they have stated that my VIN # does not have any recalls. I do have the mil malfunction indicator lamp currently on.

Hello, I would like to report that someone attempted to steal my 2010 kia Soul. The incident occurred on [xxx], in san jose, CA 95111. As a result of the attempted theft, there is damage to the car’s steering wheel and ignition. Please let me know if additional information or documentation is needed to assist with this report. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2010 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The 2013 kia Soul has been subject to recalls related to the gear shift, with some models potentially experiencing issues that could cause the vehicle to roll away due to a gear shift defect. Some 2013 kia Souls may have a gear shift defect that could cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly. An engine that is hesitating to accelerate is most likely dealing with a fuel/air mixture that is too lean. Engine's that are running inefficiently will begin to show signs like hesitation which will only become worse over time.

On November 29,2024 I found a paint bubble under the door handle of the rear passenger side of my snow pearl white kia Soul. The primer is visible underneath and intact but the area is cracking and peeling thereby enlarging quickly. I have read online that others have had this problem. I called the dealer and waiting for a call back from the manager. Thank you.

The engine system in my 2025 kia Soul malfunctioned, as indicated by the activation of the p1326 warning light. This diagnostic code typically signals serious engine issues, such as potential rod-bearing damage. Despite this warning, the authorized dealership, jim bone kia of santa rosa, only replaced the knock sensor after I asked to conduct a bearing clearance test (bct), which they claimed passed. However, prior inspections had revealed metal debris in the oil, which strongly suggests internal engine damage. The failure to conduct a thorough investigation into the potential engine damage poses a significant safety risk, as the vehicle could experience a catastrophic engine failure while in operation. Such an event could endanger my safety and the safety of others on the road. The dealership has not reproduced or confirmed additional issues related to the p1326 code, claiming they require further symptoms (e. G. , audible engine noise or a repeat warning) to proceed with deeper diagnostics. This approach delays necessary repairs and leaves unresolved safety concerns. Additionally, the vehicle’s catalytic converter was initially denied warranty coverage, despite being included under an extended recall. This created confusion and delayed essential repairs. The p1326 warning light appeared before service, and the knock sensor was replaced, but no further proactive measures were taken to address the root cause. The vehicle remains at risk of more severe engine damage and safety hazards.

My kia 2019 Soul has been giving me several problems with the engine jerking and the light coming on and then goes off and then come on I had it diagnosed several times even when I first got it and they said it was nothing wrong but I can tell it was something wrong it just like revs up or jerk or have these issues when I drive like it didn't want to pull but I kept asking and asking is something wrong with this car when I purchase it at clay cooley in irving texas they told me no they checked it out gave me a rental now I just bought that car in may of 2021 and they told me it wasn't nothing wrong the person that had it before me only had it a year and I didn't get no report on it about it but I do think it had some engine issues but they didn't give me no history of it they just say you buy it as is but I kept telling him I did not like the way the car was driving I wanted to replace it they ignored me and my calls I wanted to replace the key now I heard it is 2024 the light is still on and everywhere I went they will change my transmission in 2022 now I just got the car 2021 of me and they were saying the transmission burnt out now how can a transmission burnt out when they supposed to have checked the car when I bought it in 21 I wanted to give up this car and I wanted to replace it they never did do that. Now here it is I'm suffering with oxygen sensor and they said the Cadillac converter which wasn't the Cadillac converter cuz they said this is a new car how can it be the Cadillac converter I told him I think it was the sensor everybody saw on the cold day was not the oxygen sensor now here it is it's very bad where now I'm having issues also they was I had it checked another time where the man said I was using a lot of oil and he said the oil must be leaking and he checking it wasn't now it seems like it's leaking oil because I keep have to use six quarts of oil every 2 to 3 days I'm using oil but I don't like this car never did I ain't had it that long and I.