Other Fuel System Problems of Kia Motor Soul - part 1

I bought the car August 21st 2026 and I'm September 20th I was driving down the interstate and my car starting shaking. I found out it's the catholic converter. I read they're was a recall on the kia for that issue.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Component or system: catalytic converter (exhaust emissions system). The converter is physically restricted due to substrate damage consistent with the defect identified in NHTSA campaign 19v120 / kia recall sc176. The restriction limits engine rpm to approximately 3,000 under all conditions. The vehicle is available for inspection at any authorized kia dealership. No dtc is stored because the restriction has not yet degraded catalytic efficiency below the ecu's threshold — the catalyst is still chemically functional but physically blocked. Safety risk: the rpm limitation prevents the vehicle from accelerating past ~3,000 rpm, creating a significant hazard when merging onto highways, passing in traffic, or climbing grades with risk of fire. The recall notice identifies the risk as "abnormal engine combustion and damage to pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure," which can result in sudden engine stall while in motion. The restriction is progressive and will worsen, increasing the likelihood of complete power loss. Reproduced or confirmed by a dealer: the vehicle was inspected at an authorized kia dealer. The dealer scanned for dtcs, found none, and declined to perform the recall remedy (catalytic converter replacement) on the basis that p0420 had not been stored. The dealer confirmed catilitic converter was clogged.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Was driving car lost power of steering and brakes black smoke filled vehicle I jumped out of the car and it went up in flames . The vehicle behind me said the flames were coming out of my front engine.

Whistling noise and problem with acceleration over 35mph and drifting uphill. Although VIN number did not appear on the listed recall, the repair work recommended and partially completed by kia repair dealer points directly to the description of an oil consumption problem that includes the 2016 kia Soul. Some repairs done at kia xxx and some done at scott kia in [xxx] (where I reside). Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The engine has structural manufacturer defect causing extreme internal engine oil consumption with zero external leaks, creating a severe risk of sudden oil starvation catastrophic mechanical engine failure. The severe oil consumption problem was confirmed by a certified national corporate service center (firestone auto care). An intermittent p0420 catalytic converter warning is actively appearing on the dashboard, which is a documented consequence of internal engine oil burning. When attempting to get this mechanical defect diagnosed and repaired under the class-action parameters, manufacturer dealerships (findlay kia and jim marsh kia) declined to schedule the mandatory manufacturer diagnostic testing, preventing a known vehicle defect from being resolved.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Incident overview & vehicle record vehicle: 2016 kia Soul purchase date: June 30, 2024 (purchased from autonation plano as 2nd owner) incident date: June 19, 2025 (stalled on road at 113,000 miles) current location: group1 kia south austin (towed on July 8, 2025) diagnosis: severe internal engine failure (rod bearing defect) current status: warranty extension claim denied by dealership due to missing knock sensor detection system (ksds) software update. We are 2nd user and this defects is due to manufectuer problem not user. Kia never issued recall regarding this matter.

Engine and engine components caught fire while driving. This put my husbands life at risk and could have caused harm to other drivers if he was driving on a busier road. Car fire could have completely engulfed the car and caused harm or even death. Fire department was called to assist with extinguishing the fire and to ensure that further danger did not persist.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Vehicle is experiencing rod-knock and engine performance issues along with a p0420 code for the catalytic converter. After using a diagnostic tool to retrieve code, a recall was present for the existing code, that explained the exact symptoms my car is experiencing. I have had the car since 2021 and have not received any notification regarding a recall for the engine; it was only after I ran a diagnostic check where I found out there was a past recall for the engine and catalytic converter (sc176). I called kia customer service, and they explained that the vehicle did not receive the recall, however they could still not uphold the recall work because the vehicle is outside the warranty for the recall (vehicle odometer reads 150088), approximately 90 miles over warranty. Only indicator light that illuminated was the check engine light. The recall says the vehicle could overheat and is at risk of a fire hazard. I was not notified of any engine recall for the vehicle since I have owned the vehicle, and I am worried that my daily commuter will present a fire risk.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

The vehicle is burning oil. It creates residue in my engine which may make it dangerous to drive and ruin the catalytic converter, among other issues. I was first notified of this problem during my second oil change in 01/2026 at a kwik kar lube & tune, about 6 months after purchasing the vehicle in 06/2025. As of 05/2026, an oil warning lamp began to appear on the vehicle dashboard to notify me that the oil was low. I checked the oil stick, and there was burnt oil, albeit very little of it. I had gotten a full synthetic oil change, so it was not yet time to change my oil, but clearly this issue is causing premature oil loss.

I own a 2014 kia Soul 2. 0l gdi that consumes approximately one quart of engine oil every 1,500 miles. The engine oil became dangerously low between oil changes without any warning indicator. The vehicle has also experienced reduced engine performance, declining fuel economy, and previously displayed a p0420 catalytic converter efficiency fault code. Replacing the pcv valve did not improve the condition. An overnight piston soak temporarily reduced the oil consumption, but the problem returned, suggesting carbon-related engine deposits. Kia has acknowledged that catalytic converter damage can create a safety hazard in certain 2012–2016 kia Soul models equipped with the 1. 6l gdi engine, and the NHTSA has issued a recall thereof (see "sc176 – 2012-2016 my kia Soul engine control unit (ecu) logic upgrade safety recall campaign"). My vehicle is equipped with the 2. 0l gdi engine and exhibits similar catalyst- and oil-consumption-related symptoms, but kia declined assistance because my VIN is not included in the campaign. I am submitting this complaint because excessive oil consumption can allow engine oil to become dangerously low without warning, increasing the risk of engine damage or loss of power while driving. I request that NHTSA evaluate whether similar conditions are occurring in 2014 kia Soul 2. 0l vehicles.

Weeks before the vehicle completely shut down, my car began stalling and shutting off in traffic without warning while driving. I was usually able to turn the vehicle off and restart it, and it would come back on temporarily. At red lights and stop signs, the vehicle would power down, stall, jerk forward, and then begin moving again when I pressed the accelerator. On 05/01/2026, while stopped at a red light on my way to get gas, I noticed the vehicle vibrating unusually. I made it to the gas station, filled up, and drove away. However, as I entered a heavily traveled highway, the vehicle began shaking uncontrollably and completely shut off in traffic. I was unable to restart the vehicle and had to have it towed, and later towed again to a kia dealership/service center. The diagnostic codes identified were: * p0014:00 – exhaust camshaft position timing over-advanced/system performance (bank 1) * p0017:00 – crankshaft position/camshaft position correlation (bank 1 sensor b – exhaust) * p0303:00 – cylinder 3 misfire detected I am extremely concerned because the vehicle is only about four years old, and I purchased it a little over a year ago. I have previously taken the vehicle to kia for recalls, including recalls related to engine issues. Based on my research and the symptoms of my vehicle, I believe the recall involving the piston oil rings may be related to the camshaft and crankshaft issues now occurring. I am concerned this may represent an additional safety-related defect or recall issue that has not yet been fully recognized by kia. I am submitting this complaint to bring awareness to this issue and request that a proper investigation be conducted before more drivers experience a dangerous failure in traffic. I would also like to request direct follow-up regarding my specific vehicle and this incident. Due to the seriousness of the failure and the safety risk of the vehicle shutting down in active traffic, I believe my vehicle should be reviewed as part o.

See all problems of the 2022 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Multiple times with 6 months my check engine light comes on but no code is detected. However, when tested it tells me to look out for code p0420. The issues I have encountered: - high rpm of 2,000 when vehicle is started - check engine light with no code. Light comes and goes on it own - car jolts and vibrates high while idling - car eats oil like no tomorrow. Having to do an oil change every 3,000 miles.

I am writing to report safety concerns regarding my 2018 kia Soul plus. I have been experiencing several engine issues, including knocking noises, hesitation during acceleration, excessive oil consumption, and an active check engine light. Recently, while driving with my daughter, the vehicle began shaking and the check engine light flashed three times. Although I strictly adhere to the recommended maintenance schedule, these issues persist. My mechanic identified code p0455, but a smoke test did not reveal a leak. Additionally, despite having a full tune-up in August [2025] at 105,636 miles, I am being told I require another tune-up due to engine misfires. I am concerned about the frequency of these repairs and the overall safety of the vehicle’s engine.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

I am reporting a safety concern related to NHTSA recall 19v120 involving my kia Soul. The recall identifies a defect related to catalytic converter overheating, which can lead to engine damage, stalling, and increased risk of fire. My vehicle is currently experiencing an illuminated check engine light and unsafe driving conditions. During service evaluation at kia of columbus, I was informed that my vehicle has a catalytic converter blockage contributing to these issues. However, I was also told that my vehicle does not qualify for recall repair because no engine code was detected during diagnostics. This is concerning, as the vehicle is actively exhibiting symptoms consistent with the recall condition, including a confirmed catalytic converter issue and an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp. Despite this, I was denied full recall coverage and instead offered a goodwill repair requiring me to pay 50% of the cost. I believe this situation represents a failure to properly apply recall criteria and raises concerns regarding customer safety, as the vehicle may be at risk for engine failure or fire. I am requesting further review of this matter and investigation into the handling of this recall by the servicing dealership.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned? the engine (piston rings) and catalytic converter failed. The catalytic converter is available for inspection upon request. How was safety put at risk? the engine ran low on oil without any external leak, causing warning lights and engine rattling. Low oil pressure can lead to sudden engine seizure or fire. The failed catalytic converter can clog, causing loss of power on highways and increasing the risk of a crash. Has the problem been confirmed by a dealer or independent shop? yes. A kia dealer found the engine 2 quarts low, with no external leak, and recommended replacing the catalytic converter at a cost of over $6,000. An independent mechanic confirmed code p0420, which indicates catalytic converter failure. Has the vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer? the vehicle was inspected by an authorized kia dealer, but they did not complete the required inspection for recall sc336 (defective piston oil rings). They did add the software. Were there warning lamps or other symptoms? yes. The oil pressure warning light and other dashboard lights came on. The engine made a rattling noise. The vehicle later felt sluggish on acceleration, fuel economy dropped, and the exhaust developed a smell. The check engine light came on and later turned off, but code p0420 was stored in the system.

See all problems of the 2021 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

There was a recall-sc209a for a faulty piston ring. This vehicle “passed” prior to my purchase. I was unaware that my vehicle was part of the recall- when the VIN is entered in the ntsb website, no active recalls show. Starting in 10/24, the vehicle began having problems accelerating, and when I brought to my local mechanic it was found to be nearly empty on oil despite a recent oil change. I have since experienced continuing issues with low oil and oil consumption. The latest incident was in xxx on a trip to [xxx] . The car seized in the highway, and was brought to a local kia dealer. They diagnosed a bad transmission, and it was replaced. Despite this, the car has continued to burn oil. I have brought the car to my local kia in schaumburg where it was purchased. It was today that I found out it was part of the recall. I asked for an oil consumption test, and I was told this would be at a $200 cost to me. I am worried for my families safety taking this car on the road- the oil light doesn’t come on when it is low. Kia hasn’t offered to retest the car, and I feel at significant risk continuing to drive it. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Unknown but told by multiple mechanics that the kia Soul eats oil and the engine constantly runs dry which is pricey and unfair.

I’ve had nothing but problems with this car since about a year after getting it in 2021. Constant noises with the engine engine check light coming on all the time I would bring it in and no one would be able to figure out what was going on. And then it started to get worse and I had my catalytic converter replaced and not even a couple months later I had to have had another catalytic converter put in there’s issues with oil consumption and between oil changes, I would have to top off my oil multiple times sometimes even five and then I started getting oil changes before I even needed to get them because I was nervous and then on January 22, 2026 driving on the highway my engine started to smoke and I pulled over and took it to the nearest dealership by way of tow truck and they told me that the fuel issues had destroyed my second cylinder in my engine, and it was not repairable and then told me that I needed to replace my engine, but the engine in my car is no longer being made. I was told that my car was running lean due to the fuel injector issues.

Owner was driving home at the normal posted speed limit when the car stalled out. The check engine light was on along with the oil light, the car cranked back up in time before owner was rear ended. No accident occurred but a close call. The vehicle made it about another 1 mile before stalling again this time losing all control in steering as well and was towed home.

While driving under normal conditions, the check engine light began flashing and the vehicle suddenly lost power and entered limp mode. Acceleration was severely limited, making it difficult to maintain speed in traffic. The vehicle was later diagnosed with diagnostic trouble code p1326, which is associated with engine rod bearing failure. This caused an unexpected loss of engine power and created a safety risk while driving. The vehicle had to be taken to a dealership for inspection due to the severity of the power loss.

My 2022 kia Soul experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalling while driving, creating a high risk for a rear-end collision in traffic. An authorized kia dealership (mike miller kia) performed a major timing repair in March 2025 [xxx] ) to address these safety issues. However, the exact same failure occurred again in January 2026. The dealership now documents that the engine was 4 quarts low on oil, nearly empty, despite proper maintenance. This indicates a severe oil consumption defect that leads to timing failure and unpredictable engine stalls. I believe this vehicle poses an unreasonable safety risk due to this recurring stalling condition, which matches the defect described in NHTSA recall 25v099 (sc336), though my VIN is currently excluded. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On 12/ 22/ 2025 I went to start the 2012 kia Soul and it would act like it would start but, it would not turn over. Battery was fine checked it. Let it set a moment and tried it again would not start. Called a wrecker and towed it in. The service guy tried and couldn't get it to start either. He ran a diagnostic on it, there were not type of codes, no check engine light nothing. He had it for until 1/5/2026 and when they went to check it it started right up. They drove it for 20 miles to check to see if it would cut off while driving, it didn't. It starts now but for how long. Here's the strange thing, I drove it 20 minutes away and I noticed that the counter for when you fill up with gas states how many miles you have left to go before fill up was counting up not down. So I think it could be the computer or electrical, I thought it was the fuel pump at first. Still no warning signals nothing.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

My car has been acting up almost every winter. Bought brand new and within two years would not start. Triple a had to get it started. Next winter it shook and the check engine light came on. There was a misfire. I called kia of queensbury and they just told me to keep the gas cap off for a bit and than drive it after putting it back on. I believe the fuel injectors were a problem at that point because at times when starting it would shake and it would lag in power. The check engine light did go off but it kept lagging and I had to put fuel in it more often. They did not diagnose it. The next winter it shook and felt like it was going to shut down. I took it in for diagnosis while it was under warranty. They denied anything was wrong. This winter it did it again. It shook and the check engine light came on. Even though I told kia service in queensbury NY that a computer said there was a misfire in cylinder 4 they insisted that if the check engine light was not flashing I could drive it. They wanted me to wait almost two weeks to get it diagnosed. Had I driven it as they stated I could have ruined the engine, it could have caused a fire or for me to have an accident. I called back told them it was shaking and dangerous to drive. They allowed me to take it in earlier. I had it towed in. Now that it is out of warranty and 64000 miles they admitted the fuel injectors had to be replaced and the spark plugs. Because of the issues I had experienced from the beginning, I believe the fuel injectors had been faulty for a long time and could have been a serious risk for myself and other drivers. It was dangerous. The fuel injectors and spark plugs have since been replaced out of pocket. I asked for the fuel injectors and spark plugs that were taken out of my vehicle to be given to me, but the service department did not comply with my request.

Put gas in it and out the blue would go pass 30 rpm we never had any issues with it I work on cars for a living I have spend over 3000 in new parts now I got it tow to firestone they telling me it’s something wrong with my engine cylinder two and four not getting any power they told me it was bad bargin or piston I don’t know how it happens because we kept the car up to maintenance.

I have a kia Soul 2022 and I have been having a lot of different problems with my vehicle that are a serious safety hazard for my family and myself. I was trying to pass 18 wheeler truck one night and I saw white and black smoke coming out from the back of my kia Soul. I was trying to pass a 18 wheeler on the interstate and my car shut its self all the way off. I freaked out and lucky there was no one on the right side when this happened I veered off to the right of the interstate and checked everything but I could smell something was burning. I sat on side of interstate I waited about 45 minutes and tried to crank it and it cranked so I was able to get to our location and I had a mechanic look at it he said it was the pistons and burning my oil. I took it back to get the guy look at it where I got the oil changed and he had to put more oil and an oil filter in it again. . I then went back home several days later I took the car back out and it started smoking and jerking on the road. The smoking is getting worse now. I know kia had a recall on the cars, but for some reason my VIN wasn’t included my car is doing the same as what the other ones are doing and to be honest I feel like all kia spul 2022 should be in recall this is very dangerous and I am still having to pay on ours and I am scared to drive it. There is a lot more to my story, but I don’t want to get banned. I just want my car to be included in the recall and all the others that are still having this problem. This is a dangerous defect and it should be fixed my car is my source of income and now have no clue what I will do when it catches on fire. Just today it smoked four times after going back to get more oil last night, because it was completely out of oil and I bought 2 quarts of oil just to get to the oil change place. Be careful and call corporate they should be under recall and corporate should be nicer to their customers and we shouldn’t have to pay for everything this recall is causing.

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

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

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

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

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

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

I was traveling on Saturday at about 40 miles an hour down the road car just all of a sudden lost power and started smoking. No engine light or anything else came out to indicate a problem. Got it too a repair shop waiting to hear Monday exactly all the damage but they did say it had no oil in the car. It’s only been 2 1/2 months since an oil change checked that last month had plenty of oil could this be related to the 2021 to 2023 engine oil burning and kia. I have been towed on the last three or four oil changes that it was almost a half a quart low each time.

Gas tank mounting are rusting and are not the correctly plated.

See all problems of the 2010 Kia Motor Soul 🔎.

Second engine installed in the car ceases to fire. Condition does not change with new sensors for camshaft nor crankshaft. Engine turns freely cranks but will not restart. Unreliable driving conditions. Mathew’s kia wants $1400 upfront to start exam in blind faith to see if a properly serviced car has a common warranty claim.

In June 2024, my 2014 kia Soul (VIN: [xxx] ) experienced a sudden engine failure without warning. I was driving on a busy road when the engine began sputtering and quickly stalled. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed. I had it inspected at a kia dealership, who diagnosed the issue as complete engine failure but have not provided me with a full diagnostic report despite multiple requests. This type of failure is consistent with the known defects in the theta ii engine that have triggered recalls and extended warranties in similar kia models. Although kia has denied coverage for my vehicle, I believe this is a related safety issue. The vehicle stalled unexpectedly, creating a hazardous condition on the road. I was traveling with my toddler in the back seat and felt our safety was at risk. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this failure is not an isolated incident and should be investigated. Kia has refused to acknowledge a defect, but the symptoms match those in previous recalls for other Soul and forte models with similar engines. I have also attached documentation showing service history and repair costs, and I am happy to make the vehicle available for inspection. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving my 2016 kia Soul plus on the highway, smoke began coming from the rear of the vehicle. Within seconds, flames were visible. Other drivers flagged me down, and I was able to pull over. I evacuated three dogs from the car, but the vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames and was a total loss. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire. There were no warning lights or unusual performance issues immediately before the fire started. The vehicle had not been modified and was in regular use. This incident posed a severe risk to my safety, the safety of my pets, and others on the road. My VIN currently shows no active recalls, but kia has issued recalls for engine and electrical fire risks in other Soul models. The fire appears related to engine, electrical, or fuel system malfunction. I strongly believe this defect should be investigated for inclusion in kia’s fire-related recalls.