10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 17
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
81,705 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #98

Nov 082020

Soul

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was stopped at an intersection, the vehicle began to make an abnormal ticking sound without warning. As the contact's daughter attempted to accelerate, the vehicle stalled also without warning. Upon restart of the engine, the contact's daughter was alerted by a fellow motorist that her vehicle had caught on fire(fire origin unknown). The contact's daughter immediately exited the vehicle and called for assistance. The fire department arrived at the scene and the fire was extinguished. The contact's mother believed that a fire report was filed but was not certain; no injuries were suffered due to the fire. Due to the fire, the vehicle was destroyed at the scene and towed to an independent tow yard. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that she was never notified of the recall prior to the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #97

Oct 082018

Soul

  • 10,000 miles
My Kia Soul 2012 has been having problem a with over the limit oil consumption that started in 2015. In the owners manual and in crown Kia where I bought the car said that I can change oil on every 5000 miles. Over time it started burning more and more oil that it was needed to add and change oil every 1000 miles. Reputable mechanic in the area told me Kia Soul have that defect of burning excessive oil and it was due to defected valve guides and piston rings.

- Largo, FL, USA

problem #96

Sep 162020

Soul

  • miles
While driving car is randomly stalling. Visited several service include Kia service as well nobody knows whats wrong. It's dangerous to drive when during driving the car just stalls all of the sudden.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #95

Jun 272013

Soul

  • 58,000 miles
On or about June 27, 2013, I had about 58,000 miles on my vehicle and while on the freeway I noticed a slight hesitation and then a light knocking in the engine. Engine light came on, so I had the code read and it idicated that the knock sensor was bad. I had it replaced and still had the knocking niose and engine light on. Had the code read again and it idicated that it was the knock sensor, so I replaced it again. Engine light went out but the knocking continued for several months. Then it started stalling at stops, also engine was running odd and not having power. Engine light came back on and this time the code indicated that it was the crank sensor. I replaced it and the odd running stopped. The engine still stalls on occasion it stalls even while driving. I've had both recalls completed on my vehicle, and was told by: Arapahoe Kia, (9701 E arapahoe rd, centennial, co 80112) after the catalitic converter recall was completed, that I should get the engine flushed and if it still continued, I had to have engine replaced at my cost. To say the least, that after 241,436 miles, it is still knocking, using oil. I think the catalitic converter had something to do with this issue, but you know how dealerships treat customers, like they don't know anything. I'm a mechical engineer inspector, so good luck with your Kia Souls, I think there should be a recall on all 1.6L engines.

- Strasburg, CO, USA

problem #94

Jul 222020

Soul

  • 77,398 miles
7/22/20 - car driven to Firestone store #005738, newport, ky to purchase 2 new tires and an engine courtesy check was performed - Firestone id #7046930 - no engine lights, no safety warnings, mileage 77,071 miles on car. 7/27/20 - the car stopped running while being driven - car was towed to Firestone, mason, oh. 7/29/20 - they examined the car, mileage 77,398. The engine had a rod blow through the oil pan causing all of the oil to drain from the car. They also ran a diagnositc on the car and the mechanic got a reading of codes: P0300 - random multiple pistons mis fire, P0303 - cylander #3 mis firing. This is similar to a current recall on 2012-2016 Kia Souls - recall #19V120000. [vehicles equipped with 1.6lgasoline direct injection (gdi) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage calytic converter possibly resutling in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.] per Kia, consequences of this possible converter failure can cause the rod to puncture the engine and cause the oil to drain out. We checked with the recall site to verify if the vehicle VIN# was listed for the recall. The Kia dealership has stated that the vehicle did not qualify becuase the P0420 code did not display. They did not visually inspect the catalytic converter or could not run a heat test on the engine since the vehicle would not run. We are requesting that this vehicle be considered part of the recall becuase what happend to our vehicle is the same as what happens to vehicles involved in the recall.

- Painesville, OH, USA

problem #93

Aug 062020

Soul

  • miles
I discovered this recall (SC176) (19V120) online and was never contacted by the manufacture. The engine through a piston rod just as the recall states that could happen and it did. We regularly changed the oil and Kia is not going to honor this recall.

- Tryon, NC, USA

problem #92

Jul 252020

Soul

  • 117,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the contact's residence. The contact also stated that while driving on a curve and when making turns and going over speed bumps, the steering wheel made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

- Canovanas, PR, USA

problem #91

Jul 202020

Soul

  • miles
Burning oil, mechanic did another engine flush to clean buildup, after I picked up the car, check engine light came on and now it's the catalytic converter, mechanic stated it needs to be replaced. I continued to have problems with burning oil with this engine and now the cat needs replacing, this is a very expensive repair, I love my Soul but this engine has been nothing but trouble

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #90

Jul 152020

Soul

  • 73,000 miles
Blue smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe when car is in use.

- Doylestown, PA, USA

problem #89

May 182020

Soul 4-cyl

  • 133,000 miles
When you go to turn on the car it stalls as if the starter does not work after 2 tries it turns on only the rpms does not move and the car shakes very violently so I stop turn the car off and then on and no problem only when at a light or stopped in drive-thru the car will turn off no power you turn it on again and everything is good for a little while then it does the same over and over again. The check engine light goes on and off when I took the car to the Kia dealership in pueblo they said it was an old code not to worry yet the car gives me trouble still and makes a weird clicking noise when I turn off

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #88

Jun 062020

Soul 4-cyl

  • 13,000 miles
Engine failure had tp replace the engine last year. Now again having engine problems. Car stalls when turned on. When sitting at a stop light it sputters when you step on gas it back fires.

- Jacksonville, NC, USA

problem #87

Jun 172020

Soul

  • 109,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving a knocking noise occurred coming from the engine as well as smoke was seen coming from under the hood. The engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she was closed to the dealer and coasted into spritzer Kia cleveland (3414 brookpark rd, cleveland, oh 44134) where the vehicle was diagnosed that a rod went through the side of the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referred the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling), however her VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #86

Jun 152020

Soul 4-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
I have been having my car stall at stoplight since the middle of May. I complained on here because there are no recalls on my car but on the same make and model some in the same year as mine does have recalls. Then it started to stall while driving. Then I took video on my phone of having to restart it and the rpms did not work at all. I took the advice from one of the phone numbers on here and they told me to take it to a Kia dealer.the Kia dealer said there is nothing wrong and no codes, and no lights on the dash. Today it died 3 times the third time was turning left onto a 55 mph road. Thank god the driver coming saw me and my hazards. Yesterday I had a friend drive it and it did the same thing died at lights and while driving at 40 mph. Today I called the Kia number and she said to keep taking it in to the dealer but I cannot afford a 90$ service charge every time. I know others were recalled. So I will keep complaining until my car gets on that list or I end up in an accident and have to get a lawyer.

- Umatilla, FL, USA

problem #85

May 252020

Soul 4-cyl

  • 119,000 miles
I was driving my car on the freeway, I got off on my exit. When I came up to the red light my car stalled and shut off. I turned my car back on and it wouldn't start so I tried again and it turned on but had a ticking sound. I got home and checked my oil and my oil was completely gone. I didn't have any oil light or engine light on. I took my car in and there is a recall SC176. Kia said my engine wasn't affected due to the recall. They said they don't know the cause of the problem and would have to tear the engine apart. They recommended I replace with a engine long block and it wouldn't be covered under the recall. Everything described in the recall is exactly what happened when I was driving. Im very lucky I wasn't on the freeway when this occurred because I had my 3 young children in the car with me.

- Hillsboro, OR, USA

problem #84

Jun 052020

Soul 4-cyl

  • 150,214 miles
About 2 weeks ago my car died at a stoplight for the first time. All along there is no indicator lights. Then died while driving 3 days later at 35 mph. I went to an auto zone to get a check on its computer but they wouldn't do anything due to the corona virus. Drove it a few days, it died again at the stoplight. It began to do this every few days.no indication when it would shut off and no indicator lights. I called to see if there was a recall and there wasn't, I also checked online.when it died I would have to wait just off the road or at busy intersections for a few minutes and keep trying. Then after a few times I started noticing it would die at the intersection and then my RPM indicator would not work then the car would shut off while I was driving, I would fight with it to start or it would start normally and everything worked for a while again. I called the dealer made an appointment, they said nothing was wrong but one mechanic asked what year that there was a recall on other vehicles..today June 5th when I was stuck at an intersection I used my phone to record that it started after a few minutes and then when I drove it I had to floor the gas and the RPM indicator wasn't working at all. Then I was driving finally got it to speed and it died in the road at 55 while driving luckily I coasted off the road.after a minute I taped where I was, how the car was pulled off crooked and then it started normally, no indicator lights, RPM worked and I got home. The car dealer said he probably knew what it was due to the other recalls but it would be expensive. I cannot afford a repair don't want to die either. If other cars were recalled mine needs to be. It's only a matter of time before I am in an accident because my car just dies whenever it wants to. I do not know how to upload off my phone but will gladly have someone do it soon to report it again.

- Umatilla, FL, USA

problem #83

Jan 282020

Soul 4-cyl

  • 220,000 miles
In early 2016, my vehicle began burning oil at an alarming rate. November the same year I ended up having to get my engine replaced at about 120,000 miles. In 2019, the same issue began to occur. I have to put oil in my car multiple times every week. A family member who works for Kia brought our attention to a recall on the catalytic converter that can cause converter and engine damage due to overheating. On Jan 28 2020 I took the Kia Soul to stevens Kia in harrisonburg va for the recall. We explained the issues we were having and pulled up the information about the recall possibly causing engine damage. They said they were unaware of that issue and that they don't believe it would cause the engine to burn off oil. Kia's information specifically says that it can cause the vehicle to overheat, burn off oil, and ultimately lead to engine failure. I still have to add oil to my vehicle multiple times during the week as it is damaged and hasn't been repaired. It is getting to the point where I'm scared it's going to leave me stranded somewhere or worse. I need to know what I have to do for Kia to address the situation without contradicting their own information on the recall.

- Mount Jackson, VA, USA

problem #82

May 262020

Soul

  • 132,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, the vehicle stalled with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off of the roadway and the turned the vehicle off. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

- Washington, MI, USA

problem #81

Apr 082020

Soul

  • 136,341 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to a connecting rod failure. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to williams Kia of elmira located at (951 county rd 64, elmira, NY 64903), and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,341.

- Lawrenceville, PA, USA

problem #80

Mar 212020

Soul

  • 128,000 miles
Vehicle was driven for aprox. 45 min at freeway speeds of 70 mph upon exiting the free way the vehicle stalled. There was no accident and I was able to coast the vehicle to a parking lot, at that time the 2012 Kia Soul would not start. A few hours later I was able to start the vehicle, there was a very bad banging sound from the engine, I was able to drive it a short distance to the auto parts store to test the check engine light. There was a code for P0420 "catalyst system efficiency below threshold". I was told not to drive the vehicle any further. I had the vehicle towed to a Kia service (where it currently is). They are claiming that it does not fall within the recall for NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 - Kia recall # SC176 this recall seems to be the same issue.

- White Lake, MI, USA

problem #79

Mar 082020

Soul

  • 127,100 miles
My 15 yr old son (permitted driver), my husband, and I were driving when the car started to jerk, and then stalled completely in the middle of traffic! luckily nobody was hurt, and we were able to get it towed to a Kia service center. I have an open recall SC176. The diagnosis from Kia fell under all of the criteria & symptoms with the recall. They first diagnosed it as a timing valve, sent a quote ordered parts, then called 2 hours before I am supposed to pick it up, and said my engine now needs replaced. It won't be warranted under the recall because a "code" did not appear. Mind you they found all of this out after they did the ECU upgrade with the recall. I know nothing about a code, but first it was misdiagnosed, then now I need a new engine, and the recall is still open for my VIN. No engine compression test was done, and it took me calling Kia headquarters for them to own a tech line case. I was told by headquarters they can only request info via email, then get a voicemail saying that they "called" them, and they said they cannot get the code. Not buying it, and this was a safety occurrence that happened with my son driving. Waiting on the diagnosis now from Kia after the 4th request to them.

- Milford, IN, USA

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