10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 17
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,875 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #32

May 022019

Soul

  • 178,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The vehicle was included in the NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate over 35 mph. The vehicle stalled and the contact was able to coast to the side of the road, however there was black smoke detected coming from under the hood which led inside the vehicle. The manufacturer towed the vehicle to casa Kia 1374 george dieter dr, el paso, tx 79936 (915) 856-2982 where the contact was not made aware of the results from the diagnostic test. The contact was also informed that the results was sent directly to the manufacturer and the repairs were denied. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

- Ewing, IL, USA

problem #31

Apr 032019

Soul

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. Consumer stated on or about March 29, a tapping noise was noticed coming from the engine, we had the oil changed on April 2nd and the noise was reduced. On April 3rd whiled driving to work the vehicle began to smoke and the fire department was called. The contact stated that a rod fractured causing a hole in the oil pan which resulted in a catastrophic engine fire. The vehicle was unable to be driven. A fire inspection report was provided. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the dealer gossett Kia, 1900 covington pike, memphis, tn 38128, 901-388-8989, was notified of the failure to but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #30

Mar 152018

Soul

  • 104,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 35 mph, an abnormal noise was heard as the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated he heard a loud boom noise and the vehicle ceased in the middle of the road. The contact stated he saw oil leaking under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with needing an engine replacement. The manufacturer was informed of failure and informed the contact that no recall was associated with VIN. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. The contact stated on April 26, 2019 he received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The contact called the manufacturer, were he was notified the vehicle would be towed to local dealer demontrond Kia (14101 North fwy, houston, tx 77090, (281) 607-1973) where it was diagnosed that the damage on the engine was not associated to NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired and was still at the dealer. The failure mileage was 104,000.

- Spring, TX, USA

problem #29

Feb 192019

Soul

  • 124,131 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact's engine seized while exiting a fuel station. The contact pulled the vehicle over and attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. The contact had to leave the vehicle at the scene and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to southwest Kia of austin (13175 us-183 N, austin, tx 78750, (512) 583-1900) where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were in the engine and sensors. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,131.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #28

Apr 282019

Soul

  • 144,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. While driving 55 mph, the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and smelled a strong fuel odor. The contact had the vehicle towed to beaverton Kia (12520 sw canyon rd, beaverton, or 97005 (503) 526-2131) where it was diagnosed that the engine had a fractured valve in the number 3 cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer quoted $6,000 to replace the engine. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was still at the dealer and had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 144,000.

- Fairview, OR, USA

problem #27

Apr 242019

Soul

  • miles
On Apr. 4th, 2019 my car had broke down. After getting a diagnostic the mechanic had advised me that there is a hole in my engine that seems to have been caused from overheating. A week later on April 12, 2019 Kia recall notices on my vehicle. The letter, which I received on April 24, 2019, stated that my vehicle is having a safety recall as there have been reports that it is had the abnormal engine combustion. I immediately called Kia and they towed my car to the nearest Kia dealership. Two days later I will save a call from todd, the mechanic at Kia, who stated my repair has been denied to contact Consumer Affairs. I spoke with them numerous times and was told that my repair was denied because I have no warranty on my engine. From my understanding, a warranty is not needed on a safety recall and that I am responsible to pay for the repairs which they said they can do it for $4100. This is absurd. I have been so inconvenienced and mistreated, engines exploding is not a minor problem with a car and I would like for them to provide me a proper solution. To me it seems as though the repairs are an out of pocket cost meaning no one at the company will get paid to repair it and they are giving me the short end of the stick. The recall letter indicated if I have been affected by this de the recall letter indicated if I have been affected by this defect they will replace the engine St no cost to me, but then ask me to pay $4100. Please help me. Attached I have attached the picture of the my engine clearly shown with a hole in it which is not something that often happens to vehicles. I want my recall letter honored asap.

- N Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #26

Apr 042019

Soul

  • 113,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The contact took the vehicle to jim marsh Kia (8555 w centennial pkwy, las vegas, nv 89149, 866-521-6618), but they denied the repair. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that the engine was out of warranty and they quoted a repair cost of $4,100 with a discount. The vehicle was currently at the dealer. The dealer asked the contact to have the vehicle towed from their facility at her expense. The failure mileage was 113,000.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #25

Apr 042019

Soul

  • 110,000 miles
Hello, I had received a recall notice on Apr. 24th, 2019 in regards to my vehicle. It indicated that they are having safety recall on the engine which is causing abnormal engine combustion. On Apr. 4th, 2019 my car broke down on the freeway. When I had got it diagnosed the repair man showed me a picture of a hole in my motor due to overheating. On Apr. 24th, 2019 I called Kia and they had my car towed to my local Kia dealership. 2 days later I receive a call from the dealership stating my repair has been denied due to my car being out of warranty. Never on my letter did it indicate my car needed a warranty nor did they mention that it was needed when they towed my car to the dealership. I am extremely upset, not only is my problems not being addressed but nor has my safety. I should be treated with car considering my engine busted and I had a great chance of my car catching on fire. Not only that but how am I supposed to replace an engine if all of the engines are having abnormal combustion? this is so disappointing and I will take legal matters if not addressed. They are now stating I have to pay to get my car towed back to my apartment and I am furious. Please help me. I can be reached at [xxx] or by calling [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- N. Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #24

Jan 012019

Soul

  • 134,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. While driving 65 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and an abnormal noise was heard. The contact continued driving to his house. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the engine was replaced, but the engine warning indicator was still illuminated. Abeloff Nissan (located at 3259 pa-611, bartonsville, pa 1832, (877) 608-0091) and the manufacturer were notified of failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

- Effort, PA, USA

problem #23

Apr 102019

Soul

  • 134,000 miles
First 2 times car didn't start on initial try, car started, tach dial wasn't functioning and car didn't want to go more than 25 mph. Car taken to Kia where they said car was fine but needed fuel inhectors cleaned and a serpentine belt. 2 weeks later car stalls at stop light, tach dial not functioning and car doesn't want to accelerate past 25 mph. Called Kia they were closing and would call back, never did. 1 week later at stop light again and car stalls, restart, tach dial not functioning, car doesn't want to accelerate again. Taken to Kia where scanner was put on and stated all was fine, even though the tach still was not functioning. Shut car off and restarted and all was fine.....

- Amityville, NY, USA

problem #22

Dec 012018

Soul

  • 1,000,480 miles
Car was great until it reached the 100000 mile mark. Then it loses all power and dies while going 65 to 70 mph on freeway! it is going to get me killed! when happens, the RPM gauge quickly plummets to zero and remains there at zero after I get it restarted. After it sits for about 15 minutes it starts fine with the RPM gauge giving an actual reading. This is happening about 3 times in a 25 mile span!

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #21

Feb 082018

Soul

  • 192,000 miles
Was driving on highway. Was exiting on off ramp car lost exceleration car blew out smoke and stalled coasted off exit. Would not run after that. It clicked like it wanted to start. Found huge hole blown in my engine block

- Forked River, NJ, USA

problem #20

Mar 082019

Soul

  • 207,465 miles
My 2012 Kia Soul (base) with the 1.6L gdi recently had a problem on I-80 traveling between des moines, ia and denver, co. (there had been no prior symptoms) after reaching around 65 mph, the engine began misfiring emmiting obd error code 0336 indication a bad crankshaft position sensor. I stopped at the nearest autozone, bought a appropriate replacement, and installed the part in the parking lot. Upon ignition, the car immidiately began misfiring and died. On the second attempt, the car started and misfired; but it sent the same 0336 code then the tachometer died. Although the techometer died, the engine continued to idle (and run) without further misfires. Upon seeing this, I figured it was the cam shaft position sensors (as the symptoms are very similiar). I found, and replaced both engine mounted cam shaft position sensors, but no new symptoms untill I test drove the vehicle. During the test drive, the vehicle emmited 3 obd codes, and didnt start misfiring until the tachometer went over 3500 RPM. By then, I was doing a highway test on I-80 outside Lincoln, ne, and the car just died at around 55-65 mph. It emmited code 0336 for a bad crankshaft position sensor, 0565 for cruise control on signal malfunction (I have the base model, so there is no cruise control), and 0517 for battery temperature circuit malfunction. I managed to get the vehicle off the interstate, and back home where the problem changed again. Now it misfires untill the tachometer hits 3500, then the tachometer dies and the vehicle appear to run normal (dispite the reoccuring odb2 codes 0366, 0517, and 0565) it appears the engine heated up enough to burn out a brand new crankshaft position sensor, and cause problems with the battery. (and possibly the ECU as it now reports my non-existant cruise control is malfunctioning)

- Laurens, IA, USA

problem #19

Feb 012019

Soul

  • 169,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. While driving various speeds, thee contact heard abnormal noises coming from the vehicle and all the warning indicators illuminated. Kia of duluth (1701 w Michigan St, duluth, mn 55806, (866) 722-4542) diagnosed that the pistons needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 169,000.

- Akeley, MN, USA

problem #18

Oct 152018

Soul

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking noise coming from the engine. The contact was informed that oil needed to be added between oil change intervals. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the number one piston rod bearing damaged the crankshaft. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Mike kelly Kia (located at 254 pittsburgh rd suite a, butler, pa 16002, (724) 287-2701) stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Emlenton, PA, USA

problem #17

Feb 202019

Soul

  • 10,567 miles
My car gets very hot for no reason. The dashboard, radio, by my gearstick to name a few places. I seen the recall for the Souls catching on fire and read that the exhaust gas can cause problems to the catalytic converter which I had to replace last April only a month after buying my car. I believe my car should be included in the recall and am trying to figure out the steps to take to try an get it added.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #16

Jun 052018

Soul

  • 70 miles
Spark plugs are burning out for no reason. I have had several tune ups. Because the spark plugs are doing this. What is the problem.?

- Clarkston, GA, USA

problem #15

Sep 102018

Soul

  • 96,500 miles
Vehicle has 96000 miles. While driving on highway began to hear rattling and pinging. Attempted to make it to rest area to pull over and inspect. Heard loud bang and engine stalled. Coasted into rest area. Inspection revealed oil leaking from hole blown in lower engine block.

- Stirling, NJ, USA

problem #14

Jul 162018

Soul

  • 63,000 miles
I first noticed a grinding noise while backing out from a parking space. I thought perhaps a recent brake job needed some tweaking or maybe had a defective part installed. I dropped it at the dealership to get checked out on Tuesday morning. When they finally looked at it on Thursday they told me I needed a new engine due to "crank bearing failure" and "ring failure." My engine only had 63000 miles on it and all they could do was shrug and offer a used engine at the same cost as the current vehicle value.

- Middleton, WI, USA

problem #13

Jun 012017

Soul 4-cyl

  • 74,751 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. While driving various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the steering column and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to West palm beach Kia (735 S military trail, West palm beach, fl), but was not diagnosed or repaired since there were no recalls attributed to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified, confirmed that there were no recalls, and documented the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 74,751.

- Royal Palm Beach, FL, USA

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