10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 46
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
81,365 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #183

Sep 162018

Soul

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced oil consumption without warning. The vehicle was taken to russ darrow Kia of madison located at (6525 odana rd, madison, wi 53719, where the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling) however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Middleton, WI, USA

problem #182

Feb 202020

Soul

  • 107,000 miles
I went to accelerate after a stop and the car started to go when all of the sudden there was a total loss of power and the entire car shut down. There was no indication that anything was wrong.there were no indication warning lights to indicate a problem. Only when the car stalled did they all flash. I pulled to the shoulder and restarted the car. It made a horrible clattering noise and had very little power. I utilized the manual shifting feature and that helped reduce the noise, but it would get louder as the engine rpms increased. The dealership said there was no oil in the motor, yet it was checked prior to driving and there was oil on the dip stick. The car has about 107,000 miles and needs a total engine replacement. Only after the incident occurred did we see this is a known problem with this make and model of car.

- St. Peters, MO, USA

problem #181

Mar 052020

Soul

  • 85,000 miles
After multiple attempts at the shop, the Kia has been burning oil. There is no smoke or leaks. A compression test was not done at the original inspection of the car, and there is no oil in the car after about 500 miles. This engine has been burning oil since 85000 miles and there is "nothing" that Kia can do for our issue. Thus, in line with other complaints about this issue there should be something done for the engine replacement. This is a known issue for the other engines, but the 2.0L engine is not under recall....yet. This is a very serious issue and a general consumer should not have to monitor oil consumption of an engine at 60-80K miles. There is something wrong with the engines and it could be a real concern for safety.

- Acworth, GA, USA

problem #180

Oct 232019

Soul

  • 114,141 miles
The vehicle shut off while I was driving, I had to push it off the road, the problem is a fuel leak, other Kia Souls are currently on recall for the same reason but this plus model isn't so it's sitting in my drive way while I pay over $400 a month for the vehicle ! recall this dangerous vehicle ! this is a defect in the Kia/Hyundai engines

- Church Hill, TN, USA

problem #179

Feb 292020

Soul

  • 87,000 miles
My daughter was driving her 2014 Kia Soul and suddenly it decelerated without warning. It also started making a clanking noise so she parked it immediately. No engine or warning lights, just running badly. We had it towed to a repair shop and was informed that the noise was piston rattling around and that the motor was pretty much shot. This made no sense as we have always kept up with oil changes and it only has around 87,000 miles on it. We sought a solution with Kia and was told because she was a second owner that the warranty was no good after 60,000 miles. Of course there is no recall for her 2.0 L motor. I am shocked that so many people have had similar complaints and yet Kia gets away with no responsibility. We are looking at $ 8,000 for another motor or buying a new car. Neither is a viable option, this car was supposed to last longer than this. Something isn't right

- Crawfordville, FL, USA

problem #178

Jan 142020

Soul

  • 80,000 miles
My car while driving on 65 hospital curve - louisville ky- dangerous spot- the car slowed right down and a loud knocking noise came from under the hood - engine - I was forced to pull off next exit and park. I had changed my oil 5-6 weeks prior. I contacted Kia customer service they said there was nothing they could do. After leaving a bad review - they offered to diagnose it - but wouldn't pay for it to be fixed - it only has just over 80K on it and I have only driven 27 K in 2-3 yrs

- Shelbyville, KY, USA

problem #177

Jan 262020

Soul

  • 91,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 mph the vehicle suddenly failed to accelerate before stalling. The dealer diagnosed a faulty engine needing replacement. There were no consequences. The contact indicated that while driving the vehicle suddenly would not accelerate before stalling. After stalling the check engine light illuminated and was flashing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer courtesy Kia of brandon (9205 E. adamo dr. Tampa fl) where it was diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact indicated that the catalytic converter and oil pan was previously replaced but approximately 1,000 miles later the failure occurred. The failure mileage was 91,000.

- Riverview, FL, USA

problem #176

Feb 222020

Soul

  • 126,587 miles
While driving at speed limit, 75mph, the car starting losing power and started to shake, then it sped up again and leveled out. Once I reached the nearest gas station, in park, it was shaking and rattling. I was able to get the car to my mechanic and upon his inspection, found a hole in the piston. I contacted the local Kia dealership and was told they could replace the engine for $9000. I had informed that there may be a recall, so I asked the dealership and was told no. They did not ask for a VIN or anything.

- Jacksonville, TX, USA

problem #175

Feb 212020

Soul

  • 21,000 miles
Vehicle stall on the highway, it was later determined that the engine blew a piston. This all happened on this vehicle at 21,000 miles. Leaving my young daughter stranded on the highway alone at night. After further investigation found out there has been recalls on this make and model for catalytic converters overheating and causing piston problems in the engine. After reading many complaints online for the very same reason more models of Kia should be recalled

- Evergreen Park, IL, USA

problem #174

Feb 202020

Soul

  • 100,000 miles
Engine burning oil. No signs of leakage or "blue smoke". usually have to put in between 3 and 5 quarts of oil between oil changes. Kia won't fix the problem, even though there have been many other complaints about this issue. I bought the car used, didn't know it had an issue. Oil got dangerously low within 30 days of owning the car. That's when I found out it was burning oil. It has 11,0000 miles on it as of this compliant. Issues started for me at around 100,000 miles. When I took the car into the Kia dealer, they said that the previous owner had brought it in to have an oil consumption test done. Kia dealer said engine needs to be replaced.

- Springville, UT, USA

problem #173

Feb 012020

Soul

  • 111,000 miles
Thursday I had a check engine light come on and called Kia service and they said as long as engine light is not flashing I will be ok to drive it so they scheduled my appt. For the following Monday. Saturday I was driving 45mph on a busy road and my car starting making ticking noise & lost power and steering. I smelled a chemical smell similar to gasoline. I had my oil changed every 3000 miles for the life of this car. Connecting rod cap to piston rod came out of my engine. My Kia is @ dealership waiting for Consumer Affairs process. Dist.mgr has already declined repair. Now waiting for escalation dept to contact me. Its now been 19 days. My Kia is a 2014 with the 2.0 engine. My son has a photo of the cap sticking out of the engine.(I will try to upload once I get it.) why does the recall for the engine not pertain to all engines when the same problems are happening" and why has Kia not sent everyone letters notifying of the recall especially when a crash or engine fire is possible? is this safe and acceptable when human life is at risk? or do we wait for the first person to die"

- Terrebonne, OR, USA

problem #172

Feb 152020

Soul

  • miles
Regarding NHTSA campaign #19V120000, I reported to Kia that my vehicle is excessively burning oil, they've advised me my VIN doesn't apply to this particular recall. In between oil changes I'm adding 5qts of oil because the oil is just mia. There's no leakage and no smoke from the vehicle. Although I'm losing oil there is no warning light to advise of any issue. I can generally detect I'm low on oil when vehicle is sluggish on an incline, upon checking the dip stick has no oil. As a precautionary measure I'm requesting that my VIN number be added to the current recall. Last oil change was 01/03/2020; I just purchased a 5 quart container 02/15/2020 and had to add 2 quarts. My daily driving consists of about 16 miles a day; drive my daughter to school and myself to work, local. Too many complaints pertain to this very issue, how much longer please?

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #171

Feb 052020

Soul

  • 103,000 miles
Took my car in to have oil changed before it was even due and it didn't even register in the oil dipstick. They changed oil I checked it about 2 weeks later and it was half full, later the next day I checked it and said it was low. I have no oil leaks, so itnis brining oil for no reason. Taking to mechanic this week

- Yukon, OK, USA

problem #170

Feb 072020

Soul

  • 113,000 miles
While driving on the interstate at highway speed. Approx 70-75 mph. The engine made a rattling noise and suddenly lost power. Was able to coast to side of interstate and get off the road. Car was towed and checked by mechanic. Complete engine failure and rod thrown through bottom of engine. Car was well maintained with regular oil changes. No warning lights ever came on. Car to this point was always very reliable and never had any issues.

- Clay City, KY, USA

problem #169

Jan 102020

Soul

  • 69,079 miles
Driving the vehicle on the highway at 65 mph, there was a loud bang in the engine compartment followed by a loss of power. As the vehicle slowed, the check engine light illuminated, followed by the oil light illuminating. Brought the vehicle to a stop on the shoulder and smoke filled the vehicle. Flames coming from the engine compartment were extinguished with a fire extinguisher. There was a trail of oil behind the car with some pooling underneath. The vehicle was towed to our local dealership for examination: "found broken rod punched hole in block causing oil leak. Oil got on exhaust causing fire. Need to replace lockblock and several other components that caught fire or damaged." Repair estimate with used engine ~$8000. I declined repairs at this time based on research of this problem. This vehicle has the 2.0L engine and thus was not covered under recall #19V-120.

- Springfield, MO, USA

problem #168

Jan 032020

Soul

  • 66,000 miles
I heard a knocking noise in my engine (66K). I had just changed the oil 4 months ago and was due for an 'oil change 'so calmly I went to check my engine and I was met with an unwelcome surprise, my engine was abnormally low on oil. I never had any inclination oil was leaving as I had no trace of leaks and my oil light never came on initially I thought maybe I could just put some more oil and take it to get the oil changed and the issue would be over. I was told by Firestone, I should take to the dealer to get checked since it might still be under warranty. I did drive the car home and then to the dealer because I now had fresh oil and should be able to have the issue remedied. It took the dealer over a week to hear back from the tech line, with me calling constantly to get an update. Only to be told there is nothing covered because I have fresh oil in my engine. It would cost me $5,600 to replace the engine.I was left with no recourse, since I cannot trade, but to have the engine replaced at my own expense. I started to do research and learned the class action lawsuit for the gdi motors failing due to faulty rods. I discovered, my rods were shot and eventually as I was driving to the mechanic to have the new engine installed, something seemed to have shot through my oil pan causing a hole in oil and total engine failure, on the highway. At this point, I had to call a tow truck and endured safety hazards on the highway. I initially saw no point in having towed to the shop for almost 30 miles because that was the best deal, I could find to install the engine I bought. I also found out I had to have my clutch replaced. This whole scenario caused me a great deal of stress, worry, and financial trouble. I ended up paying close to $2,800 to have a used gdi engine installed.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #167

Jan 172020

Soul

  • 94,000 miles
Car was brought in for SC176 (recall to fix issues with catalytic converter causing fires). Car was fine when I brought it in. No errors, etc. One day after recall was performed, mil light came on. Brought car back to same dealer. Dealer said the catalytic converter needs to be replaced, which is the entire purpose of the recall, but was no longer eligible for this service. The software update that was applied caused the car to detect the catalytic converter is indeed bad, but now that the dealer has "completed" the recall, they have washed their hands of the safety issue. They have eroded any trust of bringing a car in for a safety recall in the future. I was instructed to call corporate, which has been deliberately unhelpful and seems as if they are trying to avoid the problem. The dealer also said I am not the first customer to have the exact same experience with this recall.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #166

Jan 262019

Soul

  • 145,000 miles
My car started burning oil so fast I had to get a oil change in just 2 weeks after getting one. There was no oil leak, and the car did not overheat. There was no exhaust smoke. If there was it was barely noticeable. A mechanic determined one of the pistons was damaged and could lead to damage to my engine block. I called a Kia dealership to see about recalls on my vehicle and they said all of mine were up to date I did more digging and found a recal (number (19V120000) and it matched perfectly with what my mechanic said was happening to my car. They went by my VIN number and said there were no recalls on my car. My car will not keep oil for very long. A regular 7,000 mile oil change only lasts 2 weeks. I use full synthetic high mileage penzoil.

- Richmond, TX, USA

problem #165

May 242019

Soul

  • 104,000 miles
In may of 2019, my car experienced engine knocking. We brought it in to get an oil change, the knocking stopped and one day a couple of weeks later while driving down the highway at 60 mph, the engine threw a rod. After having it towed back to our house, the tow guy told us the engine was completely out of oil. That would have been impossible seeing as we had just gotten an oil change. We were moving the following week and had the car towed to our new house an hour away where my Kia Soul has been sitting for the past 8 months. After doing some research and fighting with Kia consumers, Kia is refusing to replace my engine that they failed to include in the 2018-19 recall on engines that were failing due to this exact problem. I purchased this car used in 2016 and still owe just over $10,000. The quotes I've gotten from mechanics around me have been close to $8,000 for a used engine and installment. I'm unable and refuse to purchase a new engine for a car that isn't worth more than $5,000 and I'm at a loss as to what to do. I cannot trade it in due to me being so upside down on my loan, I'd really rather not voluntarily repo it and I want to demand Kia fix the problem they failed to fix a year ago.

- Winooski, VT, USA

problem #164

Jan 232020

Soul

  • 92,679 miles
Recall campaign 19V120000 for overheating catalytic converters was performed by chantilly ourisman Kia in March of 2019. I believe that the catalytic converter was not properly inspected and should have been replaced during recall repairs. My vehicle is now disabled with a bad catalytic converter as of January 23, 2020. How can I find out if the recall repair was properly done?

- Rixeyville, VA, USA

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