10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 51
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 1
Average Mileage:
74,840 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #395

Apr 172022

Soul

  • miles
Been leaking oil and the engine shutting down and not starting after this. I get my oil chaged every 3,000 miles and I have to keep a check on the oil and add oil every couple weeks due to the oil leak. I noticed that others owners have had this problem with the same make and model of there Kia Souls and had to have there engie replaced.

- Lancaster, OH, USA

problem #394

Mar 312022

Soul 4-cyl

  • 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) at the dealer; however, the failure recurred with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed back to the dealer and diagnosed with cylinder #1 misfire and a compression level of 150. The dealer performed a fuel treatment and informed the contact that the spark plugs and engine needed to be replaced; however, the engine replacement was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was taken into the dealer for a recall on the converter. The recall was not covered under warranty due to the vehicle being over 150k mileage.

- San Jacinto, CA, USA

problem #393

Apr 012021

Soul

  • 96,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming oil at an excessive rate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on multiple occasions, however, the failure persisted. The contact also stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire. The contact then received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the dealer informed her that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Roslindale, MA, USA

problem #392

Dec 162021

Soul

  • miles
March of 2021 I started to experience slow take off speeds also the car was riding a little rougher than usual when accelerating with engine light on. I took it to the Kia dealership when they advised me that my catalytic converter went out and had messed up entire exhaust system which they ended replacing which cost me $1800. September I noticed car was ONCE again riding rough with the engine light randomly coming on and going off, I figured maybe I needed an oil change because I was close to the mileage listed. THey advised me that my oil was really low and I should keep an eye on it. November I was trying to accelerate and the car was hesitant at this time my engine light was on while experiencing the issue. Took it back to the dealership they told me my catalytic converter was dirty and they cleaned it out which should fix the issue and my cars oil was once agin dangerously low, which they topped off because it wasn't time for an oil change. Mid december I went back to the dealership because my car was not accelerating properly and engine light was back on. They told me I had NO oil in my car at all, and my engine was not processing oil correctly, I would eventually need a new engine but as long as I kept oil in my vehicle it would operate correctly. While leaving the dealership it seemed to accelerate slightly better than before. I was able to hit 50 mph without an issue while riding in the middle lane my car started to quickly decelerate while my foot was on the gas pedal, I had to immediately move to the shoulder in the middle of traffic I almost was hit seeing that I was decelerating at such a fast pace.My engine light was on and solid when this happened I was able to merge to the shoulder without being hit or hitting someone.Turned the car off and started it back up attempted to get home car will not go past 25 mph. Car is currently not able to be driven safely

- Redford, MI, USA

problem #391

Mar 222022

Soul

  • miles
Complete engine failure at 120,000 miles. Engine will need replaced. Old engine will be sent back for core charge. The car went in for repairs at a local car repair shop. Kia dealership has done all the recalls on vehicle. No warning lights or noise prior to failure. Getting on the interstate and the vehicle started misfiring. Car went into limp mode and had to take the next exit to get to a safe spot to pull over. Got towed to local repair shop. They pulled the heads off and found gray gritty material sitting on the cylinders. There was also metal dust in oil.

- Williamsport, MD, USA

problem #390

Mar 182022

Soul

  • miles
A loud bang was heard while driving approx. 35 MPH on a clear day. The vehicle lost all power, smoke started coming from the hood area and the cabin began to fill with smoke. Driver pulled over, opened the hood and discovered the entire engine compartment in was engulfed in flames. Passersby tried to extinguish the flame with fire extinguishers, but it kept reigniting. The fire department arrived and put out the flames. This could have been life threatening if the driver did not get out of the vehicle. Amica Insurance's claims processors and an independent forensic investigator engaged by Amica Insurance have concluded the engine fire was the result of catastrophic engine failure. The forensic investigator noticed an outward bump in the oil pan and indicated this was likely the result of a separation of crankshaft and or piston rod elements. The investigator indicated he sees about 10 of these engine fires each month. Kia's special unit that addresses their engine fire problem has been notified and are dragging their feet. We have not heard anything from them after filing a claim on or about 3/22/2022. There were no warning signs prior to this catastrophic failure event. Gauges and warning systems were all normal. The engine and the engine compartment are a complete loss. Other damage occurred as the fire department worked to extinguish the fire. The forensic investigator and Amica's claims processor have declared the car a total loss.

- Temecila, CA, USA

problem #389

Mar 262022

Soul

  • miles
I had my car -??recall-?? checked out at a dealership. They preformed a software update but I have had problems ever since. I-??ve replace the catalytic converter twice. Had to replace spark plugs after the dealership blew them all and only decided to fix one. I-??ve had engine misfires and burning smells and have had those issues fixed multiple times. The car is not safe to drive. They won-??t do anything because there-??s no active recalls, but I am having these issues continuously. The engines either going to blow up or stall and someone including me is going to get hurt. Kia needs to be help responsible for this. I-??ve had regular maintenance and oil changes my entire time owning the car. I shouldn-??t be having to replace coil packs, ignition coils, spark plugs and catalytic converters every 4 months. My car is also burning oil like no other.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

problem #388

Mar 162022

Soul

  • 96,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph when the vehicle's engine was making a grinding sound then it started making a winding noise as if it was revving up. The contact stated they noticed that something had dropped from underneath the hood of the vehicle. Smoke began to come from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. The fire department arrived however the contact was unsure if a report was made. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who had not officially diagnosed the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was open regarding the matter. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #387

Mar 012022

Soul

  • miles
I recently had the engine related "recalls" done to my 2014 kia Soul car. The dealership made no mention of my bad engine noises on the service invoice or when he called me to come pick up the car that had "passed" the engine test and the ecu update. My faint engine noise is escalating greatly following the recall completion. After speaking a second time with the service advisor at Kia, he did admit the noise was present and said it was not my fault but, no coverage was available for me. My car was already over the extended warrantee mileage cap back when I received the initial recall notice so it seems I was always to be out of any engine repair coverage by Kia. I have a nice car in which I have overspent effort and money maintaining the engine better than the manufactures recommendations and it is basically junk now due to the engine prematurely breaking down. It sits in the street and I am without my car and I am far from alone as a Kia Soul owner. A car that is worth many thousands of dollars to me running is now worth only about $200. to the junk man. You can't find a good, affordable car to replace it with today. My question is: Why would the 2.0 Kia Soul owners not have the same, unlimited mileage warrantee on their engines which the other Kia and Hyundia owner's engines have received for these defective engines? I think it is criminal, literally stealing money from people by selling a defective item and not compensating the owners for that defect. this action also forces the customer to spend more money on another vehicle, way before the time it should be necessary to do so. I could have easily put 50-75K more miles on this Kia Soul car if it were not for the bad engine.

- Hackettstown, NJ, USA

problem #386

Mar 042022

Soul

  • 126,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle then emitted smoke from the front-end and rear-end of the vehicle began to smoke. The vehicle then shut completely off. The contact had the vehicle towed. The dealer diagnosed that a rod edge shot through the engine causing the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Vin is invalid.

- Burbank, CA, USA

problem #385

Mar 012022

Soul

  • miles
Check engine light came on trouble code P050A

- Gaylord, MI, USA

problem #384

Feb 182022

Soul

  • miles
I am unaware of what is able to be inspected of the vehicle at this time due to the amount of damage. My own and other drivers-?? safety was at risk when my car began smoking and eventually caught fire. Nothing has been reproduced, inspected, or confirmed by any manufacturer, dealer, or independent contractor. I had my car in park for 2 hours before I began my trip. When I started the car up in the parking lot, the engine ran for about 10 minutes before I left. Within 2 miles of driving, the check engine light came on and the engine started smoking. I pulled the car over as soon as I could do so safely, put the car in park, turned off the ignition, and evacuated the vehicle. Soon after, the car ignited into flames under the hood and I called 911. The fire department extinguished the fire and reported to me that it was an electrical fire.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

problem #383

Jan 172022

Soul

  • miles
I have notice that there is a burn smell or melting smell coming in my vent. Has happened several times it-??s been a month so I reported to Kia dealership. They tested and said there is nothing wrong. It-??s been two weeks since they did the test. The car is acting weird and not wanted to speed and it-??s shaking. I-??m aware of other problems to other Kia-??s but my car is presenting same issues. No lights has pop indicating there is something wrong. I need help with my car or this will be a bigger law suit for the Kia manufacture. You don-??t want to put peoples life in danger.

- Phx, AZ, USA

problem #382

Dec 302021

Soul

  • miles
Unknown

- Jackson , MS, USA

problem #381

Jan 292022

Soul

  • miles
Driving car at normal speed suddenly car would not accelerate. had severe loss of bower with no warning. engine stalled and would not start. towed to mechanic and was told engine needed to be replaced.

- Dryden, NY, USA

problem #380

Apr 042021

Soul

  • 67,500 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the oil pressure warning light would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 67,500.

- Owings Mills, MD, USA

problem #379

Jan 282022

Soul

  • miles
I noticed my 2014 kia soul 2.0 not taking off when accelerating and hearing a high pitched screeching sound coming from the engine almost like metal was rubbing against metal. My vehicle also has been burning a lot of oilsince I purchased it in 2018 (1 quart every 2 weeks). I have taken my vehicle into kia for 2 other recalls and mention the oil burning and was told it was normal. On January 20th, 2022, I took my vehicle to the Kia dealership because of the acceleration issue and was told it may need an engine replacement but now I'm being told the engine doesn't need replacing but it needs a catalytic converter and that this may be a result of the car leaking oil into the catalytic converter causing it to become completely clogged. This will definitely be considered a safety issue because this could cause a fire or make the vehicle stall therefore causing an accident. The engine and catalytic converter for 2014 soul+ 2.0 needs to be recalled.

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

problem #378

Apr 012019

Soul

  • 82,558 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The contact's mother took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall remedy completed. The contact stated in November 2021, while driving approximately 40 MPH, while depressing on the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to park on the side of the road and was able to continue driving shortly after however, the vehicle failed to accelerate over 20 MPH. The contact stated she had to stop four times before arriving at her residence. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear catalytic converter replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated after leaving the dealer, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to two separate independent mechanics and was informed that the original main catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the original main catalytic converter replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,558.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #377

Nov 152021

Soul

  • miles
Lack of power and would not go above 60 on highway. KIA of Des Moines says oil consumption and oil everywhere and that Catalytic converter clogged which made the piston rings blow out.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #376

Nov 172020

Soul

  • miles
While driving at 15-20 mph, the engine started knocking loudly, smoked a little and died. There were NO warning lights or messages. There were NO previous symptoms, the car had been running fine and the oil and water had been checked 3 days prior. My car had never leaked or burned oil. I was able to restart it, the knocking was very loud. I was a couple miles from home so I slowly drove it home stopping 3-4 times to allow it to cool. At home I checked the oil and all had drained out except what was still dripping out underneath. A mechanic friend added oil and started it, it still knocked loudly and he thought a rod and/or rod bearing were bad. I parked it not knowing what to do yet. A little over 2 months later I was notified of recall 20V750, SC200. This was during covid. Between end of Jan 2021 (when notified) and Nov 2021, I had been quarantined 4 times and had lost my job so I couldn't afford to tow to the dealer. When I did, Nov 22,21 the dealer would not honor the recall because an update on the KSDS on the ECU was not done. The recall letter said they would do the update and repairs. I researched all letters from Kia to their dealers, other owners and NHTSA. THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS or conditions regarding this. ALL information states the update will be done with recall repairs, there is no time limit given (other than an offer to recieve a free Visa with update that expired 11-15-21), and suggests to do it asap. Even letters to dealer had 2 Q&A letters, each had a question if there were any restrictions on owners, the answer is no on both letters. There are NO restrictions regarding the updated ECU, the warrenty, or condition of the car. Kia DOES give the dealers instructions for cars that are towed in, if stored, if they start, if they crank. Each of these INCLUDE updating the KSDS, again making the excuse I was given false. There was NO reason the update could not be done and my car repaired PER KIA'S instructions to dealers and recall owners.

- Desoto, IL, USA

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