10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 4 / 54
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 9 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 59,533 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
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« Read the previous 20 complaints
My 2015 Kia Soul is now sitting at a shop, due to the fact that without any warning as I was traveling down the highway it decided to slow down and shake then stall managed to get it started and get off the highway to a store, checked the oil there wasn't any in the engine even though 2 days before I had just had it changed. That was on August 7 2019 after doing some research it seems that Kia has let alot of people down by selling defective cars and for me I am still stuck with payments with no way to even save for a replacement engine as I have been told it needs. I hope that they come to their sense and do the right thing.
- Hereford, TX, USA
My Kia is burning alot of oil !! always smells like its burning even after oil changes and oil filters and my dip stick is burnt I have had to put oil in and no sooner its brown but not leaking on the ground but the exhaust pipe is coated
- Johnstown, PA, USA
During the time of purchase, around November of 2018, for the vehicle at a Kia dealership, I informed the seller to check for any recalls that will need to be addressed before purchase. However, the seller mentioned to be that recalls were checked, and I didn't bother to get a written statement from the seller because I guess I was too anxious to drive the car. I was informed via outside sources and google of a recall for this vehicle, relating to the catalyst system. Having no check engine light and in may of 2019, I decided to take my vehicle to the Kia dealer to have the recall addressed (see invoice statement attached). The dealer completed the recall and returned my vehicle to me. I drove the vehicle for many miles as an uber driver partner, after the completed recall. In October of 2019, the vehicle's check engine light illuminated while driving. I immediately took it to an auto parts store to scan the code. The scan data displayed the code P0420, catalyst system operating below minimum threshold bank 1. the current milage is 93, 700, and is running fine. I am concerned about the code in proportion to the recall that is in bulletin. I don't want to take it to the dealer without first checking my options with the NHTSA. Please advise, I appreciate your business. Thank you.
- Winston-Salem, NC, USA
Regarding our recent complaint number: 11251884. (engine blew up.) recall 19V120000 describes the same symptoms we experienced, along with the same year and engine, but our VIN was not included. Please include our VIN in the recall and compel Kia to make us whole for this endangerment. Defect description: Kia motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L gasoline direct injection (gdi) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure. Influencedby: Engine | engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:catalytic convertor recallnumber: 19V120000 our complaint follows. Recall's "abnormal engine combustion" is better description than mechanic's "vvt" given white smoke and lack of oil pressure drop precursor typical for vvt problem. "purchased used with approx 30K mi from Kia dealer. Had oil changed approx every 4K mi. Had oil changed at 131,157 mi on 5/9/2019. On 6/28/2019, was driving on interstate and engine started making terrible noise with severe syncopated vibrations and saw some smoke/steam coming from right (passenger) side of hood/engine. Pulled over at immediately available off ramp. Mileage was 135,191. Mechanic said engine needed to be replaced and problem was likely caused by some aspect of the variable valve timing not actuating in order to properly tension the timing chain. Towed vehicle to Kia dealership and they confirmed engine needed to be replaced. We drove the car regularly for 100,000 mi with no mechanical problems at all, maintained it faithfully, and it failed instantaneously. That indicates a design flaw. If I had been traveling in traffic, the sudden loss of power could have been injurious or fatal."
- Durham, NC, USA
I was driving home and car was making a noise.sounded like a truck.I check the oil and it was very low and dark.it had recently got an oil change.I put in 3 quarts and then it was at the right level.it stopped making the noise.but I smell gas from the tailpipe.this was before it sounded like a truck.I stepped on thee gas and the car barely moves.then the check engine light showed up it was misfire codes multiple cylinder.I hear a loud hissing sound like a turbo or some sort of exhaust leak.bad mileage burns a quart of oil every two days.the transmission does not shift too and it misfires
- Tujunga, CA, USA
Was driving car has been running fine, all servicing was done to it at the Kia dealership in murphy nc, has only 70,000 miles on it, has 1.6 liter engine, it just lost all power loud banging noise like a blown road or piston, also no oil
- Brasstown, NC, USA
Without any warning, no warning lights etc. Our 2015 Kia Soul engine started shaking violently while we were driving. We accelerated up a hill and it just started shaking loudly. We towed it to the dealership over a month ago. They said it looked like it ran out of oil and that we needed a new engine. This makes no sense to us because we love that car, it is our only mode of transportation and we take very good care of it and keep up with maintenance. It has 114,000 miles on it and we have never had a problem. The dealership still has our car for over a month saying they are waiting on a back ordered gasket. I just find it odd that a well maintained vehicle just suddenly loses oil and the engine breaks. The incident happened on a paved county road within city limits, speed was 45 mph
- Farmington, NM, USA
Stopped to get food and oil light began flickering when we were parked, we checked the oil and it had plenty. Driving to the highway the oil light didn't flicker. Got onto highway and we were going about 65 mph the engine suddenly started making a loud banging noise. A few minutes after the check engine light and the oil light came on. I slowed down to pull off the freeway to figure out what was happening. My husband asked me what the car was doing, and I told him I don't know. He told me to go to the next exit to get to a safer area. I was really scared, panicked and shaking because I didn't know what was going to happen. We luckily were able to get to a safer area; we parked the car and opened the hood and it was still making a loud banging sound in the engine. During everything I was able to plug my cellphone into the usb port to use the uvo app for my vehicle. I received two codes on possible condition with the engine control system. We contacted Kia for towing and turned the car off. When the tow truck driver arrived, he started the car to drive it onto the tow truck and it sounded the same. We had the car towed to our local Kia dealership in oakwood, ga. Because we know it should be under warranty. We were asked to provide them with oil change receipts and a few days later we were told we would have to pay to open the engine. If there was no sludge in the engine, then they would pay to open the engine and replace the engine. It has now been over 30 days since we towed it there and we haven't heard anything further. This car is a 2015 Kia Soul 2.0L with only 65939 miles. After, I researched this issue extensively it's very concerning, and I don't understand why Kia refuses to recall or handle this model and engine. Furthermore, their response regarding this matter has not been a good-faith effort nor a genuine approach to take care of their customers concerns.
- Gainesville, GA, USA
2015 Kia Soul burning oil, no oil light comes on, vehicle has shut engine off 2 different times while I was driving it. I took to dealership they said they were having trouble with the piston rings failing and oil burning. Did oil consumption test after driving for 900 miles the the dip stick did not register any oil on it. I bought this as a pre owned certified vehicle with about 600 miles on it when I purchased it. The warranty company that warrants Kia pre owned vehicles is refusing to cover the the claim. The oil burning problem started around 56,000 miles. The car stopped running while I was driving on two different occasions.
- Fairview, NC, USA
No warning. No check engine light. Vehicle lost power. Dealer reported plugged exhaust. Occured while driving from home to get on highway. I am the original car owner. Unsupported in efforts to get warrantied. The 1.6 vs 2.0 liter was recalled. Clearly a issue....
- Warwick, RI, USA
With approximately 78,200 miles on the engine I was out and about running normal errands when it completely stalled out on me. Didn't take a jump so had it towed to my mechanic. Following morning it's started on its own but the damage could be heard. No previous noises coming from the engine, oil changes up to date and relatively on time. Out of warranty (2nd owner); excluded from recall even though problem is the exact same as what was listed. Kia only offered $1000 off repairs
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
The contact's daughter owns a 2015 Kia Soul. While driving 70 mph, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact also noticed smoke under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was safely guided off the roadway. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed several oil leaks underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the connecting rod fractured and punctured the engine block. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was not notified of the failure. An attempt was made to contact the manufacturer, but the contact was unsuccessful. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
- Edinburg, PA, USA
December 2018 engine light come on 99,000 miles have engine light check code P0420 week later light off.had a oil change done 103,37 two week later add 3 qt of oil.every time I do a oil change week or two add 3 qt of oil.took it to Kia in Feb they say I need a new cat converters.month later I get a recall on this car.I have my oil change recipe
- Sanford, FL, USA
Oil leak that resulted in engine knocking noise
- Severna Park, MD, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. While driving various speeds, the contact noticed the vehicle was not operating normally. The contact checked the oil and noticed that she was missing two quarts after the vehicle just had an oil change. The following day, while driving 50 mph, the engine began to stall without warning. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and had it towed to her home. The contact's husband removed and replaced the battery, while attempting to restart the vehicle, it began to smoke. The vehicle was towed to napleton river oaks Kia (1951 river oaks dr, calumet city, il 60409, 708-888-1069) where the contact was informed that they would perform a diagnostic test on the vehicle. The contact was then informed that the engine was locked and a repair estimate was provided. The contact reached out to the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not under warranty and that there were no recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,323.
- Calumet City, IL, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The vehicle lost motive power while driving the contact was stranded the vehicle had to be towed; damage to the engine while driving at approximately 65 mph, without warning the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
- Palatine, IL, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The vehicle stalled while driving with accelerator depressed the contact was stranded until the vehicle was towed the contact believes the engine was damaged due to knocking sound the contact stated that while driving at approximate 50 mph, while attempting to pass another vehicle, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a safe location. The contact was able to then restart the vehicle after a jump start however, there was an abnormal knocking in the engine. Additionally, the vehicle was only able to be operated at a reduced speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to safford Kia of fredericksburg located at 5204 jefferson davis hwy, fredericksburg, va 22408, (540)891-7400. The contact was informed that the engine experienced a failure due to the camshaft bearing wear. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure, case number: 13339709. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000.
- Lorton, VA, USA
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to overheat and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact pulled over and shut off the vehicle to allow it to cool off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to courtesy Kia of brandon (9205 E adamo dr, tampa, fl 33619, 813-579-5942) where it was diagnosed and repaired. The repair specifics were unknown. The contact paid out of pocket for the repairs. Soon after the repairs were performed, the failure continued on multiple occasions. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer approximately four times for various engine defects. Recently, while driving 65 mph, the contact heard noises coming from the engine and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. Moments later, the contact heard a loud boom coming from the engine and the vehicle began to stall. The contact pulled off to the shoulder and took the vehicle back to the same dealer. The contact associated the failures with NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
- Valrico, FL, USA
Takata recall the vehicle will be stationary and mobile while stationary the vehicle will inch forward then jerk forward and while I'm going slow is will keep jerking forward. It happens on any road whether it be the highway or a town street. After I get gas and try to turn the car back on it won't start but the car will turn on and when that happens all the warning lights turn on until I turn the
- Anamosa, IA, USA
- Greenwood, IN, USA