10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 54
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 0
Average Mileage:
59,533 miles

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problem #569

Oct 152024

Soul

  • miles
Incredibly high oil consumption. Spending so much money on keeping oil in it.

- San Diego , CA, USA

problem #568

Dec 232024

Soul

  • 144,000 miles
Description of Incident: The engine has experienced a failure that causes oil to blow back from the engine, covering components both under and outside of the engine cover. This has resulted in oil accumulating on the exhaust and other hot components, creating a significant fire hazard. Safety Risks: This malfunction poses a serious risk to my safety and the safety of others, as the oil leakage could lead to a fire while driving. Additionally, the vehicle stalls at various speeds, which increases the risk of accidents or harm to other drivers and pedestrians. There is also a strong smell of oil inside the car, potentially indicating harmful fumes entering the cabin. Inspection Availability: The component/system causing the issue is available for inspection upon request. Reproduction and Confirmation of the Problem: The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by two SAE-certified mechanics. Inspection by Others: The vehicle has been inspected by two SAE-certified mechanics but not yet by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning Signs Prior to Failure: Warning signs included consistently losing oil even after a fresh oil change, smoke from under the hood, a strong oil smell inside the cabin, and the car stalling during operation. These symptoms have been ongoing and progressively worsening, with the vehicle now stalling more frequently.

- Bay, AR, USA

problem #567

Nov 022024

Soul

  • miles
I was driving about 50mph when my car suddenly stopped accelerating. I rolled down the hill a little before I hit the brake and put the car in park right in the middle of the street in traffic

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #566

Dec 052024

Soul

  • miles
The engine system in my 2025 Kia Soul malfunctioned, as indicated by the activation of the P1326 warning light. This diagnostic code typically signals serious engine issues, such as potential rod-bearing damage. Despite this warning, the authorized dealership, Jim Bone Kia of Santa Rosa, only replaced the knock sensor after I asked to conduct a Bearing Clearance Test (BCT), which they claimed passed. However, prior inspections had revealed metal debris in the oil, which strongly suggests internal engine damage. The failure to conduct a thorough investigation into the potential engine damage poses a significant safety risk, as the vehicle could experience a catastrophic engine failure while in operation. Such an event could endanger my safety and the safety of others on the road. The dealership has not reproduced or confirmed additional issues related to the P1326 code, claiming they require further symptoms (e.g., audible engine noise or a repeat warning) to proceed with deeper diagnostics. This approach delays necessary repairs and leaves unresolved safety concerns. Additionally, the vehicle-??s catalytic converter was initially denied warranty coverage, despite being included under an extended recall. This created confusion and delayed essential repairs. The P1326 warning light appeared before service, and the knock sensor was replaced, but no further proactive measures were taken to address the root cause. The vehicle remains at risk of more severe engine damage and safety hazards.

- Santa Rosa, CA, USA

problem #565

Nov 282024

Soul

  • miles
We bought Kia Soul in July of '23 from a dealership. We had no knowledge of a recall on this vehicle from the dealer. Although it was sold to us, and assumed it was in good working order. In December of 2023, the engine/electrical system had an issue. The car was smoking, the battery was changed and it seemed to be mostly solved, although here was smoke coming from the oil area. At no point were we told that there was a recall on this vehicle or sent communications saying so. This was fixed at an independent garage - not Kia, and again we had no idea that there was a recall on this vehicles engine. We received a "Important safety recall" notification around Nov. 1st, 2024 about a problem that needed attention. Using the QR at the bottom to try to schedule the recall, there was not availability at our local dealership until late January to have this remedied. On Nov. 28, 2024, the car started having issues again. The oil light flickered on late on Nov. 27th and then by the 28th the car was unusable/undrivable and we had to have the car towed to the dealership. It was then we realized this may have to do with the recall notification that we received. We told the dealership this so they could see if this issue is part of the recall. The dealership AND Kia Customer Service then told us that the engine issues are not covered under the "extended warranty" because the recall work had not been preformed. I have to stress again A) no availability to do the recall, and B) We're the second owners of this car and were JUST made aware of the issues. The dealership we bought it from did not make us aware of a recall, nor did the places we've had it serviced for problems last year and when getting oil changes. This is UNACCEPTABLE. The repair cost is not covered, and we were told that the engine will cost $8000 to replace. The recall notice specifically says "Kia will Inspect, test, and if necessary repair or replace the engine." Kia should be responsible for this.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #564

Oct 212024

Soul

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

- Randallstown, MD, USA

problem #563

Oct 252024

Soul

  • miles
purchased vehicle on 10/12/2024 was driving it home the car started knocking, and loosing acceleration on freeway. the car was smelling of very volatile gas fumes. i put some gas in car for the trip home. drove about 15-18 miles had to pullover into the v shape of the merging section of a on ramp, . could not make it to the emergency lane on the freeway. used family members road side assistance to get car home, took it to the kia dealer (car pros moreno valley) towed to them because they said had to get a appt, . which they set up for today 10/25/2024. the intake person was letting us know it was just a update as if the fuel leak and oil leak was not a part of the recall and it would cost us 9000-13,000 to fix the engine plus the diagnosis of $240 getting the run around already for a dangerous situation. the car has caught fire for other owners, of the same year and make. the customer care person stated to me it is just a oil pan leak, as if the car is safe and anything else is our problem. the car reeks of fumes and could not be safe to drive. they were questioning us about the recall as to why it was not done" we told him we were not the owners we dont know if they got the notices" no, unknown only owned the car 0n 10/12/24 for 30 minutes before this started warning lights appeared on dash after knocking and acceleration went out. car was towed and left at kia dealer today. he was talking to us as if it was our fault the car was dangerous and could blow up while driving!!!

- Perris, CA, USA

problem #562

Mar 012023

Soul

  • miles
Earlier last year, we had suddenly had an issue with the Kia Soul. We received a check engine light and noticed a loud clicking noise as the vehicle began accelerating and noticed the vehicle had difficulty accelrating. We left the vehicle parked and then attempted to change the battery and oil to see if either were a contributing factor. When we noticed no improvement upon turning on the car, we took the vehicle to a licensed dealership: Arapahoe Kia to check the vehicle to diagnose the issue and help determine if this was covered under warranty. On our drive (which was about 2 miles from where we had left the car, the engine seized so we had the vehicle towed there. Once we got the diag back, they told us the code but wanted service records to honor the warranty from all oil changes in all states for the past 5 years or pay full cost of vehicle. No mention was made of the prior repaired recalls or determination if the cause could have been because of the unprepared recall that clearly states the syptoms and result being the exact problem we experienced. A few months later when we received notification from a different licensed dealer we had the unrepaired recall (in automated texts and emails), we called back Arapahoe Kia who still had the car, and they again stated service records would be needed to honor the NHTSA recall and also admitted they didn-??t attempt to identify if the engine issue we had was caused by the unrepaired recall, as they only looked at the code and visual inspection of oil sludge, and treated it like a warranty claim to deny and did not validate the recall as the cause. But they still have refused to actually inspect the recall concern to determine if the engine trouble was caused by it and repair it as obligated if it was. Instead they keep asking us to pay for the full engine without validating root cause under the NHTSA recall.

- Englewood, CO, USA

problem #561

Sep 302024

Soul

  • miles
The car has consistently burned oil, and I-??ve had several engine-related repairs: 09/2022: Camshaft replaced. The check engine light came on again, but I was told the camshaft was fine and that the car just needed an oil change. 04/2023: Check engine light came on, AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 06/2023: Check engine light on again, AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 09/2023: Check engine light on again AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 06/2024: Check engine light came on AutoZone diagnostic code P0014. 07/2024: check engine light on-taken to Firestone Auto for an oil change 07/2024: check engine light on- car to Christian Brothers Automotive, where the camshaft and timing chain belt were replaced. Documented a knocking sound in the vehicle. 09/30/2024: Vehicle shook violently on the highway, sputtering as if the engine would fail. Check engine light came on after car began to shake. 10/2024: We Care Auto diagnosed the car. I was told the engine needs replacement due to misfires, low compression, and no oil in cylinders 2 and 3. Safford Kia Brown of Manassas recommended replacing the ignition coil, spark plugs, and conducting a fuel induction service, diagnostic, and synthetic oil change. Given the car-??s engine history, I don-??t believe this will resolve the root problem, and it-??s likely the car will need more repairs soon. Driving under these conditions compromises my safety and the safety of others, increasing the likelihood of a life-threatening situation. Per Motor and Wheel and Fast Company, the December 2020 recall addressed engine issues and fire risks in Kia Souls from 2014-2016. Owners reported hearing knocking noises before their engines failed or caught fire while driving. Some saw smoke before safely stopping, highlighting the dangers of unnoticed warnings. CarMax's warranty acknowledges the issue and is willing to authorize repairs, so I would like to know why Kia will not honor this as well. I ask Kia to reconsider and investigate further.

- Manassas, VA, USA

problem #560

Jun 012024

Soul

  • miles
the vehicle would not accelerate. I was doing about 40 on the highway when I got off. The vehicle at no time was hot or had any leaks; it was checked by me as well as a man at the gas station. I proceed home as I approach my place; about 3 minutes in, I parked, then the vehicle started knocking, the engine light came on, and all the engine oil spilled. I took a picture of the oil leak on that day on or about 6/2. Kia's engines for Souls 2015-2016 have had engine recalls. My safety was at risk. Kia had the vehicle in April, and an inspection by their mechanics failed to note engine issues.

- Scottsdale , AZ, USA

problem #559

May 062024

Soul

  • miles
I own a 2015 Kia Soul affected by recall SC200, which addresses engine compartment fires due to oil/fuel leaks and potential engine damage. My vehicle experienced engine halts at high speeds, and Peak Kia in Littleton, CO, discovered a leaking valve cover gasket and PCV valve. Despite these issues being relevant to the recall, Kia and the dealership refuse comprehensive testing or repairs under the recall. The dealership initially suggested engine replacement but later claimed only a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update and lockup test were required. They refuse to conduct oil analysis, leak-down tests, or endoscopic inspections to rule out systemic issues or internal engine damage. The vehicle has been with the dealership for five weeks. Kia's customer service, including a case manager named Courtney, promised to review the case but failed to follow up. The District Parts & Services manager, Jacob, instructed the dealership to close my request without further testing and refuses to open a validation case or respond to emails. Kia Customer Support has promised callbacks for three weeks but has not returned them. The dealership is attempting to charge for an inspection fee and repeat systemic repairs despite these being likely covered under the recall. They have not addressed relevant Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) ENG222 and FUE053, which provide guidance for diagnosing and repairing oil consumption and leak issues. I believe Kia and the dealership are not complying with the full scope of the SC200 recall, which mandates comprehensive inspections and repairs for any oil leaks. They are using circular logic to avoid performing necessary tests and repairs, potentially putting my safety at risk and leaving me vulnerable to future engine failure. I request NHTSA's intervention to ensure Kia and the dealership comply with the recall requirements, perform all necessary testing and repairs, and address the potential systemic issues with my vehicle's engine.

- Littleton, CO, USA

problem #558

Apr 052021

Soul

  • miles
Excessive engine oil usage.

- Stuart, VA, USA

problem #557

Jan 042021

Soul

  • miles
I-??ve taken my Kia to the Kia Dealership and still haven-??t received a fix for the engine recall that came out in 2021z

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #556

Jul 312021

Soul

  • miles
My engine blew, was never notified of a recall to get that fixed things the big Kia lawsuit no one has helped me I-??ve been reaching out for years. Took them a year to fix my Cadillac converter I-??ve been without my car for years and it-??s paid off and no one will help me Kia is supposed to fix it for free

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #555

Jun 162024

Soul

  • miles
It started in September 2022 when my Kia soul started spuddering and slowing down quickly while driving on the interstate. Drove it on limp to the closest mechanic shop. They recommended a complete engine replacement, which would cost more than the vehicle was worth. Had it towed to a Kia dealership for their diagnosis. They came back and said it was a clogged catalytic converter. Replacing it fixed the car. Now to June 2024 and car slowed down drastically while on the highway, with my wife and newborn child in the car. I had it towed to Kia again and they diagnosed it as a total engine failure with a clogged catalytic converter again (catalytic converter only lasted 1.5 years!). Again, the replacement cost is more than the value of the car. I think they knew of the issue in 2022 or failed to diagnose the actual problem and put my family at risk.

- Cantonment, FL, USA

problem #554

Jun 162024

Soul

  • miles
I am experiencing multiple safety and performance issues with my 2015 Kia Soul: 1.Vibration at Idle: Significant vibration when the vehicle is idling at a red light. Possible causes include worn engine mounts, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, issues with the idle control valve or throttle body, or vacuum leaks. 2.Electrical Issues: -?? Codes: B111216 (Ignition Voltage Low), B17672F (OCS Algorithm Cut Off), B251100 (Head Lamp High LH SCG), B251300 (Head Lamp Low LH SCG) -?? Symptoms include low battery voltage warnings and short circuits in the headlamp circuits. Possible causes might be a failing battery or alternator, or damaged electrical wiring. 3. Emission System Problems: -?? Codes: P0455 (Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected), P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) -?? Symptoms: Check engine light related to emission control systems. Potential causes include a loose or damaged gas cap, cracked EVAP hoses, faulty purge or vent valves, and failing catalytic converter or oxygen sensors. 4. Airbag System Issues: -?? Codes: B151100 (Buckle Switch Driver Open or Short to Battery), B110200 (Battery Voltage Low), B149000 (OCS Defect) -?? Symptoms: Warning lights related to the airbag system. Possible causes include faulty seat belt buckle switches, low battery voltage, or issues within the Occupant Classification System. 5. TPMS Issues: -?? Codes: C1314 (Sensor 3 Radio Frequency Channel Failure), C1662 (Auto Learning Failure) -?? Symptoms: TPMS warnings and inability to correctly monitor tire pressure. Possible causes are sensor failures or calibration issues. Despite regular maintenance, these issues persist and affect the safety and drivability of my vehicle. I request an investigation into these problems to determine if they are common in this model and if there are any recalls or service bulletins that address them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #553

Jun 142024

Soul

  • miles
Having acceleration problems with the Kia and catalytic converter. I had contacted the Kia dealer but can't be seen till August but I need vehicle to go to work plus have dr appointments and can't drive the car feel like it's gonna die on me how can I get this problem recall done sooner as I need my car

- Independence, OR, USA

problem #552

Jun 142024

Soul

  • 104,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.

- Mauldin, SC, USA

problem #551

Mar 012024

Soul

  • miles
The Kia experienced acceleration issues and would randomly turn off while driving. A mechanic inspected and recalibrate the knock sensor. Almost immediately the car began to use excessive amounts of oil, a quart a week average, had a knock and started having acceleration issues. The Kia dealership stated that severe engine scoring had occurred likely caused by the catalytic converter. The problems began and lead to engine failure within several weeks. From March to end of May

- West Plains, MO, USA

problem #550

Jun 092024

Soul

  • miles
Car burning oil every 1,000 miles or less causing catalytic converter to over heat, which could cause fire. Wiring harness on driver side shorting lights out which could cause a fire. Vehicle can be ready for inspection at anytime. Have been calling dealer about it since 2019 said recall was fixed but wasn-??t done properly. Electrical issues started around 01/15/2024.

- Frankfort, IN, USA

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