10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 25
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,538 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #457

Oct 272024

Soul

  • miles
We-??ve had our 2016 Kia Soul for the last 8 years, purchasing it brand new in 2016. We-??ve kept the car maintained and last year it started to burn oil. We bought it into a dealership and they ran an oil consumption test and then did a clean out of the combustion chamber, after that, it stalled out pulling out of the dealership. They fixed it up and now recently, on October 27th, the car stalled out and it was towed into the dealership. They had it for a week and said there was no compression on cylinders 2 and 4 and it wasn-??t covered under their extended warranty of 150,000miles under the recall that happened. We-??ve been needing to top off a quart of oil weekly and this is a manufacturing defect that they are saying is not covered.

- Winter Park, FL, USA

problem #456

Oct 242023

Soul

  • 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to accelerate to highway speeds. The vehicle continuously went into LIMP Mode. The message for rod bearing failure was displayed on the display screen. The contact used a code reader and reset the system. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The knock sensor message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle had a salvage title and declined to perform the service. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

- Londonderry, OH, USA

problem #455

Oct 212024

Soul

  • miles
My kia has always used a lot of oil to the point I need to top it off regularly despite getting recommended oil changes and doing recommended maintenance. Recently My engine started misfiring so I replaced all spark plugs and ignition coils, but was still having issues. Found out today that catalytic converter is main issue and needs to be replaced. Dealer is requiring I bring in to determine if a warranty will cover. Never had a check engine light but very slow acceleration that created several dangerous situations for me on the road. My professional mechanic repaired other issues/diagnosed this problem.

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #454

Sep 252024

Soul

  • miles
Engine coils needing replacing and knock system sensors were replaced, car continues to burn oil from engine until there is none left. The engine is reported as failed by mechanic. I constantly put oil in between the frequent oil changes.

- Red Bluff , CA, USA

problem #453

Oct 062023

Soul

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was referred to the manufacturer who later referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

- Utica, MI, USA

problem #452

Sep 202024

Soul

  • 88,507 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check oil warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed. The dealer advised the contact to have a service treatment performed to the engine because of a possible oil consumption issue. The vehicle was serviced; however, the vehicle was consuming engine oil. The vehicle was returned to the dealer for service; however, the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,507.

- Escondido, CA, USA

problem #451

Sep 192024

Soul

  • 126,000 miles
The contact called on behalf of a consumer who owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact pulled over and allowed the vehicle to cool down for several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

- Lenexa, KS, USA

problem #450

Sep 292024

Soul

  • miles
I've never had an issue with my car since I got it about 5 years ago. Then all of a sudden on Sunday the engine just went out and I lost power. Now it won't start unless it's charged and my mechanic says I need a whole new engine.

- Somerset, WI, USA

problem #449

Sep 272024

Soul

  • 29,980 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that there was oil leaking from the front end of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,980. The VIN was not available.

- Macungie, PA, USA

problem #448

Sep 232024

Soul

  • 107,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

- Utica, MI, USA

problem #447

Jul 202024

Soul

  • miles
Catalytic converter is not working properly. Car lost power. Coral Springs Kia diagnosed but they say it is not warranted by factory. I have the contract where it says engine warranty until 100k miles or 10yr. This car has less than 90k miles in this moment. They are billing me 5,880 if I want they repair

- Sunny Isles Beach , FL, USA

problem #446

Jul 082024

Soul

  • miles
On July 8th at 12:15 am my 2016 Kia Soul Engine suddenly caught on fire while I was driving alone on the I-5 by the grapevine. I am a 25 year old woman and was stranded alone on the side of the highway in a very flammable remote area known for fires at 1am. I heard a strange knocking sound while driving and pulled over as it started smoking and it immediately caught fire under the hood while I was still in the vehicle. Cars were flying by and I was stranded alone in flip flops and pajamas as the glass windows were exploding and I threw my heavy luggage to the side of the road. I was 4 hours into a 6 hour drive away from anyone I know in the middle of the night in a dangerous situation. I texted my boss I wouldn-??t be able to make it to work the next morning. My car was totaled and I had to pay $982.50 for towing and additional fees and my friend had to drive 2 hours to pick me up at 2am since my family lived 4 hours north and all my friends lives 2 hours south. No warning lights came on, it's been properly serviced with oil changes every December and July each year within less than 7,000-10,500 miles between each oil change. I was terrified I almost started a forest fire and I have a copy of my 911 call recording where I frantically called and panicked because I was so scared and alone. 16 other people called it in. I submitted a claim for the Kia engine fire risk settlement that was ironically due that day of the accident and my VIN# was a class action vehicle because the previous owner had the KSDS "knock detection sensor" service done on the car. My settlement claim was denied because they state there wasn't enough proof of a qualifying fire but I'm currently trying to sort this with Kia since it burst into flames without any warning other than a loud noise 20 seconds before. The firefighter's incident report states the fire started in the engine area and the police report says it was caused by an unknown mechanical issue in the engine.

- Fullerton, CA, USA

problem #445

Jul 292024

Soul

  • miles
The catalytic converter is damaged. The check engine light will come on but will reset when checked with a code reader. At the time of the initial incident, all but.5 quart of oil had been consumed by the engine and would not hold speed above 30mph. I did have a non Kia mechanic look at the car and was told that it fit under the recall and to have it serviced by Kia. I took it to Kia. They have told me that since it wasn't giving any codes, they would not replace the catalytic converter and denied the recall repair. The letter from Kia Corp. stated the catalytic converter would be replaced if there was damage. All of this took place from 7/29/2024 to 9/16/2024. On 9/16/2024, the dealership basically told me to drive an unsafe car until the check engine light came back on and then bring it back in to see if it will fall under the recall. I have attached the letter from Kia along with my notes from phone calls with them, and a the notes from the first mechanic.

- Harriman, TN, USA

problem #444

Sep 122024

Soul

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, and the contact became aware that there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #443

Sep 092024

Soul

  • miles
My 2016 Kia soul 1.6 L engine has been serviced more than once within a month for the past year due to low oil. If not serviced then it could result in an engine lock up. The worker was concerned my engine might be on recall due to other Kia souls having the same problem.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #442

Feb 012024

Soul

  • miles
I believe my vehicle is apart of a recall that affects the same vehicle Yr./Mk./Mdl. as mine. When my VIN was searched by the service department at the dealer (same manufacture) it said no recall. I was told that the recall was for the vehicles from a different assembly plant. My vehicle seams to be having the same affect/issues as described in the recall. Recall in reference: Recall Date: April 17, 2019 Recall Number: SC176 Issue: 1) Car ran bad 2) Replaced Spark plugs and coil packs and the car ran good 3) Car ran bad 4) Replaced downstream 02 and the car ran good 5) Car ran bad 6) Replaced upstream O2 sensor and the car ran good 7) Car ran bad 8) Car spits oil out the exhaust pipe 9) Car no longer operable

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #441

Aug 172024

Soul

  • 107,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and attempting to accelerate, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road to restart the vehicle; however, the engine failed to turn over. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired due to the Knock Sensor repair not being performed. The contact stated that the notice was sent to the incorrect address and the repair was not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #440

Jul 262024

Soul

  • miles
I have a 2016 Kia soul. Second owner. 144,000+ miles. For nearly a year my car has been consuming oil at an alarming rate. But I have no oil leaks anywhere. My dealership did an oil consumption test about 5-6 months ago and within 1000 miles, I was already below the half way line on my dipstick but the dealership told me I was still in range and sent me on my way. Fast forward a few months and I brought up my concerns again with my dealership and the oil consumption. I was told to drive it until the engine seizes and they would tow me. At which point, I told them that sounded dangerous but apparently Kia will not do anything for my vehicle if all it is doing is consuming oil. July 26, I-??m out of town about two hours + from home and out of nowhere my car starts idling high. Failing to shift gears. If I go to speed up past 60mph, the car forcibly bogs down to 45mph and struggles to get back up to speed. The vehicle was shaking, knocking, and struggling with performance. I drove the car to a small town and checked my oil. Bone dry. So I top it off with a couple quarts. I drove the car to a non Kia dealership where a mechanic told me my car was misfiring. He popped the hood and for the first time, my engine was knocking back and forth. It-??s never done that. He said that he felt confident there was rod damage and drove it around the block. When he returned he said it was not safe to drive and I had it towed to the closest dealership over an hour away. The dealership felt extremely confident that my car was going to qualify for the motor swap warranty that Kia offers up to 150,000 miles or 15 years. Keep in mind, my car NEVER once threw a check engine light during any of these occurrences, nor did a low oil light ever come on in the 4 years I owned the vehicle. My vehicle has been down 3 weeks and still has not been fixed from Kia.

- Davenport, IA, USA

problem #439

Aug 082024

Soul

  • miles
The vehicle stalled due to lack of oil.(Before the 6 month oil change was due.)Yes it is available for inspection upon request. No one-??s safety was put at risk. When the problem was brought up to the Kia dealership We were told that they had called in November 2023 And since we did not respond we voided our opportunity to have the engine Covered under the recall warranty. We did not receive a call. The vehicle has only been inspected by mechanic no work has been done on it. No lights came on to indicate there was a problem, it happened suddenly.

- Killeen, TX, USA

problem #438

Jun 092024

Soul

  • miles
On June 9th my husband was driving on the interstate when the check engine light came on and then the car stopped accelerating. Thankfully he was not hurt but we had to get the vehicle towed to the mechanic who said that this is a known problem with Kia where the engines consume oil and seize without warning. We maintained properly as recommended through a service center (not Kia dealer) and because we didn-??t receive any notification from Kia that there is a software update required to prevent this, we don-??t qualify for a replacement engine. A lawyer said that there is nothing we can do because we were not hurt. I think it-??s insane that this was not a listed recall on my vehicle and that I was not notified that we needed an update. That we were allowed to have a car that could shut down going 70mph on the interstate in traffic. I think it-??s even more insane we have this safety issue and the manufacturer doesn-??t have to do anything to make amends. We did not get the notice to update and therefore we didn-??t get the update and now we have a dead car due to a manufacturing issue, not a service issue.

- Ocala, FL, USA

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