10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 3 / 24
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 41,249 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
As we were driving on the highway, the check engine light started flashing on my car and it proceeded to go into limp mode. This proved to be a danger to me and everyone driving around me. The car would not accelerate and would shake violently. I had to pull over on the side of the highway. The only light that ever appeared was the CEL, when it was already too late. Upon taking it to a mechanic we were told that the 1st and 3rd cylinders were complete garbage and a whole engine replacement was necessary.
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. 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 contact stated that the previous owner repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and 17V608000 (Steering); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
- Los Angeles, CA, USA
Car cuts off when idling. I took it to the mechanic several times and they produced the issue once but could not diagnose and would give it back to me at no charge. When it cuts off the RPMs will sometimes stay at 0 even when I start the car again. Sometimes the check engine light will come on along with the traction light. Mechanic said it shows catalytic codes but said nothing is wrong with catalytic converter. They said they can-??t find anything wrong to warrant repair. The check engine and traction control lights stay on and then go off randomly. The car cuts off at stop lights and today it cut off when I was turning right at a stop sign. I was already out in the road and someone was behind me. Thankfully no one was coming down the road at full speed. I am afraid to drive the car but no one knows what is wrong with it or how to fix it.
- King, NC, USA
Was idling at a red light, the engine warning light came on, and my engine set on fire. No reason. I jumped out of the car. Thankfully someone came over and threw water on it. Engine to be completely rebuilt (under warranty). Took 3 weeks.
- Henderson, NV, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) regarding the heat shield for the catalytic converter, which, was replaced under the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle began to malfunction after the repair. The vehicle would jump and shift into gear roughly while driving at various speeds. The RPM was revving abnormally. The contact stated that it seemed as if the vacuum seal had detached underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle was making a whistling sound while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the catalytic converter replaced since the recall was closed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.
- Kingston, PA, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 35 MPH and ascending a slight grade in the road, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light had been illuminated intermittently even after routine oil changes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the gas cap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
- San Francisco, CA, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the engine seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rod bearing had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance due to the vehicle not meeting the Warranty Extension requirements. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- Kalkaska, MI, USA
2/17/23 Car was disabled on highway lost speed in the middle of traffic and could not go over 20MPH at dealership- it was confirmed that catalytic convertor went out. 2/23/23 Car CC was replaced picked it up and noticed weird sound from engine 2/24/23 Car returned to dealership 3/3/23 Dealership stated the engine was bad 3/13/23 We were informed that KIA would not cover the repairs and we had to pay $5700 4/3/23 Dealership called and said car was ready to be picked up Car has 78,000 miles on it and has been well maintained - we have all of the service records We understand there is a class action lawsuit where high exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic convertor, resulting in abnormal engine combustion damaging the engine. We have been told that our engine did not qualify under the VIN number that we had. KIA has had known engine problems for over 12 years and we feel that the CC damaged the engine and this is what caused the failure. There were no warning signs, no smoke out of the exhaust etc We just keep getting the run around saying that our VIN was not part of the recall even though our engine had only 78,000 miles and it was very well maintained. Please let us know if we can get any help in paying for this huge expense
- Peoria, AZ, USA
Catalytic converter issues. I've had to get it replaced several times already and still issues. car burns oil like crazy as well and I have had to add oil throughout the week. it's been this way since I bought it in 2018. 2016 Kia Soul +
- Moody, TX, USA
Horne Kia in Gilbert Arizona tore down our engine and found it damaged beyond repair. We were told by the aforementioned dealership that the engine would need to be replaced. Kia has given our engine a 15 year / 150,000 mile warranty due to this nation wide Kia / Hyundai engine defect situation. Our vehicle has around 79,000 miles and is a 2016 model. Still Kia refuses to replace the engine. The safety problem that comes into play is that Kia is telling us to continue driving our vehicle until the engine completely freezes up. Kia is sending ours and many others vehicles back out on the road in this condition. These vehicles can break down at any time and create a possible incident that could be detrimental to the safety of the driver and others in the area.
- Gilbert , AZ, USA
The vehicle contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety or does not comply with an applicable federal motor vehicle safety standard ENGINE REPLACED THRESHOLD REPLACED CATALITIC CONVERTER BLEW ECU COMPLETED AIRBAG WARNING DOES NOT CLEAR INACCURATELY REPORTED/ COMPLETED VEHICAL MALFUNCTIONING LOSS OF POWER
- Huntington Beach, CA, USA
I purchased my 2016 Kia Soul 11/25/22 and on 12/15/22 my check engine light came on getting off freeway. While driving the accelerator wasn-??t catching speed could-??ve go pass 20mph making loud noises like transmission was slipping. The dealer towed my car from my Job. Dealership gave me an tuneup oil change and replaced engine coils. 2/7/23 check engine light came again and my car couldn-??t do 15mph again and service department stated a need a new engine and it-??s covered under warranty but every Kia dealership states they can-??t Maintence my car until months advance and they can-??t give me a loaner if they can replace the engine so I been missing work due to my Kia running bad and I only had it since 11/22.
- Milwaukee, WI, USA
Engine knocking noise on acceleration
- Cincinnati, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he pulled over and checked the oil level and there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced after an oil consumption test was completed. The engine was not replaced as the dealer stated that it was not covered under the drivetrain warranty. The contact stated that the warranty was for 20 years or 200,000 miles as it covered the engine, transmission, transaxle, and other parts related to the drivetrain. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
- Shacklefords, VA, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was difficult to start and remained running at restarting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under recall and referred her to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
- Louisa, VA, USA
My car started making a ticking noise around 92k. I was afraid to drive it because of all the information id read on the KIA engines catching on fire. I had it towed to a local mechanic who wouldn't touch it and said I needed to bring it to the dealership because I'm still under warranty. I had my vehicle towed again which cost me over 400$ to a KIA dealership. They told me that the engine would need to be replaced but wouldnt tell me why. In fact they REFUSED to tell me why. After I demanded a diagnosis, they stopped responding to my calls.SIX WEEKS they held my vehicle hostage. I called Kia manufacturer customer service who made a call to them. The dealership tried every possible way they could to get out of fixing my engine. I went to the dealership to get something out of my vehicle but they denied me access. After I caught them doing something completely wrong (leaving my vehicle unlocked, keys in the ignition, and trashed on the inside) they decided they would fix my engine. I waited another 4 weeks for my engine to be replaced with a refurbished engine. They did not tell me it wasn't a BRAND NEW engine before they installed. Never even called me to tell me they were starting the work. The day they finished, I got a call demanding for me to pick it up or they would have it towed. Also, all 4 of my tires were "unrepairable and HAD to be replaced or I was in danger for my life if I drove it." I called kia customer service again. The dealership lied to me. They told kia customer service that they just needed to be aired up and the valve stems replaced..... on all 4 tires... very sketchy. After a very straightforward conversation with the manager, I had my car towed him. I'm terrified to drive it anywhere. I don't trust them with anything. They had my car a total of 3 months. I lost a ton of money on rentals and pain, disruption, and anguish in my personal and work life because of it.
- Holt, FL, USA
NHTSA - I own a 2016 Kia Soul that has a damaged failing engine; the problem is excessive oil consumption. This defect is causing motor oil to migrate into areas of the engine that it shouldn't be, thus inevitably causing a catastrophic failure; rendering the engine inoperable and irreparable. The oil pressure warning light came on only after the damage was done. Horne Kia in Gilbert Arizona, where I purchased the vehicle, has inspected it and found this to be true. However Horne Kia and Kia corporate will not repair or authorize repair, respectively. I was told to continue driving it until the engine is completely destroyed in order to have it repaired...WHAT. So I'm being told that the engine will definitely seize-up and fail leaving me stranded; this is a safety nightmare. What if I'm driving on a highway when this happens. What if the engine failure causes me to lose control of my vehicle and cause who knows what. This not only puts me at risk, it puts others driving around me at risk as well; not to mention passengers that may be in my vehicle. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
- Gilbert, AZ, USA
My 2016 Kia Soul began having acceleration problems mid-December 2022, around 100k miles. I took my car to Kia Service and was told the ECU needed to be updated and that was most likely the cause of the problem. I received the update on 12/14/2022. My car drove a little better for two days but began experiencing the same acceleration issues. I couldn't go over 60 mph on the interstate. It also seemed to be burning gas fast. Although a diagnostic test was attempted twice, there were no findings since the engine light still hadn't come on. It wasn't until 2 months later, 2/11/2023, that my car stalled out on the interstate at 10:00pm at night. I had it towed to Kia and they confirmed the same thing that my reader did on 2/12/23: engine code P1326, knock sensor. On 2/16/23, Kia ran a diagnostic test and came up with the same code, however, they said it is my catalytic converter that needs to be replaced, for approximately $3100. I've read hundreds of reports at this point about the same issues, and they all say the catalytic converter ends up not being the fix or has to be replaced multiple times. It seems like Kia is just determined to not recall these vehicles even though they seem to be a huge safety & liability concern at this point.
- Boynton Beach, FL, USA
KIA Soul had a malfunction with the Catalytic converter and a bad injector which damaged the pinions and the sparks plug of the vehicle causing thousands of dollars in repair.
- Winter Springs, FL, USA
- Milwaukee, WI, USA