10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 2 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 28,813 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.
Certainly. I own a 2016 Kia Soul, and recently I've become aware of some serious issues with the vehicle that are deeply concerning. It has come to my attention that the car is experiencing piston damage, which could potentially result in engine stalling, thereby significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, there is a possibility that a broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block, leading to the escape of engine oil. This could not only cause significant damage to the engine but also poses a serious safety hazard. In the worst-case scenario, the leaking oil may come into contact with the hot exhaust system, significantly increasing the risk of a My 2016 Kia Soul has been causing me a lot of trouble. Every 5-6 months, it needs a tune-up, and it frequently starts making loud noises from the engine. The car also has a concerning habit of skipping, and at times, it won't go faster than 20 miles an hour. This unreliable performance has put me in dangerous situations, including being side-swiped due to the vehicle randomly cutting off while driving. In an effort to get to the bottom of these issues, I had a diagnostic test run on the car, and the results were troubling. The codes that came up include P1326 for the glow relay stuck on the power train system, as well as anti-lock codes What is particularly distressing about this situation is that despite the severity of these potential risks, Kia of Pendleton has refused to address the issue and rectify the problems with my vehicle. This lack of action is extremely worrying, especially given that I regularly travel with my two kids in the car. The safety of my family is paramount, and the fact that we have almost been involved in crashes twice due to these issues is deeply troubling. I am reaching out for assistance and resolution in this matter. The safety of my vehicle and the well-being of my family are at stake, and I urgently need a response and a plan to address these serious safety concerns.
- Clemson, SC, USA
Driving around curves my car slows dramatically and traction control light comes on. I have no ability to steer at this point until the car -??breaks free-?? and allows acceleration again. It-??s as if the ABS system kicks on all on its own. The sound it makes is as though the brakes are kicking in to slow the vehicle. It almost comes to a stop on curves. Steering intermittently loosens on its own while driving and I lose controlled steering as there is a lot of play in the steering wheel. Then it will tighten up again as if it-??s a brand new car. There is an occasional pop noise but it-??s not constant and doesn-??t make the sound when driving at speeds greater than 40mph. No other sounds are present. I contacted Kia as they placed a set screw in the steering for a pinion plug recall repair to keep a nut from backing out and this was not properly documented by the previous service department per the new management. There were no images of the repair that was done and no notes in the repair log according to the young lady I spoke with. No evidence of a repair other than being marked in the system.
- Cardington, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal cranking noise coming from the steering wheel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,694.
- Saint Louis, MO, USA
Our car has been plagued with engine and exhaust problems for the past two years. We were told there were no recalls on our model. According to this website that is not true. Today, while driving after over $7500 in out of pocket repairs the car gave an error warning for an engine issue. The engine is less than 3 years old.
- West Greenwich, RI, USA
Check engine light stays on parts house said catalliconverter bad dealer said it's not covered car only has 112000 also said that the steering not covered now what
- Lawton, OK, USA
X Company failed to install with apiece of equipment that prevents others from starting up and stealing your car without an key on the day I went outside to find my car back window broken and steering column roped apart and key entry resulting in costly repairs that parts on back order. there is post on social media explaining how to steal this car. unlike other cars this part is equipped preventing the cars from being started unless a code is transmitted
- Cincinnati, OH, USA
Ignition DESIGN MAKE (Kia Soul) MY2016 KIA SOUL EASY TO STEAL ON 8/2/2022 When I woke to go to my work my back passengers window was broken.police was call during the investigation the officer showed my steering wheel dis connected not able to drive. Due to Kia not warning consumers that their cars are easy to steal has cost me deductible and rental fees to get to work. My car has not began to be service due to the back log of repairs for this incident that is not the consumer fault even if the car repaired is not safe because its target along with posting on social media how to steal kia cars in 30seconds and Kia Boys tik-tok challenge.
- Cincinnati, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, she heard a creaking sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that no failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 81,900.
- Mill Valley, CA, USA
Catalytic converter stopped up. Unknown for the other. Took it to Kia place to get the recalls fixed and they denied fixing either problems and charged me 245$ to put my car back together.
- Geneva , AL, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, there was an abnormal cracking sound detected before the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gear and pinion plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to offer any repair assistance. The failure mileage was 70,055.
- Miami, FL, USA
It suddenly didn't want to turn and made me wreck it and bent the tie rods or something
- Pueblo, CO, USA
I started complaining to the dealer that the front right side wheel doesn't seem right it seems to be spinning at a different speed as the other tires which wore the tires down and the the brakes to wear. The front end shakes back and forth while driving. They tightened the bolts that secure the body to the frame. But it only feels somewhat fine for a couple of weeks. I took it to 3different Kia dealers and all have said there's nothing wrong and there is no safety issue, but it sure doesn't feel it. It seems like they just want to get it past the warranty. They installed new software for the engine knock to monitor it but it seems worse since they installed it. My car feels like it's falling apart. I even called Kia headquarters and they said they go by what the technicians say, if they say there isn't anything wrong then there must not be. I have all my records.
- Sewell, NJ, USA
The contact called on behalf of his sister-in-law who owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that an abnormal popping sound was coming from the vehicle while maneuvering the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's sister-in-law took the vehicle to greenway Kia of rivergate (1536 gallatin pike N, madison, tn 37115) where she was informed that an unknown recall repair had been previously performed on the vehicle. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was inspected and not repaired under the recall. The contact reached out to another service agent who informed her that the vehicle was repaired and was given an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17V608000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Springfield, TN, USA
My steering wheel makes a loud squeaking since last year, 2019 and knock noise when turning. This happens when stationary, or in motion on on city street, highway, and parking. Consumer stated noise is getting louder and steering has become stiffer. Because of the noise consumer decided to take 2 videos on 2/23/20. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer on 2/29/20 and had diagnostic done. Dealership learned they had a recall on 2014-2016 related to consumer's vehicle. Dealer refused to honor the recall and currently unable to drive the vehicle. ('parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).')
- Acworth, GA, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact experienced multiple failures with the vehicle and stated that the steering control module, electrical system, and catalytic converter became defective without warning. The contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 17V608000 (steering) and NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. Also, while the vehicle was idling, the engine shook and a sulfur odor emitted from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to first Kia (2081 1st St, simi valley, ca 93065, (805) 624-4044), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 42,000.
- Moorpark, CA, USA
I had 2 recalls carried to university Kia, huntsville Alabama. Days later the car broke down had to have it towed back to said dealer to find out original service coordinator was fired told he was not performing recalls. My car has been back at dealer for 8 days now not fixed was told converter was stopped up and computer had not been upgraded. Leaving us with no transportation to get back and forth to work. Need help!! please
- Hayden, AL, USA
Driver seat giving off electrical shock to legs and butt when pressing the gas the engine stalling the cataylic converter over heating vehicle steering right air bag symbols pops up every now and then the consumer stated the vehicle experienced various life threatening cyber security risk.
- Clemson, SC, USA
Nothing has happened as of yet. I was viewing my credit karma site and the recall was brought to my attention.
- College Park, GA, USA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to crank upon turning the key in the ignition. During the second attempt, an abnormal noise was heard. The vehicle partially started and an unknown indicator on the steering wheel flashed for less than ten seconds before the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to the intermittent failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V608000 (steering), but the contact did not receive a notification. The contact stated that the vehicle was exhibiting failures related to the recall campaign. The recall was issued on November 16, 2017. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Decatur, GA, USA
- Los Angeles, CA, USA