10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 7
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 40,941 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
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« Read the previous 20 complaints
The contact's daughter-in-law owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The oil warning light illuminated, and the contact's husband poured oil into the oil reservoir. The vehicle was towed to the contact's daughter-in-law's residence. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was diagnosed by two independent mechanics with engine damage and connecting rod failure, which punctured the engine block. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they had issued a Product Improvement Campaign for the engine in November 2020; however, they did not have the contact's daughter-in-law's address. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
- White Lake, MI, USA
My engine blew it just hit 80,000 miles on the dot and since I-??m purchasing it threw Freedom Chevrolet Buick gmc by Ed Morse and not Kia directly my car cannot get fixed! I still owe a pretty penny and now I have no way of fixing when other Kia-??s have had the same issue with engine blowing I just would like my car fixed. My safety and my kids what put in danger when it decided to do this On a busy road!
- Celina, TX, USA
On 16 November 2021, Kia sent a letter for a Product Improvement Campaign to install software called "Knock Sensor Detection System" ("KSDS") on my 2018 Kia Soul Plus. The software update was installed on 4 December 2021. The 16 November letter noted that if KSDS detected a problem, the car would enter a limp home mode that limited engine RPMs to 1800-2000 RPM and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("check engine light") would blink continuously. On 17 December 2021, the check engine light started to blink continuously, and the engine RPMs never exceeded 2000 RPM. I took the car to the dealership on 18 December 2021. The car is not safely operable. The dealership told me that they needed technical assistance from the factory, which they have not yet received as of 3 January 2022. I'm reporting the issue because it appears to be related to the known engine manufacturing defects in Theta, Nu, and Gamma lines of engines, and that these issues persist beyond the 2011-2016 model years (for which a recall has already issued) and at least into the 2018 model year. Answers to questions: (1) powertrain/engine failure, possibly other system(s) (2) safety risk is known fire danger in Theta, Nu, and Gamma engines (3) dealer is currently diagnosing/confirming the issue (as of 1/3/22) (4) only dealer has inspected vehicle (as of 1/3/22) (5) no issues prior to 12/17/21, when Malfunction Indicator Lamp ("check engine light") started to blink continuously and engine RPMs were limited to 2000 RPM.
- Lomita, CA, USA
Buyer beware, DO NOT PURCHASE A KIA. Kept up with oil changes on the car. Purchased used in 2019 at 45k miles. While driving from work car just stopped working, and engine and oil light turned on. Electrical was working replaced battery maybe two months earlier. Wasn-??t due for an oil change. Took car to a mechanic who said it was low on oil which seemed odd. Also replaced brake pads and rotors. $1000 later the car starts making a horrible rattling sound and the oil light and engine light turn on and car almost immediately dies. Took car to dealership, engine is done. This is happening to ALL of Kias cars that are being put on to the market. These cars are STILL being sold and they are all very much aware that these engines are bad. An entire decade of BAD ENGINES from Kia. And they are doing nothing. NOTHING. No recalls on this car. So now I am f*****. I have had this car for TWO years and it is only THREE years old and the engine is DONE. How is nothing being done about this"??? Why are our voices being ignored?? There are complaints on this page with this EXACT issue. Why aren-??t these cars being recalled?? I had my boyfriend and 3 dogs in the car, what if my car had caught on fire like their other crappy cars they have put out? Would I just be another person murdered by Kia and no one does a thing about it" (Allegedly)
- Altamonte Springs, FL, USA
Engine Failure, Started burning oil, within a month of that started knocking, after 4 weeks the connecting rod went through the block. I was driving on a public roadway. Vehicle is in for repair now for a new short block, catalytic converter (oil damage) with the dealership and being repaired by the manufacturer under warranty. Only warning lamp the car has had was about a month prior for an inefficient catalytic converter. No warnings for low oil or engine trouble prior to developing the knock. Vehicle is at Celebration Kia in Delaware Ohio for repairs. The incident date is approximate.
- Powell, OH, USA
While driving to work in my 2018 Kia soul on 10/16/21 vehicle has a significant hesitation pulling away from a stop sign/red-light. A very slight knocking noise could be heard. the oil light flickered on and then immediately went off. Next thing I know while doing 65 on the highway the oil, engine, and battery lights all lit up then suddenly power to the vehicle was gone! I managed to get the vehicle off the highway onto the shoulder of the road where I watched smoke pouring out of the engine bay. My vehicle only has 69059 miles. the 2.0L motor that is subject to many other recalls and issues is the same as what is in my Soul.. I've only had this car for less than two years! KIA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT!!
- Wyoming, DE, USA
At 94,000 miles without warning I have a rod knock. I have maintained oil changes regularly and topped my oil off before this drive. No warning lights no indicators. Just a blown engine.
- Sparks, NV, USA
I have my oil changed regularly. At about 49,000 miles, upon braking, the oil light came on. When accelerating the oil light would go off. I checked the oil and it didn't even register. I added 2 quarts of oil to bring it to the mid line of dipstick. Took the car in, and had oil changed. 3 weeks later, at 50,000 miles, the oil is now a 1/2 quart low. Took car in to the dealer. They told me that the oil consumption of 1 quart every 1,000 miles is within normal range. This is ridiculous. I should not need to add oil to a 3 year old car between oil changes.
- Los Alamitos, CA, USA
I went and got my oil changed yesterday. The man at the Kia dealership showed me a water bottle that was about 8 oz full with black oil. He told me that that-??s all the oil I had in my car and I probably have engine damage. There were no warning lamps or anything else. And I routinely get my oil and tires maintenance. I am now having sounds coming from my vehicle but still no warning lamps.
- Pineville, LA, USA
Engine started to knock, then it got louder and finally the engine stopped running. If it would have shut down on the busy interstate, it could have been a disaster. The problem has not been inspected by Manufacture. Trying to report to KIA. Engine has less than 84000. The oil light came on right before it died.
- Kansas City, KS, USA
My engine failed and gasket blew with no signs of over heated and no issues prior to failure car had no issues at all.
- Arlington , TX, USA
The car started making a squeaky noise checked to see if it was the brakes or anything else, nothing everything appears fine. Hera the noise again have it checked out turns out car has no oil what do ever. I have my car serviced every 3 m as it should be even before the miles I know and have read and other articles about the oil just disappearing, my car only has 53, 000 miles on it.
- Dallas , TX, USA
Around 65000 miles, While driving the engine just lost power and started knocking. There are a lot of forums with the same model with the same compliant and issue. even the Kia dealship says there is a problem with these engines. They are recommending a new engine I am afraid to have my family in this car.
- Waldorf, MD, USA
While driving to work my engine began to knock, my oil light flickered and went out, and then I completely lost power. I took my 2018 Kia soul to a local mechanic and he confirmed that my engine was blown and would need to be replaced with only 78,388 miles on my vehicle.
- Bland, VA, USA
I have been a 3 car Kia customer for almost 10 years. In the last 10 months I have had more than a dozen service visits. Starting in August 2020 my engine was losing oil. After first visit, my SA Edwin agreed this is a problem, do the oil consumption test and we-??ll be on our way for a repair. Test Done, with a "sorry" we have to do the test again but we replaced the ignition coil. (2nd Coil since I-??ve owned car) And again we test. With more "Sorry" it didn't burn enough oil, or you have to come in EXACTLY at 1,000 miles. (This is NOT true; math can be converted at any mileage over the 1,000.) Even when I told them it starts burning at the 2,000 mark after oil change. Over and over again, I miss work to sit in the dealership, or WALK home, as the dealership insisted on these appointments but wouldn't give me a loaner (I have full coverage insurance) Finally in March 2021 they decide they will clean the combustion chamber. Need to leave car: they make me RENT a car saying it will be paid for with my warranty. ADDITIONAL days needed as more problems occurred while in for repair. (Oil switch). Keep the rental they told me, it-??s covered. Return the rental and the dealership won-??t PAY THE RENTAL. I have now missed over 30 hours of work, repeated oil change costs for the process, Rental Fees, Inspection fees that were never reimbursed. All in avoidance of a repair that was clearly needed to my engine. Go back into a new Kia on 6/1/21 for scheduled oil change, and the Tech tells me there is NO OIL ON THE DIPSTICK. AGAIN. 10 months later and I still have the same problem. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE and KIA will not address.
- Tinley Park , IL, USA
2018 kia soul+ with 2.0l engine has developed a rod knock at 86k miles. Kia customer service was made aware of the issue and has refused to to repair the vehicle. According to a kid certified technician at a kia dealership, the issue is the same as other kia vehicles with a recall for, "connecting rod excessive wear". Customer service was made aware of these findings and still refuses to issue recall. Engine currently runs, but can not be run for very long or driven due to eminent risk of catastrophic engine failure.
- Keller, TX, USA
My car has 64,700 miles on it. I was accelerating to get on the highway going about 50 miles per hour all of the sudden I heard a poof noise white smoke started coming from the rear of the car and I lost all power
- Columbia, IL, USA
On January 22, 2021, vehicle felt sluggish when accelerating. Soon after, loud noise from engine and engine died. Vehicle towed to dealership, and was diagnosed with engine failure at 75K miles. Dealer stated several engine failures in the year model currently being serviced. Used engine with 12 month warranty was priced at $9100.
- Franklin, GA, USA
January 21st 2021, went to a dealership in miami and purchased a used Kia Soul plus. January 26th 2021, after leaving the post office car slowed down and came to a stop. Oil light was glitching prior to that day. Car was in drive and couldn't shift gears to park or neutral. Had to push the car into a parking lot and sit. Took to a Kia dealership and they replaced oil gasket. Took the car home few days driving to and from work. February 9th car broke down again while turning inside parking spot. Car battery light and oil pressure light was both on. Car went back to Kia dealership Thursday 11th. Kia looked at the car stating oil sludge was all inside the engine and repairs will cost $9,000. Used car is not under warranty.
- Boca Raton, FL, USA
- Lomita, CA, USA