10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
15,978 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #39

Jan 112025

Soul

  • miles
My engine is using excessive oil consumption and want to know if my gas direct injection system is covered under manufacturer or a dealer.

- Georgetown , SC, USA

problem #38

Jan 092025

Soul

  • miles
I am not the original owner but after changing my oil on 10/05/24 I have had to add oil on three different times, twice I myself put oil into my car and oil change at Valvoline instant oil change and other added quart today and all between 98,219 to 99,967 mileage,

- Georgetown , SC, USA

problem #37

Dec 142024

Soul

  • miles
The systems that failed while I was driving in the White Mountains of NH on [XXX] is my Kia Soul 2019 vehicle engine with 124,000 miles currently on my Kia Soul which I purchased brand new 02/2019 from a Kia dealership and some sort of vehicle belt that made my vehicle-??s car swerve on the highway as I used my car brakes. The belt slipped forward and made the vehicle swerve each time I used my brakes while driving. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety, my husband [XXX] -??s and other drivers who drove near our car drive are at significant safety risk. This is a very secluded part of [XXX] that has very little reliable cell phone towers to call road side assistance for help and nearly zero breakdown lanes to safely pull off the highway when my motor vehicle suddenly lost adequate engine power to drive while suddenly experiencing vehicle belt issues that effected my vehicle-??s braking abilities making my car-??s belt slip forward and my car to swerve as I used the vehicle-??s brakes. My vehicles engine is failing and my vehicle-??s brakes are compromised. These two issues put my husband [XXX] and I-??s physical safety at significant risk as well as other individuals physical safety at significant risk as we attempted to drive ourselves to safety on a secluded area of [XXX]. My car was towed by Adler Towing to my house and brought to Hawthorne Automotive in Franklin, NH near my homes address to be evaluated by an independent service center. It has been confirmed to have catastrophic engine failure and belt issues that need replacing. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives or others. My check engine light came on just prior to the failure. Hawthorne put an additive into the gas tank that cleaned a partially clogged catalytic converter shortly beforehand. The check engine light went off at that point. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Franklin, NH, USA

problem #36

Nov 252022

Soul

  • miles
Have been using 2-3 quarts of oil a week also lost power could not get it to run took it to the mechanic again he informed me the catalytic is going bad and as much oil as it is going through it might blow at any time

- Desert Hot Springs , CA, USA

problem #35

Dec 122024

Soul

  • miles
My 2017 KIA Soul failed while going 70 on the highway, almost completely lost power. Pull over to the side of the road to check the issue. Checked the oil, and it was down to less than a quart. There was no indicator light to bring attention to this issue. Brought it into the dealership after returning home. The Soul was completely unsafe to drive due to engine knocks. Despite letting the dealership know of the Oil Lamp issue, they are still refusing to do anything about this issue, even charging me six thousand to only fix the symptoms. I wasn-??t the only person to experience this issue, moving me to make this complaint. In summary: Oil was low due to oil burning, the Soul never indicated as such, no oil pressure, completely lost power at accelerated speeds, and now the bearings in the motor are destroyed with no help from KIA company. Contact the KIA Dealership in Boardman for more information in regards to a detailed list of part failures in regards to the Soul.

- Struthers, OH, USA

problem #34

Nov 272024

Soul

  • miles
My Kia 2019 soul has been giving me several problems with the engine jerking and the light coming on and then goes off and then come on I had it diagnosed several times even when I first got it and they said it was nothing wrong but I can tell it was something wrong it just like revs up or jerk or have these issues when I drive like it didn't want to pull but I kept asking and asking is something wrong with this car when I purchase it at Clay Cooley in Irving Texas they told me no they checked it out gave me a rental now I just bought that car in May of 2021 and they told me it wasn't nothing wrong the person that had it before me only had it a year and I didn't get no report on it about it but I do think it had some engine issues but they didn't give me no history of it they just say you buy it as is but I kept telling him I did not like the way the car was driving I wanted to replace it they ignored me and my calls I wanted to replace the key now I heard it is 2024 the light is still on and everywhere I went they will change my transmission in 2022 now I just got the car 2021 of me and they were saying the transmission burnt out now how can a transmission burnt out when they supposed to have checked the car when I bought it in 21 I wanted to give up this car and I wanted to replace it they never did do that. Now here it is I'm suffering with oxygen sensor and they said the Cadillac converter which wasn't the Cadillac converter cuz they said this is a new car how can it be the Cadillac converter I told him I think it was the sensor everybody saw on the cold day was not the oxygen sensor now here it is it's very bad where now I'm having issues also they was I had it checked another time where the man said I was using a lot of oil and he said the oil must be leaking and he checking it wasn't now it seems like it's leaking oil because I keep have to use six quarts of oil every 2 to 3 days I'm using oil but I don't like this car never did I ain't had it that long and I

- Plano , TX, USA

problem #33

Sep 212024

Soul

  • miles
There is white smoke coming out of the tailpipe. The car is running in distress. We changed the spark plugs because there was oil on the original spark plugs. We took the car to Auto Zone for engine diagnosis. Their tests report Ignition coil failure in the power train system.. They report cylinder 2 misfire detected. They also diagnosed that the left rear vehicle speed sensor failed in the anti-lock brake system.

- Nacogdoches, TX, USA

problem #32

Aug 082024

Soul

  • miles
I was driving home from work on the highway. The check engine light came on. I made a mental note to tell my son, who is a mechanic. The engine stalled out. I had enough momentum to take the exit from the highway and turn onto a side street before the car quit rolling. A helpful dog walker informed me that it wouldn't restart because it was on fire underneath. Luckily, superman drove by and put the fire out before the vehicle or even the engine were fully engulfed. My son & friend (also a mechanic) arrived and peered at the engine... their opinion was that oil on the catalytic converter started the fire. The car has been towed to their shop while I investigate my options.

- Grandview , MO, USA

problem #31

Jun 272024

Soul

  • miles
On [XXX], I was driving home from Tampa bay International Airport and noticed that I get less acceleration and my car shut off while driving and caused me to crash into a guardrail. Before accident, told Kia about my car shutting off and right when warrant ran out, parts would fail. Had to buy a sensor, alternator (70,000 miles). Also catalytic converter (81,000). Six months later after I bought alternator, alternator and battery (1 year old) died at the same time. I am lucky that this accident did not heart me or others. It could of happened in front of a truck. There were no warning lights on dash board. Seatbelt light was on even though I was wearing seatbelt. Brought car to Kia dealership and did least amount of checking. Had two independent mechanics look at it with one saying to be careful of Kias because they are the most in his shop. My insurance look at the vehicle. Vehicle is in Geico site in Sarasota, told me anyone can go and look at the car. Will attach Geico claim; if past maintenance records are needed let me know. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Winter Haven, FL, USA

problem #30

Mar 142024

Soul

  • miles
Catalytic converter to be replaced at 94.000 miles following check engine light.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #29

Nov 242023

Soul

  • 136,779 miles
Last year my car started knocking and there was a smoldering smell. I expected Kia to consider the function of the rod knock sensor which caused P1326code. I advised capitol kia of both knocking noises and a significant burning smell. Per an extended warranty, if the rod bearings go bad, then the engine should be replaced. Capitol Kia avoided the latter and was not fully compliant with maintaining driver's safety. Only the rod knock sensor was replaced replaced, and the sensor shows bad rod bearings over and over and over ( 3 times ) Due to incompetence at Capitol Kia, Steven's Creek Kia checked on the second event and another RBCT was done to justify it's Kia's position that the rod bearings are functional. So Far, have been sent away twice, pending a now 3rd.. The sensor was replaced 3 weeks ago and I only drove the car two weeks before a new P1326 rod bearing code was shown just last week. Well knowing that the Rod Knock senor is designed to place the car into limp mode to circumvent catastrophe, it behooves the company, on behalf of consumer safety; and, integrity to NHTSA safety, to visually inspect the rod bearings to assure consumer confidence. This is especially after multiple rod knock sensor issues. Given that Rod bearing problems can cause catastrophic injury to the driver, the NHTSA needs to mandate the company to visually inspect the bearings and show the consumer pictorial evidence of a clearly unworn rod bearing per incident, after an initial knock sensor change. All evidence as such should be faithfully tracked by Kia and the NHTSA. This is especially as Kia is using a test to indicate normal functioning for bearings assumed to be among a lot of defective bearings. It follows logically that rod bearings which pass a RBCT ( Rod Bearing Clearance Test ), after a code is found, will be functioning just short of causing a catastrophic event. It should be noted that the warranty is to maintain consumer safety not to facilitate new events by default.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #28

Feb 132024

Soul

  • miles
Dct transmission, actuators. Design flaw. Electrical problems.

- Apopka, FL, USA

problem #27

Feb 032024

Soul

  • miles
Driving on the freeway car brakes don-??t work, first oil light blinking a very loud noise like metal scraping and all the lights turned on very dangerous situation was able to pulled over until car stopped. Kia dealer knows about all the problems car still under guaranty and they ignore the problem.

- Indian Trial , NC, USA

problem #26

Feb 132022

Soul

  • miles
UNKNOWN Car accident in 2022 that impacted the front and driver side of the vehicle. Air bags did not deploy as it was a pretty bad accident. The light of the air bag would be on stating that it was not on and then go off completely in different situations. Never once did I receive a letters from the manufacturer stating the recall.

- Lakewood, WA, USA

problem #25

Jan 052024

Soul 4-cyl

  • miles
Engine failure fluid leek and wire burning smells engine burst into flames from the under carriage of the engine. The contact wants to see if there are any recalls and if so should the car be sold at msrp price.

- Hartford, CT, USA

problem #24

Jan 132024

Soul

  • miles
Kia issued recall for update to knock detection system on vehicles equipped with certain GDI engines of which my vehicle was included. Following the update I noticed my engine had begun to consume oil at an excessive rate between oil changes and took in for service at dealership. They performed an oil consumption test and returned the vehicle to me stating that it fell within the perameters of normal oil consumption but was burning oil. On 10/20/23 the vehicles knock sensor detection system went off and vehicle was dropped off at the service center. Service Advisor infomred me of the flow chart procedure for the warranty process and did an update to the knock detection system, added oil and gave me the car back. A month later the car again went into limp mode and gave a code for knock detection sensor trigger. Went into service center, bearing clearance test was performed, vehicle passed, knock sensor replaced. Car was returned to me. Exactly one month later after routine oil change, vehicle is still excessively burning oil and car goes into limp mode again. The new knock sensor has triggered and vehicle enters into limp mode on the highway. Took the vehicle to the service depatment this time with an audible knock/rattle in the engine block with noticeable movement in the motor mount to which they now state is not connected to the oil consumption issue even though the vehicle was again low on oil when system was engaged. The vehicle has been consuming oil at a high rate of speed for over a year initiating the safety mechanisms on multiple occassions with the source of the issue being unresolved by the manufactuerer despite multiple documented attempts to intiated covereage under the warranty. Knock sesnor detection system has triggered multiple times with safety protocals being bypassed and faulty engine being returned to the highways putting other vehicles at risk. Currently have a case open with both Kia USA and our local Kia Dealership.

- Burlington, NC, USA

problem #23

Dec 122023

Soul

  • 35,000 miles
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at a low rate of speed, an abnormal, burning odor began to emit from the vehicle. As the odor grew stronger, the contact's wife parked and exited the vehicle. Soon after exiting the vehicle, white smoke began to emit from underneath the hood and the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and the fire was extinguished. No injuries were reported and a police report was filed. The vehicle parked in front of the contact's vehicle sustained damage as a result of the fire. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location through the contact's insurance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was totaled as a result of the fire. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #22

Nov 202023

Soul

  • 10,500 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30-?"40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 10,500.

- Jonesville, VA, USA

problem #21

Sep 022023

Soul

  • miles
I am burning through oil, adding approximately 1-2 qts a week. This, in addition to my regular oil changes that I do every 3-4,000 miles. I use a synthetic blend for high mileage. I was informed that the type of engine installed (Nu 2.0 GDI engine) is the reason for the car burning oil. Twice in the last 8 months, I went to get my oil changed and was informed that I had no oil. I have yet to see the oil pressure light illuminate on my dash when my oil has been that low. My oil changes average about $80 every 3 to 4000 miles. However, in addition to the cost of my oil change, I-??m having to add one to 2 quarts of oil averaging an extra $14 every week. This is starting to eat into my wallet and Kia needs to do something about their engines.

- Henrico, VA, USA

problem #20

Jul 282023

Soul

  • miles
I was driving my 2019 Kia soul when I heard a noise I as I was pulling into a parking lot to park and see what was going on the car just cut off. There were no warning lights or anything on the dashboard. I called the dealership where I got the car and got no response for a week, then finally the guy who sold me the car reached out. I told him I had the car towed to my house and that I needed to get it to the dealership for service, the dealership is in a different city 30 minutes away. I was told that somebody from service would reach out to me that never happened. So, another week goes by I get the car towed it sits at the dealership for two weeks and the finally tell me the engine needs to be replaced. This is a 2019 kia soul where routine maintenance was always done on time. I was given no reason for the engine failure just told it was out of warranty and I would have to pay $11,00 to replace it.

- Battle Creek, Mi, MI, USA

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