2015 KIA SOUL Complaints

I was driving about 50mph when my car suddenly stopped accelerating. I rolled down the hill a little before I hit the brake and put the car in park right in the middle of the street in traffic

The engine system in my 2025 Kia Soul malfunctioned, as indicated by the activation of the P1326 warning light. This diagnostic code typically signals serious engine issues, such as potential rod-bearing damage. Despite this warning, the authorized dealership, Jim Bone Kia of Santa Rosa, only replaced the knock sensor after I asked to conduct a Bearing Clearance Test (BCT), which they claimed passed. However, prior inspections had revealed metal debris in the oil, which strongly suggests internal engine damage. The failure to conduct a thorough investigation into the potential engine damage poses a significant safety risk, as the vehicle could experience a catastrophic engine failure while in operation. Such an event could endanger my safety and the safety of others on the road. The dealership has not reproduced or confirmed additional issues related to the P1326 code, claiming they require further symptoms (e.g., audible engine noise or a repeat warning) to proceed with deeper diagnostics. This approach delays necessary repairs and leaves unresolved safety concerns. Additionally, the vehicle’s catalytic converter was initially denied warranty coverage, despite being included under an extended recall. This created confusion and delayed essential repairs. The P1326 warning light appeared before service, and the knock sensor was replaced, but no further proactive measures were taken to address the root cause. The vehicle remains at risk of more severe engine damage and safety hazards.

We bought Kia Soul in July of '23 from a dealership. We had no knowledge of a recall on this vehicle from the dealer. Although it was sold to us, and assumed it was in good working order. In December of 2023, the engine/electrical system had an issue. The car was smoking, the battery was changed and it seemed to be mostly solved, although here was smoke coming from the oil area. At no point were we told that there was a recall on this vehicle or sent communications saying so. This was fixed at an independent garage - not Kia, and again we had no idea that there was a recall on this vehicles engine. We received a "Important safety recall" notification around Nov. 1st, 2024 about a problem that needed attention. Using the QR at the bottom to try to schedule the recall, there was not availability at our local dealership until late January to have this remedied. On Nov. 28, 2024, the car started having issues again. The oil light flickered on late on Nov. 27th and then by the 28th the car was unusable/undrivable and we had to have the car towed to the dealership. It was then we realized this may have to do with the recall notification that we received. We told the dealership this so they could see if this issue is part of the recall. The dealership AND Kia Customer Service then told us that the engine issues are not covered under the "extended warranty" because the recall work had not been preformed. I have to stress again A) no availability to do the recall, and B) We're the second owners of this car and were JUST made aware of the issues. The dealership we bought it from did not make us aware of a recall, nor did the places we've had it serviced for problems last year and when getting oil changes. This is UNACCEPTABLE. The repair cost is not covered, and we were told that the engine will cost $8000 to replace. The recall notice specifically says "Kia will Inspect, test, and if necessary repair or replace the engine." Kia should be responsible for this.

November 26, 2024 Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my 2015 Kia Soul. On [XXX], I was involved in a severe car accident. Despite the significant impact, the airbag system failed to deploy. I have attached photos of the vehicle damage for your reference. This incident is particularly alarming as the vehicle had recently been serviced for recalls at Phil Smith Kia (4250 N Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064). The failure of the airbag system to deploy raises serious concerns about the safety and quality control of Kia vehicles. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this incident thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all Kia vehicle owners. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Sincerely, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The contact noticed a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was able to restart however the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 96,643.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

purchased vehicle on 10/12/2024 was driving it home the car started knocking, and loosing acceleration on freeway. the car was smelling of very volatile gas fumes. i put some gas in car for the trip home . drove about 15-18 miles had to pullover into the v shape of the merging section of a on ramp,. could not make it to the emergency lane on the freeway. used family members road side assistance to get car home, took it to the kia dealer (car pros moreno valley) towed to them because they said had to get a appt,. which they set up for today 10/25/2024. the intake person was letting us know it was just a update as if the fuel leak and oil leak was not a part of the recall and it would cost us 9000-13,000 to fix the engine plus the diagnosis of 240.00 getting the run around already for a dangerous situation. the car has caught fire for other owners, of the same year and make. the customer care person stated to me it is just a oil pan leak, as if the car is safe and anything else is our problem. the car reeks of fumes and could not be safe to drive. they were questioning us about the recall as to why it was not done? we told him we were not the owners we dont know if they got the notices? no, unknown only owned the car 0n 10/12/24 for 30 minutes before this started warning lights appeared on dash after knocking and acceleration went out. car was towed and left at kia dealer today. he was talking to us as if it was our fault the car was dangerous and could blow up while driving!!!

Earlier last year, we had suddenly had an issue with the Kia Soul. We received a check engine light and noticed a loud clicking noise as the vehicle began accelerating and noticed the vehicle had difficulty accelrating. We left the vehicle parked and then attempted to change the battery and oil to see if either were a contributing factor. When we noticed no improvement upon turning on the car, we took the vehicle to a licensed dealership: Arapahoe Kia to check the vehicle to diagnose the issue and help determine if this was covered under warranty. On our drive (which was about 2 miles from where we had left the car, the engine seized so we had the vehicle towed there. Once we got the diag back, they told us the code but wanted service records to honor the warranty from all oil changes in all states for the past 5 years or pay full cost of vehicle. No mention was made of the prior repaired recalls or determination if the cause could have been because of the unprepared recall that clearly states the syptoms and result being the exact problem we experienced. A few months later when we received notification from a different licensed dealer we had the unrepaired recall (in automated texts and emails), we called back Arapahoe Kia who still had the car, and they again stated service records would be needed to honor the NHTSA recall and also admitted they didn’t attempt to identify if the engine issue we had was caused by the unrepaired recall, as they only looked at the code and visual inspection of oil sludge, and treated it like a warranty claim to deny and did not validate the recall as the cause. But they still have refused to actually inspect the recall concern to determine if the engine trouble was caused by it and repair it as obligated if it was. Instead they keep asking us to pay for the full engine without validating root cause under the NHTSA recall.

The car has consistently burned oil, and I’ve had several engine-related repairs: 09/2022: Camshaft replaced. The check engine light came on again, but I was told the camshaft was fine and that the car just needed an oil change. 04/2023: Check engine light came on, AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 06/2023: Check engine light on again, AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 09/2023: Check engine light on again AutoZone diagnostic code P0011. 06/2024: Check engine light came on AutoZone diagnostic code P0014. 07/2024: check engine light on-taken to Firestone Auto for an oil change 07/2024: check engine light on- car to Christian Brothers Automotive, where the camshaft and timing chain belt were replaced. Documented a knocking sound in the vehicle. 09/30/2024: Vehicle shook violently on the highway, sputtering as if the engine would fail. Check engine light came on after car began to shake. 10/2024: We Care Auto diagnosed the car. I was told the engine needs replacement due to misfires, low compression, and no oil in cylinders 2 and 3. Safford Kia Brown of Manassas recommended replacing the ignition coil, spark plugs, and conducting a fuel induction service, diagnostic, and synthetic oil change. Given the car’s engine history, I don’t believe this will resolve the root problem, and it’s likely the car will need more repairs soon. Driving under these conditions compromises my safety and the safety of others, increasing the likelihood of a life-threatening situation. Per Motor and Wheel and Fast Company, the December 2020 recall addressed engine issues and fire risks in Kia Souls from 2014-2016. Owners reported hearing knocking noises before their engines failed or caught fire while driving. Some saw smoke before safely stopping, highlighting the dangers of unnoticed warnings. CarMax's warranty acknowledges the issue and is willing to authorize repairs, so I would like to know why Kia will not honor this as well. I ask Kia to reconsider and investigate further.

the vehicle would not accelerate. I was doing about 40 on the highway when I got off. The vehicle at no time was hot or had any leaks; it was checked by me as well as a man at the gas station. I proceed home as I approach my place; about 3 minutes in, I parked, then the vehicle started knocking, the engine light came on, and all the engine oil spilled. I took a picture of the oil leak on that day on or about 6/2. Kia's engines for Souls 2015-2016 have had engine recalls. My safety was at risk. Kia had the vehicle in April, and an inspection by their mechanics failed to note engine issues.