This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I got a recall letter in the mail too late! (October 2021) I received recall letter and called my local dealership 5 minutes after reading it & was told to put the letter in my glove box until my car completely broke down December 8th 2021. It was towed and was told it needed spark plugs & an oil chance which I knew wasn't the case. It sat at that dealership for two months with every service advisor giving me the run around and come to find out I'm not the first person. Had it towed to a different location where it sat for another two months where I had to fight to get a "goodwill" engine which we still paid almost $4,000 when it should of been for free! I got my car back March 31st 2022 and now my car had failed again! Am being told it's something different now & the STEALERSHIP wants another $1,500 from me! My child has had to miss dr appointments due to this and I've jad enough! Kia customer service is incompetent and Kia dealership service departments are as well! Due to the fact my engine should of been replaced for free like everyone else but someone decided to send me the recall letter LATE!
I have a Kia Soul ECO. Frequently the car will stop. For no apparent reason. It may have to do with the ECO feature where the engine turns off when you come to a complete stop. This is very dangerous as it happens randomly and disables the car. I have to turn the engine off and back on to continue.
My 2013 Kia Soul Exclaim has turned-off three (3) times in the past 30 days. The first time was on 5/17/22, the car was idling in traffic at a stoplight when it turned-off completely. I had my mom in the front passenger seat, and we were quick to turn on the emergency lights. Thankfully, after 60-90 seconds, it restarted, and we were able to continue with the flow of traffic without issue until I tried accelerating, and it sounded like it was stuck between two gears at 40mph. When we were about to idle in traffic, the car felt like it was going to stall/turn off again. We parked in an apartment complex, and checked for leaks but didn-??t see any. I scheduled an appointment with Firestone Complete Autocare for the next day, and after a few hours I was able to start the car and head home without issues. On 5/18/22, we took the car to Firestone where they checked the battery & other components but readings came back normal. The manager couldnt explain what happened and didn-??t feel comfortable changing the battery since readings were normal. I didn-??t have any further issues until 6/1/22 when the car was idling, and turned-off again. It still took 60-90 seconds to restart, but no further issues until this morning, 6/4/22. Today, the car was idling while at the Starbucks drive-thru line when it turned off. This time it took 90-120 seconds to start again, and when I tried to accelerate it began to sputter and felt like it was going to turn off again. I decided to go home, but it would not accelerate up the hill I live on, and ultimately died on the street outside my neighborhood. The car was towed to Firestone, and it was suggested to check Kia for a recall. NHTSA shows that 2012-2016 Kia Souls have been recalled for faulty catalytic converters. I called Kia Service, and the mechanic said that the VIN on my vehicle is not recalled, but from what I described, it could be an issue with the catalytic converter. Firestone was notified, and will check the engine.
The car broke down in concord nc in February 2022 they said it was the catalytic converter and it was on back order. Then the end of April they put the part on and the engine locked up. They said to come and get it there was nothing the could do.
The engine threw a rod while we were on the highway due to the recalled part. Our safety was at risk as it was me (23), my husband (27), our two kids ( 2 year old and 4 month old) and my husbands brother (23) in the vehicle when it malfunctioned. We were lucky enough to safely get off the highway without harming ourselves or anyone else. We had the vehicle towed to a shop and they informed us that it threw a rod in the engine but insurance didnt come out. There werent any messages on prior to failure but once it happened a few lights came on. The check engine, oil, and a light that had a steering wheel and an exclamation point by it.
- Cheyenne, WY, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
I called the Nashua Kia dealership spoke to Chrissy and she had said they found two recalls on my 2013 Kia soul as I was explaining to her the problem she quickly told me that-??s another problem she must-??ve been in a bad mood or some thing hung up on me I-??ve called two places now they gave me the run around very very rude she shouldn-??t be working the front desk if she has an attitude and just hangs up on people I-??m just trying to get help..
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine had seized. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the independent mechanic stated that the oil level was low. There were no warning lights illuminated. The mechanic had not performed a diagnostic test; however, the mechanic stated there was oil burning from the tailpipe, which caused the regular low oil. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,700.
My car without warning started smoking from the hood. I immediately parked the car, popped the hood, and flames starting rising from underneath before I had even exited the vehicle. Within 5 minutes of the smoke, my car was completely on fire.
In mid January 2022 I purchased from Baba's Autos in Houston 2013 Kia 5 speed 4cyl [XXX] vin. I immediately saw was using oil like 1gal per month. I took to Elite Auto in Feb2022 and they say engine recall on this as piston rings shot why oil blow-by. Was caused by a NHTSA Safety reacll #19V120000 with recall date 2019-02-21 so I took in on 9Mar22 as some outstanding recall items like software update and Catalytic check. They said on 9Mar22 "No Issues" with Catalytic converter. less than 3 days later on 12Mar22 I broke down driving less than 60 miles to northwest side of Houston with code P0240 Catalytic inefficiency trying to get to my kids who were broke down from a flat tire near 290 and 610. I towed to Clear lake area w/ AAA and on Monday 14th had towed over to Gay Family Kia. I was expecting to get a Catalytic converter replaced due to the NHTSA Safety recall as the damage caused to my 2013 Engine but after 2 weeks of waiting on 24MAR22 I was told by Roy that I would have to pay for the catalytic converter nearly $2k which should be covered under the Safety recall. I also should be provided a new engine as existing is sucking oil due to piston ring damage. At the moment, my Kia is in the Gay Family Service center and it seems any recall on my vehicle has been zeroed out of the national database even though any Catalytic converter upgrades have not been completed. My trust in Kia products has been damaged. My trust in Gay Family Kia service center is also damaged as I was stuck without transportation for 2 weeks. And though my vehicle has 139k miles why won't they change out the engine if there is piston ring damage that was caused by their faulty catalytic converter that they don't want to pay to change out even though the NHTSA 19V120000 safety recall clearly states is result of overheating Catalytic Converters. I don't know who to talk to now as this doesn't seem right. Can someone please help me [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over safely and had the vehicle towed to her residence. The contact later took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there had been engine gouging and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Took my car in for recall and they said I need an engine but will not replace it free of charge. Also the catalaytic converter was clogged and someone tried to take it off to get me home when I broke down on side of road. They won't replace it even though it was malfunctioning and I had to do what I could to get off side of road. They replaced the computer thing but said the engine would be at my cost. Can you please help. This is at Lancaster Kia in Pennsylvania.
Purchased used 2013 Kia Soul July 2018. June 2019, vehicle was taken to Kia Dealership for SC176-19V120 ECU Logic Upgrade. Neither catalytic converter nor engine were replaced during recall repair. In 2020, vehicle began consuming oil and poor mileage. No smoke or leak detected. Had vehicle inspected by local mechanic, who could not find pooled oil or a leak. Suggested replacing PCV valve and had that done, but symptoms persisted. April 2021 Engine Misfire Code P0300 and P0303 for cylinder 3 and multiple cylinder misfires detected. Local mechanic also checked for burning oil or leaks. Engine made knocking sounds on acceleration. Mechanic performed fuel system cleaning, and replaced spark plugs and coils. Engine knocking stopped, but loss of oil and poor mileage remained. Oct 2021 Campaign PI2002A Knock Sensor software update to ECU was performed by local Kia dealership with no other repairs performed. Feb 2022, visible oil leaking from beneath car and check engine light. Local mechanic diagnosed CodE P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1), and heard engine knocking. Recommended replace catalytic converter and reprogram ECU for short term fix, followed by engine replacement due to wear and damage from catalytic converter. Suggested I contact dealership who performed recall repairs to see about warranty or replacement of engine due to recall repairs failing to correct faulty engine issues.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60mph when the engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road. The contact was informed by a passerby that the engine was on fire. The contact then called the fire marshals and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was taken and no injuries were sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and was awaiting a response. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximate. 78,000.
While driving down the highway, or turning around a curve the engine stops. The car can be restarted after it is put un park. Not always possible on a busy road.
Received Engine Code P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold - Bank 1. There is an existing recall NHTSA # 19V120000 ( Kia Recall SC176), with similar issues and I received a letter from Kia to get the recall repaired, but when entering my VIN, my vehicle is not on the recall list, and now I believe I am experiencing this recall on my vehicle. If the cat. the converter is clogged it can cause engine failure and possibly a fire in the near future. Unfortunately, Kia will not repair my vehicle as the VIN is not listed. The possible repairs are in the thousands for a new catalytic converter, which I have seen may other customers not get reimbursed if they fix it on their own. I am hoping this can get on their radar to add my car to the recall. My vehicle is a 2013 Kia Soul (Base Model 1.6 liter). Thank you.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the failure might be due to a piston slap. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
May, 2021 the check engine light came on. The engine appeared to be sluggish upon acceleration. Took vehicle to be serviced at Meineke in Berlin. NJ. They suggested filling tank with high octane gas. They also changed all fluids and filters as well as installed all new spark plugs. Engine continued to be sluggish and once again check engine light came on. On 8/24/21 an email was sent by the Federal Court attaching an information pamphlet regarding a recall in response to a "knock sensor detection system". I immediately attempted to make an appointment with the Turnersville, NJ Kia Dealer. I was told they were booked up for 6 to 8 weeks. I made an appointment, but subsequently cancelled when I was able to be seen by Keller Auto repair on 8/26/21. They diagnosed a "bad ground circuit ". They advised we should take the vehicle to a Kia dealer. I was able to get an appointment with Cherry Hill, NJ Kia dealer for 8/26/21. I was given a $426.45 invoice to perform recall along with a transmission service purge & fill and drive belt replacement. Unfortunately, engine problems were worsening. The vehicle was stalling at every stop sign, traffic light and acceleration. I inquired about the "knock sensor" recall and was told they would submit a claim to Kia for engine replacement. Claim was denied! Vehicle has been rendered as inoperable and unsafe. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
It all started when I thought I received bad gas a couple of months ago after filling my tank up with regular gas from a Speedway, It didn't start right away, and that never happened and then it continued to Be hard to accelerate, as I drove it. That has happened on 2 other occasions since that incident a couple of months ago I would push the pedal to the floor and the RPM would not move it stayed on zero. The accelerator was resistant to move, but I made it home. Spoke a mechanic friend, who's done body work on my car, and thought, as I did, I had bad gas.. suggested, I get the fuel tank flushed and filled, which I did at Jiffy Lube. I've since put HEET in on every fill up, and used premium gas. Happened again yesterday am on my way home from work about about 830am. I was stopped at a light, it cut off, I put it in park, and cut it back on, but it was hard to accelerate. I made it home, but now extremely worried, given all the spontaneous fires, and engine problems. It's my only source of transportation, so I'm in desperate need of help.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Wheeling, IL, USA