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.
My engine blew, was never notified of a recall to get that fixed things the big Kia lawsuit no one has helped me I-??ve been reaching out for years. Took them a year to fix my Cadillac converter I-??ve been without my car for years and it-??s paid off and no one will help me Kia is supposed to fix it for free
It started in September 2022 when my Kia soul started spuddering and slowing down quickly while driving on the interstate. Drove it on limp to the closest mechanic shop. They recommended a complete engine replacement, which would cost more than the vehicle was worth. Had it towed to a Kia dealership for their diagnosis. They came back and said it was a clogged catalytic converter. Replacing it fixed the car. Now to June 2024 and car slowed down drastically while on the highway, with my wife and newborn child in the car. I had it towed to Kia again and they diagnosed it as a total engine failure with a clogged catalytic converter again (catalytic converter only lasted 1.5 years!). Again, the replacement cost is more than the value of the car. I think they knew of the issue in 2022 or failed to diagnose the actual problem and put my family at risk.
I am experiencing multiple safety and performance issues with my 2015 Kia Soul: 1.Vibration at Idle: Significant vibration when the vehicle is idling at a red light. Possible causes include worn engine mounts, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, issues with the idle control valve or throttle body, or vacuum leaks. 2.Electrical Issues: -?? Codes: B111216 (Ignition Voltage Low), B17672F (OCS Algorithm Cut Off), B251100 (Head Lamp High LH SCG), B251300 (Head Lamp Low LH SCG) -?? Symptoms include low battery voltage warnings and short circuits in the headlamp circuits. Possible causes might be a failing battery or alternator, or damaged electrical wiring. 3. Emission System Problems: -?? Codes: P0455 (Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected), P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) -?? Symptoms: Check engine light related to emission control systems. Potential causes include a loose or damaged gas cap, cracked EVAP hoses, faulty purge or vent valves, and failing catalytic converter or oxygen sensors. 4. Airbag System Issues: -?? Codes: B151100 (Buckle Switch Driver Open or Short to Battery), B110200 (Battery Voltage Low), B149000 (OCS Defect) -?? Symptoms: Warning lights related to the airbag system. Possible causes include faulty seat belt buckle switches, low battery voltage, or issues within the Occupant Classification System. 5. TPMS Issues: -?? Codes: C1314 (Sensor 3 Radio Frequency Channel Failure), C1662 (Auto Learning Failure) -?? Symptoms: TPMS warnings and inability to correctly monitor tire pressure. Possible causes are sensor failures or calibration issues. Despite regular maintenance, these issues persist and affect the safety and drivability of my vehicle. I request an investigation into these problems to determine if they are common in this model and if there are any recalls or service bulletins that address them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Having acceleration problems with the Kia and catalytic converter. I had contacted the Kia dealer but can't be seen till August but I need vehicle to go to work plus have dr appointments and can't drive the car feel like it's gonna die on me how can I get this problem recall done sooner as I need my car
- Independence, OR, USA
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The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
The Kia experienced acceleration issues and would randomly turn off while driving. A mechanic inspected and recalibrate the knock sensor. Almost immediately the car began to use excessive amounts of oil, a quart a week average, had a knock and started having acceleration issues. The Kia dealership stated that severe engine scoring had occurred likely caused by the catalytic converter. The problems began and lead to engine failure within several weeks. From March to end of May
Car burning oil every 1,000 miles or less causing catalytic converter to over heat, which could cause fire. Wiring harness on driver side shorting lights out which could cause a fire. Vehicle can be ready for inspection at anytime. Have been calling dealer about it since 2019 said recall was fixed but wasn-??t done properly. Electrical issues started around 01/15/2024.
NHTSA Recall:19V120 The ESC light went on during high winds and stayed on. The car stuttered going up hill @40+ mph, so I looked for any outstanding recalls and decided to take it into LutherKia Bloomington. There were other recalls I was unaware of that I checked boxes to fix. They examined my vehicle and told me that my Catalytic Converter was plugged/melted and needed to be replaced. That isn't related to ESC as far as I'm aware, also I asked -why- it plugged and they were unwilling/able to determine. Other mechanics online told me that it is crucial to determine the root cause of why it plugged/melted and fix it. I looked closer at the recalls and pointed out that the various outstanding recalls called for engine tests, none of which they did. I then noticed that recall #19V120 directly mentioned catalytic converter damage. LutherKia refused to check the engine, even though the other recalls stated they would. I called [XXX] and Luther refuse to do anything except update computer codes since KIA will not pay for it. The KIA's catalytic converter is damaged and very possibly engine damage as well, but they refuse to check since they said KIA wont cover labor costs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My vehicle is burning oil, not leaking but burning oil. I-??m having to put oil in it every 3-4 days. Also ever since they did a recall on the catalytic converter my check engine light has been on. When I-??ve taken it to see the code it comes back my catalytic converter. I-??m unable to drive my car.
I recieved a recall notice for my 2015 kia soul via mail earlier this year and made an appointment to have the recall maintenance addressed at the local dealership as directed. After a month and a half the maintenance was completed including a successful pass engine test. Shortly after departing the car had issues accelerating and the check engine light began flashing. I immediately took it back to them. After approx two hours of them working on it more sent me on my way. Again the acceleration issues (limp home mode) and flashing check engine light. To complicate things I had an IID from an OWI two years ago so at this point they require me to be there with the car as they cannot work on it without me. After having to repeatedly take time off work to be there for 6 or 7 "videos" i have the thing removed as I've already lost my 2nd job at this point and cant afford to lose the main one while this is slowly playing out. It has now been over three weeks since KIA has messed up this vehicle and there is no resolution in site. They have yet to really define what is now wrong with the many tests and videos they have sent into coporate or own the issue and have yet to provide any timeframe for resolution. Meanwhile I cant take it to anyone else until they decide if they are fixing it as they SHOULD be as i did not stretegically plan for my engine to fail the day they did the recall maintenance after waiting 1.5 months to even get in. The vehicle should have been towed to their lot and not driven repeatedly on a check engine light blinking as they were having me do however i would be up to thousands of dollars in tows with no guarantee of reimbursement up to 90 days of the "resolution" which we have yet to have any timeframe for. I have called corporate and now it seems the line puts you on silent hold for 12-15 min and disconnects you without ever talking to a human. I have brought this up with the BBB and local attorney general office as well.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number:?19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,965.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and after parking the vehicle, the contact detected an abnormally strong burning odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inspected the engine compartment for fuel and engine oil leaks and performed an engine test according to the recall remedy. The contact was informed that the vehicle had passed inspection and no repairs, including the engine replacement, were necessary. Additionally, the contact was informed that the strong burning odor would subside on its own. The failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
On April 11, 2024, customer's check engine light came on on his 2015 Kia Soul. It was clear, dry, and fair temperature day. Owner was returning home from a routine trip from work on an outer road to a highway. The next day the vehicle was taken to Firestone Auto Service which ran a diagnostic report and found that the catalytic convertor was the issue (SEE FIRESTONE UPLOAD). Firestone recommended vehicle be taken back to original dealer to address the issue since there was a recall. Records show that the dealership addressed the February 2019 catalytic recall on 5/2/2019 (SEE KIA DOC UPLOAD). KIA Customer Service told owner that KIA is not liable to address the catalytic converter problem under warranty (free) because they had already closed out the recall on this particular vehicle on 5/2/2019. CUSTOMER COMPLAINT: Kia should be liable to fix the catalytic converter problem at no charge to the owner because the recall service done has failed to prevent the overheating of the catalytic converter. The KIA Soul had only 75,822 miles on it when this issue was discovered.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling) however, the vehicle experienced a failure related to the recall. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure and recommended that the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,822.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal rumbling sound was coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that there was a defect with the engine. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which was linked to the failure. The contact then stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the engine failure was confirmed. The contact was also referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that since a prior unknown recall repair was not performed; the engine recall would not be honored. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Was driving on the highway I hard a pop sound and I look in my mirror and saw a big white smoke fog and then hard tapping from the hood and pulled over and my car would not start had it towed and had 2 mechanic look at it told me my engine is blown and there is a hole in it that my engine is defective
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine would rev up loudly emitting a vibrating noise. About 3 months after having the vehicle repaired, while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the battery warning light and the oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled shortly afterward. After waiting for a while, the contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the contact was only able to drive for a short while before the failure recurred. The contact stated after having the vehicle inspected, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and the tailpipe intermittently that dissipated while driving. A loud vibrating noise was emitted from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a muffler shop after noticing the loud vibrating sounds and it was determined that the muffler was loosened and needed to be reattached. The contact had also taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic due to the vehicle continuing to run roughly and it was determined that cylinder #1 was misfiring. Additionally, the oil level was extremely low. The mechanic was unable to determine where the leak was coming from. The ignition coils were replaced. The contact stated that a friend diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved a code that cylinder #4 was misfiring after the coils were replaced. The friend also informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that VIN was not included in a recall nor covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 178,000.
The Kia Soul 2015 model has been under scrutiny due to safety concerns, particularly regarding engine failures that could potentially lead to accidents. This report aims to address a recent incident involving a Kia Soul 2015 experiencing engine failure, putting a family at risk. Incident Description: On [03/15/24], a Kia Soul 2015 experienced a sudden engine failure while being driven with my family onboard, including the my wife and two children. The incident occurred shortly after maintenance was performed by Lokey Kia Clearwater. The sudden engine failure resulted in the vehicle coming to a stop in the middle of the road, posing a significant safety risk to the occupants and other road users. Engine shutdowns while in motion can lead to loss of control over the vehicle, potentially causing accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. In this case, the driver, my wife, and two children were exposed to the danger of being stranded on a busy road, increasing the risk of a deadly accident. The investigation into the engine failure revealed several potential causes, including Mechanical Failure: The engine may have experienced a critical mechanical failure, possibly due to poor maintenance or manufacturing defects. Electrical Malfunction: Electrical issues within the engine control system could have triggered an automatic shutdown, leading to the engine failure. Previous Maintenance: The maintenance performed by Lokey Kia Clearwater could have been inadequate or incorrectly executed, leading to unforeseen complications with the engine.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lexington, KY, USA