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2012 Kia Soul engine complaints

Page 8 of 9: complaints 191 to 220 of 221, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Kia Soul engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 6, 2019 · Engine · 144,000 miles · OR

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. While driving 55 MPH, the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and smelled a strong fuel odor. The contact had the vehicle towed to beaverton kia (12520 sw canyon rd, beaverton, or 97005 (503) 526-2131) where it was diagnosed that the engine had a fractured valve in the number 3 cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer quoted $6,000 to replace the engine. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v120000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was still at the dealer and had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 144,000.

Filed May 1, 2019 · Engine · 140,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle started to sputter. The vehicle did not stall and was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the catalytic converter failed and fault code: p0240 appeared. The vehicle was repaired by a muffler shop. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v120000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Apr 29, 2019 · Engine · NV

On apr. 4th, 2019 my car had broke down. After getting a diagnostic the mechanic had advised me that there is a hole in my engine that seems to have been caused from overheating . A week later on april 12, 2019 kia recall notices on my vehicle. The letter, which I received on april 24, 2019, stated that my vehicle is having a safety recall as there have been reports that it is had the abnormal engine combustion. I immediately called kia and they towed my car to the nearest kia dealership. Two days later I will save a call from todd, the mechanic at kia, who stated my repair has been denied to contact consumer affairs . I spoke with them numerous times and was told that my repair was denied because I have no warranty on my engine. From my understanding, a warranty is not needed on a safety recall and that I am responsible to pay for the repairs which they said they can do it for $4100. This is absurd. I have been so inconvenienced and mistreated, engines exploding is not a minor problem with a car and I would like for them to provide me a proper solution. To me it seems as though the repairs are an out of pocket cost meaning no one at the company will get paid to repair it and they are giving me the short end of the stick. The recall letter indicated if I have been affected by this de the recall letter indicated if I have been affected by this defect they will replace the engine st no cost to me, but then ask me to pay $4100. Please help me. Attached I have attached the picture of the my engine clearly shown with a hole in it which is not something that often happens to vehicles. I want my recall letter honored asap.

Filed Apr 29, 2019 · Engine · 113,000 miles · NV

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling). The contact took the vehicle to jim marsh kia (8555 w centennial pkwy, las vegas, nv 89149, 866‑521‑6618), but they denied the repair. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated that the engine was out of warranty and they quoted a repair cost of $4,100 with a discount. The vehicle was currently at the dealer. The dealer asked the contact to have the vehicle towed from their facility at her expense. The failure mileage was 113,000.

Filed Apr 26, 2019 · Engine · 110,000 miles · NV

Hello, I had received a recall notice on apr. 24th, 2019 in regards to my vehicle. It indicated that they are having safety recall on the engine which is causing abnormal engine combustion. On apr. 4th, 2019 my car broke down on the freeway. When I had got it diagnosed the repair man showed me a picture of a hole in my motor due to overheating. On apr. 24th, 2019 I called kia and they had my car towed to my local kia dealership. 2 days later I receive a call from the dealership stating my repair has been denied due to my car being out of warranty. Never on my letter did it indicate my car needed a warranty nor did they mention that it was needed when they towed my car to the dealership. I am extremely upset, not only is my problems not being addressed but nor has my safety. I should be treated with car considering my engine busted and I had a great chance of my car catching on fire. Not only that but how am I supposed to replace an engine if all of the engines are having abnormal combustion? This is so disappointing and I will take legal matters if not addressed. They are now stating I have to pay to get my car towed back to my apartment and I am furious. Please help me. I can be reached at [xxx] or by calling [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 15, 2019 · Engine · 134,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. While driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and an abnormal noise was heard. The contact continued driving to his house. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the engine was replaced, but the engine warning indicator was still illuminated. Abeloff nissan (located at 3259 pa-611, bartonsville, pa 1832, (877) 608-0091) and the manufacturer were notified of failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 134,000 miles · NY

First 2 times car didn't start on initial try, car started, tach dial wasn't functioning and car didn't want to go more than 25 MPH. Car taken to kia where they said car was fine but needed fuel inhectors cleaned and a serpentine belt. 2 weeks later car stalls at stop light, tach dial not functioning and car doesn't want to accelerate past 25 MPH. Called kia they were closing and would call back, never did. 1 week later at stop light again and car stalls, restart, tach dial not functioning, car doesn't want to accelerate again. Taken to kia where scanner was put on and stated all was fine, even though the tach still was not functioning. Shut car off and restarted and all was fine.....

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · OH

Car was great until it reached the 100000 mile mark. Then it loses all power and dies while going 65 to 70 MPH on freeway! It is going to get me killed! When happens, the RPM gauge quickly plummets to zero and remains there at zero after I get it restarted. After it sits for about 15 minutes it starts fine with the RPM gauge giving an actual reading. This is happening about 3 times in a 25 mile span!

Filed Mar 16, 2019 · Engine · 192,000 miles · NJ

Was driving on highway. Was exiting on off ramp car lost exceleration car blew out smoke and stalled coasted off exit. Would not run after that. It clicked like it wanted to start. Found huge hole blown in my engine block

Filed Mar 15, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 207,465 miles · IA

My 2012 kia soul (base) with the 1.6l gdi recently had a problem on I-80 traveling between des moines, ia and denver, co. (there had been no prior symptoms) after reaching around 65 MPH, the engine began misfiring emmiting obd error code 0336 indication a bad crankshaft position sensor. I stopped at the nearest autozone, bought a appropriate replacement, and installed the part in the parking lot. Upon ignition, the car immidiately began misfiring and died. On the second attempt, the car started and misfired; but it sent the same 0336 code then the tachometer died. Although the techometer died, the engine continued to idle (and run) without further misfires. Upon seeing this, I figured it was the cam shaft position sensors (as the symptoms are very similiar). I found, and replaced both engine mounted cam shaft position sensors, but no new symptoms untill I test drove the vehicle. During the test drive, the vehicle emmited 3 obd codes, and didnt start misfiring until the tachometer went over 3500 RPM. By then, I was doing a highway test on I-80 outside lincoln, ne, and the car just died at around 55-65 MPH. It emmited code 0336 for a bad crankshaft position sensor, 0565 for cruise control on signal malfunction (I have the base model, so there is no cruise control), and 0517 for battery temperature circuit malfunction. I managed to get the vehicle off the interstate, and back home where the problem changed again. Now it misfires untill the tachometer hits 3500, then the tachometer dies and the vehicle appear to run normal (dispite the reoccuring odb2 codes 0366, 0517, and 0565) it appears the engine heated up enough to burn out a brand new crankshaft position sensor, and cause problems with the battery. (and possibly the ecu as it now reports my non-existant cruise control is malfunctioning)

Filed Mar 13, 2019 · Engine · 169,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. While driving various speeds, thee contact heard abnormal noises coming from the vehicle and all the warning indicators illuminated. Kia of duluth (1701 w michigan st, duluth, mn 55806, (866) 722-4542) diagnosed that the pistons needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 169,000.

Filed Mar 7, 2019 · Engine · 130,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking noise coming from the engine. The contact was informed that oil needed to be added between oil change intervals. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the number one piston rod bearing damaged the crankshaft. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Mike kelly kia (located at 254 pittsburgh rd suite a, butler, pa 16002, (724) 287-2701) stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v120000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Feb 28, 2019 · Engine · 10,567 miles · IN

My car gets very hot for no reason . The dashboard ,radio,by my gearstick to name a few places. I seen the recall for the souls catching on fire and read that the exhaust gas can cause problems to the catalytic converter which I had to replace last april only a month after buying my car. I believe my car should be included in the recall and am trying to figure out the steps to take to try an get it added .

Filed Dec 8, 2018 · Engine · 70 miles · GA

Spark plugs are burning out for no reason. I have had several tune ups. Because the spark plugs are doing this. What is the problem.?

Filed Sep 11, 2018 · Engine · 96,500 miles · NJ

Vehicle has 96000 miles. While driving on highway began to hear rattling and pinging. Attempted to make it to rest area to pull over and inspect. Heard loud bang and engine stalled. Coasted into rest area. Inspection revealed oil leaking from hole blown in lower engine block.

Filed Jul 21, 2018 · Engine · 63,000 miles · WI

I first noticed a grinding noise while backing out from a parking space. I thought perhaps a recent brake job needed some tweaking or maybe had a defective part installed. I dropped it at the dealership to get checked out on tuesday morning. When they finally looked at it on thursday they told me I needed a new engine due to "crank bearing failure" and "ring failure." my engine only had 63000 miles on it and all they could do was shrug and offer a used engine at the same cost as the current vehicle value.

Filed Jun 25, 2018 · Engine, Steering · 74,751 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. While driving various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the steering column and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to west palm beach kia (735 s military trail, west palm beach, fl), but was not diagnosed or repaired since there were no recalls attributed to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified, confirmed that there were no recalls, and documented the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 74,751.

Filed Jun 20, 2018 · Engine · 155,000 miles · NY

Vehicle at 155000 miles. Driving up hill on a a road I drive every day to work. 0510, going 60 MPH at 4000 rpms up the hill. Sound/felt engine explode. Pulled to the side of the road to inspect. Oil had leaked out and could not see damage. Got it tow home and found that a piston rod had broke and gone threw the bottom of the engine pan.

Filed May 17, 2018 · Driver assistance, Engine · 81,000 miles · WI

Was driving on the express way behind a semi. When the semi got over in the right lane I accelerated and herd a loud bang and dark smoke started coming from my engine. It smelled often and impaired my vision. Several of my causation light illuminated and I was stuck at 60 MPH my car would not accelerate and stopped working. I got over in the right lane safely and coasted for about a mile and a half to the nearest exit. Something told me do not put your foot on the brakes or you will be in serious trouble. As I got of the exit I started to brake and my car stopped and died.oil was leaking out and nothing was working. I had to get people to push me off to the side of the road and get a tow to the dealership. They told me I had catastrophic engine failure. So my engine failed me and I could have been killed. I did research and there have been many kia's with recall and very similar situations as mine but not with my model car. I am sure this is a manufactures error and I pray kia does a recall to protect people's lives. *js

Filed Feb 4, 2018 · Body, Electrical · 14,000 miles · AZ · fire

2012 kia soul with less than 15,000 miles on it suddenly burst into flames and the car is a total loss .

Filed Jul 10, 2017 · Engine · 76,000 miles · NC

I started my soul after work on 7.7.2017 and what started as a slight clicking noise from the engine bay increased as I got on to the highway a few minutes later the engine stopped as I was traveling down the highway at 65-70 mphil. The engine light first illuminated when the engine stopped, then all of the panel lights lit up. I had it towed 25 miles to a mechanic I trust. When he assessed the car he let me know the horrible news that the engine had locked up, and he could not immediately tell me why. As of the day of the incident I had owned it for exactly 5 years and 3 days. It has approximately 76,000 miles and had regular maintenance.

Filed Jun 1, 2017 · Engine · 80,000 miles · MD

Noticed that my car was making noise while driving. Checked oil and found there was no oil. I was getting oil changes at every 3000 miles then changed to 7500 miles per recommended. Changed back to every 3000 miles because of significant oil loss. Car was still burning oil and empty before 3000 mile change. Also noticed it was burning a significant amount of gas also. Took to dealership who did an induction test and told me I had carbon buildup on my pistons and my rings were sticking so I would need a new engine. Placed a claim with kia and they denied my claim siting poor fuel and lack of maintenance records. They said I was not using the "recommended" gas stations. I was not asked for any maintenance records and how do they know what gas stations I was using. I feel that this is a defect with the engine. I am currently at 85,000 miles.

Filed Nov 23, 2016 · Engine · 50,000 miles · LA

This is a standard 6 speed vehicle. Reverse is in the same location as 1st gear. The only difference is that one must pull on a slider control in the shift handle to get into first. Historically, reverse was always the gear farthest away from the driver. I have on multiple occasions thought I was in first but was accidently in reverse. I caught the mistake before there was any accident. As a suggestion, reverse should be in the same location for all cars in america. Actually, the entire gear pattern should be the same for all standard cars in america to prevent an accident.

Filed Oct 26, 2016 · Engine · 25,100 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia soul. While stationary, the vehicle would not start when prompted. The failure occurred on more than one occasion. The vehicle was taken to be repaired, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 25,100.

Filed Mar 9, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 100 miles · NV

My kia soul 2012 has a noise at cold start that last 15 to 20 second, it feel like some thing loose. Dealer at sahara, las vegas nevada had it for three times and 4 days each time and the first time they said was the timing tensioner and they replaced, but noise still there so they have two times more and at the end the said the noise is the oil pump, os if it was the oil pump why they replace the timing tensioner ? The noise still every day in the morning, plus smelling gas by the motor and infest the whole garage, so I took it to dealer at henderson ,nevada cause I found oil leaking by ocv ( oil control valve, so they replace two ocv and still leak oil, so I realized looking deeply that first two injectors are leaking gas, mixing with oil. They asked if oil got on the garage floor and when I said : no yet, so they said can not do any thing. So, the services manager there just put all this information to see if a person from manufacture or some one higher than then can look it up. I think when they replace timing tensioner they did not put right the liquid gasket, cause I see the leaking from that place. I have those problem since I bough the car and I waste my time three times 4 or 5 days each without my car, cause they don't rent cars or even give you one to move.

Filed Jul 7, 2014 · Engine · 36,000 miles · NY · fire

My 2012 kia soul caught fire after driving it for approximately 25 minutes. The fire started at the engine compartment and was consistent with a problem with fuel injection. The whole car burned down within about 5 minutes.

Filed May 30, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 16,000 miles · MD

The first time that this happened I was driving and was attempting to change lanes and I stepped on the gas pedal to speed up and the car hesitated after a few seconds I had power again. When the car did engage a big thick cloud of white smoke came out of the tailpipe.the second time this happen was on 5/25/2014 my wife was on a ramp trying to get on the interstate going about 30-40mph, there was a vehicle coming so she let off the gas pedal than when there was an opening she stepped on the gas pedal again and there was no power. After several seconds the car finally engaged and accelerated causing a big thick cloud of white smoke come out of the tail pipe.

Filed Oct 11, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 11,230 miles · GA

8-31-13 is the first time I went into the dealership to complain about the car accelerating when I would first start the car up in the garage and then when I was driving it would jerk into another gear. They reset the adaptive learning system. 10-9-13, is the 2nd time I went to dealership with the similar situation, but the car would seem like it was shifting from 1st to 2nd while I was actually driving. They checked transmission fluid levels and they thought it was low (they told me this is nonserviceable area and they had to access the cover which is bolted). They filled the transmission fluid and said to watch and check next time I have an oil change. 10-11-13, on way to work, car was being driven to work (30-45 MPH, city driving) when it seemed like it was holding its breath,,,suddenly downshifted on it's own. Got to office. When leaving for the day, car was jerking as it was shifting from first to 2nd and seemed to not engage properly. Happened a couple of times at speeds less than 40 MPH. Then noticed the equivalent of a check engine light came on and stayed on. Called dealership before I got home and asked if I could come in first thing in the morning. Will be taking to dealership in morning. This is similar situation that someone else previously reported to this site on 8-10-13 for kia soul 2012.

Filed Oct 1, 2012 · Engine · 1,200 miles · VT

I bought a 2012 kia soul from capital city kia in montpelier, vermont just over a month ago. It had 600 miles on it. After two weeks of driving it very seldom, it stopped operating while I was driving it and I had it towed to the nearest kia dealership. They kept it there for a couple hours and worked on it while I waited and then sent me on my way. They said it was just loose connections. A half an hour later the car quite while I was driving again and I had to have it towed again. They kept the car for diagnostics. I was frustrated and afraid to drive the car without some reassurance that it was truly fixed. They said they did everything they could. I left with the car and went into a store for a half of an hour and when I went to drive home, it died again. This time they sent their most experienced technicians to me who experienced starting it up and then having it die again. They had to have it towed again. Upon picking it up after it was worked on, I was told that it was a specific thing( don't know what it was or how to explain) and that it was set to go. Yesterday, while I was out running errands it died while I was driving it for again. Kia in williston said they would take it in but I would have to get ride home, so I asked to have it toed to where I bought it in montpelier and stated that I would not drive the car ever again, citing the danger of having it quit again and this time in a dangerous place and at a dangerous speed. Capital city has agreed to replace the car with a 2013, with higher payments. I do not want that. I do not want to have a car from kia, as I feel that their product is inferior and their service is unsatisfactory. I would like my money back and I would like that car to be destroyed so that no one else will every be in danger while driving it.

Filed May 18, 2012 · Engine · 14,250 miles · DE · fire

Car had an oil change and was washed then came home. Car's front defroster was noted to be stuck on and white smoke started to billow out from under the hood. Quick check under the car noted a flame that was either coming from the catalytic converter or reflecting in the exhaust from somewhere on the bottom/side of the engine. No fluids were shown to be leaking onto the driveway or were visible. Car then rapidly went up in flames and was a complete loss. Fire department had to put out.

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