2012 Kia Soul: engine stalls while driving

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Engine · IN

2012 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI (VIN: [XXX]). Case #[XXX]. Safety Hazard Description: The vehicle experienced a sudden engine stalling event at highway speeds and repeatedly dropped into a restricted "Limp Mode" due to a recurring P1326 diagnostic code. This code is explicitly tied to Kia's Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) monitoring structural connecting rod bearing failure. The sudden loss of engine RPMs and throttle response created a severe traffic hazard, leaving me without power steering or predictable acceleration in active traffic. Dealer Information & System Non-Compliance: The vehicle is currently grounded and unsafe to drive. Southlake Kia (Merrillville, IN) verified that the vehicle's engine sensor and circuit are operating perfectly with an end-to-end wiring test reading at a flawless 0.2 OHMS (Repair Order #[XXX]). This mathematically confirms that the sensor is picking up real, severe internal mechanical vibrations from a failing engine block rather than an electrical short circuit. Official internal dealer records (R/O #[XXX]) prove that this severe engine defect initially manifested and was documented at 149,715 miles—strictly under the 150,000-mile extended federal class-action settlement threshold. Despite this clear history, the franchise dealership is actively refusing to open a factory Techline case or submit a Prior Work Authorization (PWA) to repair this safety defect, citing the vehicle's current odometer reading (152,142 miles). Kia Corporate has failed to override the dealer franchise or provide alternative transportation. The manufacturer is actively leaving an inherently dangerous, unserviceable vehicle on the road by refusing to honor a pre-existing condition documented within warranty limits. A formal dispute has been initiated with the BBB AUTO LINE (Case #[XXX]). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 12, 2026 · Engine · 84,213 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and failed to accelerate with the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the contact’s spouse had added oil to the vehicle. The vehicle was able to restart, and additional oil had to be delivered to the contact to refill the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed by a dealer for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 84,213.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · 161,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under the Extended Warranty. The manufacturer sent the contact the information for a Class Action Lawsuit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to empty and refilled with premium gasoline. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was informed that the engine had thrown a rod. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of the recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact the vehicle was no longer under the extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent the contact the Class Action Lawsuit paperwork to fill out. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 28, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · FL

Was stalling, would loose power, now will not start. Found a recall ( engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic converter # 19v120000.) same problems. Towed to local kia, they say not under recall list. This recall is only for engine size 1.6. My engine is a 2.0. But they said catalytic converter needs replaced. Although car is aged only has about 55,000 miles. Catalytic converter should not be an issue. I believe the 2.0 engine needs to be added to the recall list.

Filed Jul 25, 2024 · Engine · 135,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that her daughter was able to pull over, restart the vehicle, and drove back to her residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer able to be started. The contact called a dealer who requested that the vehicle be towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Jun 25, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · MN

Vehicle first started to have issue with the blower motor relay, unknowingly at the time, that was the issue I had brought it to numerous mechanics, told it’s my blower motor itself, then took it to Kia and was told it’s not and they put my old one back in and didn’t solve any issue, on my way home my check engine light came on, driving on the HWY at 70mph. I get off on my exit slow down to the speed of 40Mph stop at the red light and then my vehicle starts to stall, refused to go faster then 40mph and was fighting it, at 7rpms. Local shop said it was some sort of sensor, had another mechanic look at it and found that KIA hadn’t put my Cars Computer back on my vehicle, so it was just flapping around, once he reconnected it the issue disappeared. Following this I have had a ticking engine for 2/3 years. Local mechanic said it was my Engine lifters, so we replaced all 18. The noise never stopped. I brought it back and was told I need a replacement engine the long block specifically, I couldn’t afford to replace it, years later it’s still making this noise at start up, in idel and when driving and becomes louder when I accelerate. I have had a hard time getting my vehicle to accelerate to HWY speeds at an efficient and safe level, having to use hazard lights. My car has had a gas fuel leak, repaired. I had to get a rental car. The blower motor relay has to be replaced every 3/4 months since it failed the first time years ago in order for my AC/heat to work, I’m a single mother, who is disabled with a special needs child, and a very low fixed income, this is a major safety concern on top of the HECU recall, I have asked for a buy back or a refund or replacement vehicle and have been denied, or at least reimbursement for the costs associated. Kia is negligent and obviously doesn’t seem to care whatsoever about their customers or their safety. If I could afford it I would sue them. Fire hazard, engine fire, stalling, ect.

Filed Jun 11, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 122,746 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while slowing down with the brake pedal depressed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing unintended downshifts. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to respond and was sluggish while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact a diagnostic test needed to be performed and the repairs would be out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The check engine, the electronic parking brake warning light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,746. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 13, 2024 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with an audible alarm. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently, and the interior lights were independently turning on. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service s Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Apr 12, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · AZ

So I purchased a 2012 Kia Soul A few months ago and since I got it the car has been having issues with accelerating the car delays to respond and I have had many closed calls specifically when entering a freeway the car losses power and I have to really press on the pedal for the vehicle to respond then the check engine light started to come on showing Code P0420 Catalyst operating below minimum threshold. I looked up online and all Kia souls starting from 2012 have a recall regarding the Catalyst converter and because of the issue my vehicle is having a weird rattling or knocking sound on the engine I looked up online and this is what I found Kia Motors America (Kia) is voluntarily recalling 2012–2016 Kia Soul vehicles with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines due to high exhaust gas temperatures that may damage the catalytic converter. This could cause abnormal engine combustion, damage to pistons, and possibly failed piston connecting rod. Recall consequence Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire. So at this point I’m not felling safe driving this vehicle anymore and I need my vehicle because I need it for work and to move my family around and the worst thing is that all this is cutting back on my income because I purchased this car for Uber & Lyft rides but I can’t do it I wouldn’t want to put other peoples life in danger knowing that the vehicle isn’t responding like it’s supposed to so please I need assistance or guidance on what to do to get this situation resolved as soon as possible because I wasted all muy funds purchasing this vehicle and at this point I can’t afford to pay someone to make any repairs my own vehicle pls don’t disregard my situation I’m out of options at this point thank you and have a great day Date 04-11-24 Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

Filed Dec 30, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · ID

My car died while driving it down the highway. And I couldn't get it drive. I had to have it towed.

Filed Jun 14, 2023 · Engine · AZ

Engine seizure, stalling, engine turns off without any warning. When taken to dealership or mechanic there is no error code for the issue.

Filed Jun 9, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

My car stalls and the engine light frequently stays on, my car is driving sluggish every since I got the recall adjustment my car has declined in performance and the engine light started coming on more frequently up until now, it's loud at and experiencing a great lost of power ,the computer is giving the code PO420 reading as bank 1 oxygen sensor , I had intended changing out both sensors, but wasn't sure if it's a damaged engine effecting the Cadillac converter from the 2019 recall, # 19V120000 giving a false reading.