2012 Kia Soul: stuck in gear or won't shift

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 Nov 21, 2025 · Engine · IN

P1326 code followed by loss of power (limp mode) followed by multiple misfires and loss of compression in cylinder 2. Loss of power going up a hill on interstate with a full car one under age 10. Dealer and firestone states no compression in cylinder 2 and says needs engine.

Filed Apr 13, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

I was driving and my check engine code went on , I got it checked by autozone and it was for the catalytic converter. My car has since ran horribly, there feels like a lag in acceleration and it makes a hissing/air noise that comes from the catalytic converter it gets overheated and causes my car to go in limp mode and when I asked a mechanic friend they said it’s very clogged which has caused me to park my car and not drive it because I was recommended to not drive it being in this condition then I was send a recall in email. It has one owner and we have kept up with maintenance very well.

Filed Nov 12, 2022 · Acceleration, Engine · WV

I had my Kia in the shop for 2 months from August 22, 2022 until about the middle of October because it went into limp mode and they were waiting on Kia consumer to ok a new engine because the dealership heard a knock. I was originally told my Kia had a lifetime warranty on the motor but when it went into limp mode with 156.044 miles on it they then said 150,000 mile warranty so I had to pay out of pocket to have the part fixed. I’ve have my car back less than a month haven’t even put a 1,000 miles on it and it’s went right back into limp mode in the middle of a four lane. Almost got rear ended because the speed bogged down to below 45mph. It’s throwing the same code as it didn’t previously.

Filed Apr 3, 2022 · Fuel system · GA

I've had recalls on antiknock sensor and catalytic problems with vehicle I've had them repaired at kia dealerships to no avail I've had catalytic converter replaced with my own money because the solutions did not fix problems..still having severe issues.vehicles engine light blinks three times and goes into limp mode which prevents engine from accelerating past 45 mph

Filed Dec 3, 2020 · Electrical · 120,000 miles · TX

Tried starting the car one morning and the entire dashboard is black. No readings for any of the gauges and shifter stuck in park. Car was drivable after releasing the gear with the shift lock release, but nothing on the instrument cluster working. Couldn't see odometer, fuel gauge, heat gauge because it wasn't moving or lit up.

Filed Mar 25, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · TN

I purchased the vehicle in december and every so often the gauges and the lights in the dash will not work. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. I had contacted the dealer from whom I purchase the vehicle, I then took it to their repair shop. The gentleman (mechanic) was unable to determine the cause. I then called the dealership and requested another vehicle, of course they refused. In a matter of days, the dash materials began to work again. Unfortunately, 20 days later, the same thing happened again. None of the lights and gauges in the dash work, and the vehicle will not go into drive. I am simply unhappy with the matter, because they are charging me nearly $20,000. For the vehicle.