2013 Kia Soul: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Engine · TX

While driving my 2013 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost significant engine power and the Check Engine Light began flashing. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a safety concern because I could no longer maintain normal highway speed with surrounding traffic. I exited the highway and drove home at reduced speed while the Check Engine Light continued flashing. Christian Brothers Automotive inspected the vehicle. Their diagnostic scan identified a pending P1326 code. The technician rechecked the knock sensor that had previously been replaced in July 2026 and confirmed that the sensor was functioning properly. After the engine reached operating temperature, the technician heard an abnormal internal engine knocking noise. Further testing determined that the noise was originating inside the engine, and Christian Brothers concluded that the engine requires replacement. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an authorized Kia dealership in Rosenberg, Texas and has been available for inspection. Kia declined engine replacement because the vehicle exceeds the mileage limit of its extended engine warranty. Kia also denied my request for goodwill assistance. Prior to this failure, the vehicle had experienced a knock-sensor-related issue that was repaired in July 2026. At the time of the highway incident, the significant symptoms were sudden loss of power and a continuously flashing Check Engine Light. I am concerned that the P1326 code, internal engine knock, flashing Check Engine Light and sudden loss of power may be associated with a connecting-rod-bearing/KSDS-related engine failure. I am reporting this because the sudden loss of engine power occurred while traveling at highway speed and could have resulted in a collision.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Engine · MN

On Feb. 11, 2026, while driving, the vehicle displayed a flashing check engine light and entered limp mode with major loss of power. A code reader recorded P1326. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnosis and repair. After the dealership returned the vehicle to me, the same problem happened again within about 30 miles. The last repair order listed 142,352 miles, and the vehicle re-entered limp mode by 142,382 miles. I captured video of the flashing check engine light and a code-reader screenshot showing P1326 as the last trouble code. The malfunction appears related to the engine/engine management system and the vehicle is available for inspection. The safety risk is sudden reduced power and limp-mode operation while driving, which can make it difficult to maintain normal traffic speed or safely continue in traffic. This creates a safety concern if the event happens in traffic, during a turn, or while crossing an intersection. The problem has been reproduced more than once. A Kia dealership previously inspected the vehicle and returned it to me, but the problem recurred almost immediately after pickup. Kia corporate was notified in writing. The warning symptom was a flashing check engine light with limp mode. I am not continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition.

Filed May 23, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA · fire

The car stared to lose all power and sputtering. Then the check engine light started coming on then it would go off. This has been going on for about 4 months. One day it would run on then next day not good at all. I changed the plugs and coils and it ran a lil better for about 2 days. Not every time I put it in reverse I started cutting out and now I don't the it can idle at all. It's a 4 cylinder feeling like a beefed up v8 trying to ideal. I looked at my coils and it looked like it had been on fire I have put every bit of money I could to try to fix it. I just had tires put on too. I pay for full coverage and a car payment. I pay aot for this car every month yet I can't drive it. I take care of my father that is terminal and on hospice, plus I'm disabled myself on a fixed income. This car is all I have and it my only car for my father as well. Help pleas

Filed Oct 30, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · FL

The check engine light has been on about a few weeks. While driving on the highway at approx 65 miles per hour my car started losing power and the temperature gauge indicator went to "H". I pulled off the highway and noticed a burning smell and smoke coming from the hood. I waited about 10 minutes then got back on the road again the temperature gauge began to rise to "H". I pulled off several things before reaching home. The next day the car was towed to Hollywood Kia. My car has been at the shop for 2 weeks. I was giving a repair bill of $1500. I need help please and can't afford to pay for the repairs. Respectfully, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 5, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · LA

Smoke from exhaust, randomly losing power, randomly struggling to start and accelerate

Filed Mar 30, 2023 · Steering · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made an abnormal sound and the vehicle lost power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown part was repaired, and the mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 2, 2022 · Engine · WI

The vehicle lost power and the engine started smoking followed by a loud knock. I had the vehicle towed to a shop and they determined that it was a rod knock. Vehicle has 138000 miles

Filed Feb 15, 2022 · Engine · 78,000 miles · AL · fire

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, the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Jul 16, 2021 · Engine · 87,450 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle began to stall. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she was able to pull to the side of the road, and the vehicle lost power when it was shifted into PARK. The contact stated she was able to restart the vehicle after two attempts however, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be diagnosed nor repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) as it was out of warranty. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's boyfriend. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall repair for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) could not be completed on the vehicle because the vehicle did not have an extended warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 87,450.

Filed Mar 1, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · 159,832 miles · GA

A complaint to kia consumer affairs addressing concerns and issues with my 2013 kia soul in december 2020. The complaint was regarded to excessive oil consumption, low gas mileage,vehicle stalling and shutting down completely while in motion in the highway and faulty engine parts. I initiated a 2nd complaint about same issues in january 2021. Prior to all this in 2019 kia had a recall for ecu in which I strongly think is the onset beginning how issues I currently have have resonated into current issues leading up till (present). This year 2021, I called kia consumer addressing issues but rep. Stated, there were no engine campaigns or recalls issued at this time and insisted I call the dealership about issues with the vehicle. I called the kia dealership explaining to the service rep. An incident had occurred as I'm driving to work while in motion in ongoing traffic up a highway my car begin to stall like in limp mode and losing powertrain in the engine and shut off completely. While this happened the check engine lights were illuminated as the battery light, oil light and the check engine light were on all at the same time. I tried to start the vehicle but would not start. I called for 911 assistance for immediate help due to car shutting off on me in ongoing traffic. The state agent did not come in time, so dot happened to drive passed and slowed down and come back to help push my vehicle to the right side of the highway to safety. Eventually, 911 agent came and I explained everything to him as I called for roadside asst. To come and tow my car to the nearest auto shop. I phone the kia dealership the same day of this incident and explained everything, kia rep. Said that's because you show a recall open on your vehicle and need to bring the vehicle in for repairs. Ecu knock sensor was told by service mgr. This was the reason car shut down on me. Disappointed with kia

Filed Jan 4, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · 185,000 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the battery light illuminated. The contact stated that the alternator failed to operate as designed. Due to the alternator failure, the vehicle loss power steering functionality. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.

Filed Dec 5, 2020 · Engine · 80,000 miles · MN

Engine losing power engine stalls low oil for the last year tapping sound from engine.my family and I feel very unsafe driving this car it's parked in the garage.we've heard about the fires about the breakdowns the car freezing up and we will not drive it. We need help getting this issue resolved. 101,000 mi on the car. Please reach out to us if you can. [xxx][xxx]this is [xxx] father I'm trying to help her get this car repaired [xxx] thank you information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).