2013 Kia Soul: stuck in gear or won't shift

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Engine · TN

My vehicle engine failed on the interstate after getting KDS update on my vehicle and it is covered Kia Corporate and the franchise dealer are actively claiming they 'cannot share or access' the vehicle's electronic diagnostic data, despite the mandatory use of the connected Kia KDS tool, in an apparent attempt to obscure a documented safety defect and deny a class-action lifetime engine warranty. They have kept my car almost 2 months, won't give me a rental , only information is again them lying to me saying it's a blown head gasket, when I know in fact it will still run, but blow white smoke out of the tailpipe and run in limp mode but still will start and mine won't do anything at all.

Filed May 29, 2026 · Engine · 175,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the check engine light began to flash as the vehicle entered limp mode. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they discovered that oil had leaked onto the engine which caused her to lose over a quart of oil. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where they diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle would not be covered under warranty and was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000(Engine, Engine and Cooling) and that they could not offer any additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

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 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 Apr 22, 2020 · 130,000 miles · MS

I took my kia soul in for a recall back on march 9th. Once the dealership did the update to the computer per recall instructions from kia I left with my car. Within 5 min my car went into limp mode not allowing me to go above 59 or over 2000 RPM. I have dealt with kia directly and they are advising still after 6 weeks there is no estimated fix date and no help to me while I have to wait for my vehicle to be fixed from the original recall.