2017 Kia Soul: misfire or rough idle

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Engine · MO

While driving, the vehicle suffered a sudden and total engine seizure and loss of power (stalling), creating a life-threatening hazard in traffic . A certified Kia technician diagnosed a seized short block, multi-cylinder misfires (P0300-P0304), and a hole in the exhaust valve. This failure is identical to the defects in Recall SC176 and the Engine Litigation II Settlement. Furthermore, the dealer previously refused my request for the KSDS safety software update, which would have prevented this catastrophic seizure by triggering Limp Home Mode.

Filed Jul 1, 2025 · Engine · FL

Engine is running very rough. At a low idle, the engine turns off. Today the car turned off 11 times. A diagnostic reading shows all four cylinders misfiring.

Filed May 31, 2024 · Engine · AZ

The engine failed on an Arizona highway, at night, while my daughter was driving from Arizona to California. My daughter's safety, and that of her friend who was also in the car, was put at risk due to the near inability to move the vehicle off of the highway and onto the shoulder. This route [XXX] ) is a major highway used by truckers and regular vehicles. Her hazards lasted just long enough for the tow truck to arrive. Her hazard lights were dying just as the tow truck driver pulled up. I can't imagine what could have happened if she was sitting on the side of the road, in a black car at night, with no functioning hazard lights. We were able to get the vehicle towed back to San Tan Valley, Arizona. I called several Kia service departments and was told that there was an engine recall up to the 2016 models, but the 2017 models were not included. No inspection has been done on the vehicle up to this point. The check engine light did come on and was flashing at the time of the failure. We have since pulled the plugs in the vehicle and are seeing metal shaving on one of the plugs. Codes checked on the vehicle indicate multiple misfires. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 31, 2024 · Airbags, Engine · SC

Dear Officer, I'm writing to report the powertrain and engine issue on my Green Kia Soul 2017 with a 1.6L engine. The engine misfired when I was driving on Interstate 26 with my whole family (including my wife, mom, and 4-year-old daughter). The speed was down first with no signal and then the car started to shake strongly. It was extremely dangerous as it would very likely have made a collision from the back. I was so scared after that. I couldn't imagine the consequences if the car crashed due to a sudden engine misfire on the interstate. Thank Goodness, we are blessed as there was an exit that led us to get off the interstate. After towing the car to the dealer for a full inspection, I was told to pay at least $6,600 to buy a new engine to fix this issue without a warranty. I do need your help on the engine issue. More importantly, I hope no more similar safety events happening to other drivers and their families. I greatly appreciate your immediate attention and response. Thank you very much. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 4, 2022 · Engine · OR

It started with stalling on hills, acting sluggish, and losing oomph. This worsened over the course of approximately one month. I did a mini engine flush and changed the oil (at a reputable shop) early, thinking maybe it just needed a little love. A week later, I was driving down the freeway (Interstate 5) at night when the car stalled - all of the dashboard lights came on and the engine disengaged. I pulled off, and turned the car off. I attempted to restart it, and it would not turn over. After waiting on the side of said highway with two children for almost 3 hours, I had it towed. Ultimately, it was taken to two different service shops - one independent and one dealership - who both diagnosed the engine had essentially "exploded"; there were metal shards everywhere, no oil pressure, and lots of knocking/misfiring. The engine needs to be replaced - this has been reported to KIA, who has yet to decide if they are going to address the issue (case number 14385039). Insurance declined to address it. Police were not called.

Filed Nov 9, 2020 · Engine · 120,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 kia soul. The contact stated that the engine vibrated, abnormally, misfired while idling due to a loss of compression and combustion. The contact performed a diagnostic test on the vehicle and retrieved trouble code: p0242 (catalyst low efficiency below efficiency). The vehicle was taken to kia of east syracuse (6717 manilus center road, east syracuse, ny 13057, (315)701-5898) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was loss of compression on cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v120000 (engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed May 28, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 17,000 miles · NC

Purchased this car used with 16k miles in sept 2018. Stopped at an intersection and when trying to pull out the engine would not respond to the gas pedal. Engine remained at an idle even after flooring the gas pedal several times. Almost got hit!! I recycled the key several times and finally it worked. I took to the dealer and got the " no problem found " now I experience a rough idle and a strange feeling in the brake pedal when braking. Today I started the car and the engine would not go over 3000 rpms. Cycled the key and it was ok. I'm afraid to drive this car for fear it may kill me! Please help.