2017 Kia Soul: engine stalls while driving

Filed May 19, 2026 · Engine · KS

2017 Kia Soul, 1.6L Gamma GDI engine, ~82,000 miles. Vehicle exhibits excessive oil consumption consistent with the known piston ring defect addressed in Kia TSB ENG222 (covering 2012–2019 Souls with Gamma/Nu engines) and consistent with the E2 Class Action Settlement that covered the same engine in 2012–2016 model years. The oil consumption has destroyed the catalytic converter, causing the engine to stall. The vehicle is not currently drivable. Kia dealer has refused to perform the oil consumption test or evaluate engine warranty coverage until the owner pays out of pocket to replace the catalytic converters (quoted at $6,000). Requesting the federal safety agency expand the existing Gamma engine recall coverage to include 2017 model year, which currently falls in a coverage gap despite using the identical defective engine.

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 16, 2025 · Engine · CA

The issue involves the engine’s piston rings, which appear to be malfunctioning and causing excessive oil consumption. This has led to oil entering the combustion chamber and likely damaging the catalytic converter. The engine began consuming oil rapidly between oil changes — far more than normal — and has since developed engine knocking and performance issues. These symptoms are consistent with piston ring failure in other 2017 Kia Soul models that have been recalled, though my VIN is not currently included. • Component or system that failed: The likely failure is with the piston rings, which are allowing oil to burn inside the engine. This has begun to impact the catalytic converter as well. All parts remain installed and are available for inspection upon request. • Safety risks: This situation puts my safety and the safety of others at risk, as the engine could seize or stall unexpectedly due to low oil levels or catalytic converter failure. Excessive oil burning also increases the risk of internal engine fire and significantly affects emissions. • Has it been reproduced or confirmed? Yes. The issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic, who documented abnormal oil loss, engine knocking, and suspected damage to the emissions system. • Has it been inspected by others? The vehicle has not been inspected by Kia, law enforcement, or insurance, but has been examined by a certified independent technician who suspects piston ring failure. • Warning lamps or symptoms: Yes. The check engine light came on, and engine performance began to decline. I also noticed knocking sounds and sluggish acceleration. These symptoms started a few months ago and progressively worsened. The oil was being consumed rapidly even though no visible leaks were found. • Assessment of incident and cause: Based on mechanic feedback and my experience, this appears to be a case of premature piston ring failure, which is causing oil to burn internally and is likely leading to catalytic damage.

Filed Jul 10, 2025 · Engine · 65,000 miles · TX

The contact called on behalf of her neighbor who owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. A mobile independent mechanic replaced the starter. The contact stated while the neighbor was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The driver was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The driver was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of bystanders. The vehicle was pushed to a business place parking lot, where the mobile mechanic diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Apr 23, 2025 · Engine · TN

Car stalls when at a stop. Restart ignition stalls again when placed into drive and accelerator is pressed. Restart, brake pedal and accelerator pressed at same time, while put into gear, and then it will move. The oil light and battery light comes on when it stalls.

Filed Dec 23, 2024 · Engine · 75,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an engine failure due to excessive pumping of engine oil. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because it was not under recall. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to several other independent mechanics but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

I have wasted too much time and my own $ for my local KIA to dismiss their on going re-appointments and months of different service technicians to not have them reacting to an engine light to never retry something not done right. Now, they have my 2017 KiA Soul+ wrongly listed as no recalls remaining. I am trying to be as proactive and not lose my Kia or several more months of covering the Killeen, Tx Dennis Eakin KIA’s rear to quietly avoid redoing more recall call backs they need to finish. So now your national government database shows my Kia doesn’t have the P0420 catalyst and O2 sensor listed. —-I did my part for Killeen KiA and paid my $ to prove to them the check light kept coming back on after they turned it off in early 2022. The gas mileage is horrible. I’m a handicap driver on fixed income, but no stranger auto warns. After a couple recall, full engine replacement attempts. Since my local KIA services, have re-called their own and also factory mechanical repairs. Both myself and Kia have basically had custody of my 2017 KIA. The last attempt they took back my now 2nd reshaped/fresh block from the first ever KIA recall that blew the piston the first few months I invested into this KIA. Every attempt to fix the next following recalls or unfinished work, I was told about late 2021 locally “if I can bring KIA a code of the engine light”(they temporarily hid) Then maybe they would go back and fix it or recall what needs to be fixed. I paid a mechanic after 3 attempts since 2021 of barely getting to drive my KIA. The code is P0420 I already have enough basic vehicle knowledge, to understand it was exhaust system stalling me (and the suspension) ( hack hydraulic also stopped functioning) I do love my KIA and do not want to start ideas of revamping my interest to Dodge or Chevy yet. I just want the recall for the catalyst/O2 and thermostat issue done or redone if my local KIA attempted to check off the P0420 recall before my engine fails again.

Filed May 7, 2024 · Engine · AZ

Last year check engine light came on & It was time to get my oil change, So you know when they connect the car to that reader well it came back It was my catalytic converter And so I was like that's really expensive ,check engine light ended up going off then on. Now mind you I always keep up the maintenance on this vehicle. So let's fast forward A little bit My next oil change comes around This establishment put my car on the reader again catalytic converter comes up again. I get the oil change And then 1 month later my car gives me a notice telling me I need oil I take it back to my establishment And there was no oil in there Had to get another oil change to put new oil instead of stuff and then they told me that Issues which is causing the catalytic converter to fail which is sucking up oil causing oil issues the Gentlemen informed me I can Replace my catalytic converter but This issue is still gonna happen because my motor is going bad So in other words I can replace my catalytic converter And later on down the line I'm gonna have to replace it again because of the motor now this does pose risk to my family because I put myself my grandchildren my children in this vehicle We could be driving back from vacation or what have you and stall in the middle of nowhere because the motor quit on us or the oil runs low causing Engine trouble Which is not acceptable. So wondering Why isn't there a recall Or 1 that I'm aware of Then I looked this stuff up and there's a lot of people with the same issue as myself

Filed Feb 12, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Had oil changed and noticed car was stalling. Went to get car checked out and there was no oil. Replaced oil and car still had the same issue. Was notified that there was an issue with these cars and burning oil. Engine was replaced but car still has issues.

Filed Dec 12, 2023 · Engine · OH

Car burns through oil like no other. I won’t even be half way through my 3000 miles and with no warning the car will be low on oil and stalling in the middle of Turning. Usually when turning left. Mechanic says there isn’t an issue. But no car should be made to burn oil excessively. I can’t even make it the regular 3000 miles. Engine light has come on multiple times. Now replorting catalytic converter issue assuming that’s related to the excessive rate of oil burning.

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Engine · 68,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence and diagnosed by an independent mechanic who determined that the rod bearings had failed and caused damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed May 25, 2023 · Engine · 183,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The check engine warning light remain illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 183,000.