2018 Kia Soul: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 25, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · RI

**Vehicle:** 2018 Kia Soul\ **Mileage:** Approximately 198,000 miles 1\. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The engine appears to have experienced a serious malfunction, and the vehicle is no longer moving. I believe the engine may have failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2\. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** There is no immediate safety risk at the moment because the vehicle is not being driven. However, an unexpected loss of engine power or the inability to move could create a dangerous situation if it occurred in traffic. 3\. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** No. The vehicle has not been inspected or diagnosed by a dealer or independent service center. The exact cause of the failure has not been confirmed. 4\. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others?** No. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other party. 5\. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** The check engine light came on, and the vehicle showed misfire codes for cylinder 1 and cylinder 3, along with an oxygen (O2) sensor code. The vehicle was also producing a significant amount of white smoke from the exhaust. These symptoms occurred before the vehicle stopped moving. The exact cause has not yet been determined because the vehicle has not been professionally inspected.

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Engine · FL

My 2018 Kia Soul with the 2.0L Nu GDI engine is experiencing severe oil consumption of approximately 1 quart every 300–400 miles. The engine and lubrication system are available for inspection upon request. My check engine light is currently on. The dealer performed several recalls on the vehicle, including PI2107 (KSDS), SC226, and CS2311A, but refused to perform the required oil‑consumption test described in TSB ENG 222 (Rev 8). The service technician stated that because the oil‑consumption test is “not on the VIN,” they would not perform it under warranty. I was told I could pay $250 out of pocket for the test, but that even if the test confirmed a defect, the dealership would not cover any repairs. I was also told to “run the car until the motor seizes up” before they would help. This instruction is unsafe and contradicts Kia’s own safety systems, including KSDS, which is specifically designed to prevent engine seizure while driving. Driving a vehicle with rapid oil loss until the engine seizes can cause sudden loss of power, loss of steering assist, and a crash hazard. The problem is ongoing and repeatable, but the dealer refused to diagnose it properly. I am reporting this because the dealership refused to perform required safety‑related diagnostics and instructed me to operate the vehicle until catastrophic engine failure occurs, creating a significant safety hazard for me and other motorists.

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · DC

Description of the Problem: My 2018 Kia Soul has a recurring and unresolved safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving. The check-engine light repeatedly comes on, and at times the vehicle will hesitate or lose acceleration unexpectedly, creating a risk of being unable to maintain speed in traffic. Chronology: This issue has been occurring for over a year. I have taken the vehicle to the Kia dealership multiple times for the same problem. Each time, the dealership has either been unable to diagnose the cause or has returned the vehicle stating the issue was repaired, but the problem returns within weeks. Most recently, the dealership kept the vehicle for over a month and still could not identify or resolve the cause of the power loss or the recurring check-engine light. They then instructed me to pick up the car and drive it until the warning light comes back on, despite my reporting that the vehicle loses power while driving and is unsafe to operate. Safety Concern: The loss of power happens without warning and can leave me unable to accelerate or maintain speed. This has made it unsafe to drive in normal traffic conditions, such as merging onto highways or crossing intersections. I cannot safely operate the vehicle in its current condition. Attempts to Resolve: All service has been performed at the same Kia dealership since the car was purchased new. Despite multiple repair visits, including a month-long stay at the dealership, the problem remains unresolved. Kia Customer Care has been contacted, but the issue continues with no effective resolution or repair. Reason for the federal safety agency Complaint: Because the malfunction involves sudden power loss and repeated failure of the authorized dealership to diagnose or repair the issue, I am reporting this as a potential safety defect. I am concerned that this may reflect a broader problem affecting this vehicle model.

Filed Nov 3, 2025 · Engine · NJ

On 8/12/25, my 2018 Kia Soul (approx. 126,000 miles) suddenly began shuddering at low RPM with a flashing check engine light, near-stalling, and smoke from the exhaust. A warning message appeared for an engine control issue. Prior to failure, the engine intermittently knocked and displayed an oil pressure warning light. The engine burned oil at an excessive rate between routine oil changes. At the Kia dealership, diagnostic codes P0300 and P0303 were found. The dealer reported a burnt valve and seized starter, estimating $2,960 for valve repair or $6,437 for engine replacement, and stated these were not covered under Kia’s extended warranty or E2 Class Action Settlement because no P1326 code appeared. However, the symptoms match the rod bearing wear defect already covered under the E2 settlement. The dealer refused to perform the bearing clearance test (Kia’s required diagnostic for this defect) without payment, even though the settlement and extended warranty specify Kia must cover all inspection, diagnostic, and repair costs for potential rod bearing failures within the 15-year/150,000-mile coverage period. The engine failure created a serious safety risk when the vehicle lost power and nearly stalled in traffic. The burnt valve and seized starter are likely secondary effects of bearing-related long block failure. Kia’s refusal to inspect the vehicle without charge contradicts the settlement’s intent and prevents proper diagnosis of a known defect. I request that the federal safety agency investigate Kia’s handling of inspection and warranty coverage for vehicles showing these symptoms but lacking code P1326.

Filed May 12, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MD

The vehicle has been well maintained. About 1.5 years ago, it experienced a fuel injector failure. All four injectors were replaced to ensure the health of the engine. Recently, while on an 8-hour trip, halfway through, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power on the highway, nearly resulting in a crash, and the check engine light illuminated. The car was towed to a Kia dealership, where they stated the engine had failed. Cylinders 3 and 4 have ring and valve damage. The car had been performing well with no issues or warning signs, such as a trouble light or high temperatures. All other diagnostics were rated green by Kia.

Filed May 12, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MD

The vehicle has been well maintained. About 1.5 years ago, it experienced a fuel injector failure. All four injectors were replaced to ensure the health of the engine. Recently, while on an 8-hour trip, halfway through, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power on the highway, nearly resulting in a crash, and the check engine light illuminated. The car was towed to a Kia dealership, where they stated the engine had failed. Cylinders 3 and 4 have ring and valve damage. The car had been performing well with no issues or warning signs, such as a trouble light or high temperatures. All other diagnostics were rated green by Kia.

Filed Mar 24, 2025 · Engine · AZ

While climbing a hill, the engine began to sputter and lose power immediately, throwing multiple CEL codes. I was barely able to get it off the side of the road and shut the engine off. We were very lucky to be driving at a time when the road was not as busy as usual and experienced no collisions, though we were stranded on the side of a road with no cellular service for 2 hours before we could get towed. A mechanic reviewed the engine and suggested the piston rings blew and there was oil leaking from the exhaust manifold. Smoke was pouring from the rear of the engine, likely from it burning through the exhaust manifold, and the back of the engine was covered in oil and dripping out what oil was left in the engine at a rapid pace on the side of the road. This aligns with known issues for these engines involving oil consumption at unreasonable rates and the class action settlement for rod knock issues. The vehicle is able to be inspected. I am not comfortable starting the car as it continues to make horrible noises. The CEL codes produced were multiple misfires and individual cylinder misfires, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303. The CEL illuminated after the engine lost power and made the noises, flashing repeatedly along with the oil indicator light. The oil light had not illuminated at all prior to indicate an issue with oil levels or pressure. Oil was present in the vehicle at acceptable levels approximately 95 minutes or 100 miles prior to the failure. Only the mechanic hired has looked at the engine so far.

Filed May 20, 2024 · Engine · TX

My granddaughter was traveling to Florida from Texas for a short vacation on [XXX] 2024. Car just lost power and slowed in the middle of the interstate traffic, no lights, warnings or anything. Thank God she was able to get to the side of the highway without getting hit. It was knocking and clattering in the engine. Killed it and let it rest a bit and checked the oil and it was [very low, added some oil and started it back up, but it still was knocking and not running. Had it towed to an independent garage in Crestview Fl. The mechanic diagnosed the engine with a possible bent valve and loose timing chain. The car has 104000 miles on it. We had the oil changed at 102000 and have had oil changed regularly at 5000 miles or less since we bought it in March 2022. We still owe a loan on this car. Mechanic said the engine would have to be replaced and quoted 7000.00. We cannot afford this. We are the 3rd owner and was not informed of any safety recalls or software updates until the Mechanic told us about the Class Action Lawsuit and the issues with the engines in Kia and Hyundai. Kia is not forthcoming with this information and does not notify but only the 1st owner. This is ridiculous and not right to do the consumers this way. We bought the car from a Nissan dealership in Mckinney Tx and was not told anything about this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 30, 2024 · Engine · KY

While driving vehicle, engine reduced power and went into a limp mode, pulled off Highway and stop. Check engine light came on and blinking. Later found motor had lost over three quarts of oil. Now engine knock and have been advised by mechanic that engine is about to throw a rod thru the the side. Vehicle has had oil changes at 5000 miles intervals thru out its 124,000 miles on the road also oil checks often too. Now we are without a vehicle with a damage engine. I understand thru research that this is a common problem for this type vehicle and motor.

Filed Apr 22, 2024 · Transmission · MD

2018 KIA SOUL gas pedal stopped working while driving on interstate 695. On April 7, 2024 my car displayed the following warning message on the dash while I was driving on the beltway. “Transmission Temp high please stop safely”. The warning light went off, but I took my car to the Koons Kia service on April 9, 2024. A few days later I was informed by the dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced and that the engine had sludge. I was later informed that the clutch actuator also needed to be replaced. The Transmission was covered under warranty and Koons Kia allegedly did the repair. I picked my car up on April 17th. The very next day (April 18) the transmissions started making noise. I contacted the dealer on the 18th and reported the concern. They told me to bring the car back on Tuesday , April 23rd. At no time did anyone warn me of the potential safety issue. I do not know what the mechanics at Koons Kia did, but the car was worse and more dangerous after the repair. Unfortunately, on April 22,2024 while driving on interstate 695, my car started to lose power and suddenly slow down. Cars rushing by and my car would not accelerate when I applied the gas pedal. The warning message “ Transmission temp high stop safely “ appeared again. I pulled over on the shoulder until the car cooled off. This time there was a smell along with it. When the car cooled off, I slowly drove the rest of the way with my hazard lights on. I contacted Kia dealership, Kia roadside assistance, and Kia customer service. No one warned me of the extreme safety issue nor did they offer any assistance with getting me home or with getting car back to service department. My car is back at the dealership. But this is a major safety issue. The gas pedal stopped working without warning while I was on interstate 695 going well over 50mph. There were other cars zooming by. very dangerous. I could have been hurt or someone else could have been hurt.

Filed Apr 13, 2023 · Engine · AL

I was driving down the interstate at 72mph on my way to a funeral when I suddenly lost power. Cars began to swerve around me while I tried to make my way to the emergency lane. Once the car died, it would not restart. It had to be towed to a dealer where it has sat for over 5 weeks. They are claiming the engine has completely failed in spite of the fact it has been regularly maintenance and was, in fact, running low on oil and was having to have oil replaced every 1000 miles and had the oil changed just days before the failure.

Filed Jan 24, 2023 · Engine · MO

While driving down the highway, the engine began misfiring and making a grinding noise. The car started to die in the center of the highway and was losing engine power. This was incredibly dangerous as it was in the middle of the highway during a busy commute. The Kia dealership inspected it and said it was a defect with the engine, but they couldn't do it under a recall because they didn't update the firmware on the engine first. There were no warning signs, the car just died out of no where. The car had great engine upkeep before then.