The contact owned a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud pop and smoke emanated from the engine compartment, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed flame jutting up from the engine. The contact was able to extinguish the fire herself using a gallon of water she had on hand. No warning lights were illuminated. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a nondescript failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to an the federal safety agency Campaign but was unaware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 125,000.
2018 Kia Soul engine complaints
Page 3 of 6: complaints 41 to 70 of 148, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
The camshaft bolt broke off and destroyed the engine. A second bolt worked itself loose and photos show it at least half way out. Less than 100k on vehicle. The car was on the freeway when it lost acceleration ability. The dealership requested the extended warranty cover the replacement of the engine and they denied coverage. A few months before the codes for camshaft sensor came on. We replace the sensor and the car worked fine until recently.
My 2018 Kia Soul burns oil creating the engine to misfire, stall, putter, tick. Ive had my oil changed on a Friday, and by Tuesday, there is no oil left in my engine. The local Kia dealership is currently doing an "oil consumption" test, however was alerted by Kia Corporate to not go any further unless I get them 7 years of my oil change records. My car is still under warranty. I have provided the oil change records. The local KIA dealership advised I drive my car if I need to, knowing there is a faulty engine, and that could cause harm or death! KIA does NOT stand by their warranty and tries to nickel and dime their good, loyal customers. They manufacture faulty engines, putting peoples lives at risk! My car is sitting at the dealership, waiting on approval from KIA while I am left with no car. Also, the dealer does not have any loaners available.
While driving on the interstate @70mph with the cruise control activated and set the engine started without any warning to slow down. at this time the engine was sputtering, and the check engine light came on and we were unable to keep the car at speed. 12The vehicle was then driven about a mile to a KIA dealership. We were then told the engine had a multiple engine misfire and they would want the car for about 3 weeks to determine what happened. We then had the car towed to another mechanic who in a couple of days told us that there was no compression in cylinder #4 and the engine was blown.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact had to add one quart of oil per week. The battery was replaced on three occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 57 MPH while driving. There was an abnormal creaking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that there was no oil in the oil pan, but there was no indication of a leak. The oil light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine was limp, and the starter was becoming inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was becoming inoperable, and an engine replacement was recommended. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Kia of Naples (3325 Westview Dr, Naples, FL 34104) for an oil consumption and rod bearing test. The manufacturer was contacted and extended the warranty to 150,000 and declined to replace the engine due to missing maintenance records. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that her daughter was able to safely park the vehicle in a parking lot and the had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Oil plug fell out while driving, engine needed to be replaced.
We purchased this vehicle for our [XXX]. It was going to be his first vehicle, and we shined it up and changed the battery, detailed it, changed all spark plugs, the whole nine yards…so on his [XXX] we give it to him, and we take it for a test drive, and the engine seizes up and we have to tow it to our mechanic. He assesses the car, and its rod bearing wear that is under a class action lawsuit. After calling Kia, they will not do anything about it because it has never had a specific software update that is under a product improvement action. A knock sensor detection that would detect prior to engine failure. I told Kia that we looked up recalls on the vehicle and there was nothing regarding that on the search. From both their website, and the federal safety agency. And they said that it wasn’t their responsibility to do so. But it was their failed product and design, that put my child at risk, and we had no reasonable way of knowing about it. They said it wasn’t their responsibility. I don’t understand how a detection system of the engine failure, would be required after the failure? There’s no prevention aspect to the “product improvement”. At this point, it serves no purpose, the engine failed for that reason. And installing the software update prior to failure wouldn’t have changed anything. They have orchestrated a loophole to not be accountable for a design and product they out on the public market, which they received financial compensation for, that could have cost my child’s life. In fact, they won’t even pay to replace the deficient engine that broke because of their negligence in design and risk assessment. They are 100% unwilling to address the defective product they sold. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the oil level was low after a routine oil change. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the gasket and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
I have A 2018 Kia Soul I have been having problems with my oil running low and my oil and engine light coming on after I have had an oil change this has been going on since 12/21:2023 inhace taken my car to the dealearship over and over only for them to tell me I don’t have oil leak they have done oil consumption test and still said nothing was wrong with the vehicle continued to take to get oil change and same thing has kept happening finally paid for diagnostic after months of being told my car was fine to find out the oil was leaking to my catalytic converter now my catalytic converter has gone out on my 2018 Kia Soul and dealership quoted me A $5400 repair price I have 2 warranty and none cover exhaust repair Kia has given me the run around and also said my car wasn’t under recall but I am experiencing all the recall symptoms related to the 2018 Kia Soul base mode 1.6 engine
While driving the vehicle, with no warning, the engine failed. The second cylinder lost all pressure, with the remaining 3 cylinders at the lowest passable pressure. This was on the highway, and the car began jerking and shaking, not allowing to follow flow of traffic. There is supposedly a recall for this issue, however Kia is refusing to cover the car, as it has 120,000 miles and is past the power train warranty. Kia dealership told me it was covered, while Kia is stating it is not. So now I have a 6 year old, $30,000 lawn ornament.
I have a 2018 Kia Soul Base Model with a 1.6 L engine. At the moment, the engine is making a loud knocking noise when the car is running. Also, upon checking the vvt solenoid there were metal shavings as well, which is a common symptom of engine failure. The safety of mine as well as other drivers are at risk as the engine can stop automatically while driving without any warning. The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer and has not been inspected by others. There are no warning lamps or messages besides the loud knocking noise and metal shavings found.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 111,000.
The contact’s daughter owned a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, another driver honked the horn to inform the driver of an issue with the vehicle. The contact was informed to pull over. The contact stated that the vehicle started jerking and the driver started seeing smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that her daughter’s hair was singed by the fire. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated once the driver saw smoke coming from the vehicle. The driver pulled over off the highway and exited the vehicle and saw smoke coming from under the vehicle before the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced and there were no issues found with the vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. The contact was unsure whether a Fire report or a Police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed from the scene and was deemed totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Engine knocking noise .
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil consumption test was performed, and the mechanic determined that the test was positive for excessive oil consumption. Additionally, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the oil valve was replaced under an unknown Manufacturer Recall Campaign Number; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
I am the owner of a 2018 Kia Soul. On May 19, 2024 I broke down on a highway in a dangerous construction zone. Just prior to this my oil light came on, so i put some in to be safe until I got home to let engine cool. No other warning lights or messages came on. Got a little further down the road and the light came back on with the engine now making noise. I managed to find an emergency pull off and as soon as I pulled off the car died. I had it initially towed to my mechanic but when they looked at it they said had to go to dealership it was the Engine and possibly under recall. Had towed to dealership on May 21, 2024. They were backed up and unable to look at it until after the holiday. They finally got to look at it on June 3, 2024. It does meet the requirements for the Kia Engine Recall. Here is where the plot thickens, Kia, not dealership, denied the recall work because the update was never done. I just received the update notice the end of March 2024. Due to me being disabled and I had some doctor appoints to keep I just cleared my schedule to make the appointment and was planning to do that when broke down with no warning. I called Kia customer service and they said because I did not have the update done it has to fall under the Class Action Settlement and they will not cover it. Now under the Class Action Settlement, you need to pay out of pocket and then seek reimbursement. However, the work has yet to be done and I am disabled and on a fixed income. It is now June 10,2024 and the Kia dealership still is not getting a straight answer from the warranty company on whether they will accept the claim and cover it or not. Meanwhile, I am putting a friend out to help me. What is a person to do?
Update to case 11587168: Ian (Service Writer) at HW Kia told me 3 weeks ago Kia was approving engine replacement, he was ordering the engine & to provide all service records so they have them on file. I provided receipts for 2 oil changes I had done by a non-Kia dealership auto service. All other service records are accessable via KIA & CarFax as Napleton Kia St. Peters & Plaza Tire Service had done all other oil changes/ maintainence on the vehicle. The Thursday before Memorial Day I get an email from Ian that now Kia is denying the engine replacement. I am now waiting to get a contact from the RPSM (Regional Parts & Service Manager) as to why since I provided proof the vehicle was properly maintained. This is a wrongful denial in my opinion.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving on several occasions in one day at various speeds, the battery and check engine warning light flashed on for five seconds. Additionally, the contact observed a light knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was stopped in a parking lot and turned off. The vehicle was restarted and the battery and check engine warning lights illuminated. The failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that cylinder #3 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,750.
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)
On [XXX], 2024 had a complete break down while driving on the highway on the way home from work. No warning light prior to the incident. Towed via ERS on my auto insurance policy to Plaza Tire Service, [XXX] . They replaced spark plugs and coils. Still sputtering and code on cylinder 3. Then taken to HW Kia of [XXX] in Ballwin, Mo (this was the closest dealership that said they could get to it right away). Has been there ever since (going on 2 months now). What I have been told has be done by Ian, Service Manager: Compression test done, no compression in cylinder 3. Warranty company (JMNA) sent out inspector. 2 weeks later warranty company asked dealership to do a full breakdown of the engine. On [XXX] got call from Ian that warranty company denied fix under warranty because the damage is to piston rings. (Month and a half just to get this determination from the warranty company) Ian told me that this is a known issue by Kia so he is requested engine replacement directly from Kia Corp. As of today ([XXX], 2024) I am still waiting to hear back if this replacement has been approved. Previously told by Ian (when I initially dropped off the vehicle) that once/if approved it will take approximately 10 days to get a new engine ordered and into the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Car stalled in the middle of the road while driving. Took it in to dealer ship for a recall to get this repaired or flashed. Engine burning excessive oil. Car has always been kept up with maintenance. While operating the vehicle the car stalled due to low oil compression. Vehicle has aprox 155k miles. Check engine light has came on. Due to the issue that car engine is burning oil there is a new permanent code p0420 which is a bad catalyc converter since the cars emission system is failing. Car has been sitting at home for about 1 month or longer as we don’t drive it and are still financing the vehicle
Second time in last six months car went into “limp mode” with the knock sensor. First time it was “just” a faulty knock sensor and under warranty. Happens again now it’s the all too well known the oil is burning too fast on this engine. Kia/hyundai will not take this under warranty as it is not a rod bearing issue while numerous owners have the exact same issue. This cars engine can probably fail at any time with this oil issue continually happening. The cars oil has been maintained per manual and was not expecting an oil change yet the level is way too low already (3000ish which is way before the 5000 mile mark per owners manual and Kia)
2018 Kia Soul with excessive oil consumption. 1.6 Liter GDI engine. Base model. Oil is being overly consumed in between oil changes, needing double the quarts in between Kia's manufacturing guidelines.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to maintain oil pressure, causing engine failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to maintain power and would stall after being started. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V051000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN nor the model vehicle was included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
The engine is burning a TON of oil and I have to put 5 quarts in every 2-3 months. I also found oil when I pulled the 2nd and 3rd spark plugs (from left to right). I checked the engine again and it’s bone dry.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the oil warning light appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the light had appeared prior to the next scheduled oil change. A few days later while driving 60 MPH, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine with an oil burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled and came to a complete stop in middle of the highway. A fellow motorist assisted the contact in pushing the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic. The dealer was notified of the failure however, the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating, there was black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
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