2019 Kia Soul: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · Engine · PA

My engine has suffered a mechanical failure that makes the vehicle stall or lose power while driving, creating a massive highway safety hazard. Kia is using a software update loophole to deny fixing a physical, dangerous manufacturing defect.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Engine · PA

My engine has suffered a mechanical failure that makes the vehicle stall or lose power while driving, creating a massive highway safety hazard. Kia is using a software update loophole to deny fixing a physical, dangerous manufacturing defect.

Filed Oct 31, 2025 · Engine · NY

The vehicle, a 2019 Kia Soul, is experiencing **severe and abnormal engine oil consumption** requiring frequent, unscheduled oil replenishment. The vehicle has approximately 117,000 miles. **Component or System Failure:** The malfunction is in the **powertrain system**, specifically the **GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine**. The root cause is assessed to be a **structural or design defect** involving the **piston rings**, leading to oil migration into the combustion chamber. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. **Safety Risk:** This rapid oil depletion poses a severe safety hazard. The engine could suffer **sudden, catastrophic failure** due to oil starvation while operating at highway speeds. Such an event would cause an immediate loss of power and control, placing the occupants and surrounding traffic at significant risk of a serious accident. **Prior Symptoms:** The primary symptom is the **consistent, rapid drop in the measured oil level** observed between scheduled maintenance intervals. **No prior warning lamps, messages, or fault codes related to low oil pressure** appeared before the issue was discovered and confirmed by the owner through monitoring the dipstick. **Manufacturer Inspection/Response:** The manufacturer, Kia America, has **refused to conduct a technical inspection or acknowledge the defect** across multiple documented case files (Case #XXX, #XXX, #XXX). The manufacturer has stated a policy of non-assistance due to the vehicle being outside the standard warranty period. This lack of investigation, despite the serious safety risk, is the basis of this report. This issue aligns with widely documented **structural defects** in the manufacturer’s GDI engine line. The current safety risk necessitates immediate federal review.

Filed Oct 12, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

I was traveling on Saturday at about 40 miles an hour down the road car just all of a sudden lost power and started smoking. No engine light or anything else came out to indicate a problem. Got it too a repair shop waiting to hear Monday exactly all the damage but they did say it had no oil in the car. It’s only been 2 1/2 months since an oil change checked that last month had plenty of oil could this be related to the 2021 to 2023 engine oil burning and KIA. I have been towed on the last three or four oil changes that it was almost a half a quart low each time.

Filed Mar 5, 2025 · Engine · SC

I have a 2019 Kia Soul and the engine has had issues over the past year regarding it stalling and losing power. These engines are prone to have oil circulation issues which can cause catastrophic engine failure due to lack of adequate lubrication inside the cylinder(s). My engine has cut off and lost power while driving on several occasions recently. If this happens, it can cause someone to smash into us on the interstate causing a possible fatal accident. I am terrified to drive my vehicle because of this issue. The VIN for my vehicle is: [XXX] . I purchased this vehicle new in 2020 our Kia dealer in Goose Creek, SC. I have heard of many of these engines being replaced by Kia and feel that this issue directly affects my vehicle. Please help us get this issue resolved. Thank You INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 31, 2024 · Airbags, Engine · CA

Have been using 2-3 quarts of oil a week also lost power could not get it to run took it to the mechanic again he informed me the catalytic is going bad and as much oil as it is going through it might blow at any time

Filed Dec 23, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · OH

My 2017 KIA Soul failed while going 70 on the highway, almost completely lost power. Pull over to the side of the road to check the issue. Checked the oil, and it was down to less than a quart. There was no indicator light to bring attention to this issue. Brought it into the dealership after returning home. The Soul was completely unsafe to drive due to engine knocks. Despite letting the dealership know of the Oil Lamp issue, they are still refusing to do anything about this issue, even charging me six thousand to only fix the symptoms. I wasn’t the only person to experience this issue, moving me to make this complaint. In summary: Oil was low due to oil burning, the Soul never indicated as such, no oil pressure, completely lost power at accelerated speeds, and now the bearings in the motor are destroyed with no help from KIA company. Contact the KIA Dealership in Boardman for more information in regards to a detailed list of part failures in regards to the Soul.

Filed Jun 10, 2022 · Engine · TX

Car began to experience knocking sounds from engine. Was told by independent mechanic it was the lifters and the vehicle was burning oil. On the way to the dealership, while driving uphill on a road with no shoulders, the vehicle started smoking and lost all power. There was a line of cars behind me and coming in the lane of opposite traffic. The vehicle would not regain any type of power to the engine to make it up any hills to a safe space. If it wasn't for a random driveway my vehicle would've likely rolled back downhill and caused a many car collision which could have seriously injured myself, my young child, and drivers in other vehicles. There is a TSB reported with this issue, but unfortunately most consumers are not notified of active TSBs. The dealership was able to replicate the problem after having it towed there. We were told it would be in excess of $5000 to repair as the engine sustained some damage. I have read of others experiencing similar situations, which could kill a passenger or driver if they lost power in a freeway or a road with no shoulder.

Filed Dec 8, 2020 · Engine · 22,300 miles · TN

Vehicle driving at highway speeds experienced a sudden and complete loss of power followed by flashing check engine light. Driver was able to coast and the exit highway via off ramp. Driver contacted roadside assistance and vehicle was towed to parkside kia in knoxville, tn. Initial diagnostic indicated failed ignition coil on cylinder #1 at approximately 22,300 miles.