2019 Kia Soul: engine overheating

Filed Apr 25, 2026 · Engine · OH

On [XXX], while my vehicle was at the dealership for a federally mandated engine replacement recall (Campaign PI2107Y/Z), the service department attempted to obstruct the completion of the safety repair. The dealership informed me that unless I paid a 264.40 fee for maintenance and fluids, they were required by the manufacturer to drain the old, contaminated coolant from my failed engine and reuse it in the brand-new replacement engine. This threat of intentional contamination poses a severe safety risk, as reusing old fluid from a failed engine can lead to premature engine failure or overheating, potentially creating another hazardous situation on the road. I contacted the manufacturer corporate office (Case [XXX]), and they confirmed that no such requirement to reuse old coolant exists and that the dealership had not even attempted to file a claim for fluids. The dealership misrepresented manufacturer policy to monetize a free safety recall and threatened to sabotage the integrity of the new engine to force a sale. This issue was confirmed to be a dealership-level fabrication by the manufacturer’s corporate customer service line. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Engine · IN

The engine is having oil consumption since May 2025. It is a 2019 Kia Soul, 1.6L GDI engine. I have taken it to get oil changes, however there is no leak. It is also making a rattling noise and having a hard time to accelerate. I was informed by a mechanic that it is the pistons knocking around, due to the overheating and oil consumption. Even the dealership told me that it is dangerous to drive. I bought the car brand new and am the only owner, it's crazy that it's falling apart after 6 years.

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · Engine · NC

I am experiencing excessive oil consumption and potential engine failure in my 2019 Kia Soul. Despite regular maintenance, my vehicle has suffered from multiple major repairs, including a top-end engine rebuild and catalytic converter replacement in 2024. The excessive oil consumption issue persisted, ultimately requiring a full engine replacement in 2025. Kia has delayed repairs and provided minimal support, leaving me without a vehicle for extended periods. Service History & Progression of the Issue: March 11, 2024: Took my vehicle to Planet Kia dealership after noticing excessive oil consumption and performance issues. Kia initiated an oil consumption test but did not approve immediate repairs. May 2024: Kia performed a top-end engine rebuild instead of replacing the engine, even though significant oil loss continued. December 2024: The catalytic converter was replaced, likely due to prolonged oil burning and engine inefficiencies. January 22, 2025: Returned the vehicle to Kia as the excessive oil consumption issue worsened, and the engine was struggling to function properly. March 2025: Kia finally approved a full engine replacement, but my vehicle has now been in service for over 137 days, and the repair process has been delayed due to missing parts. March 26, 2025: Planet Kia has not provided clear updates on beginning or completion of engine replacement despite having all parts in-house. Safety Concerns: Risk of Engine Failure: If the engine runs low on oil, it can seize while driving, creating a dangerous situation. Potential Fire Hazard: Excessive oil consumption could lead to overheating and increased fire risks, as seen in similar Kia engine-related recalls. Manufacturer Delays & Accountability: Kia has known about oil consumption issues for years but continues to delay solutions for affect

Filed Feb 11, 2025 · Engine · VA

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2019 Kia Soul, which I believe falls under the same circumstances addressed in the recent recall for earlier models of the same vehicle. Despite my vehicle's VIN not being part of the recall, it has experienced the same defects that were the focus of the recall campaign for other Kia Souls with similar issues. Vehicle Information: Make/Model: 2019 Kia Soul BASE VIN: [XXX] Engine: 1.6L GDI Odometer Reading: 98.000 Issue Description: My vehicle has repeatedly triggered the P0420 code (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold), which is indicative of an issue with the catalytic converter. I have had the catalytic converter replaced twice under the assumption that the issue would be resolved, yet the check engine light continues to activate, and the P0420 code reappears consistently. This ongoing problem has been extensively disruptive to my vehicle’s performance, safety, and emissions. The engine is also burning oil just as all other kia GDI engines. Background: I am aware that earlier models of the Kia Soul, including those equipped with the 1.6L GDI engine, were subject to a recall due to similar catalytic converter-related issues. The recall addressed potential overheating and damage to the catalytic converter, which could lead to engine failure and safety risks. While my VIN does not appear to be included in the recall, the exact issues reported in the recall have been occurring in my vehicle as well, despite repeated attempts to fix the problem. Given that my 2019 Kia Soul is exhibiting the same issues that were covered under the earlier recall, I respectfully request that recall coverage be extended to include this model year and VIN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · Electrical · MA

2019 Kia Soul with 63900 miles fan control switch overheating causing harness to turn black. Failure of Ac due to this defect. The Ac Control unit was replace under warranty because of a fan control swith failer in the past. The vehicle is unsafe when these controls are used because of the current going through the switch appears to be to much for the swith to handle. We took the vehicle to the Dealer and they stated that the electronics and wiring is only covered for 5 years 60,000 miles. However, the part was last replaced by the dealer under warranty so this would be the 2nd switch assembly. We contacted Kia Corporate and they advised us to bring the car into the Dealer to have them diagnose the issue. The dealer contacted us and stated that the wiring harness will need to be replaced as well as the Ac Control unit. There was no warnings that this switch was failing again other than the Ac no longer worked.

Filed Jul 16, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · AR

This happened July 8th, 2022. I was 2 hours away from home. I was driving on the highway and the vehicle shut-off. Before the car shut off, I heard a knocking sound. I got the car started, it went a few miles, and shut off again. It did this several times. It never over -heated. The oil light and check engine light came on once after the failure, and abruptly went off. The car did not start again. My son had to push the vehicle off the highway. I did an oil check and it was extremely low. I had my car towed to the local Kia dealership. The mechanic there said my Kia Soul had a rod hanging. He also said I needed a new engine that would cost $6701.01. I was told that someone else had just brought a Kia in with the same problem. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure to alert me of any engine problems like low oil or overheating.