Engine burns oil irregularly and quickly. In October 2022, the check engine light was on and stalled while driving. Kia dealership in Sioux City stated my vehicle was not part of the original recall. The car was under warranty and they kept it for nearly 2 months to repair. Vehicle started stalling again last winter. Was told mice ate wires per dealership. In June 2025 - oil still burning quickly despite getting on time and regular oil changes. This time while driving on the interstate the check engine light came on again. Went to my local mechanic immediately (Car is out of warranty per mileage 85,000) and I hate the dealership - bone dry oil. They are convinced it's the pistons. Called the dealership. They made me call Kia. Kia claims my vehicle is not effected by the updated April recall - but they could repair my...horn. This car is dangerous. It constantly makes a knocking sound. I check the oil twice a week and have to add oil accordingly like it's a 1978 Buick. If this car stalls out while I'm commuting to work on an interstate, I and others could be seriously injured.
2021 Kia Soul engine complaints
Page 5 of 8: complaints 101 to 130 of 191, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Saw that there was a recall for faulty oil piston rings on my Kia 2021 soul received the letter from Kia in mid to late April made the appointment with Coughlin Kia of Newark for May 5. Coughlin Kia canceled it on May 4 June 24 had to have my Kia towed to Coughlin Kia of Newark June 20 27. They said Oil was going through my piston rings. There was vertical scoring on the cylinder walls, but they said that it was not because of the recall and I would have to pay $7000 to fix it even though I hid made the appointment and they canceled it. I had talked to Kia manufacturing in late February and had them record my call and ask them what do I do in the meantime because my Kia is burning a lot of oiland their response was we don’t know now I have engine failure and they’re claiming that they won’t fix it, even though it is under the recall.
Recall by KIA for engine malfunction--website/the federal safety agency shows multiple recalls, issues & motor replacements due to Piston Oil Ring issues that could result in stall or fire; had 2 recall dealer inspections citing need for camshift replacement, & SC336 Piston Oil Ring failure. Engine has used excessive oil (now 3+ qts in 3000 miles) which the federal safety agency lists as issue with the engines--recall was issued for this engine 2/17/2025, letters sent 4/4/2025 which I never received, oil consumption occurred over years/months. Techs at dealer told me operation of the engine "can be detrimental". KIA refuses to replace or repair the engine--this has been noted by the federal safety agency. Independent testing (2) indicates camshaft and crankshaft sensors are not in sync. I am fearful to operate the vehicle due to danger of stalling and/or fire, which could cause crash or injury. I ask for the federal safety agency to enforce their directions to KIA and replace the engine.
Unusual engine oil consumption. Engine using 1 quart of engine oil every 1000 miles. Not normal.
I took my 2021 Kia Soul to Kia of Leesburg here in Florida, and dropped it off yesterday June 17th, per service department request and was told that they were going try to repair the multiple recalls on this vehicle. They told me that it was going to be 24-48 hours before I was going to be able to get it back when I called, regarding my safety critical recall. So, I dropped it off last night as instructed, the KIA of Leesburg service department called me today stating that due to sludge in the engine, they're refusing to fix the recalls, and stated that I owe them $200 before I am able to pick up my vehicle
My car had sputtered leaving gas station I took it to my mechanic February 17 had engine coil and spark plugs replaced There was a anti theft recall for software update I took my car to Kia dealer and they preform the update As I was waiting I looked up my vin for any other recalls and there was one but letters would not be sent out till April 4 2025 On May 10 th my car had loss power and on the 12 th I called Kia and they said there was a recall for sc336 piston oil rings I took my car in on May 17 they did a software update 2 days latter my car was making a knocking sound I had that repaired by my machanic on May 20th I received a email from Kia reference a up date to the recall and says my car will be fixed with no charge I spoke with a Kia representative and out in a claim for reimbursement but was denied…. WS my repairs related to the recall SC336 if so I would like to be reimbursed please help me get this resolved I would think Kia would send me a detailed explanation on why my part that was repaired are not reimbursed
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that a recall appointment with a local dealer was scheduled; however, while driving to the dealer the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at the dealer. The dealer attempted to restart the vehicle and then ran several tests on the vehicle. The dealer stated that the engine had failed; however, the dealer would not be replacing the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
my vehicle was part of a recall for the piston oil rings. the car was taken to KIA for testing. The car failed the test and I was told that the engine would need to be replaced (I have a video and test results of the failed test. Then KIA stated that too many cars were failing and that they were redoing the test. My car was in the Kia repair shop waiting for an engine that was ordered. KIA cancelled my engine and my car was tested with the new test and it passed. After two weeks of being in the repair shop I was told to come and get it. This not only appears unethical but a blatant attempt to circumvent the recall.
[XXX], the vehicle was delivered to Crain KIA dealership located in Conway, Arkansas, due to failure of engine to start (engine would turn over but not run). I scheduled a service appointment for May 20th at 0930, for the car to be evaluated/troubleshot. While at the KIA dealership service desk, I discussed KIA SAFETY RECALL SC336, and that my VIN# was effected by the recall (verified by speaking with KIA Customer Care representative) and by using the federal safety agency's VIN/Recall search engine. At that time, I disclosed that the car was a SALVAGE TITLE vehicle, but was restored, looked nearly brand new and was otherwise operational prior to the engine "no start" condition (4 months of ownership). The service team at the dealership confirmed the SALVAGE TITLE via "Carfax", however they noted that KIA's internal VIN/TITLE database DID NOT REFLECT the car as salvaged. Crain Kia dealership then decided to submit the car for KIA's SAFETY RECALL inspection and possibly warranty work since the vehicle has not exceeded the 5yr/60,000 mile limited basic warranty. Unfortunately, the dealership did not open a "tech-line case' until approximately 15 days later. Tech-line communication between the service technician and KIA's engineering/recall rep, directed the dealership to perform an engine wet/dry compression test (due to deficient piston oil-rings). On June 5th, Crain KIA notified me that the resulting 'LOW" compression test results indicated that the piston rings were faulty, and that the engine would need to be replaced. Additionally, they told me that the vehicle would NOT BE ELIGIBLE for factory warranty due to the SALVAGE TITLE and that I would be responsible for engine change costs. Moreover, the dealership's service team charged me for the cost of the compression testing. I have thoroughly reviewed the KIA recall SC336 documentation as well as the federal safety agency's 25V‑099 bulletin and verified that neither notices proclaim, exclude or deny coverage to salvage title vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION A
While driving to work [XXX] my engine seized on the highway, going 50mph, leaving me struggling to get it to the side of the road and out of traffic. No warning lights came on, no signs of any kind to alert me. Car completely shut off while moving at a high enough rate of speed for a fatality or serious injuries, to myself and other drivers. Immediately that day, after calling KIA, I was informed of the engine recall that wasn't in effect yet. Shortly after that I received two notices in the mail from KIA, two recalls, regarding my VIN number. I towed the car to KIA in Blufton SC from Pembroke GA, after towing it home from the side of the road. All at my own expense. KIA informed me 6/02/2025 that they will not perform any repairs free of charge because I am "out of warranty coverage". I am still making payments on this vehicle, and have not been in possession of nor been able to drive it, for several months now. I am the second owner, purchased the car December 2023, with 40,000 miles or so on it. Mileage now is roughly 85,000. And I still owe $12,000 on the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that the recall repair was on hold. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated causing the contact to depress the accelerator pedal to continue driving. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light the vehicle stalled with the message “Auto STOP Off” and to shift to park to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light, battery failure, and low oil light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle remained with the dealer for a month and the contact was informed that the recall repair had been completed. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the recall repair was on hold. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Tempe Kia (8005 S Autoplex Loop, Tempe, AZ 85284); and the contact was informed that the first dealer had reported that the vehicle was already repaired under the recall even though the VIN tool indicated that the VIN was still under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,600. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine overheating and leaking oil due to faulty piston ring, kia will only check the vehicle when its cold and claims its passes their tests. The car only acts up when runing for 30 mins or so
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken 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: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, but the recall repair was denied by the dealer due to poor maintenance record. 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 46,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated the vehicle was not repaired to his expectations. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed the completion of the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to a local mechanic and was informed of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the piston oil rings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced; however, the manufacturer had placed a hold on the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that on three occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started shuddering mildly and then stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted after each failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
In late 2024 my vehicle, a 2021 KIA SOUL, stalled 3 separate times as I was driving, one of which I was driving in traffic, going about 10 mph, about mid-December. There were no warning lights that came on. I made an appt. with a KIA Service Dept. for Jan. 2025 (earliest available) I did not drive the vehicle in the interim. The KIA Service Dept. said that the problem could be low oil pressure, and performed an oil change. In April of 2025 I received the safely recall for a piston oil ring defect in my vehicle. I promptly called "Ron Bouchard KIA" in Leominster, MA, and brought the vehicle there April 16. They performed their tests which my vehicle failed. They initially said a new engine is being ordered for my vehicle, and it could take 2 to 3 weeks. Now, after 5 weeks, It appears they may not replace my engine after all. (!?!?) They stated that KIA Corporate sent out a directive that these recalled vehicles be retested. My concern is a real safety concern, especially with the stalling in traffic, which is a real danger for all. My experience of stalling in traffic, is just as described in the safety recall itself, and I do not wish to drive a vehicle that may catch on fire some day!!!
Our 2021 Kia Soul experienced complete engine failure without warning. The engine suddenly lost power and became inoperable while driving. The dealership's diagnostic testing identified a camshaft sensor code, but no definitive cause for the catastrophic failure was provided. We believe the failure is related to internal engine damage potentially caused by defective piston oil rings, consistent with the federal safety agency Recall Number 25V099000. Kia has not conducted a full internal engine inspection to rule this out. The vehicle is in Kia's possession and is available for inspection upon request. The sudden engine failure occurred without warning and caused a complete loss of power while the vehicle was in motion. This could have led to a serious accident had the incident occurred in heavy traffic or on a high-speed roadway. The inability to accelerate or maintain control of the vehicle poses a serious safety risk to both the driver and others on the road. Yes. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by a Kia dealership. While they identified a camshaft sensor code, they did not perform a full inspection to determine the internal cause of the engine failure. They declined to attribute the issue to the known piston oil ring defect and refused to repair it under the recall. Instead they want to submit it to the TechLine for the power train warranty. We had to spend hours calling places and collecting information of all oil changes and maintenance on the vehicle over the last 4 years. We can show a CLEAR pattern of regular maintenance of the vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Kia dealership. No inspections have been conducted by the police, insurance representatives, or other third parties. There were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or performance issues prior to the engine failure. The vehicle was regularly maintained and had been operating normally up to the point of the incident.
I own a 2021 Kia Soul that was serviced under recall SC060, which involves inspection of the piston oil rings for potential defects. The recall service was performed at an authorized Kia dealership on May 12th, and I was informed that the engine passed the inspection and was operating properly. However, on [XXX] after the recall service was completed, I noticed oil deposits on my spark plugs. Upon removal and inspection, the spark plug tips (combustion side) show clear evidence of oil contamination, which suggests that oil is entering the combustion chamber—exactly the type of problem SC060 was meant to address. My car is definitely damaged, and my recall passed the inspection. That doesn't make sense. Kia Dutch Miller didn't give me proof of inspection of my car; they only gave me the invoice for the work done on the car. I have photo evidence of the oil-contaminated spark plugs, and I am concerned this may lead to increased engine wear, misfires, or even total engine failure. Please investigate whether recall SC060 is being resolved properly by dealerships, and whether additional remedies or extensions should be provided to affected owners like myself. My car hasn't been fixed yet. Vehicle VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of recall service: 41,365 Date of recall service: [05/12/2025] Location of dealership: Dutch Miller, South Charleston, WV Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Hi, I had my car tested for recall SC336, and it initially failed, indicating the engine needed replacement. The dealership ordered a new engine from Kia. However, a few days later, they called to say that after retesting, the engine was fine and didn't require replacement. Now, I'm experiencing excessive oil consumption, and the check engine light shows code P0420, indicating a faulty catalytic converter. This issue is likely due to the car burning oil, clogging the converter, and pointing to a problem with the piston rings – the same issue covered under recall SC336. Given the recall's warning of potential engine stalling and fire risk, I'm extremely uncomfortable driving this car.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The engine is using too much oil
I was told that my engine failed the test for the recall for the incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings and that they would have to replace my engine. It has been turned in at the Shawnee-Mission KIA dealership since April 23rd and they said it would only take 2 weeks. I called again today at 5/5/2025 and now they are saying that repair is held indefinately and I have chemotherapy appointments that I have to show up for and they told me they do not loan cars out so I can have a means of transportation. I am given no specifics as to why this is happening. This is unacceptable.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall remedy was still under engineering review. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that it was determined that the recall remedy test was substandard, and the recall remedy was still under engineering review. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
On [XXX] Car stopped during traveling home on [XXX]. Had car towed to Stapleford Auto in St. Georges, Delaware. The mechanic found that the motor had seized. I Called KIA Customer Care and was advised to tow to the KIA dealer in Felton, Delaware. Dealer had the car from 2/26/25 and did not inspect the car until approximately 3/11/25. During the interim I discover a recall for model year 2021 due to faulty piston rings which was shown to cause engine seizures. When contacted by KIA dealer they claimed the problem was due to lack of Maintenace. I have documentation detailing the Maintenace of the car. I have contracted KIA customer care on several occasions stating that Maintenace was done and expected KIA live up to the recall notice. So far, no response. I contacted the Delaware Attorney General, and they told me to contact you folks. KIA Case#: [XXX] I appreciate any assistance in the manner. Thanks, [XXX] Email: [XXX] Cell: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle idles low and stalls. This has happened very often while at stop lights and in turning lanes almost causing an accident. Took to the dealership and was told it was because it’s a small engine. The engine sounds like it is low on oil even though oil levels are good. Have had oil consumption and was told it was “within range”. Back hatch will not open from outside and the lights above the license plate no longer work even though we have replaced bulbs and checked fuses. Despite taking the car to the dealership multiple times since purchase and letting them know the issues they continue to tell me there is nothing wrong with the car and have not fixed the issue.
My car has been recalled for faulty piston oil rings which can lead to engine fires. I took my car to the Kia dealership on 4/14/25. It is still there and the engine replacement still has not been approved. I was told by the dealership that my car did fail the vibration test. I was told by a Kia technician at another location that since the vibration test failed that is an automatic approval for a new engine per Recall Flow Chart. The only time it should go through Kia Techline for assistance is if it passed the test and needs additional investigation. NOW, Kia Corporate is stating I need to provide oil change receipts. THIS IS IRRELEVANT. If I drive that car off the lot with the current engine and have my engine cleaned out to their satisfaction and then a week later my engine catches fire because they refused to replace the engine, that's a lawsuit whether I live or die in that scenario. Oil change receipts and maintenance records should play no part in this. I did buy my car used, but all the original parts are still inside. There have been no modifications. The dealership can attest to this. Bottom line is the Kia manufacturer owes me a new engine because this is a safety issue. I am attaching a copy of the Flowchart that was sent to me by the Kia tech at another location. There is no reason that this should not have already been approved and ordered for my vehicle 2 weeks later. I want this done and I need your help, please! I do not feel safe driving a car around that could at any time burst into flames.
Bought the car used with around 30k miles on it from a dealership. Since then have only needed to get 2 oil changes done. Engine stalled while driving one day and noticed weird noises coming from under the hood. Had the car towed to the Kia dealership on Mon. 4/14. Car has been sitting at the dealership waiting on the manufacturer to approve replacement of the engine due to the recall. It should not take this long to get an approval for a safety issue. They're asking me for oil change documentation which I supplied them. Secondly, I shouldn't have even had to do that. This is a RECALL, not a warranty issue. A recall should get approved as soon as the engine failed the test. It seems like I'm having to jump through hoops to get this done and its not right.
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