2025 Kia Soul problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · SC

The 2025 Kia Soul auto engine shutoff feature for gas powered vehicles caused the engine to stall out and the vehicle to stop in an oncoming traffic lane. This occurred right when I was trying to depart from a stop sign at a busy intersection. Fortunately, the oncoming driver was able to narrowly avoid colliding with my vehicle by swerving around it. The oncoming driver was going at a rate of speed that had they chosen to use brakes rather than swerve, it could have been a fatal collision for me in this vehicle. The auto engine shutoff feature for gas engine Kia vehicles is noted by the Kia dealer to be a problem that can sometimes put the car in compromising positions. The feature has been inspected by the dealer, and the feature works as design intended. The only remedy that the Kia dealer service person offered was to tell me to purchase a $100+ bypass wiring harness that will cause the feature to always be turned off. The only acceptable remedy in my opinion would be for Kia to be held financially responsible to permanently disable the auto shutoff feature for my vehicle.

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Electrical · 27,899 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2025 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn at a green light, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power. The contact stated that several warning lights illuminated after the failure. The contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle with the assistance of Campus Police and a tow truck company; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The contact was concerned that the dealer had not properly diagnosed the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 27,899.

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

I purchased a used 2025 Kia Soul with approximately 12,930 miles on the odometer in July 2026. Prior to Friday, August 1, 2026, I had not experienced any warning lights, warning messages, drivability issues, or other symptoms. The vehicle appeared to operate normally. On August 1, 2026, as I pulled out of the parking lot, the car surged or lurched forward while pushing on the gas. I pulled over, and the engine RPM still would increase on its own while the vehicle was in park, and and while stopped with the brake pedal applied. On one occasion in traffic a week before, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly. At the time I thought I did something wrong and didn't initially think it was a defect. This has created a safety concern because the vehicle appears to accelerate or push forward without me doing anything. The condition raised concerns about maintaining control of the vehicle in traffic and while stopped behind other vehicles. The vehicle was inspected by a Kia dealership. I was informed that a technician performed a road test and was able to reproduce the concern I reported. The dealership initially identified contaminated A/C refrigerant and recommended evacuation and recharge of the A/C system. After further diagnosis, I was informed that the A/C compressor may have internal damage and may require replacement. The root cause of the unexpected revving, stalling, and lurching has not been conclusively determined. I have received conflicting information regarding whether the A/C system is responsible for the condition and whether the vehicle is safe to drive. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Kia Customer Care reviewed the situation and recommended that the vehicle be evaluated by a different Kia dealership for a second opinion. No police report or insurance investigation has been conducted regarding this issue. Someone advised me to file this report, saying that an AC compressor can't make a car engine lurch.

Filed May 30, 2026 · IL

Car window was broken into while the car was locked and the alarm was on. the alarm did not go off!

Filed May 29, 2026 · Driver assistance · TX

When pulling out of a parking spot all of collision responses started to flash. This included front collision, side collision and rear collision. The power steering no longer worked. I bought the car new in 11/05/2025. I only have 1,311 miles on the car. I did have an oil change done by the dealer about a week prior and the report showed no problems. I am now very concerned about driving it even after the car would be repaired. I will say that KIA America arranged for the tow back to the dealership and I was given a loaner car to use. I honestly feel this is a safety hazard. Regards, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Airbags, Driver assistance · KS · crash

Hit a deer. Airbag did not deploy or emergency braking system didn't come on. Police took pictures of car. The car is at the repair shop now. Insurance company hasn't stated if it will be totaled. There were no other problems prior to incident.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Lights · FL

Low beam headlights so dim is impossible to drive at night.

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Visibility · NY

Headlight housing kept falling out of the bracket Driving at night impossable. Fixed one light still dim lights maKES DRIVING AT night dangerous. Second dealer instructed me to not sue the suto light setting because it dims the headlights. It appears that the front bumper design blocks the light to the roadway. In my view the 4 seperte visits to the Family dealership in Saint Augestein Fl suggest ther is nothing more he can do to improve the light problem. What am I supposd to do to have this 2025 new KIA soul problem corrected that I so I can drive at night

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Brakes, Suspension · GA

I am submitting this complaint to report serious concerns regarding the quality, safety, and reliability of my new Kia Soul, as well as the financial burden caused by defects that should not occur on a vehicle with such low mileage. At approximately **8,500 miles**, one of the original tires failed prematurely. I was forced to purchase a used tire to keep the vehicle safely drivable. I had the front alignment inspected, and I was informed that it was within normal specifications, yet the tire issue persisted. Now at **10,000 miles**, I am still experiencing abnormal tire wear. Additionally, at **10,000 miles**, the vehicle began making **grinding noises when applying the brakes**, which is extremely concerning for a car that is still essentially new. These issues raise questions about the vehicle’s manufacturing quality and whether it meets reasonable consumer expectations for safety and durability. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that it would be reliable and free from major defects. Instead, I am facing unexpected expenses, safety concerns, and ongoing problems that should be covered under warranty. I am now questioning whether I should continue making payments on a vehicle that is already showing signs of significant defects. I am requesting that the FTC review this matter as a potential issue involving product quality, warranty compliance, and consumer protection. I am seeking assistance in ensuring that Kia addresses these defects appropriately and that my rights as a consumer are upheld. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Driver assistance, Lights · TN

2 incidents driving in a not familiar area...Almost drove off the road in very dark conditions at a light because I couldn't see that my road had ended .I was almost side swiped trying to get back on the road the last second.Iwas not taking any meds abd Don't drink Also drive at night on well lit highways.Also the lights are so dim that my road assist features did not activate on dark rainy roads where it could not see road markings