Kia Soul grinding brakes problems

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 Nov 29, 2025 · Engine · AZ

The vehicle had a catastrophic engine failure while driving in traffic. The engine would turn over making loud grinding noises but would not start, and the vehicle had to be towed. The engine had only 92,077 miles on it when it failed. Subsequent engine teardown found pieces of the connecting rod bearings which had disintegrated (see attached photos). This failure damaged the piston, crankshaft, valves, and cylinders. This engine has been the subject of a class action lawsuit due to a manufacturing defect of the connecting rod bearings and premature failures in thousands of engines. The engine is part of a class action lawsuit, but we are ineligible for the extended warranty since it had not yet received the knock sensor software update that was required by the lawsuit. However, this software update does not fix the defective connecting rod bearings and only provides a possible warning of an impending failure. I was never notified of this required update. This engine should have been part of a mandatory recall, but instead, KIA chose to release an update that made warranty eligibility impossible for customers who were unaware of its existence. This defective engine is a serious hazard and almost caused a major accident when the engine suddenly failed.

Filed Nov 22, 2025 · Engine · CA

Subject: Reimbursement Request for Engine Defect Repairs - VIN [XXX] Dear Kia Consumer Assistance Center, I am requesting full reimbursement for repairs necessitated by the known engine defect in my 2014 Kia Soul with the 2.0L VEHICLE INFORMATION: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Soul Plus •Current Mileage: 145,861 •Owner: [XXX] EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO ENGINE DEFECT: 1.Oil Change - $152.34 (November 21, 2025) Jiffy Lube work order #410 documents excessive oil consumption with notation "1/2 QUART LOW ON OIL. CHECK YOUR OIL OFTEN" despite oil change only 46 days prior. 2.Oil Change - Valvoline (Oct 6, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change $0.00 Because they gave me a oil change for free because my oil light came on the next day. Valvoline 5W30 Full Synthetic Oil API SP 4.20 QT Valvoline Oil Filter 3.Oil Change – Valvoline - $106.00 (Oct 5, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change Valvoline 5W20 Full Synthetic Oil 4.DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE Firestone - $110.99 (ENGINE ANALYSIS Sept 6, 2025) * POSSIBLE BOTTOM END DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE FROM OVERHEATING** NEEDS TO GO TO ENGINE SHOP** DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE (ENGINE ANALYSIS) **HEARS SQUEAKING WHEN ACCELARTING. CUSTOMER WAS DRIVING UP THE GRAPE VINE AND CAR HAD SHUT OFF. CAR ALSO TAKES A WHILE TO GET UP TO SPEED.** 5. Catalytic Converter Replacement - $1,100 (Sept 6, 2025) oThe catalytic converter failed due to excessive exhaust temperatures caused by the engine defect. Per Kia TSB and recall documentation, high exhaust gas temperatures damage the catalytic converter, resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to engine pistons. 6. Autozone - $26.99 (Aug 28, 2025) oCataclean Fuel & Exhaust oSystem Cleaner 7. Valvoline - $140.00 (May 11, 2025) Complete Fuel System $19.99 8.Spark Plug Replacement & Tune-Up - $391.81 (March 29, 2025) Engine diagnostic codes (P0302, P0300 I request full reimbursement for these expenses totaling $2,011.13. Kia of Downtown Los Angeles will do the oil consumption test 11/24/2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

Filed Oct 17, 2025 · Engine · AL

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was making a grinding sound while the vehicle was being started. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine oil had to be changed every week. While receiving an oil change, the contact was informed that the engine seemed to be defective, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. While the vehicle was idling at a red light, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The contact shifted to park(P) and made two attempts to restart the vehicle before being able to continue driving. While decelerating to come to a stop at a red light, the vehicle stalled a second time. The contact shifted into park(P) and several attempts were made before the vehicle restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer who had installed the piston-ring noise-sensing system software and determined that the remedy was completed, and that the engine did not need to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the heck engine warning light had failed but had been repaired and should properly illuminate whenever needed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 13, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

When the car was originally going out, the check engine light came on and the engine was making a funny sound, then after we filled up on gas like 10-15 miles later, the engine shut off and stopped accelerating but all of the electronics were still coming on, the battery and oil pressure light came on as well, we pulled it over and when trying to start, it was cranking but not coming on, but the electronics and everything was still working just fine, radio worked and my phone was charging, eventually when we tried cranking again, the engine started rattling and grinding . Towed it to Kia. KIA said they did every test possible on the car and are about 90% sure that the car needs a new ecu, but that kia doesn't manufacture that part anymore and that if they made it, it could take 2 weeks to 4 months, they're saying that it's not apart of the warranty so it would be expensive. They said that the best bet would be to trade in the car. Then they asked for all receipts for oil changes. Then they said it's the camshaft. "Wanted to reach out to let you know we need to replace the Cam shaft, the camshaft phaser and valve cover gasket before we can do the test for the recall this will cost about $1530". He said this after already saying they tested it. They are refusing to repair the recall. This is the Kia dealership in Gettysburg PA.

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · Engine · NY

In 2023 I had my car repaired at a Kia dealership due to the federal safety agency Recall Number: 19V120, KIA Customer Care Case Number: [XXX]. It mentioned in recall that the engines may need to be replaced. Even though the engine had made grinding noises when I brought the vehicle in for repair on that recall, the Kia dealership told me my engine did not need to be replaced. However, on [XXX] as I was driving, the car began making loud grinding noises, the check engine & oil light came on and white smoke was coming out of the back. I immediately pulled into a gas station & shut the engine off. After waiting several minutes, I tried to restart the engine and it would not start. The battery had gotten weak. I got a jumpstart from a customer at the gas station, and when the engine turned over a large cloud of white smoke came out of the back, so I turned it off again and called for roadside assistance who towed the car to my home. I had the vehicle towed to a local garage on 6/14/2025. I believe this engine failure is part of the ongoing issues with defective Kia engines. And also stems from the issues from the recall mentioned above because when I took the car to the service center for that recall, it was vibrating and making a lot of noise at that time, and I believe damage had already started to happen to the engine. I contacted Kia 6/16/2025 and they claimed that I was out of warranty and that everything would be out of my pocket, but I think this engine should be covered under all the recalls and the class action lawsuits because it’s a safety hazard when your car shuts down in the middle of a highway. I never received any letters from Kia except when I contacted them about the federal safety agency Recall Number: 19V120. The case number for that issue is Case Number: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) Vehicle is at local garage.

Filed Mar 15, 2025 · Engine · NM

Owner was driving vehicle coming off of a highway onto sideroad when vehicle suddenly made a loud banging and grinding engine sound and engine quit immediately. Luckily able to drift over to shoulder and call tow truck. Vehicle towed to dealership. Dealership claimed vehicle was made in Mexico and therefore not covered by any recall. No forewarning by any dashboard lights. Owner needed a vehicle immediately for work and bought a brand new seltos the next day, then dealership refused to take soul as a trade in and so it remains unrepaired in the yard. It is able to be seen. I believe it should have been repaired or bought back by dealership. I feel like I was taken advantage of and lied to by the dealership

Filed Feb 16, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 68,000 miles · DC

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment and heard an abnormal grinding sound, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the VIN was included, but the parts were not yet available. 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 confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed Nov 13, 2023 · Suspension · PA

Turned my wheel to pull out of a parking spot. I heard a grinding noise as I moved forward and then lost the ability to steer my car. I was able to get my car off the street and upon inspection found my left front tie rod had snapped in half.

Filed Nov 1, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

I took my car to a Kia dealership after the engine recall in 2020, and again this year. In 2020, they told me there wasn't anything they could do without the code. It seems very much like Kia are manipulating these recall rules. My car is making the rod noises and squealing noises related to this recall. It often loses power around 65 miles an hour. They charged me $75 for a diagnostic, and attempted to charge me $2750 for a catalytic converter repair that they said was unrelated to my engine issues. They're wrong, it was absolutely related to my engine issues. Cat converters don't cause rod noises. I'm deeply upset and angry, because I feel like I've been chasing Kia for at least 2 of the 6 years that I've had this car, and I'm really tired of getting screwed by these big companies using our system against us. I have to pay the bank, the car dealership, and the government, but nobody has my back when KIA sells me a faulty engine? They're sponsoring every major sporting event with the value they're stealing from us. They lie about engine codes. They lie about their diagnostics. I've owned a bunch of cars. I know what an engine sounds like when it's dying. They told me "it's under warranty until 150k. Bring it back if it dies." THIS IS CRIMINAL. I've been forced to pay full value of this vehicle, for a vehicle with a faulty recalled engine. I can't resell it with this engine unless I take a massive loss. I already filed a complaint with the federal safety agency about this in 2021. I am filing another complaint, because Kia hasn't resolved the issue yet. Someone is going to be responsible for this, and I'm never going to give up. I want my engine replaced, and I want criminal charges brought against the exes at this company. I'm deeply affecting my emotional state, and frankly, I'm saddened by the fact that I can get suckered into buying a 5 star vehicle (the federal safety agency rating) only to be met with this chaos.