2018 KIA Soul EV

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/28/2021· ENGINE

  Engine Failure, Started burning oil, within a month of that started knocking, after 4 weeks the connecting rod went through the block. I was driving on a public roadway. Vehicle is in for repair now for a new short block, catalytic converter (oil damage) with the dealership and being repaired by the manufacturer under warranty. Only warning lamp the car has had was about a month prior for an inefficient catalytic converter. No warnings for low oil or engine trouble prior to developing the knock. Vehicle is at Celebration Kia in Delaware Ohio for repairs. The incident date is approximate.

• 12/28/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  Buyer beware, DO NOT PURCHASE A KIA. Kept up with oil changes on the car. Purchased used in 2019 at 45k miles. While driving from work car just stopped working, and engine and oil light turned on. Electrical was working replaced battery maybe two months earlier. Wasn’t due for an oil change. Took car to a mechanic who said it was low on oil which seemed odd. Also replaced brake pads and rotors. $1000 later the car starts making a horrible rattling sound and the oil light and engine light turn on and car almost immediately dies. Took car to dealership, engine is done. This is happening to ALL of Kias cars that are being put on to the market. These cars are STILL being sold and they are all very much aware that these engines are bad. An entire decade of BAD ENGINES from Kia. And they are doing nothing. NOTHING. No recalls on this car. So now I am f*****. I have had this car for TWO years and it is only THREE years old and the engine is DONE. How is nothing being done about this???? Why are our voices being ignored?? There are complaints on this page with this EXACT issue. Why aren’t these cars being recalled?? I had my boyfriend and 3 dogs in the car, what if my car had caught on fire like their other crappy cars they have put out? Would I just be another person murdered by Kia and no one does a thing about it? (Allegedly)

• 12/26/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while accelerating, there was black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

• 12/25/2025· STRUCTURE

  Driving on freeway,two pieces of paint, flaking flew onto my windshield obstructing my view. Pulled over to see what happened and it was paint on my hood was flaking off. The paint was stuck to my windshield. My safety was definitely at risk as paint blocked my view.

• 12/19/2025· ENGINE

  Excessive oil consumption

• 12/17/2019· POWER TRAIN

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE JERKED, LOST POWER, AND THE POWER ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WESELOH KIA CARLSBAD (5331 PASEO DEL NORTE, CARLSBAD, CA 92008, (760) 208-2237) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10162049. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: (XXX), BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100. *LN*JB *LN CONSUMER STATED CLUTCH SYSTEM WAS SLIPPING AND WAS REPLACED. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION.*JB *LN MANUFACTURER CASE NUMBER (XXX) ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *JB *LN*JB

• 12/16/2025· ENGINE

  Was going down the freeway the check engine light came on pulled over and found there to be no oil on the dip stick and I had just checked it a week ago. Now the engine is knocking due to the oil consumption.

• 12/15/2025· STRUCTURE

  The clear coat peeled off of the driver and passenger side mirrors in the beginning of 2024. The white paint started chipping off in a one inch straight line where the red roof meets the white side panel on both sides. You can tell it is where a strip of tape was that maybe separated the two paint colors in the process of painting. This began at the end of 2024. Then in early 2025, the white paint on the hood started flaking off in random spots all over the hood of the vehicle. The paint is completely gone in those areas and the gray body is now showing through where the white paint used to be.

• 12/11/2023· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Engine failure at 121733 due to faulty engine management system. Was able to limp the car to the dealership. Engine had to be replaced due to broken rings in two of the pistons. Car was serviced regularly prior to the insidence.

• 12/11/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The alarm won’t let me in the car. Got a jump started for a few. Cut it off now it has not started again. Changed starter that did nothing. Can’t connect to the key, dashboard keeps blinking, Alarm keeps crashing. Battery checked out good. No ideal what is wrong

• 12/09/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  Description of the Problem: My 2018 Kia Soul has a recurring and unresolved safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving. The check-engine light repeatedly comes on, and at times the vehicle will hesitate or lose acceleration unexpectedly, creating a risk of being unable to maintain speed in traffic. Chronology: This issue has been occurring for over a year. I have taken the vehicle to the Kia dealership multiple times for the same problem. Each time, the dealership has either been unable to diagnose the cause or has returned the vehicle stating the issue was repaired, but the problem returns within weeks. Most recently, the dealership kept the vehicle for over a month and still could not identify or resolve the cause of the power loss or the recurring check-engine light. They then instructed me to pick up the car and drive it until the warning light comes back on, despite my reporting that the vehicle loses power while driving and is unsafe to operate. Safety Concern: The loss of power happens without warning and can leave me unable to accelerate or maintain speed. This has made it unsafe to drive in normal traffic conditions, such as merging onto highways or crossing intersections. I cannot safely operate the vehicle in its current condition. Attempts to Resolve: All service has been performed at the same Kia dealership since the car was purchased new. Despite multiple repair visits, including a month-long stay at the dealership, the problem remains unresolved. Kia Customer Care has been contacted, but the issue continues with no effective resolution or repair. Reason for NHTSA Complaint: Because the malfunction involves sudden power loss and repeated failure of the authorized dealership to diagnose or repair the issue, I am reporting this as a potential safety defect. I am concerned that this may reflect a broader problem affecting this vehicle model.

• 12/08/2025· ENGINE

  9/25/25 Car would not accelerate on exit ramp and engine seized just as I pulled into Romeo Kia Kingston Car Repair Center, causing a dangerous driving situation. No prior noise or warning lights for the 6 years I have owned the car. 10/6/25 per Jared Illg, District Kia Mgr., “Although, my 2018 Kia Soul 2.0 engine is under the Class Action Settlement, my car is not under extended warranty, because I did not have the KSDS software update.” I did not receive any mailings over the years, but two August, 2025 re-notifications. •Kia KSDS software 2018 update (172/953), why wasn't update performed by Romeo Auto Group Dealership before I purchased car? •Kia’s parent company, Hyundai Motor Group removed the KSDS update requirement for its lifetime engine warranty, why hasn’t Kia? •The Romeo Auto Group Dealership owned this car and used it as a Lease Car. I am second owner, why didn't I get a Transferable / Powertrain warranty? •Why would I get a limited warranty knowing the Kia Soul has faulty 2.0 engines since 2012, defects that arise in the car that originate from the factory; resulting in numerous lawsuits and class action settlements. This is not a case of owner neglect; I have taken excellent care of my 2018 Kia Soul. •I did not receive TSB-19 and TSB 222 which refers to known defects of all these connected components: excessive oil consumption, defective piston rings, and rod bearing failure; resulting in catastrophic engine failure. My mechanic has installed a used 53,000 mi. used engine. I now have a debt of $8,817.91 for a 2018 Kia Soul I have owned for six (6) years. I am so stressed this has a disastrous impact on my financial situation. Desired resolution: I am asking for Kia America, Inc. to reimburse me my expenses of $8,817.91 (replacement engine, towing, and car rentals; attached) and provide the extended Warranty for 150,000 mi.

• 12/07/2021· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  While driving to work in my 2018 Kia soul on 10/16/21 vehicle has a significant hesitation pulling away from a stop sign/red-light. A very slight knocking noise could be heard. the oil light flickered on and then immediately went off. Next thing I know while doing 65 on the highway the oil, engine, and battery lights all lit up then suddenly power to the vehicle was gone! I managed to get the vehicle off the highway onto the shoulder of the road where I watched smoke pouring out of the engine bay. My vehicle only has 69059 miles. the 2.0L motor that is subject to many other recalls and issues is the same as what is in my Soul. . I've only had this car for less than two years! KIA REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT!!

• 12/06/2022· ENGINE

  Yellow check engine light came on. Next day was not on. Next day on again. Brought to local repair shop for diagnostic. They reported engine was completely empty of oil and a knocking sound was a chain. Said engine needed to be replaced. This is at 74k miles. No oil light was ever on. Safety inspection was completed three months prior when the car was purchased used from a dealership. Then took it to a Kia dealership after putting some oil in the engine. While driving there it stalled at every red light. Kia service inspected. Reported engine needs to be replaced and not covered under Powertrain warranty.

• 12/05/2024· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that her daughter was able to safely park the vehicle in a parking lot and the had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

• 12/04/2021· ENGINE

  At 94,000 miles without warning I have a rod knock. I have maintained oil changes regularly and topped my oil off before this drive. No warning lights no indicators. Just a blown engine.

• 12/04/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  AROUND 11:40PM ON 12/3/2019 I PARKED MY CAR IN AN EMPTY PARKING LOT - CAR WAS STATIONARY. IT WAS 51 DEGREES OUT AND CLOUDY, BUT NO RAIN OR ANY PRECIPITATION. THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING; THE HEAT/AC WERE NOT ON. NO ONE WAS AROUND. SUDDENLY, THE WINDSHIELD IN THE BACK (LARGE HATCH DOOR WINDOW) SHATTERED ENTIRELY. IT SOUNDED LIKE A SHOT. NOTHING FELL ON THE CAR, NO PEOPLE OR ANIMALS WERE AROUND. THE WHOLE WINDOW WAS SHATTERED AND CRUMBLING ALONG THE EDGES. NO ROCKS, BBS, PELLETS, BRANCHES, BALLS, OR OTHER OBJECTS ANYWHERE. NO OTHER DAMAGE MADE AT THAT MOMENT TO THE CAR AT ALL. THE PANE STAYED TOGETHER UNTIL I OPENED/CLOSED MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THEN IT STARTED TO FALL APART. NO EVIDENCE OF FOUL PLAY. ONLY 12,600 MILES ON THE CAR. CHECKED WITH THE POLICE, BUT NO SIMILAR INCIDENTS HAD BEEN REPORTED. OCCURRED IN KIRKLAND, WA. NO PREVIOUS ACCIDENTS AS FAR AS I KNOW. EXCEPT A FEW WEEKS PRIOR, ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR, A LON CRACK APPEARED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, STARTING FROM THE TOP EDGE ABOUT 9" LONG. NO EVIDENCE OF ROCK, DEBRIS, OR IMPACT.

• 12/03/2020· ENGINE

  MILEAGE 68000 - TICKING NOISE BEGAN APPROXIMATELY 5 DAYS BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PARKED FOR TWO DAYS (FOR THE HOLIDAY). TWO DAYS LATER, WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO MECHANIC AND RAN CODE AND PERFORMED AN OIL CHANGE. NOISE CHANGED IMMEDIATELY TO KNOCKING AND SQUEAKING AND CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING HOME. TOWED VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RODS EITHER BROKE, BLEW, OR WERE GOING TO, AND A NEW MOTOR WAS NECESSARY. MY VEHICLE HAS THE 2.0L MOTOR THAT IS SUBJECT TO MANY OTHER RECALLS AND ISSUES BUT YET NOT ON THE RADAR OF THE AUTHORITIES. I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR LESS THAN 10 MONTHS AND APPROXIMATELY 20,000 HIGHWAY MILES, AND JUST OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD.

• 12/02/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  My Goddaughter has had random starting problems with the 2018 Kia Soul plus, that I bought her. If you turn the key you hear a click but it won't start until you try several times. She has had to get a jump on occasions. We bought a new battery, thinking that was the problem, but that didn't solve the issue. Taken car to the dealership several times, but they say that they can't find a problem. She get nervous everytime she goes somewhere and cut the car off, thinking she's gonna get stranded. I'm afraid for her, getting out there at night time that car not starting for her. Researching this issue online, I found out that this is an issue that numerous people have complained about, an addressed the issue as well. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed by Kia. Thinking about trading her Kia Soul, and buying her something more reliable.

• 12/01/2022· AIR BAGS

  There is a recall on the airbag sensor or something. Since I was notified earlier this year, NONE of the KIA dealers are trying to correct the problem. I have been getting the run around about them fixing the problem. Excuses ranges from a 6 month wait to make an appt. to we don't have the part and when it comes in we will schedule an appt. but it has been 11 months and the RECALL hasn't been fixed on my car to this date. Called the manufacturer and they never called me back after waiting on hold for an hour.

• 11/30/2020· ENGINE

  2018 KIA SOUL #3 PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD SHATTERED WITHIN 1.5 BLOCKS OF INITIAL KNOCKING DETECTION WHEN TRYING TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT OFF OF THE STREET.. THE MOTOR SEIZED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP AND ALMOST BEING REAR ENDED BY OTHER DRIVERS.

• 11/25/2025· STEERING

  The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that occasionally the steering wheel was loose and inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the steering column gears and nut needed to be replaced. The contact was referred to a dealer for the repair. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gears, the steering coupler, and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

• 11/23/2022· ENGINE

  car began knocking noise on highway, heard a loud boom, and coasted to the shoulder. the repair facility determined there was a hole in my engine that was caused by the knocking.

• 11/21/2022· ENGINE

  Driving down Interstate 5 @60mph, w/out the engine light coming on, my Kia Soul starts to shake, turns off, and luckily as I was able to glide it safely to the right shoulder as I was in the slow lane. I restart the car, engine light now comes on and the car itself shakes. I managed to get it to work and after having a co-worker look at it, the oil was low/dry. It didn't make sense because the oil was topped off 2 weeks earlier. Granted I have 132k miles on it, oil changed it consistently, for the most part, a great commuter, but it doesn't account for the fact that the engine light didn't come on and where did all the oil go. After taking it to Kia, I was told there was a burnt valve on piston #1 and there was no way of me knowing it was burnt. I wasn't given a response as to why the engine light didn't turn on other than, "check the service that was provided on date xxxx as that may have caused it and the excessive oil may have been played a part in it" I was quoted for a new engine, 6750.00. My power train warranty had expired and I was told the Kia Lifetime Warranty on the engine was not covered because it was not a low bearing.

• 11/20/2019· ENGINEFire

  CITY STREET. WAS TEST DRIVING THIS VEHICLE WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE AT THE LOWER BACK END OF THE ENGINE.

• 11/15/2022· ENGINE

  Vehicle is using a large amount of oil, have to continually add about 2 quarts per 1000 miles. I have maintained the vehicle and have diligently changed the oil and filter. This started at about 100,000 miles and continues to get worse. I have seen class action is being brought against Kia for this issue. This could lead to engine failure, fire and serious injury. I feel a recall is in order for the safety of the road.

• 11/14/2022· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine made abnormal ticking sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The contact stated he was able to drive the vehicle, however, the engine was making abnormal loud knocking sounds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring more increasingly. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under TSB Number: PI2107 as the original owner of the vehicle failed to complete an unknown software update on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

• 11/13/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul EV. The contact stated that the electrical system had experienced power fluctuations, which reduced the charging capacity of the battery to only 8 percent. The EV warning light remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.

• 11/11/2021· ENGINE

  I have my oil changed regularly. At about 49,000 miles, upon braking, the oil light came on. When accelerating the oil light would go off. I checked the oil and it didn't even register. I added 2 quarts of oil to bring it to the mid line of dipstick. Took the car in, and had oil changed. 3 weeks later, at 50,000 miles, the oil is now a 1/2 quart low. Took car in to the dealer. They told me that the oil consumption of 1 quart every 1,000 miles is within normal range. This is ridiculous. I should not need to add oil to a 3 year old car between oil changes.

• 11/10/2021· ENGINE

  I went and got my oil changed yesterday. The man at the Kia dealership showed me a water bottle that was about 8 oz full with black oil. He told me that that’s all the oil I had in my car and I probably have engine damage. There were no warning lamps or anything else. And I routinely get my oil and tires maintenance. I am now having sounds coming from my vehicle but still no warning lamps.

• 11/09/2018· ENGINEFire

  THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT, WITH NO ONE AROUND IT, WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE INSPECTOR STATED CAUSE OF THE FIRE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.

• 11/04/2025· ENGINE

  Kia is aware of these issues why haven't they issued a recall for engine oil composition low and causing problems

• 11/04/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

  The brake lights do not work even after they change all of them at the dealership

• 11/04/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHERCrashFire

  During a front end accident the car burst into flames and the driver was trapped and passed away at the scene.

• 11/03/2025· ENGINE

  On 8/12/25, my 2018 Kia Soul (approx. 126,000 miles) suddenly began shuddering at low RPM with a flashing check engine light, near-stalling, and smoke from the exhaust. A warning message appeared for an engine control issue. Prior to failure, the engine intermittently knocked and displayed an oil pressure warning light. The engine burned oil at an excessive rate between routine oil changes. At the Kia dealership, diagnostic codes P0300 and P0303 were found. The dealer reported a burnt valve and seized starter, estimating $2,960 for valve repair or $6,437 for engine replacement, and stated these were not covered under Kia’s extended warranty or E2 Class Action Settlement because no P1326 code appeared. However, the symptoms match the rod bearing wear defect already covered under the E2 settlement. The dealer refused to perform the bearing clearance test (Kia’s required diagnostic for this defect) without payment, even though the settlement and extended warranty specify Kia must cover all inspection, diagnostic, and repair costs for potential rod bearing failures within the 15-year/150,000-mile coverage period. The engine failure created a serious safety risk when the vehicle lost power and nearly stalled in traffic. The burnt valve and seized starter are likely secondary effects of bearing-related long block failure. Kia’s refusal to inspect the vehicle without charge contradicts the settlement’s intent and prevents proper diagnosis of a known defect. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of inspection and warranty coverage for vehicles showing these symptoms but lacking code P1326.

• 11/02/2022· ENGINE

  Engine started to die while on the highway after a loud knocking started. While braking , engine completely stalled in driving lanes. Defect seemed to be a duplicate of the sequence of events reported from a recall for 2014-2016 of the same engine.

• 11/02/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  On the evening of 7/31/2021 myself and my 2 brothers were on our way home from shopping. It had just got dark outside. Suddenly there was a loud noise under the hood and the vehicle stopped dead in the middle of the road. Thank GOD we were not hit from behind. I put the flashers on to warn others. Other cars were blowing there horns, it was very dangerous for us and others as well. I called and got AAA there as soon as possible. The car was smoking and oil was every where. I had the car taken to an independent shop. They told me the connecting rod had gone through the engine block and that it was very bad. They suggested that I take it to the Kia dealership. They said Kia would know about the warranty's. I had AAA take it to the Kia dealer ship in west Orlando. I paid them 265.00 to do the diagnostics on the car. They told me the connecting rod bearing had caused the rod to go thru the engine block. They said I would Have to have a new engine (approx. 10,000.00 ). I said if I gave them the money when could i get my car? They said they didn't know. I ask if I could have a loaner vehicle to get myself to work. They said they don't do that. They also said at that cost I would not get a new engine. I was not treated very nice. I never had any trouble with my car. I had no warning of any kind it just suddenly stopped. I am a widow and my husband always told me to keep my oil changed. He said it is the life of the car. So I always changed my oil ahead of the scheduled time for it to be changed. I got my oil changed on 7/29/2021 and the bearing went bad on 7/31/2021. A friend from my church tried to contact Kia Corp. in California for assistance,but was treated rudely.I know there have been recalls on different Kia and Hundai engines for connecting rod Bearing issues.This was very dangerous many people could have been hurt or killed. Kia Will not help. I only have 71,000 miles on my car. I was the second owner of the car so my warranty is no good. 3 tech's have seen it.

• 10/31/2018· EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  USUALLY AFTER A RAINY NIGHT OR WHEN THERE IS DEW IN THE MORNING, WITH THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND STATIONARY AT MY HOME, THE HEAD LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN ON AND THE WINDSHIELD/BACK GLASS WIPERS WILL NOT WORK. AFTER TURNING THE WIPERS ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES THEY MAY COME ON FOR A MOMENT AND THEN WILL NOT OPERATE AGAIN. DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE ISSUE TWICE SO FAR. HAS LESS THAN 6000 MILES ON IT. IT IS NOW DARK WHEN I AM LEAVING FOR WORK AND THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE SINCE I CAN NOT DRIVE IT WITH OUT HEAD LIGHTS. IT IS ALSO ILLEGAL TO DRIVE WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS/WIPERS IN THE RAIN WHERE I LIVE.

• 10/30/2019· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  WHEN MY WIFE WAS STOPPED IN A SCHOOL PARKING LOT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PREPARING TO BACK INTO A PARKING SPACE THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I RAN INTO A PARKED CAR AND THE ONLY WAY I COULD GET IT TO STOP WAS TO TURN THE CAR OFF. ME, OUR DAUGHTER AND SON ALL HAVE HAD A SURGING ISSUE BUT WAS ALWAYS A MINOR ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND KIA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE.

• 10/26/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an oil consumption test and oil change. The contact stated that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 89,400.

• 10/25/2019· AIR BAGSCrash

  I RENTED THIS '18 KIA SOUL FROM HERTZ. ON 10/17 AT 9 PM I WAS INVOLVED IN A SOLO VERY HARD FRONT END COLLISION WITH A LARGE BOULDER ON A CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN HWY. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE SIDE ONES DID FOR NO APPARENT REASON. BECAUSE I WASN'T WEARING A SEAT BELT I ENDED UP HAVING SERIOUS HEAD TRAUMA AS WELL AS OTHER BRUISES. AT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE IS IN THE POSSESSION OF HERTZ RENT-A-CAR.

• 10/24/2025· ENGINE

  Engine is loosing oil into the #2 cylinder, causing an damage to the downstream exhaust. Once the cylinder fills with oil, the care immediately drops in operation speed causing significant driver response and immediately surrounding vehicles

• 10/24/2022· ENGINEFire

  On 10/6/22, my 2018 KIA Soul's engine seized. The oil was shiny orange and the engine itself was incredibly hot and engulfed in smoke. I had my car towed to a KIA dealership, where the service manager determined that my engine had metal shavings and there was a connecting rod bearing failure. I was told that there was a recall to my airbags and update to the engine that they also performed. I knew about the airbag recall, but knew nothing about an engine update. I was told by the service manager that there was an update to KIA engines in regard to the connecting rod bearing and that if I had brought my car in for the update prior to the engine failure, that this would have been covered by extended warranty from KIA. Therefore, due to my financial situation I am forced to sell the car for a near measly amount due to a non-functioning engine and take on monthly car payments from the purchase of a new car. I was one of the 3.7 million involved in the “product improvement campaign” to enhance safety features, where I would have been warned if my engine would catch fire. A warning prior to engine failure, and fire? How is this a safety performance measure preventing crash, injury, and death? My entire engine was smoking and possibly on fire when I was driving through a busy city and could have been seriously injured or involved in a multi-vehicle crash. NHTSA reported that the automaker had provided inaccurate information about the problems, and there were owner complaints of more than 3,100 fires, 103 injuries, and one death. In September 2021, KIA sent out a letter urging 485,000 owners to park their vehicles outside because fires could start even after vehicles were turned off. With the knowledge that non-crash fires are affecting 3 million KIA vehicles, why wasn’t a recall done on every KIA model with a GDI engine and instead only a “product improvement campaign”, where one letter was sent out and not one ounce of information can be found on KIA website.

• 10/23/2024· ENGINE

  Oil plug fell out while driving, engine needed to be replaced.

• 10/17/2025· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the front of the vehicle suddenly jumped. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

• 10/17/2019· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BULBS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE SAME MONTH. GREENWAY KIA OF HICKORY HOLLOW (5406 TARGET DR, ANTIOCH, TN 37013 (615) 731-0099) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED DUE TO THE MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

• 10/14/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  We purchased this vehicle for our [XXX]. It was going to be his first vehicle, and we shined it up and changed the battery, detailed it, changed all spark plugs, the whole nine yards…so on his [XXX] we give it to him, and we take it for a test drive, and the engine seizes up and we have to tow it to our mechanic. He assesses the car, and its rod bearing wear that is under a class action lawsuit. After calling Kia, they will not do anything about it because it has never had a specific software update that is under a product improvement action. A knock sensor detection that would detect prior to engine failure. I told Kia that we looked up recalls on the vehicle and there was nothing regarding that on the search. From both their website, and NHTSA. And they said that it wasn’t their responsibility to do so. But it was their failed product and design, that put my child at risk, and we had no reasonable way of knowing about it. They said it wasn’t their responsibility. I don’t understand how a detection system of the engine failure, would be required after the failure? There’s no prevention aspect to the “product improvement”. At this point, it serves no purpose, the engine failed for that reason. And installing the software update prior to failure wouldn’t have changed anything. They have orchestrated a loophole to not be accountable for a design and product they out on the public market, which they received financial compensation for, that could have cost my child’s life. In fact, they won’t even pay to replace the deficient engine that broke because of their negligence in design and risk assessment. They are 100% unwilling to address the defective product they sold. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 10/13/2021· ENGINE

  Engine started to knock, then it got louder and finally the engine stopped running. If it would have shut down on the busy interstate, it could have been a disaster. The problem has not been inspected by Manufacture. Trying to report to KIA. Engine has less than 84000. The oil light came on right before it died.

• 10/09/2018· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA SOUL. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WITH THE HEATER ACTIVATED, STEAM APPEARED FROM THE HEATER VENTS AND FOGGED UP ALL THE WINDOWS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT SOMETHING MUST HAVE ENTERED INTO THE DRAIN LINE. THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONTACT VISIT THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

• 10/08/2025· ENGINE

  Low compression on cylinder 3 and 4 and the car only has 40,000 miles on it. It's not covered in warranty because it's a 2018 model but I've only had the car for 1.5 years and still owe 18,000 on it and I'm a officer and a single mother and can't afford to let the car go back when Kia knows these cars have engine issues and low compression engine problems.