Kia Soul problems
The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Kia since 2008. Often described and marketed as a crossover since its introduction, the Soul is a hatchback with a box proportion and tall roof, which are designed to maximize its interior space. Despite its SUV-like styling, the Soul was never available with all-wheel drive, instead it is exclusively a front-wheel drive vehicle.
The Soul first appeared in 2006 in the form of a concept model displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The production model made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. During its introduction, Kia stated that the Soul is aimed at the North American market, and targeted towards buyers in the 18 to 35-year old range.
The second-generation model was introduced in 2013 for the 2014 model year, which featured a larger exterior and interior dimensions along with a reworked chassis, while keeping its boxy styling. The Soul is currently in its third generation, which was introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year. Since 2014, Kia has also marketed a battery electric variant as the Soul EV.
The name "Soul" comes from the homophone of Seoul, the city that hosts Kia's headquarters.
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Kia Soul model years
Common Kia Soul problems
Based on complaints from Kia Soul owners, common problems with these cars include:
- Engine Failure:
- Owners reported engine failures in various model years like 2013, 2015, and 2016.
- Symptoms include banging noises, smoking engines, and oil plug issues.
- Repair costs can be substantial, with average costs ranging from $4,600 to $7,000.
- Transmission Issues:
- Transmission problems such as fluid leaks and loosening can lead to severe damage.
- Small leaks can escalate and necessitate transmission replacement if not addressed promptly.
- Airbag Problems:
- Instances where airbags failed to deploy properly or at all have been reported.
- In accidents, this malfunction can lead to injuries, highlighting safety concerns.
- Electrical Malfunctions:
- Owners reported issues like power steering shutdown and malfunctioning seat belts.
- Electrical system components can cause safety hazards, such as sudden power failures while driving.
- Fuel System Issues:
- Problems with fuel injectors causing engine flooding and other malfunctions.
- Defective fuel injectors can lead to engine damage and pose safety risks for drivers.
These issues highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of trouble to ensure the safety and reliability of Kia Soul vehicles.
Is the Kia Soul a very reliable car?
Kia Soul holds an impressive reliability rating of 4.5/5.0, performing well in real-world owner feedback and expert evaluations, outshining many competitors.
Do Kia Souls have mechanical problems?
Just like any other vehicle model, the Kia Soul still has some common issues such as engine failure, engine knocking, and ticking noises from the engine.
What is the best year for Kia Soul?
The model years 2012 – 2020 see a drop in the number of recalls and are considered the best years for Kia Soul. They boast better reliability than their previous models.
What years did Kia have engine problems?
Worst Issues
- engine failure in the 2011 Optima. ...
- catastrophic engine failure in the 2012 Sorento. ...
- engine blown in the 2013 Optima. ...
- engine stopped working while driving in the 2012 Sportage. ...
- engine stalls/shuts down while driving in the 2013 Sorento. ...
- blown motor in the 2013 Sorento. ...
- engine failure in the 2012 Optima.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia Soul years
We have researched Kia problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Kia Soul cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Kia Soul model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia Soul model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia Soul years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Kia Soul car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Kia Soul , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Steering problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Kia Soul vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Soul model years
A total of 246 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Soul model years
There were a total of 289 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Soul model years
There were a total of 241 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Soul model years
There were a total of 15 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 4494 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Soul . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Kia Soul vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Kia Soul 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: KNDJP3A5XF7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: purchased vehicle on 10/12/2024 was driving it home the car started knocking, and loosing acceleration on freeway. the car was smelling of very volatile gas fumes. i put some gas in car for the trip home . drove about 15-18 miles had to pullover into the v shape of the merging section of a on ramp,. could not make it to the emergency lane on the freeway. used family members road side assistance to get car home, took it to the kia dealer (car pros moreno valley) towed to them because they said had to get a appt,. which they set up for today 10/25/2024. the intake person was letting us know it was just a update as if the fuel leak and oil leak was not a part of the recall and it would cost us 9000-13,000 to fix the engine plus the diagnosis of 240.00 getting the run around already for a dangerous situation. the car has caught fire for other owners, of the same year and make. the customer care person stated to me it is just a oil pan leak, as if the car is safe and anything else is our problem. the car reeks of fumes and could not be safe to drive. they were questioning us about the recall as to why it was not done? we told him we were not the owners we dont know if they got the notices? no, unknown only owned the car 0n 10/12/24 for 30 minutes before this started warning lights appeared on dash after knocking and acceleration went out. car was towed and left at kia dealer today. he was talking to us as if it was our fault the car was dangerous and could blow up while driving!!!
Kia Soul 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: KNDJT2A52D7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The contact's daughter was able to drive to the contact's residence. Additionally, the contact stated while his daughter was driving 40-50 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering, and the driver noticed smoke coming out from underneath the hood. The vehicle stalled. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000(Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Kia Soul 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: KNDJT2A27B7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: The contact owns 2011 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated while the vehicle was idling, the contact noticed abnormal burning odor. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that a fee would be charged for additionally repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Kia Soul 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: KNDJX3A58G7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to accelerate to highway speeds. The vehicle continuously went into LIMP Mode. The message for rod bearing failure was displayed on the display screen. The contact used a code reader and reset the system. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The knock sensor message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle had a salvage title and declined to perform the service. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Kia Soul 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: KNDJP3AE8G7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My wife was driving the 2016 KIA Soul EV and the car just shut itself off in the middle of the intersection. She was able to turn the car off and turn it back on, but nearly caused an accident. A few months later it did it again. After getting a new software update, I told KIA About the vehicle shutting down, and they told me that if it happens again that we will need to bring it it. So we brought it in. We believe we were able to narrow down the cause to be related to regenerative breaking on a full battery. On Newer EV models, when the battery is fully recharged, regenerative breaking is disabled to prevent overcharging the battery, I dont know what they do to these kias. When we brought it in they said it needed a new battery, but I am not sure if they are going to fix the vehicle shutdown issue. I think that the BMS may be shutting the car down to prevent the vehicle from overcharging the battery when we are going down hills. I've got tired of KIA and their lies. I read information about a battery recall, and they wouldn't recall the battery and replace it with the e400 battery. They said the battery was fine. They lied to me and my wife. The battery was proven recently to be defective and they were hoping the vehicle would make it past its warranty date so they wouldn't have to replace it. We took the vehicle to KIA to replace the battery, and a couple of weeks later they were able to put a battery in it, then driving it home I was bombarded with warnings, and the vehicle power was reduced by 50%, I was afraid something would happen. The vehicle also would not charge. KIA Techs came to our house and drove it back to the dealership, and it's been there ever since. They say the vehicle needs a new BMS. I think this issue with the vehicle shutting down like this is highly dangerous and needs to be reported. It even happened once when I was in the vehicle at the middle of an intersection, which could have caused an accident! (29k miles)
Kia Soul 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: KNDJP3A51J7
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Oil plug fell out while driving, engine needed to be replaced.
Kia Soul 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNDJN2A22E7
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: On [XXX] my 2014 Kia Soul caught on fire while I was at a gas station. There had been no warning lights, however when I first started it that day it acted like it didn't want to start. A man ran in the gas station and got their fire extinguisher and put the engine fire out. I called 911 , and when the fire department inspected it they said the fire was completely out. They filed a report and I had my car towed to Glassman Kia Southfield Michigan. It's been there since August 31st, and they still haven't told me what caused my fire. I've been in contact with KIA America in California and have been getting nothing but what seems like a snow job. The car is available at the car dealership for inspection, but only God knows if they have inspected it yet. I am [XXX] with no transportation for almost two months. This is just wrong. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Kia Soul 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: KNDJX3A53E7
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound and odor coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine); however, the dealer requested for the contact to pay for the repairs out of pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
Kia Soul 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: KNDJ53AF6M7
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My car has never had the gas mileage that is advertised; it’s always been about 3-4 mpg less than the 28 mpg city/31 mpg highway. Recently, I had multiple engine system failures with the plug-in check devices at places like AutoZone saying my ignition coils were misfiring, and after bringing it to the dealership twice for about 1.5 months each time for a total of 3 months, they replaced the fuel injectors and a few other parts the first time before releasing the car to me only to have the same errors come back within 24 hours and I ended up bringing it back only for them to tell me the entire fuel pump system is shot and needed to be completely replaced and all fuel flushed out. Both times I brought it in they claimed it was due to bad gas, but after talking to my insurance, my claim agent concluded it was not bad gas as newer cars like mine have internal sensors that will completely stop the car from driving or even turning on if bad gas is detected to prevent further damage and that’s never been the case for me. I’ve always been able to drive my vehicle and the only noticeable issue would be my fuel mileage. I’ve had the new fuel pump system for about a week now, and my fuel mileage is around 28-29 mpg, more than it’s ever been since I bought the vehicle back in November 2020. I’ve only ever had a max of 26 mpg no matter how or where I drive. I did find recalls on similar makes of cars with the same year as mine from both Kia and Hyundai, and I believe that the Kia Souls around 2020-2021 also have faulty fuel pump systems and should be recalled. I don’t know how many of them are out there, but despite only having 50k miles on my car, the bad gas diagnosis excluded it from the warranty and I had to pay out of pocket the $1,516.83 for the fuel pump system replacement and flushing of the ‘bad gas’ at the Kia dealership.
Kia Soul 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-20
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: KNDJX3A56E7
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: My 2014 Kia Soul ! has had 2 codes, P1326 which is related to a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) which has ties to a known Rod Bearing issue. And a P0420 code related to the Catalytic converter. There was a lawsuit which led to a Recall issued for this vehicle, however, it appears only for 1.6L engine. Mine is 2.0. Just basic online searches have discovered an overwhelming amount of other owners of 2.0 also getting the same issues with there's as well.
Kia Soul 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: KNDJN2A23F7
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Earlier last year, we had suddenly had an issue with the Kia Soul. We received a check engine light and noticed a loud clicking noise as the vehicle began accelerating and noticed the vehicle had difficulty accelrating. We left the vehicle parked and then attempted to change the battery and oil to see if either were a contributing factor. When we noticed no improvement upon turning on the car, we took the vehicle to a licensed dealership: Arapahoe Kia to check the vehicle to diagnose the issue and help determine if this was covered under warranty. On our drive (which was about 2 miles from where we had left the car, the engine seized so we had the vehicle towed there. Once we got the diag back, they told us the code but wanted service records to honor the warranty from all oil changes in all states for the past 5 years or pay full cost of vehicle. No mention was made of the prior repaired recalls or determination if the cause could have been because of the unprepared recall that clearly states the syptoms and result being the exact problem we experienced. A few months later when we received notification from a different licensed dealer we had the unrepaired recall (in automated texts and emails), we called back Arapahoe Kia who still had the car, and they again stated service records would be needed to honor the NHTSA recall and also admitted they didn’t attempt to identify if the engine issue we had was caused by the unrepaired recall, as they only looked at the code and visual inspection of oil sludge, and treated it like a warranty claim to deny and did not validate the recall as the cause. But they still have refused to actually inspect the recall concern to determine if the engine trouble was caused by it and repair it as obligated if it was. Instead they keep asking us to pay for the full engine without validating root cause under the NHTSA recall.
Kia Soul 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: KNDJX3A52G7
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My kia has always used a lot of oil to the point I need to top it off regularly despite getting recommended oil changes and doing recommended maintenance. Recently My engine started misfiring so I replaced all spark plugs and ignition coils, but was still having issues. Found out today that catalytic converter is main issue and needs to be replaced. Dealer is requiring I bring in to determine if a warranty will cover. Never had a check engine light but very slow acceleration that created several dangerous situations for me on the road. My professional mechanic repaired other issues/diagnosed this problem.
Kia Soul 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-20
- VIN: KNDJ23AU6M7
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: 1.) We were driving to Nashville and once my car got around 70,000 mile my check engine light came on. Then my car started to make a humming noise. We pulled over to check the oil the oil was fine. Once we got back into the car and left the gas station the light started to blink. Yes 2.) We were on the highway, and if the engine could have blown up or we could've got stuck on the way there and back. Also, the where the car started to act up was around a bad neighborhood. 3.) Yes 4.) Yes 5.) The car started to hum but once my car hit 70,000 miles the check engine light came on and started to flash.
Kia Soul 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
- VIN: KNDJN2A21G7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, failed to accelerate, and stalled. The check engine warning light was flashing. The contact pulled over and checked the oil level. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the pistons were not operating correctly. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the engine. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Kia Soul 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: KNDJ33AU1P7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Periodically while driving, I receive error notifications on the dashboard through both sound alerts and warning lights, resulting in the affected systems temporarily ceasing to function. The dashboard provides specific warnings: "check forward safety system," "check lane safety system," "check speed limit system," "check high beam assist system," and "check inattentive driving warning system." These warnings cycle through with flashing lights and ongoing alert noises. While the issue sometimes resolves after the first or second warning, it often continues cycling through all of the previously described warnings before returning to normal. On some occasions, the warning lights remain on for an extended period, with the longest observed duration being 16 minutes. There are no observable patterns to the frequency or cause of the issue, although it is occurring at least once per day now; initially ~2x/week. It happens at any time of day or night and in any weather conditions. I've scheduled service for this issue 5 separate times. The first time, the dealership advised they did not have a fix and declined to take the car into the service department. The second time, the camera was replaced, but the issue persisted. The third time I took the car in for service, it was at the dealer for a week and I was advised the issue was part of the normal functioning of the car. The fourth time, the service techs did not make an effort to observe the problem and reported that the car was working as designed. The car is now in for service again. Each time I have scheduled service, I have provided them with a video of the problem. The continuous disabling of these safety features is not only distracting but also diminishes the value of the vehicle. I rely on these systems for my safety and purchased this vehicle specifically for these features. I am concerned that this ongoing issue may desensitize me to important warning signals and compromise the overall functionality of the car.
Latest 5 recalls Kia Soul
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 31 recalls for different components of the Kia Soul.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Kia Soul 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-12-07
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
- Consequence: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC289.
- Model: Kia Soul 2012
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-25
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
- Model: Kia Soul 2013
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-25
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
- Model: Kia Soul 2011
- Report Received Date: 2023-09-25
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
- Model: Kia Soul 2023
- Report Received Date: 2023-07-31
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
- Consequence: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
Latest negative Kia Soul car reviews
Latest positive Kia Soul car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2013
I really love my Kia! I went with the Exclaim as I wanted all the upgrades possible and I'm glad I did. There isn't a feature that I could imagine that isn't in this vehicle. They really thought of everything. I love the way it handles and the roll back feature is great too. The car is very solid and has lots and lots of room. It's nice and peppy and handles well in the rainy conditions we've been having. I'm so glad I traded and I feel a joy just driving my car!! Now, if I can just keep it from getting dinged in parking lots, life would be perfect!!!!
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Vehicle year: 2012
I got my 2012 base manual Soul on the first day they had them on the lot. I chose the manual base and I absolutely love the 6-speed. The car is amazingly peppy. Although I have had a few issues with my car, such as having to replace the rear axle due to the swaying road problem, installing a new gauge cluster, dealing with a flat tire that couldn't be fixed with the fix-a-flat system in the car, and having a pebble nick the windshield and create a small pit that quickly turned into a crack over a foot long, I still think the car is awesome! If you ever run into any issues, don't forget to take advantage of the roadside assistance - I have used it three times already and it has always been quick and free! Plus, I'm getting 38 mpg mixed, which is great!
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Vehicle year: 2017
I have worked for a major car rental firm and have driven the Kia Soul+ on many occasions. I also have five years of experience working for car dealers and have driven hundreds of cars, many of them weekly to and from airport destinations. In my opinion, there is no car that I would recommend more highly to clients than the Kia Soul. It offers overall value for your dollar, comfortable seats, a massive storage cabin, and versatile capability. Millions of owners agree, which is why the Kia Soul has earned the public support to make it the #1 selling Kia vehicle. The 2018 Kia Soul ranked #1 in Compact Cars and has earned respect and accolades every year since it first hit the market. According to Consumer Reports, it is one of the few vehicles known as the most reliable on the road today. It is affordable, fun to drive, and popular with all age groups. The Soul has also been declared one of the safest vehicles on four wheels by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration safety ratings and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test ratings. The one single thing that I like about the Soul is that it brings pleasure to so many. I have often chatted with owners who are delighted with their vehicle and willing to share their recommended joy.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I recently purchased a 2016 KIA Soul Base automatic for $14.5k before taxes and registration. I believe that the Soul is an excellent value at this price point and I would highly recommend it. The wagon/hatchback layout is much more versatile than a traditional sedan, and it comes at a significantly lower price than a comparably-sized SUV/crossover. KIA’s 5-year/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000 miles powertrain warranty offers excellent protection for budget-minded buyers. The Soul's strong points include versatility, practicality, and an excellent warranty. However, it does have some weak points, such as lackluster performance and comfort. The Base 1.6L engine delivers adequate power for city driving and reasonable highway performance, but the Soul isn't fast. The transmission gearing keeps the engine relatively revved-up (compared to other modern cars), helping to improve driving dynamics, but at the expense of fuel economy and increased cabin noise. Comfort is good for short drives, but long road trips can be tiresome. And while the Soul offers a lot of space for the money, it is not a “real” SUV/crossover – if you want higher ground clearance, AWD or even minimal towing capability, you should look elsewhere. Despite these weaknesses, I still believe that the Soul is an excellent choice for budget-minded buyers who value versatility and practicality.The sitting position in this vehicle is quite good, with ample leg, head, and elbow room in both the front and rear. However, the seats may not be the most comfortable for long rides. While the front seats offer good lateral support, they lack lumbar support and have some hard spots in the seatbacks, which can make prolonged rides somewhat tiring. The rear seats are very flat and bench-like, and the seatback angle does not help to adopt a relaxed position for a long ride. Access to the vehicle is excellent thanks to the low floor, tall roof, and large doors. The ride is stiff but adequate for the size and class of the vehicle, and not overwhelmingly harsh. The cabin sound level is good during city driving and adequate at highway speeds. Both engine and road noise are kept down to reasonable levels. The quality and fit-and-finish of the interior materials are good for the vehicle class and price. All panels fit nicely and everything seems solid and well made. There are no squeaks or rattles when driving over uneven road surfaces, and in general, the vehicle feels very solid. The wagon/hatchback layout offers a lot of versatility, and the cargo space is adequate. The trunk layout is very clever, with a cargo organizer tray under the trunk floor that allows you to keep valuables out of sight and organized, at the expense of some cargo space above. This tray can be removed, and the trunk floor can be lowered, increasing the cargo space by about 30% to accommodate large suitcases. And of course, the back seats can be folded, providing plenty of space for large objects. As with all KIAs, the Soul comes well equipped even in the most basic trim, with a good audio system that includes satellite radio, Bluetooth, and voice commands. Pairing up a phone is quick and easy, and voice commands work generally well. The basic A/C-heater performance is adequate, and it is not as noisy as in other economy vehicles.Privacy glass is a great feature that not only keeps your belongings out of sight but also helps to keep the interior cool. Although the Soul does not come with a spare tire, you can purchase a tire-jack kit for under $200. In terms of safety, the Soul has received a 5-star rating from NHTSA and has been named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. While the Base model lacks some modern active safety features such as lane departure, blind spot monitoring, or front collision warning/avoidance, it is still a very safe choice, especially for the price. The Soul offers excellent visibility all-around, and the controls are simple, intuitive, and ergonomic. The handling and steering are adequate, considering the Soul's height, and the braking is adequate with good pedal feel. The headlights are average with good low-beams, and the high beams have good reach but provide little illumination to the road surface. In conclusion, the Soul is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a versatile, practical vehicle on a budget, and with KIA's excellent warranty, you get extra protection that is usually only available through a pricey extended warranty.
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Vehicle year: 2018
Your new Kia Soul sounds fantastic! It's great to hear that it has no wind noise and drives smoothly. Even though it's a small vehicle, it seems to have very comfortable seating, which is a big improvement from your older Kia Soul. The extra cargo room is also a huge plus. I'm glad to hear that you're impressed with the extra rear end stop lights and the safety features that the Kia Soul has always had.
Are you having problems with your Kia Soul?
Camron Schaefer 2025-10-18
Vehicle year: 2022
I have owned four Kia vehicles, three of which were Kia Souls. Overall, I have been satisfied with the car and have not encountered any issues until my most recent purchase on December 26th, 2020. Unfortunately, the transmission failed at the end of February. I am disappointed with the service I have received from the dealership where I made the purchase. The transmission is faulty, and the customer service has been subpar.
Austyn Streich 2025-10-17
Vehicle year: 2017
You had a 2012 Soul and traded it in for a 2017 model. While there weren't many changes between the years, the 2017 model doesn't come with a CD player as standard and still doesn't have a spare tire. However, the new car has nitrogen-filled tires. Overall, you like the car for its handling and comfort, but you feel it's overpriced.
Winfield Homenick 2025-10-15
Vehicle year: 2022
I leased 3 Kia Souls over a 9-year period and saved up to make a good down payment on a purchase. Unfortunately, I experienced some issues with my car's transmission that were not mentioned to me before. This caused me to have a ruined getaway weekend and I had to wait for hours for the Kia roadside service. However, I was able to receive wonderful service from Dan Obrien Kia in Hampton NH, who even provided me with a loaner car while they replaced my broken transmission. Although the replacement transmission failed at 1560 miles, they were able to replace it again. I am now at over 6,000 miles and hoping that the third transmission will last. I will give Dan Obrien Kia 2 stars for their excellent service.
Kody Goyette 2025-10-01
Vehicle year: 2014
I bought the car brand new in 2014 and absolutely loved it. It has a great amount of space and is agile to drive around. However, I did experience some difficulties driving in the snow. Unfortunately, my car started having issues with the lights (interior and exterior) at about 65k miles. From everything I've read online, this seems to be a pretty common issue that nobody has found a fix for yet. It can be incredibly dangerous when driving at night! Sometimes the headlights will just flicker, usually when using the blinkers. Now it's becoming a lot more common and I hear it just gets worse and worse. Despite this issue, I still think this car has a lot of great features and would recommend it to others with the caveat to be aware of the light issue.
Sim Schowalter 2025-09-29
Vehicle year: 2012
I would suggest considering other options before purchasing a Kia. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience with my Kia when the engine failed due to connecting rod failure, despite taking good care of the car. My local shop was unable to identify the issue, but later Kia extended the warranty of my car to 120,000 miles due to the same issue. I had already sold the car to a junk yard for $500, which was a significant loss compared to the KBB value of the car. While Kia did not offer to repair the engine, I understand that they have their policies. It is important to research and consider all options before making a purchase. Thank you for considering my experience.