What 136 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Soul EV

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

NHTSA ODI 11648478

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that the oil needed to be added to the engine every 3,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that an oil consumption test was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer every three months, however the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,045.

NHTSA ODI 11647846

I have a 2019 Kia Soul and the engine has had issues over the past year regarding it stalling and losing power. These engines are prone to have oil circulation issues which can cause catastrophic engine failure due to lack of adequate lubrication inside the cylinder(s). My engine has cut off and lost power while driving on several occasions recently. If this happens, it can cause someone to smash into us on the interstate causing a possible fatal accident. I am terrified to drive my vehicle because of this issue. The VIN for my vehicle is: [XXX] . I purchased this vehicle new in 2020 our Kia dealer in Goose Creek, SC. I have heard of many of these engines being replaced by Kia and feel that this issue directly affects my vehicle. Please help us get this issue resolved. Thank You INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11646461

Engine died on the highway. All of the warning light lit up before the car stalled and eventually died.

NHTSA ODI 11646144

I’ve always had increased oil consumption since I’ve bought the car new. Pistons have been miss firing for over 2 years. I keep getting a P0020 code Kia had “replaced” catalytic converter, believing that was the issue and it wasn’t. Now I have a motor that’s not working properly.

NHTSA ODI 11645694

My engine through a rod on approximately 9/26/24. I had it towed to Garden Grove Kia. They said they needed to contact Kia Corporate to find out if my car was still under warranty. Corporate acknowledged that there was a recall for the rod bearing that could cause a fire (safety issue). I was also told that there was a class action lawsuit. Corporate informed me that I was notified by mail. Which never happened. And said that it would cost me $500 dollars for them to diagnostic. That my warranty expired at 60,000 miles! They also said had I got the update for that recall that it would have been covered. When I bought the Vehicle on 8/21/22 from Russell Westbrook Hyundai they reassured me that the 2019 Kia Soul had zero recalls. Any paperwork I received about this was given to me after the class action lawsuit. The dates to take action were already expired. I have tried to get my Kia diagnosed by several shops and they can't diagnosis because Kia is not complying with OBD2 readers. I have been told by several mechanics that Kia has there own diagnostic reader. According to the settlement I am entitled to have them diagnos my Kia at no cost to me.

NHTSA ODI 11644333

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2019 Kia Soul, which I believe falls under the same circumstances addressed in the recent recall for earlier models of the same vehicle. Despite my vehicle's VIN not being part of the recall, it has experienced the same defects that were the focus of the recall campaign for other Kia Souls with similar issues. Vehicle Information: Make/Model: 2019 Kia Soul BASE VIN: [XXX] Engine: 1.6L GDI Odometer Reading: 98.000 Issue Description: My vehicle has repeatedly triggered the P0420 code (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold), which is indicative of an issue with the catalytic converter. I have had the catalytic converter replaced twice under the assumption that the issue would be resolved, yet the check engine light continues to activate, and the P0420 code reappears consistently. This ongoing problem has been extensively disruptive to my vehicle’s performance, safety, and emissions. The engine is also burning oil just as all other kia GDI engines. Background: I am aware that earlier models of the Kia Soul, including those equipped with the 1.6L GDI engine, were subject to a recall due to similar catalytic converter-related issues. The recall addressed potential overheating and damage to the catalytic converter, which could lead to engine failure and safety risks. While my VIN does not appear to be included in the recall, the exact issues reported in the recall have been occurring in my vehicle as well, despite repeated attempts to fix the problem. Given that my 2019 Kia Soul is exhibiting the same issues that were covered under the earlier recall, I respectfully request that recall coverage be extended to include this model year and VIN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11641956

At 60000 miles the transmission started slipping dealer said it was perfect no problems around 5000 miles later it started using oil I took it to Kia and they kept putting in oil and telling me there is nothing wrong with it I took it to another mechanic and he informed me the oil was leaking into the motor the Kia dealership said that it normal for it to use oil the car was using 2 quarts of oil every time I would fill it with gas it got worse and the mechanic told me the catalytic was clogging up and it wasn’t going to last too much longer so I had to park it the dealership kept telling me that they needed to do a test and I had to drive it more and kept putting off the test with excuses til I got to the end of the warranty which was 100000 miles it is undrivable now

NHTSA ODI 11640750

My engine is using excessive oil consumption and want to know if my gas direct injection system is covered under manufacturer or a dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11635391

I am not the original owner but after changing my oil on 10/05/24 I have had to add oil on three different times, twice I myself put oil into my car and oil change at Valvoline instant oil change and other added quart today and all between 98,219 to 99,967 mileage,

NHTSA ODI 11635055

The systems that failed while I was driving in the White Mountains of NH on [XXX] is my Kia Soul 2019 vehicle engine with 124,000 miles currently on my Kia Soul which I purchased brand new 02/2019 from a Kia dealership and some sort of vehicle belt that made my vehicle’s car swerve on the highway as I used my car brakes. The belt slipped forward and made the vehicle swerve each time I used my brakes while driving. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety, my husband [XXX] ’s and other drivers who drove near our car drive are at significant safety risk. This is a very secluded part of [XXX] that has very little reliable cell phone towers to call road side assistance for help and nearly zero breakdown lanes to safely pull off the highway when my motor vehicle suddenly lost adequate engine power to drive while suddenly experiencing vehicle belt issues that effected my vehicle’s braking abilities making my car’s belt slip forward and my car to swerve as I used the vehicle’s brakes. My vehicles engine is failing and my vehicle’s brakes are compromised. These two issues put my husband [XXX] and I’s physical safety at significant risk as well as other individuals physical safety at significant risk as we attempted to drive ourselves to safety on a secluded area of [XXX] . My car was towed by Adler Towing to my house and brought to Hawthorne Automotive in Franklin, NH near my homes address to be evaluated by an independent service center. It has been confirmed to have catastrophic engine failure and belt issues that need replacing. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives or others. My check engine light came on just prior to the failure. Hawthorne put an additive into the gas tank that cleaned a partially clogged catalytic converter shortly beforehand. The check engine light went off at that point. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11633489

Have been using 2-3 quarts of oil a week also lost power could not get it to run took it to the mechanic again he informed me the catalytic is going bad and as much oil as it is going through it might blow at any time

NHTSA ODI 11633470

My 2017 KIA Soul failed while going 70 on the highway, almost completely lost power. Pull over to the side of the road to check the issue. Checked the oil, and it was down to less than a quart. There was no indicator light to bring attention to this issue. Brought it into the dealership after returning home. The Soul was completely unsafe to drive due to engine knocks. Despite letting the dealership know of the Oil Lamp issue, they are still refusing to do anything about this issue, even charging me six thousand to only fix the symptoms. I wasn’t the only person to experience this issue, moving me to make this complaint. In summary: Oil was low due to oil burning, the Soul never indicated as such, no oil pressure, completely lost power at accelerated speeds, and now the bearings in the motor are destroyed with no help from KIA company. Contact the KIA Dealership in Boardman for more information in regards to a detailed list of part failures in regards to the Soul.

NHTSA ODI 11632065

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the ABS and AED warning lights were occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto Zone and scanned. The contact was informed that the HECU Solenoid Voltage Relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a faulty HECU Solenoid Voltage Relay, and the contact was informed that the HECU Solenoid Voltage Relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. In addition, after the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, the ABS and AED warning lights were no longer illuminated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,763.

NHTSA ODI 11630578

My Kia 2019 soul has been giving me several problems with the engine jerking and the light coming on and then goes off and then come on I had it diagnosed several times even when I first got it and they said it was nothing wrong but I can tell it was something wrong it just like revs up or jerk or have these issues when I drive like it didn't want to pull but I kept asking and asking is something wrong with this car when I purchase it at Clay Cooley in Irving Texas they told me no they checked it out gave me a rental now I just bought that car in May of 2021 and they told me it wasn't nothing wrong the person that had it before me only had it a year and I didn't get no report on it about it but I do think it had some engine issues but they didn't give me no history of it they just say you buy it as is but I kept telling him I did not like the way the car was driving I wanted to replace it they ignored me and my calls I wanted to replace the key now I heard it is 2024 the light is still on and everywhere I went they will change my transmission in 2022 now I just got the car 2021 of me and they were saying the transmission burnt out now how can a transmission burnt out when they supposed to have checked the car when I bought it in 21 I wanted to give up this car and I wanted to replace it they never did do that. Now here it is I'm suffering with oxygen sensor and they said the Cadillac converter which wasn't the Cadillac converter cuz they said this is a new car how can it be the Cadillac converter I told him I think it was the sensor everybody saw on the cold day was not the oxygen sensor now here it is it's very bad where now I'm having issues also they was I had it checked another time where the man said I was using a lot of oil and he said the oil must be leaking and he checking it wasn't now it seems like it's leaking oil because I keep have to use six quarts of oil every 2 to 3 days I'm using oil but I don't like this car never did I ain't had it that long and I

NHTSA ODI 11627644

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, which required quarts of oil to be added to the vehicle weekly. The contact stated that there was no indication of an oil leak. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who performed an oil consumption test. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had failed the oil consumption test, and the dealer requested oil change records and proof of ownership. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,207.

NHTSA ODI 11623756

There is white smoke coming out of the tailpipe. The car is running in distress. We changed the spark plugs because there was oil on the original spark plugs. We took the car to Auto Zone for engine diagnosis. Their tests report Ignition coil failure in the power train system.. They report cylinder 2 misfire detected. They also diagnosed that the left rear vehicle speed sensor failed in the anti-lock brake system.

NHTSA ODI 11615867

My 2019 Kia Soul caught fire while I was driving it. I was driving and all of a sudden there was a light knocking sound in the engine. I was going up a slight hill and the knocking got super loud and then something went bang in the engine, the abs and engine lights started flashing and I pulled over. The lady who was traveling behind me, pulled in front of me, ran up to my door and yelled at me to get out and run away from the car as it was on fire. Within 30 seconds the car was completely engulfed. Total loss.

NHTSA ODI 11614118

I was driving home from work on the highway. The check engine light came on. I made a mental note to tell my son, who is a mechanic. The engine stalled out. I had enough momentum to take the exit from the highway and turn onto a side street before the car quit rolling. A helpful dog walker informed me that it wouldn't restart because it was on fire underneath. Luckily, superman drove by and put the fire out before the vehicle or even the engine were fully engulfed. My son & friend (also a mechanic) arrived and peered at the engine... their opinion was that oil on the catalytic converter started the fire. The car has been towed to their shop while I investigate my options.

NHTSA ODI 11610641

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot and parked. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a parts store where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC codes: P0303 and P016F. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ODI 11604037

On [XXX], I was driving home from Tampa bay International Airport and noticed that I get less acceleration and my car shut off while driving and caused me to crash into a guardrail. Before accident, told Kia about my car shutting off and right when warrant ran out, parts would fail. Had to buy a sensor, alternator (70,000 miles). Also catalytic converter (81,000). Six months later after I bought alternator, alternator and battery (1 year old) died at the same time. I am lucky that this accident did not heart me or others. It could of happened in front of a truck. There were no warning lights on dash board. Seatbelt light was on even though I was wearing seatbelt. Brought car to Kia dealership and did least amount of checking. Had two independent mechanics look at it with one saying to be careful of Kias because they are the most in his shop. My insurance look at the vehicle. Vehicle is in Geico site in Sarasota, told me anyone can go and look at the car. Will attach Geico claim; if past maintenance records are needed let me know. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11602694

Safety at risk:yes Lack of visibility Problem has not been reproduced by dealer. Smells are only warning signs: Smell is like rubber but not very strong. WARNING SIGNS OF the PROBLEM: Turned on heat and EXTREMELY HOT HEAT CAME OUT OF VENTS; turned A/c and EXTREMELY HOT HEAT CAME OUT OF VENTS in both cases turned the vehicle off. After 5 minutes, i started to drive with A/c later there was still HOT heat coming out vent since i had URGENT appointment. After the appointment, over an hour, drove car and A/C worked fine. : April 16th, Turned on defrost for front windows. Instead of defrost, windows fogged up completely and i was unable to see and pulled over to side of road. As i pulled over, BLACK SMOKE CAME OUT OF A/c vents and began to fill up the car with black smoke. There is a smell that happns right before the smoke comes out. April 17 took to Classic Kia. Unable to find the problem. Vehicle returned to me. :April 18 drove 4 miles. No problem. Drove 12 miles. The smells started and black smoke started coming through A/c vent and i drove home and parked. Called dealership told problem.

NHTSA ODI 11584607

Drivers side back brake light kept going out and now sometimes the whole tail light goes out.

NHTSA ODI 11579572

Catalytic converter to be replaced at 94.000 miles following check engine light.

NHTSA ODI 11578789

Last year my car started knocking and there was a smoldering smell. I expected Kia to consider the function of the rod knock sensor which caused P1326code. I advised capitol kia of both knocking noises and a significant burning smell. Per an extended warranty, if the rod bearings go bad, then the engine should be replaced. Capitol Kia avoided the latter and was not fully compliant with maintaining driver's safety. Only the rod knock sensor was replaced replaced, and the sensor shows bad rod bearings over and over and over ( 3 times ) Due to incompetence at Capitol Kia, Steven's Creek Kia checked on the second event and another RBCT was done to justify it's Kia's position that the rod bearings are functional. So Far, have been sent away twice, pending a now 3rd.. The sensor was replaced 3 weeks ago and I only drove the car two weeks before a new P1326 rod bearing code was shown just last week. Well knowing that the Rod Knock senor is designed to place the car into limp mode to circumvent catastrophe, it behooves the company, on behalf of consumer safety; and, integrity to NHTSA safety, to visually inspect the rod bearings to assure consumer confidence. This is especially after multiple rod knock sensor issues. Given that Rod bearing problems can cause catastrophic injury to the driver, the NHTSA needs to mandate the company to visually inspect the bearings and show the consumer pictorial evidence of a clearly unworn rod bearing per incident, after an initial knock sensor change. All evidence as such should be faithfully tracked by Kia and the NHTSA. This is especially as Kia is using a test to indicate normal functioning for bearings assumed to be among a lot of defective bearings. It follows logically that rod bearings which pass a RBCT ( Rod Bearing Clearance Test ), after a code is found, will be functioning just short of causing a catastrophic event. It should be noted that the warranty is to maintain consumer safety not to facilitate new events by default.

NHTSA ODI 11575205