Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2012 Kia SOUL: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

514 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

87,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2012 model year. Data updated: . 309 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 209 of 514 complaints (40.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior16632.3%
Braking behavior6412.5%
Engine operation6212.1%
Electrical and battery issues203.9%
Transmission and shifting173.3%
Fuel system concerns61.2%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine
209
Steering
163
Unknown Or Other
39
Electrical System
37
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
34
Engine And Engine Cooling
25
Fuel/Propulsion System
21
Power Train
21
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine209
Steering163
Unknown Or Other39
Electrical System37
Service Brakes, Hydraulic34
Engine And Engine Cooling25
Fuel/Propulsion System21
Power Train21

Engine: 209; Steering: 163; Unknown Or Other: 39; Electrical System: 37; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 34; Engine And Engine Cooling: 25; Fuel/Propulsion System: 21; Power Train: 21

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
47
25,000 to 49,999
27
50,000 to 74,999
53
75,000 to 99,999
53
100,000 to 149,999
83
150,000 and above
46
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00047
25,000 to 49,99927
50,000 to 74,99953
75,000 to 99,99953
100,000 to 149,99983
150,000 and above46

Under 25,000: 47; 25,000 to 49,999: 27; 50,000 to 74,999: 53; 75,000 to 99,999: 53; 100,000 to 149,999: 83; 150,000 and above: 46

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (83). 205 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2011
3
2012
19
2013
19
2014
7
2015
13
2016
8
2017
25
2018
50
2019
96
2020
43
2021
50
2022
47
2023
62
2024
39
2025
22
2026
11
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20113
201219
201319
20147
201513
20168
201725
201850
201996
202043
202150
202247
202362
202439
202522
202611

2011: 3; 2012: 19; 2013: 19; 2014: 7; 2015: 13; 2016: 8; 2017: 25; 2018: 50; 2019: 96; 2020: 43; 2021: 50; 2022: 47; 2023: 62; 2024: 39; 2025: 22; 2026: 11

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 166 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 64 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 62 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10427688 · 2011-09-27 (September 27, 2011)

VEHICLE SUFFERED SUDDEN LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE SLUGGISH, RPM WOULD NOT GO BEYOND 2500 RPM, HAD TO GET VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, LOST DRIVEABILITY. *TT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10427688 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10432442 · 2011-10-22 (October 22, 2011)

THE 2012 KIA SOUL DOES NOT COME WITH A SPARE TIRE, INSTEAD IT COMES WITH A CAN OF FIX- A- FLAT AND A AIR PUMP. THERE IS NO JACK EITHER. THE FLAT MAY BE FIXED IF THE DAMAGE IS ON THE TREAD AND THE HOLE IS UNDER 1/4 INCH IN DIAMETER. IF THE DAMAGE IS ON THE SIDEWALL OR GREATER THAN 1/4 INCH, THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE TOWED. FOR THOSE PEOPLE THAT HAVE NO CELL PHONE OR ARE IN AN AREA THAT GETS NO RECEPTION THEY WILL BE STRANDED UNTIL ANOTHER MOTORIST COMES ALONG AND THESE DAYS MOST MOTORISTS DON'T STOP FOR OTHER DRIVERS. KIA OFFERS ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10432442 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10438749 · 2011-12-06 (December 6, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THIS FAILURE RECURRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR A VEHICLE THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 860.

Owner-reported narrative. 860 miles reported. Look up ODI 10438749 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10443440 · 2012-01-11 (January 11, 2012)

NOT SURE IF MODEL IS 2012 OR 2011. A KIA SOUL WAS IN FRONT OF ME AT A STOP LIGHT. THE STOP LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE WERE SO BRIGHT AS TO ALMOST BLIND ME. IS THERE A NATIONAL STANDARD THAT LIMITS THE MAXIMUM LIGHT ON BRAKE TAILLIGHTS? *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10443440 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10450518 · 2012-03-06 (March 6, 2012)

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW KIA SOUL IN NOV OF 2011. WITHIN 200 MILES OF OWNERSHIP, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND FALSELY ACTIVATED. THE ESC NOT ONLY FALSELY ACTIVATED BUT REMAINED ACTIVATED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP AND COULD ONLY BE TURNED IF CONSIDERABLE FORCE WAS APPLIED TO IT. I CAREFULLY PULLED OVER THE TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE THEN STARTED IT BACK UP HOPING THE ESC WOULD TURN OFF. IT DID NOT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY DEALER. THE KIA DEALER SERVICE SHOP ULTIMATELY HAD TO REPL…

Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10450518 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10451710 · 2012-03-14 (March 14, 2012)

DRIVING HOME FROM WORK TURNED RIGHT BLINKER ON TO MAKE TURN AND NOTICED THE BLINKER ARROW IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STAYED ON.WHEN I GOT HOME I CHECKED THE LIGHTS AND BLINKER AND ON THE RIGHT SIDE THE HEADLIGHT AND BLINKER WERE NOT WORKING .I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY ARE GOING TO LOOK AT IT .I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR 24 HOURS I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS .I AM PRAYING IT IS JUST SOMETHING SIMPLE . *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 203 miles reported. Look up ODI 10451710 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10452134 · 2012-03-18 (March 18, 2012)

I POSTED A COMPLAINT EARLIER WITH THE BLINKER AND HEADLIGHT NOT WORKING. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER 3/17/12 IT WAS A LOOSE GROUND THEY FIXED IT AND I THANK GOD IT WAS SOMETHING SIMPLE. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10452134 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10453192 · 2012-03-27 (March 27, 2012)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AS THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE UPHILL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600.

Owner-reported narrative. 600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10453192 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

14V822000 · Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars

Reported: 2014-12-29 (December 29, 2014)

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.

Consequence: A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V120000 · Engine | Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Catalytic Convertor

Reported: 2019-02-22 (February 22, 2019)

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.

Consequence: Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
23V652000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

Reported: 2023-09-25 (September 25, 2023)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

514 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

60.1%Usable mileage309 / 514 records
100.0%Valid incident date514 / 514 records
100.0%Valid filing date514 / 514 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates514 / 514 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Engine
2412.4%
ODI 10459675 · 8,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFTER IN THE ENGINE CAUSED A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO FIND A DEFECT WITHIN THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DROVE POORLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

Look up ODI 10459675 at NHTSA ↗

20940.7%
ODI 10458979 · 14,250 mi

CAR HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS WASHED THEN CAME HOME. CAR'S FRONT DEFROSTER WAS NOTED TO BE STUCK ON AND WHITE SMOKE STARTED TO BILLOW OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. QUICK CHECK UNDER THE CAR NOTED A FLAME THAT WAS EITHER COMING FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OR REFLECTING IN THE EXHAUST FROM SOMEWHERE ON THE BOTTOM/SIDE OF THE ENGINE. NO FLUIDS WERE SHOWN TO BE LEAKING ONTO THE DRIVEWAY OR WERE VISIBLE. CAR THEN RAPIDLY WENT UP IN FLAMES AND WAS A COMPLETE LOSS. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT OUT. *TR

Look up ODI 10458979 at NHTSA ↗

28342.7%
ODI 10630264 · 8,000 mi

SUDDEN DECELERATION QUICKLY FOLLOWED BY LOSS OF ALL ELECTRICAL POWER INCLUDING STEERING, BRAKES, COMPLETE ENGINE SHUT-OFF AND DASH INSTRUMENTATION. DEALER FOUND "NO PROBLEM" AND DID NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH OR ANYTHING ELSE. *TR

Look up ODI 10630264 at NHTSA ↗

55261.3%
ODI 10578067 · 2,702 mi

I HAVE HAD MY CAR TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES FOR THIS SAME ISSUE WHICH STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN IT WANTS TOO AND THEN THERE IS VERY LITTLE POWER IN 1, 2,AND 3RD GEARS THIS IS A MANUAL TRANS. I ALMOST GOT HIT IN THE SIDE BECAUSE OF PULLING FROM A STOP SIGH AND WENT TO GO AND LOOKED DOWN LIGHT WAS ON AND CAR DID NOT WANT TO MOVE. ITS VERY HARD TO GET A STICK SHIFT CAR TO START OUT IN 4TH GEAR. KIA SAYS THEY WANT ME HAPPY BUT WILL NOT REPLACE THE CAR INSTEAD OFFERING FREE OIL CHANGES AND OTHER ITEMS BUT I WANT A SAFE CA…

Look up ODI 10578067 at NHTSA ↗

62869.9%
ODI 10816168 · 3,000 mi

CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH ECO-BOOST AND ACTIVE "INTERMITTANT STOP AND GO" SYSTEM, WHICH IS ACTIVE EVERY START CYCLE UNLESS "DEACTIVATE" BUTTON IS ENGAGED.CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN BY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER FOR 3,000 MILES IN 6 MONTHS. THE ENGINE HAS SHUT DOWN AND NOT BEEN ABLE TO BE RESTARTED ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS.BOTH TIMES THE ISG SYSTEM SWITCH WAS DEPRESSED, THE SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED,AND THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. THE SECOND TIME THE CAR SHUT DOWN WAS AT A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION, MY DAUGHTER IS A NEW DRIVER-SHE WAS HYSTERICAL. DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTH…

Look up ODI 10816168 at NHTSA ↗

55968.7%
ODI 11073041 · 19,000 mi

MY CAR IS 2016, ITS 18 MONTHS OLD HAS 19K MILES AND THE ONLY THING DONE TO THE CAR WAS OIL CHANGES WHICH WERE PERFORMED AT THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT MY CAR. ON JAN 19, 2018 MY CAR STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING 45 MILES AN HOUR ON THE STREET. IT HAPPENED ON NW 36TH STREET GOING EAST IN MIAMI, FLORIDA ZIPCODE 33166 WHEN TOWED TO THE DEALER WAS TOLD ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY THE PISTON PUSH THE ROD BLOCK AND THE ENGINE LOCK UP. ITS STILL AT THE DEALER. ON MONDAY IT WILL BE A MONTH. AND EVEN THOUGH I AM DRIVING A RENTAL ( WHICH THE DEALER IS PAYING FOR)…

Look up ODI 11073041 at NHTSA ↗

19170.2%
ODI 11032004 · 6,500 mi

I PURCHASED MY 2017 KIA SOULS BASE MODEL ON JUN 28 THIS YEAR FROM QUIRK KIA IN BRAINTREE, MA. AFTER JUST 2 WEEKS THIS ISSUE HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME. I WAS AT A GAS STATION GASSING UP THE CAR, ONCE I WAS DONE, I TURNED THE CAR ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE ' I WAS PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING WAS HAPPENING. I IMMEDIATELY PUT THE SHIFTER IN PARK, TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND ON AGAIN AND THE CAR STARTED TO MOVE AGAIN. ON JULY 26 SAME ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN AND IT ALSO HAPPENED RIGHT AFTER I GASSED UP THE CAR. ON SEPTEMBER…

Look up ODI 11032004 at NHTSA ↗

14064.2%
ODI 11113971 · 340 mi

FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HAS A SIGNIFICANT HESITATION PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN/REDLIGHT ETC. AS YOU PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL DOWN, IT HESITATES THEN ACCELERATES HARD. HAS 340 MILES ON IT AT THIS TIME. DEALER AND KIA STATE THIS IS NORMAL FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION/TURBO DESIGN. EVEN THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS SHOCKED WHEN HE DROVE IT SAYING HE WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT IT. I WOULD THINK THIS PROBLEM COULD BE RESOLVED WITH A PROGRAMMING UPDATE. MY CONCERN FOR SAFETY IS TO PART: 1ST, ANTICIPATING THE VEHICLE MAY GO WHEN IN FACT IT HESITATED TO PULL OFF C…

Look up ODI 11113971 at NHTSA ↗

8764.0%
ODI 11190832 · 1,100 mi

WHEN IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, WITH FOOT ON BRAKE IN NORMAL POSITION, CAR OCCASIONALLY JUMPS AND INCHES VERY SLIGHTLY FORWARD. TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING DRIVER MUST BE PRESSING VERY VERY FIRMLY ON BRAKE TO THE POINT WHERE DRIVER FEELS TENSION IN HER LEG. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY A DOZEN TIMES SINCE CAR PURCHASED IN FEBRUARY.

Look up ODI 11190832 at NHTSA ↗

23862.5%
ODI 11221793 · 600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED 10 DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACT…

Look up ODI 11221793 at NHTSA ↗

13457.3%
ODI 11375455 · 2,500 mi

WHEN I WAS DRIVING AT 15MPH THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. SO I TRIED TO RESTART IT AND WHEN I TOOK THE KEY OUT EVERYTHING LOCKED UP AND IT WAS LIKE THAT FOR 5 MIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD BEFORE THE CAR CAME BACK ON AND FLAHED THE ENGINE AND OIL LIGHT.

Look up ODI 11375455 at NHTSA ↗

5158.0%
ODI 11510623

I was entering I 24 east toward Nashville on March 3 2024 @5p. As car entered the freeway. The engine stopped. Engine light turned on pulled over on shoulder. Put in park and tried to start but would not turn over. There was still full battery power according to dash board. I had two minor incidents two weeks prior. Entering store parking lots. Engine died a low speed . 5-10 miles an hour. Vehicle did restart at those incidents without problem s at regular speed before March 3 rd incident. KIA mechanic said might be cam gear shaft malfunct…

Look up ODI 11510623 at NHTSA ↗

1325.5%
ODI 11491280 · 400 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP mode and stalled. On another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to vibrate after the accelerator pedal was depressed and the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlights failed to operate. Additionally, the contact stated that she took the vehicle to the car wash and noticed that fuel had leaked onto the tires. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnos…

Look up ODI 11491280 at NHTSA ↗

413.8%
ODI 11614930

While sitting at a light, the vehicle would completely turn off! I put the vehicle in park and attempt to restart it. After several attempts, the vehicle would turn on and work properly. This happened to me on 2 occasions. The first time it happened was [XXX]. (My son and I were on the way to church).The second time was approx. a week and a half later. Then, on 8/8/24 about a week after the second stalling, the check engine light came on. I called the dealership and explained the problem. I took the vehicle to the dealership on [XXX] and on [X…

Look up ODI 11614930 at NHTSA ↗

18.3%
ODI 11755282

I purchased a used 2025 Kia Soul with approximately 12,930 miles on the odometer in July 2026. Prior to Friday, August 1, 2026, I had not experienced any warning lights, warning messages, drivability issues, or other symptoms. The vehicle appeared to operate normally. On August 1, 2026, as I pulled out of the parking lot, the car surged or lurched forward while pushing on the gas. I pulled over, and the engine RPM still would increase on its own while the vehicle was in park, and and while stopped with the brake pedal applied. On one occasion i…

Look up ODI 11755282 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
2110.8%
ODI 10399758

SINCE PURCHASING MY KIA SOUL ON FEB.28, 2011 I HAVE REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD TWICE! YES, IT WAS HIT BUT SMALL STONES BOTH TIMES, BUT ONE WOULD THINK THE WINDSHIELD SHOULD WITHSTAND SUCH IMPACT. ANY MINOR THING THAT HITS THE WINDSHIELD APPEARS TO BE LEAVING BIG PATHS OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSING DAMAGE. TO ME, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR

Look up ODI 10399758 at NHTSA ↗

397.6%
ODI 10427688

VEHICLE SUFFERED SUDDEN LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE SLUGGISH, RPM WOULD NOT GO BEYOND 2500 RPM, HAD TO GET VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, LOST DRIVEABILITY. *TT

Look up ODI 10427688 at NHTSA ↗

619.2%
ODI 10865183 · 26,000 mi

THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT CAUSE AND EXPLODED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN A CAR COMING THE OTHER DIRECTION FLAGGED US DOWN BECAUSE FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR. BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE CAR OVER FLAMES WERE ENTERING IN THE CABIN AND IT WAS FILLED WITH BLACK SMOKE. THE BRAKES AND ELECTRICAL HAD FAILED SO IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP THE CAR. IT EXPLODED 2 MINUTES AFTER WE WERE ABLE TO VACATE THE VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 10865183 at NHTSA ↗

839.2%
ODI 10731189 · 5,000 mi

THE VEHICLE HIT A TREE AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED. THE SEAT BELTS FUNCTIONED, AND THE AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IMMEDIATELY OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER. TWO BYSTANDERS COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS WERE STILL ENGAGED. THEY HAD TO BREAK THE GLASS, MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS, THEN OPEN THEM - THE DOORS FUNCTIONED NORMALLY AFTER UNLOCKED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WERE SUPPOSED TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED - THEY DID NOT.

Look up ODI 10731189 at NHTSA ↗

10711.9%
ODI 10715228 · 11 mi

KIA COUNTRY OF CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA SOLD ME A NEW 2015 KIA SOUL WHILE UNDER AN ACTIVE RECALL, PRIOR TO THE RECALL WORK BEING COMPLETED, IN APPARENT VIOLATION OF 49 U.S.C., SECTION 30112(A)(3). KIA SERVICE CAMPAIGN 116, A SAFETY RECALL TO CORRECT A POTENTIAL UNSAFE CONDITION RESULTING FROM THE FRACTURING OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN IN EFFECT WELL IN ADVANCE OF MY PURCHASE DATE OF 02 APRIL 2015. IT SEEMS THAT IN THE RUSH TO SELL ME THE VEHICLE, THE RECALL WORK WAS NOT COMPLETED, AND I WAS NOT NOTIFIED THAT A RECALL WAS IN…

Look up ODI 10715228 at NHTSA ↗

12215.0%
ODI 10823220

THE PANIC BUTTON ON THE KEY FOB IS NOT RECESSED SO IT ACTIVATES WHEN YOU DON'T WANT IT TO. I HAVE CONTACTED BOTH THE KIA DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND ALSO KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND BOTH COULD NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT IS A DESIGN FLAW. ANYTIME I HAVE THE KEY FOB IN MY POCKET IT IS LIKELY TO ENGAGE THE PANIC BUTTON. IT HAS HAPPENED 8 TIMES. PEOPLE THINK THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT NHTSA CAN DO TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. (I PREVIOUSLY HAD A 2013 KIA SOUL AND THE DESIGN OF THE KEY FOB WAS DIFFERENT SO I NEVER HAD THE PANIC BUTTON …

Look up ODI 10823220 at NHTSA ↗

3211.8%
ODI 11011914 · 300 mi

JUST PURCHASED FIST KEYLESS ENTRY VEHICLE. DEALER TOLD ME IF THE CAR IS RUNNING AND I WALK AWAY WITH KEYS IN MY POCKET THAT THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF. AT WORK NEXT DAY GOT OUT OF CAR WITH HANDS FULL, WENT INTO BUILDING AND EXPRECTED CAR TO SHUT DOWN THREE HOURS LATER CO-WORKER TELLS ME CAR IS RUNNING OUT IN PARKING LOT. WENT OUT TO INVESTIGATE WITHOUT MY KEY, GOT INTO RUNNING VEHICLE AND DROVE AWAY WITH NO KEY. ANYONE COULD HAVE STOLEN THIS VEHICE IN THAT THREE HOUR PERIOD, I COULD HAVE DRIVEN AWAY AND BEEN STRANDED IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION OR…

Look up ODI 11011914 at NHTSA ↗

3013.8%
ODI 11129352 · 13,000 mi

I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE CAR STALLED AND DIDN'T KNOW IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. ALSO SEVERAL TIMES I START THE VEHICLE AND IT STALL OUT IMMEDIATELY. DEALER COULDN'T FIND NOTHING WRONG. STOPPED AND IN DRIVE OR PARKED.

Look up ODI 11129352 at NHTSA ↗

1914.0%
ODI 11181597 · 1,000 mi

THE KIA BACKUP CAMERA DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY WHEN ITS DARK. YOU CANNOT SEE ANYTHING YOU CANT DISTINGUISH A GARBAGE CAN FROM A PERSON. I WENT TO THE DEALER WITH THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID THIS THE WAY THEY ARE. I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I CHECKED OTHER KIA SOULS AND THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN IN TOTAL DARKNESS THE PROBLEM GETS EVEN WORST.

Look up ODI 11181597 at NHTSA ↗

5213.6%
ODI 11221396 · 500 mi

I LEARNED THE CAR HORN ON MY 2020 KIA SOUL DID NOT WORK WHILE ON A HIGHWAY AND CLOSE TO BEING IN AN ACCIDENT. I TRIED TO USE HORN TO ALERT THE OTHER DRIVER AND IT FAILED. I CONTACTED DEALER SERVICE DEPT FOR ASSISTANCE AND HAD TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT AND THEY ADVISED ME THE HORN SYSTEM FAILED AND SENT ME HOME WITH MY CAR AND NO HORN. I COMPLAINED TO THE SERVICE MGR AND THEY GAVE A LOANER AND TOOK MY CAR BACK TO THEIR SERVICE AREA UNTIL THE PARTS COME IN. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE PART WILL TAKE 4 WEEKS TO COME IN, THEY CAN'T TAKE THE …

Look up ODI 11221396 at NHTSA ↗

2611.1%
ODI 11399233 · 8,000 mi

TWO MAJOR ISSUES. I HAVE HEARD A VERY LOUD TICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHICH STARTED ABOUT THREE DAYS AGO. BEFORE THEN THE CAR RAN SILENT. CAR IS IT APPROXIMATELY 8000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE CLICKING STARTED GETTING LOUDER AND THEN THE CAR STALLED TWICE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING! ONE WAS ON A STREET GOING ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR! THE OTHERWAS ON A SIDE STREET GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES AN HOUR. THE EC OH MODE WAS ON IN THE CAR. ALSO' WHEN YOU TURN ON THE HEATER FAN ON HIGH IT STARTED MAKING A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEALING SOUND. THE…

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1213.6%
ODI 11436495

As explained to me by the phone lady at Parsons KIA in Winchester Va. It is a built in feature that supposedly kills the engine at a stop light to save gas. however occasionally if you let go of the brake and hit the gas at the right time the car lunges out into the intersection then dies. I almost got side swiped once. Then when I reported this to the car dealer the answer is they ask their customers to remember to turn off the feature before driving the car. This "WILL" cause an accident some where out there and needs to be recalled immediat…

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1223.5%
ODI 11520381

Hands free dialing became disabled after a service visit. Infotainment system reports "Downloading contacts, please try again later" when trying to use the hands free dialing system, despite the most recent contacts being loaded. This forces the driver to make a call using the infotainment system screen by either referencing recent calls or the contact list. This creates an unsafe condition the hands free dialing system is supposed to prevent.

Look up ODI 11520381 at NHTSA ↗

827.6%
ODI 11623711

I parked my car in the assigned parking spot. It was vandalized for theft at 5 pm by Kia Boys. Because it was a 2024 model, it was not a class vehicle that I could file a settlement claim. This is an ongoing issue, thieves are still going around looking for vulnerable vehicles to steal for joyride. It will cost 3500 to fix and many damaged owners like me don't even have any legal recourse to get the cost reimbursed.

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325.0%
ODI 11670886

2025 Kia Soul LX Headlights. Totally inadequate standard headlights. Higher end models get LED headlights but this standard light system on the LX is dangerous on anything but well lit streets. Safety should not be an option. I would have upgraded to a model that has adequate headlights but was unaware of how bad the standard headlights were until after purchase. These standard headlights should never have been approved by the DOT. There are many reports online about this issue and I'm hoping it will be addressed soon.

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Steering
42.1%
ODI 10460669 · 300 mi

WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED & NEED TO SUDDENLY STOP, THE VEHICLE BRAKES LOCK UP & DO NOT STOP THE VEHICLE IN TIME. BASICALLY, THE TIRES LOCK UP & THE CAR CONTINUES TO SKID & SCREECH. THIS IS ESPECIALLY AGGRAVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE DRIVES OVER A POTHOLE OR OTHER DEFECT IN THE ROADWAY WHILE BRAKING OR IN CONSTANT STOP-&-GO TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE HAS NARROWLY MISSED CRASHING INTO OTHER VEHICLES OR STRUCTURES NUMEROUS TIMES. I NOTICED THE PROBLEMS WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF PURCHASING THE NEW 2011 CAR. IT FEELS VERY DANGEROUS & SCARY & I'M VERY UNEASY …

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16331.7%
ODI 10450518 · 200 mi

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW KIA SOUL IN NOV OF 2011. WITHIN 200 MILES OF OWNERSHIP, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND FALSELY ACTIVATED. THE ESC NOT ONLY FALSELY ACTIVATED BUT REMAINED ACTIVATED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP AND COULD ONLY BE TURNED IF CONSIDERABLE FORCE WAS APPLIED TO IT. I CAREFULLY PULLED OVER THE TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE THEN STARTED IT BACK UP HOPING THE ESC WOULD TURN OFF. IT DID NOT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY DEALER. THE KIA DEALER SERVICE SHOP ULTIMATELY HAD TO REPL…

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15022.7%
ODI 10513853 · 850 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 850. *TR

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556.1%
ODI 10579438 · 1,800 mi

STEERING STARTED MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNED SLIGHTLY LEFT OR RIGHT. DEALER SAYS THE STEERING RACK NEEDS REPLACING. PART WILL NOT BE HERE UNTIL APRIL 30TH (1 MONTH). DEALER WILL NOT RELEASE THE CAR TO ME BECAUSE THEY SAY IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. KIA WILL NO LONGER TALK TO ME AT ALL ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR. ONLINE I SEE THAT PAST KIA SOUL'S HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM. *JS

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444.9%
ODI 10786212 · 134 mi

FIRST OCCURRED AT 134 MILES ON MY 2015 KIA SOUL...BOUNCY VIBRATING SHAKY RIDE COULD BE FELT UNDER MY FEET LIKE SOMETHING BUMPING THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR AND IN THE STEERING WHEEL LIKE SOMEONE WAS TAPPING ON IT CONTINUOUSLY. PASSENGERS FRONT AND REAR CAN FEEL THE VIBRATING SHAKE. HAS BEEN RETURNED TO DEALER FIVE TIMES WITH THIS PROBLEM AND HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. IT IS SO BAD IT'S UNCOMFORTABLE TO RIDE IN AND DRIVE. TWO SERVICE TECHS HAVE TOLD ME THEY FEEL IT BUT DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS. LOCAL DEALER REFUSED SERVICE AFTER THE FOURTH TIME SAY…

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283.4%
ODI 10939501 · 15,000 mi

ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET DOING ABOUT 15 MPH. WITHOUT ANY WARNING VEERED TO THE RIGHT HITTING A PARKED CAR AND DOING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY KIA SOUL AND MODERATE DAMAGE TO A FORD EXPLORER. IT WAS MID DAY AND GOOD VISIBILITY AND I WAS ALERT ON FAMILIAR TERRITORY IN MY OWN NEIGHBORHOOD. I AM CONCERNED THAT EVEN THOUGH KIA AND NHTSA DON'T SHOW THIS VIN # IN THE STEERING RECALL HOW CAN I AND OTHERS BE SURE IT SHOULDN'T BE? CHP DID COLLISION REPORT. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V736000. PLEASE RESPOND THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS REPORT AND ANY FURTHE…

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93.3%
ODI 11035753 · 200 mi

I PURCHASED A NEW 2017 KIA SOUL +. I HAVE AN ANDROID PHONE AND TOLD THE SALES PERSON I WANTED 2 THINGS. 1) HANDSFREE DIALING AND A BACKUP CAMERA. THEIR DESCRIPTION NEVER STATED, NOR DID YOURS ON YOUR WEBSITE, THAT THE HANDSFREE ONLY WORKS WITH IPHONES. I HAD A 2016 KIA SOUL AND IT WORKED PERFECTLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND FALSE ADVERTISING. ANDROID PHONE USERS HAVE OVER 55% OF THE CELL PHONE MARKET AND WHY YOU TOOK THIS FEATURE AWAY FROM YOUR CAR IS A BAD MOVE. THEN NOT TO TELL PEOPLE WHEN SHOPPING, IS ANOTHER BAD MOVE. IM SURE LESS PEOPLE W…

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52.3%
ODI 11204925 · 38,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL IS MANUFACTURED OF MATERIAL WHICH CONTAINS A TOXIC SUBSTANCE WHICH HAS CAUSED THE OWNER TO SUFFER A MEDICAL CONDITION OF SEVERE CONTACT DERMATITS. THE CAR CAN'T BE DRIVEN WITHOUT THE USE OF A COVER OVER THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO FAIL THE MARYLAND STATE SAFETY INSPECTION.

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53.7%
ODI 11463987 · 33,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the power steering became inoperable causing the driver to lose control of the steering and nearly crashed into a second vehicle. Moments later, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that a screw within the alternator had failed causing the alternator to malfunction. The alternator was replaced. No further information was available. The manufacturer was not …

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164.2%
ODI 11230612 · 200 mi

PULLS TO THE RIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEED - APPROX 45MPH. SEVERE ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY DID HAVE A NEW-ENOUGH MACHINE TO ALIGN THE CAR. HOW CAN KIA OF IRVINE, NOT HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT TO FIX THE CARS THEY SELL? INSIDE REAR COWLING THAT GOES AROUND THE SMALL PORTAL WINDOW ON THE RIGHT WAS WARPED FROM THE FACTORY. CAR WAS NOT MOVING. GOT A REPLACEMENT PART; HOWEVER, IT WAS A POOR INSTALL JOB AND THE FRONT PART OF THE COWLING DOES NOT ALIGN WELL WITH ITS LOWER CONNECT PIECE. RIGHT FRONT TIRE IS BECOMING SEVERELY WORN BECAU…

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93.8%
ODI 11366841 · 631 mi

VEHICLE KEEPS PULLING. VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT. PERFORMED A STEERING ANGLE RELEARNED, AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT. CROSS ROTATED TIRES AND NOW THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE LEFT. TOLD NOTHING ELSE CAN BE DONE AT THIS TIME. CAR IS CONSTANTLY. FIGHTING ITSELF WITH STEERING ASSIST.

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22.3%
ODI 11647248

I bought my 2022 KIA Soul September 2021. in 2022, I brought my car to KIA in Clifton NJ because it shut down suddenly without warning while in drive, the battery, oil and engine lights came on. I would put my car in park, turn it off and on again for the car to start. by doing so, all the lights disappear and my car would drive like normal. KIA said the couldn't find the issue. I brought it back to KIA again in October of 2024 because my car did the very same thing as it did in 2022. Once again, KIA stated they couldn't find the issue. March 4…

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815.7%
ODI 11491280 · 400 mi

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP mode and stalled. On another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to vibrate after the accelerator pedal was depressed and the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlights failed to operate. Additionally, the contact stated that she took the vehicle to the car wash and noticed that fuel had leaked onto the tires. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnos…

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13.4%
ODI 11595961

Budget rental out of KSGF. THIS DANGEROUS COMPACT SUV IS UNFIT FOR UNITED STATES ROADS AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS. IN 2 WEEKS THE CAR OVER 8x Attempted to Overpower my driver inputs nearly driving me in to semi tractor trailer rigs. Further every time that happens a loud annoying message to take a coffee break even 7 minutes into the drive since engine start up. The partial Turn Off only partly lessens this Dangerous technology. It attempts to STOP THE DRIVER FROM STEERING AND ACCELERATOR AND EVEN BRAKE INPUTS. maybe appropriate in South Korea typ…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
2814.4%
ODI 10410987 · 725 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, HIS KNEE SLIGHTLY BUMPED INTO THE IGNITION KEY. AS A RESULT, THE KEY TURNED INTO THE OFF POSITION AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A DIFFERENT OCCASION WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 725.

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377.2%
ODI 10493834 · 6,850 mi

STARTED CAR SUNDAY AT 1:30 PM. NOTICES GAS GAUGE NEEDLE WAS BELOW EMPTY. BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE, PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE - NO INSTRUMENTATION AT ALL. TACH AT O, TEMP GAUGE AT O, FUEL GAUGE BELOW EMPTY. SHUT OFF IGNITION AND RESTARTED ENGINE - STILL NO INSTRUMENTATION DROVE SLOWLY TO NEAREST GAS STATION TO FILL TANK (I DID NOT REMEMBER BUT I NEVER LAT THE TANK GET BELOW 1/4 FULL) TOO 2.6 GALLONS TO FILL. SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETERS NOT WORKING. ONLY DASHBOARD LIGHT WORKING IS TEMP (OUTSIDE) AND THE ECON LIGHT. MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH UNIVERSI…

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6810.3%
ODI 10537912 · 1,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CHECK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WIRING CODING WAS SOY BASED AND THAT ANIMALS WERE EATING THE WIRES. AS A RESULT, THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE EMISSION WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE SAME SOY BASED CODING WIRING WAS USED TO REMEDY THE DEFECT AND HE WAS CONCERNED THAT THERE WOULD BE A RECURRENCE IN THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED O…

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9410.4%
ODI 10554720 · 18 mi

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED TWO HOLES THROUGH THE SEAT. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE RENTAL AGENCY OF THE FIRE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM THE FLEET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18. UPDATED 1/29/14*CN..UPDATED 02-04-14 *BF

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738.1%
ODI 10723359 · 2,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND HAD TO SHUT OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR THE LOUD NOISE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO START PROPERLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE OIL WARNING LIGHT AND OTHER LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE …

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546.6%
ODI 10885663 · 1,350 mi

DRIVING THIS CAR HIGH SPEEDS (FREEWAY) FOR LONGER PERIODS OF TIME (30 MINUTES OR MORE PER DAY) FOR MORE THAN 3 CONSECUTIVE DAYS AFFECTS MY OVERALL HEALTH AND ABILITY TO DRIVE THE CAR. IT GET CHRONIC HEADACHES, TROUBLE CONCENTRATING, SLEEPING PROBLEMS, DIZZINESS, FORGETFULNESS, EXHAUSTION, AND ANXIETY WHICH AFFECT MY REACTION TIME AND ALERTNESS WHILE DRIVING, AND ABILITY TO MAKE PROPER DECISIONS IN TRAFFIC. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, SINCE I DISCONTINUED DRIVING THE CAR AS SOON AS I BECAME AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. I ALSO WENT TO A DOCTOR WHO CONFIRMED …

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186.6%
ODI 11024832 · 14 mi

2017 KIA SOUL BLUETOOTH. DOESN'T WORK WITH ANDROID

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177.8%
ODI 11219298

WHEN YOU TURN OFF THE CAR THE KEY WON'T COME OUT IF IT'S RAINING YOU GET WET AND SOMETIMES THE CAR WON'T START AND THE REMOTE DON'T WORK. YOU SMELL GAS WHILE YOU DRIVING.

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128.8%
ODI 11446269

Seat belts do not lock in place when braking, but randomly lock in place while cruising. Severe electric discharge from vehicle, as well as power surges causing lights to burn out repeatedly.

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287.3%
ODI 11280977 · 14,900 mi

MY CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT WITH 28 MILES ON IT. I NOW HAVE APPROXIMATELY 15614 MILES ON MY 2020 KIA SOUL. I JUST WANTED TO REPORT THAT THE HORN, A MAJOR SAFETY FEATURE, INTERMITTENTLY STOPS WORKING. WHEN THE HORN STOPS WORKING IT INCLUDES THE STEERING WHEEL DEPRESS AND THE KEY FOB 'LOCKED' SIGNAL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AS A HORN CAN BE THE LAST RESORT NOTIFICATION SOMEONE NEEDS BETWEEN LIFE OR DEATH.

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156.4%
ODI 11372340 · 814 mi

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN WET WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER, LOST WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS. HAPPENED ON INTERSTATE WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH. VEHICLE STATED KEY WASN'T DETECTED IN CAR. WHILE IN MOTION USING OTHER VEHICLES HEADLIGHTS WAS ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY THANKFULLY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER FOR ASSESSMENT.

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1011.4%
ODI 11522430 · 4,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted to park(P) and turned off the vehicle to correct the failure. The contact related the failure to the STOP/START feature. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

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1223.5%
ODI 11486261

I am driving on the highway. No construction. No traffic. Cruising. No problems. I get a dashboard warning "WRONG WAY! Turn around safely" It was on for at least 10minutes. Very worrisome. But the lane assist was still working.

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931.0%
ODI 11598232

The entire instrument cluster above the steering wheel is blacked out, and the car is constantly saying “wrong driving direction detected.” I cannot see my speed, fuel gauge, odometer or whether there are safety alerts.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train
126.2%
ODI 10491962 · 40,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION ONCE THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION WAS DISENGAGED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FLUID NEEDED TO BE DRAINED AND REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS …

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214.1%
ODI 10438749 · 860 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THIS FAILURE RECURRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR A VEHICLE THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 860.

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132.0%
ODI 10733190 · 30,000 mi

BOUGHT THE KIA SOUL NEW IN AUGUST 2012. SINCE NOVEMBER 2014 AT APPROXIMATELY 30K MILES THE CAR HAS DEVELOPED A SUDDEN PRONOUNCED HARD DOWNSHIFT IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP. IT'S AS THOUGH THE BRAKE WERE ABRUPTLY APPLIED. THIS HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM SINCE THEN BEING WORSE IN COLD WEATHER AND MADE DRIVING THE CAR A SAFETY CONCERN. THE CAR HAS BEEN TO THE KIA WESTSIDE DEALER IN KATY TEXAS THREE TIMES THUS FAR. FIRST TIME THEY DEALERSHIP CHECKED BRAKES ONLY DESPITE BEING TOLD IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION THAT WAS SUDDEN HARD D…

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586.4%
ODI 10644226 · 1,000 mi

WHEN ACCELERATING FROM FULL STOP OR ROLLING STOP, VEHICLE HESITATES AND LOSES POWER WHEN SHIFTING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. *TR

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606.7%
ODI 10822508 · 3,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,600. UPDATED 03/16/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN TWO WEEKS LATER. UPDATED 03/30/16.*JB

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607.4%
ODI 10937496

SINCE DAY ONE, MY KIA LOOSE COMMUNICATION WITH GAS PEDAL TO TRANSMISSION OR COMPUTER.FROM STOP I ACCELERATE, AND IF FOR ANY REASON I OUGHT TO RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL, THE TRANSMISSION ACT LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL GEAR,AFTER ACCELERATE TWO OR THREE TIMES IT ACCELERATE ABRUPTLY.IT ACT EXACTLY LIKE HIUNDAI RECALL NO.16V6280.I TAKE THE VEH. TO THE DEALER, I REPORT THE PROBLEM BUT THEY TELL ME THAT THEY DOES NOT FIND NOTHIN WRONG, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.MY VEH. TRANSMISSION IS A 5 SPEED ECO SHIFT DUAL CLUTCH

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197.0%
ODI 11300375 · 15,000 mi

WHEN PLACED IN DRIVE, AND GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED THE CAR JERKS FORWARD AND BACK AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE. IT SHAKES THE WHOLE CAR.. DOES IT IF CAR IS COLD OR HOT BUT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE WHEN CAR IS NOT FULL HOT. UNSAFE WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC.

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3114.2%
ODI 11113971 · 340 mi

FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HAS A SIGNIFICANT HESITATION PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN/REDLIGHT ETC. AS YOU PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL DOWN, IT HESITATES THEN ACCELERATES HARD. HAS 340 MILES ON IT AT THIS TIME. DEALER AND KIA STATE THIS IS NORMAL FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION/TURBO DESIGN. EVEN THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS SHOCKED WHEN HE DROVE IT SAYING HE WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT IT. I WOULD THINK THIS PROBLEM COULD BE RESOLVED WITH A PROGRAMMING UPDATE. MY CONCERN FOR SAFETY IS TO PART: 1ST, ANTICIPATING THE VEHICLE MAY GO WHEN IN FACT IT HESITATED TO PULL OFF C…

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53.7%
ODI 11373146 · 22,000 mi

DELAY THROTTLE RESPONSE. WHEN DRIVING AND YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE TAKES SEVERAL MINUTES TO RESPOND AND YOU HAVE TO PUT THE PETAL TO THE FLOOR. NO REACTION TO ACCELERATE THE CAR BUT RPMS IN RED. ALSO WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT , STOP SIGN ETC AND GO TO GO THE CAR DELAYS AGAIN AND YOU HAVE THE GAS PETAL TO THE FLOOR AND AGAIN RPMS IN RED AND YET CAR NOT MOVING CAUSING HIGHLY SEVERE SAFETY ISSUES WHEN DRIVING AND PUTS CONSUMER AT RISK. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW STARTED IN JUNE OF 2020 WITH THIS ISSUE AND HAD 22, 000 MILES ON IT.…

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8622.6%
ODI 11276852 · 5,000 mi

I BOUGHT THE CAR IN MAY 2020. I FIRST REPORTED THE PROBLEM IN JULY. IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE IDLE STOP AND GO FEATURE, AS IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THIS IT IS BEING USED. WHEN I COME TO STOPS AT RED LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS. EVERYTHING SHUTS DOWN. WHEN I RELEASE MY FEET OFF THE BREAKS THE CAR MAKES A DULL QUAKE LIKE NOISE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 7 DAYS ALREADY. THEY CHANGED THE BREAK BOOSTER THINKING IT WAS THE PROBLEM, BUT IT WAS NOT. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SCHEDULE SOMEONE AT THE DEALERSHIP TO RIDE WITH ME FOR A FE…

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2611.1%
ODI 11415581 · 1,200 mi

VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT SLOPE PARKING SPACE BACKING TO A ONE-WAY PUBLIC ROAD IN NATIONAL PARK.IT WAS A DESIGNATED PARKING SPACE. THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND IN THE P MODE OF GEAR SELECTION. I EXITED THE DRIVER'S DOOR FOR FEW MINUTES. THEN OPENED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WITH THE INTENT TO SHUT THE ENGINE. THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACK, CROSSED THE ROAD, AND STOPPED BY A SANDY EMBANKMENT. I WAS THROWN OFF BY THE OPEN DOOR ON THE SANDY BANK. THE ENGINE STOPPED AND I OBSERVED THE VEHICLE IN D MODE BY ITSELF. I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR IN …

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1213.6%
ODI 11452546

I purchased a brand new 2022 Kia Soul GT line on 9/01/2022. At 4300 miles, the IVT transmission imploded while on the freeway. Same issues as all the others reported here - fluctuating rpms, followed by a complete loss of power while the tach is redlined. Had it towed to the Kia dealership, and they determined that I needed a new transmission. The only thing they could tell me was that there were metal shavings in the transmission fluid. Also, I didn't get a new transmission in my new car - they installed a refurbished trans, which I questioned…

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59.8%
ODI 11543530

Air bag new

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26.9%
ODI 11653589

purchased 6-22-24 fire happened 8-14-24 at approximately 11pm, with approximately 2691 miles, fire started in engine compartment, car burned to ground, nothing left, approximately 2691 miles on vehicle. i was lucky to get out alive, i had to kick the doors open.

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18.3%
ODI 11755282

I purchased a used 2025 Kia Soul with approximately 12,930 miles on the odometer in July 2026. Prior to Friday, August 1, 2026, I had not experienced any warning lights, warning messages, drivability issues, or other symptoms. The vehicle appeared to operate normally. On August 1, 2026, as I pulled out of the parking lot, the car surged or lurched forward while pushing on the gas. I pulled over, and the engine RPM still would increase on its own while the vehicle was in park, and and while stopped with the brake pedal applied. On one occasion i…

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Fuel/Propulsion System
84.1%
ODI 10502334 · 22,791 mi

THE CLUTCH AND FLY WHEEL WORE OUT ON THE CAR AT 22K MILES. THIS IS EXTREMELY EARLY FOR A CLUTCH TO FAIL. THE CLUTCH FAILED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY (I-81) AND I WAS FORCED TO PULL OVER IN AN UNSAFE LOCATION. I HAVE DRIVEN MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS FOR MANY YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A CLUTCH FAIL AT SUCH A LOW MILEAGE. *TR

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214.1%
ODI 10532211

FAULTY WIRING HARNESS. CAR WAS 3 WEEKS OLD.

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274.1%
ODI 10863386 · 6,000 mi

VERY SOON AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, WE DROVE TO CA. DURING THE DRIVE, I NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD SLOW TO TURN (LIKE INTO A DRIVE OR PARKING LOT) THE CAR WOULD ACT LIKE IT HAD A VAPOR LOCK- STARVED FOR FUEL. I WOULD PUMP THE GAS A COUPLE OF TIMES AND THE CAR WOULD RESPOND (SOMETIMES VIOLENTLY). THIS WAS AT LESS THAN 6K MILES. AFTER TRIPS TO THE DEALER, WHO RODE ALONG WITH ME AND KEPT THE CAR OVERNIGHT FOR THE MANAGER TO DRIVE, THEY RETURNED IT SAYING THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE MY ISSUE. SO, NOTHING COULD BE DONE. TWO SUCH COMPLAINTS AND I'M 3…

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546.0%
ODI 10632366 · 3,451 mi

WE WERE DRIVING 75 MPH. ON I-75 OUTSIDE DALTON GEORGIA IN LOTS OF TRAFFIC (THE OUTER LANE) AT WHICH TIME THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND SHUT DOWN. WE GRADUALLY COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AVOIDING NEAR CRASHES AND STOPPED COMPLETELY. WE TRIED RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT START. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES THE VEHICLE RESTARTED BUT HAD NO POWER TO DRIVE. WE WERE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP IN DALTON GEORGIA AND THE SERVICE PEOPLE LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE ON 8/18/2014 & SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. WE PROCEEDED ON TOWARDS OUR DESTIN…

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768.5%
ODI 10715532 · 20 mi

FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE UNTIL PRESENT THE VEHICLE HAS A LAG IN ACCELERATION WHEN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. THE LAG CAUSES A DANGEROUS CONDITION WHEN PULLING OUT. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER 2 TIMES, AND EACH TIME WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO UNTIL A ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.

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8310.2%
ODI 11055101

I EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT HESITATION WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR. IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR ISN'T DOWNSHIFTING CORRECTLY OR ISN'T GETTING ENOUGH FUEL IN ORDER TO PICK UP SPEED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE KIA DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS AND COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE CAR CONTINUES TO INTERMITTENTLY HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS HAPPENS IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS.

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186.6%
ODI 11171988

FOOT PRESSED ON GAS JUST STOPS IN MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. HAVE TO LET UP AND PRESS SECOND TIME TO GO AGAIN . WHILE DRIVING

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115.0%
ODI 11113971 · 340 mi

FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HAS A SIGNIFICANT HESITATION PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN/REDLIGHT ETC. AS YOU PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL DOWN, IT HESITATES THEN ACCELERATES HARD. HAS 340 MILES ON IT AT THIS TIME. DEALER AND KIA STATE THIS IS NORMAL FOR THE NEW TRANSMISSION/TURBO DESIGN. EVEN THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS SHOCKED WHEN HE DROVE IT SAYING HE WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT IT. I WOULD THINK THIS PROBLEM COULD BE RESOLVED WITH A PROGRAMMING UPDATE. MY CONCERN FOR SAFETY IS TO PART: 1ST, ANTICIPATING THE VEHICLE MAY GO WHEN IN FACT IT HESITATED TO PULL OFF C…

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128.8%
ODI 11245086 · 29,441 mi

DRAIN PLUG MISSING WHICH CAUSED A LEEK IN VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED ENGINE TO BREAK WHILE DRIVIVNG CAR STOPPED WORKING, WAS TOWED THEN FOUND THE DRAIN PLUG WAS MISSING PLEASE HELP I HAVE BEEN READING AND FOUND OTHER CASES LIKE MINE ON THE KIA SOUL. MY CAR WAS STATIONARY ON THRE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO A GAS STATION WHERE I SLEPT IN THE CAR OVER NIGHT THEN CALL A TOW COMPANY TO TAKE ME TO THE CLOSEST KIA DEALERSHIP. THERE THEY TOLD ME THEIR FINDINGS.I HAD AN OIL CHANGE ON 05/20/19, AT A KIA DEALERSHIP IN MD. WHERE I BELIEVE THAT MY CAR W…

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153.9%
ODI 11276852 · 5,000 mi

I BOUGHT THE CAR IN MAY 2020. I FIRST REPORTED THE PROBLEM IN JULY. IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE IDLE STOP AND GO FEATURE, AS IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THIS IT IS BEING USED. WHEN I COME TO STOPS AT RED LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS. EVERYTHING SHUTS DOWN. WHEN I RELEASE MY FEET OFF THE BREAKS THE CAR MAKES A DULL QUAKE LIKE NOISE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 7 DAYS ALREADY. THEY CHANGED THE BREAK BOOSTER THINKING IT WAS THE PROBLEM, BUT IT WAS NOT. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SCHEDULE SOMEONE AT THE DEALERSHIP TO RIDE WITH ME FOR A FE…

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104.3%
ODI 11387530 · 10 mi

I WAS GOING TO GET MY MAIL ATTEMPTING TO PARK WHERE I ALWAYS PARK. I HIT THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SPED UP AND HIT TWO MAILBOXES. I COULDN'T GET IT TO STOP. I DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST IT WAS GOING WHEN I HIT THE MAILBOXES

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78.0%
ODI 11537779

9000 miles muffler failed, 12000 miles spark plugs cracked and was told it was sparking hot and could catch on fire, 13000 miles fuel injectors clogged with carbon, on going fuel smell in oil and shakes in idle with a/c on

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12.0%
ODI 11598272

I was backing up into my parking place in an alley way. I was turning slightly to the right to fit in and the car started to accelerate. I hit the back wall with the rear of my car. I put the car into drive not realizing it was still accelerating. I had my right foot on the brake. When I put the car into drive it accelerate very quickly even with my foot on the brake and I crashed into a door garage, wrecking my car, the garage door and the vehicle parked inside the garage. The automatic emergency braking system never activated either.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
42.1%
ODI 10447319

THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE AND THE WIND SHIELD EXPLODED. EVERYTHING MELTED DOWN AND CAR IS TOTALED. THIS INCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY AN INTERIOR MALFUNCTION WITH THE CAR. WOULD LIKE KIA TO REPLACE THIS CAR WITH A NEW CAR BECAUSE THIS WAS A NEW CAR THAT I PURCHASED THROUGH KIA. *TR

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254.9%
ODI 10427688

VEHICLE SUFFERED SUDDEN LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE SLUGGISH, RPM WOULD NOT GO BEYOND 2500 RPM, HAD TO GET VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, LOST DRIVEABILITY. *TT

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375.6%
ODI 11206544 · 106,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER DARCARS LANHAM KIA (9020 LANHAM SEVERN RD, LANHAM, MD 20706) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND TWO OXYGEN SENSORS HAD FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) ON APRIL 12TH 2019. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE …

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414.6%
ODI 11341658 · 91,521 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, WHITE SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AS THE "PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY' AS WELL AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HOMETOWN KIA (111 MIDTOWN AVE, MT HOPE, WV 25880) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE THREW A ROD AND THAT THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO N…

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343.8%
ODI 10661753

2015 KIA SOUL SPUTTERED WHEN GOING FROM FIRST GEAR, TO SECOND GEAR AND THEN THIRD. CW ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. A DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FIRING ON ALL FOUR CYLINDERS AND THAT WAS THE REASON THE VEHICLE SEEMED SLUGGISH. THE ENGINE COVER WAS REMOVED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED ALL THE CYLINDERS WERE NOT CONNECTED. *JB

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668.1%
ODI 11432354 · 99,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then discovered that her vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called a dealer and scheduled an appointment to have the vehicle serviced. A few days after the appointment was made, the vehicle shut-off without warning while driving at 45 MPH. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the veh…

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62.2%
ODI 11326484

WHEN DRIVING MY CAR 1 HOUR OR MORE AND TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN ON AGAIN MY CAR AND IMMEDIATELY TURN ON THE AC MY CAR ENGINE SHAKES AND TURN OFF THE MOTOR. I LEFT MY CAR IN THE DEALER WHEN I BUY THE CAR IN 4 TIMES BUT NOBODY FOUND THE PROBLEM. SO I FEEL FEAR FOR WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE I NEED HELP. I HAVE THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2018.*DT*JB *TR

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73.2%
ODI 11507013 · 150,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that after the vehicle received an oil change by an independent mechanic, his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, and the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that a connecting rod had gone through the engine block and fallen out underneath the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. T…

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53.7%
ODI 11538753 · 73,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle continued to lose motive power. The contact stated that there was no revving coming from the engine while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled; however, the power steering and braking system were still operable. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway and was abl…

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102.6%
ODI 11612272

I was driving to work this morning and my check engine light started flashing.I took it to O'reilly's and plugged it in and it said something wrong with my engine.I just had it serviced and everything was fine and tell all of the sudden.This happened?Time this happened.I had to have 4 new engines put in my Kia.This has to be a recall

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4619.7%
ODI 11425410 · 2,416 mi

The contact owned a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that soon after purchase of the vehicle, she discovered both low coolant and low oil levels upon inspection of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on two separate occasions. On her second visit, the contact stated that the dealer informed her to bring the vehicle back in 1,000 miles to check both oil and coolant levels to monitor the issues. The contact called the dealer back the next day to inform them that the coolant level h…

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1921.6%
ODI 11646458

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer informed that contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Exterior Lighting
115.7%
ODI 10583106 · 32,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIGHTS WERE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH WHICH PREVENTED HER FROM SEEING WHEN REVERSING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING UP TO STANDARDS AND WAS UNABLE TO ALTER THE DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,500.

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81.6%
ODI 10443440

NOT SURE IF MODEL IS 2012 OR 2011. A KIA SOUL WAS IN FRONT OF ME AT A STOP LIGHT. THE STOP LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE WERE SO BRIGHT AS TO ALMOST BLIND ME. IS THERE A NATIONAL STANDARD THAT LIMITS THE MAXIMUM LIGHT ON BRAKE TAILLIGHTS? *TR

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101.5%
ODI 10605256

2013 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS ON THE DASH BOARD INVOLVING THE LIGHT INDICATOR FOR THE HEAD LIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS. *SMD THE CONSUMER DID NOT KNOW, HIS HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON. HE DISCOVERED THE INDICATOR DISPLAYED THE SAME PICTURE FOR THE PARKING LIGHTS AND THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE SECOND TIME, AS HE ENTERED HIS PARKING SPOT, IT BECAME OBVIOUS THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ON, YET THE DASH BOARD INDICATED THERE WERE.

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12413.8%
ODI 10586447 · 6 mi

I HAD AN EMERGENCY AND TRIED AT NIGHT TO UNLOCK ELECTRIC DOORS FOR MY PASSENGERS AND I. UPON ATTEMPTING TO MANAGE THE EMERGENCY AND UNLOCK THE DOOR FOR MY PASSENGERS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, I WAS GREATLY DELAYED BECAUSE THE "UNLOCK LIGHT IS NON FUNCTIONING" AND CAN'T BE SEEN IN THE DARK. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM & I BELIEVE IT WARRANTS A RECALL BECAUSE THE DEALER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT AS A PROBLEM THAT NEEDS CORRECTING. THANKS GOD THERE WAS NO FIRE! PLEASE ADVISE AND ASSIST, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN…

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333.7%
ODI 11021789 · 77,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PLUGS WERE MELTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS …

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131.6%
ODI 11130522

MY HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN I'M DRIVING. SOMETIMES THEY SHUT COMPLETELY OFF AND DON'T COME BACK ON FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. I NOTICE THE PROBLEM NOT WHEN I USE MY INDICATORS. WHEN I FLICK THE INDICATOR ON MY HEADLIGHTS FLICKER OFF AND ON.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

41.8%
ODI 11144286 · 5,500 mi

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 DRI…

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53.7%
ODI 11446269

Seat belts do not lock in place when braking, but randomly lock in place while cruising. Severe electric discharge from vehicle, as well as power surges causing lights to burn out repeatedly.

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61.6%
ODI 11297198 · 20 mi

I PURCHASED A 2020 KIA SOUL BARELY 3 WEEKS AGO. FIRST ISSUE IS THE FRONT LIGHTS. THEY ARE CONSTANTLY FOGGY AND WITH HUMIDITY. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS INITIALLY TOLD THAT IT WOULD CLEAR UP ONCE HIGH BEAMS ARE TURNED ON FOR 30 MINUTES WHICH IS UNREALISTIC AS YOU CAN'T HAVE YOUR HIGH BEAMS ON WHEN THERE ARE CARS IN FRONT OF YOU. WAS THEN TOLD THEY SUBMITTED A TICKET TO KIA AS THIS IS THE SECOND UNIT THEY HAD WITH SAME ISSUE. SECOND ISSUE IS THE FRONT SEAT HEADRESTS. THEY PUSH THE HEAD TO FAR FORWARD AND CAUSES CONSTANT HEADACHE AND NECKAC…

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62.6%
ODI 11372340 · 814 mi

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN WET WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER, LOST WIPERS AND HEADLIGHTS. HAPPENED ON INTERSTATE WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH. VEHICLE STATED KEY WASN'T DETECTED IN CAR. WHILE IN MOTION USING OTHER VEHICLES HEADLIGHTS WAS ABLE TO GET OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY THANKFULLY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER FOR ASSESSMENT.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

47.8%
ODI 11498470

Last night was the first time I drove it in the dark while it was raining. The headlights absolutely SUCK!!! I’ve had daytime running lights that were brighter! I’ve had 6 volt headlights that were brighter! I probably have flashlights that are brighter! It’s seriously dangerous, in my humble opinion. There were times where the painted road stripes were worn down, no street lights, and I was literally driving blind. I was worried about driving off the road, or into oncoming traffic, as I could not see the road ahead of me. I will not drive this…

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26.9%
ODI 11630215

Headlights are not bright enough. In areas with no street lights it’s like driving with candles. The light is yellow and dim. This is a new car

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433.3%
ODI 11673048

Humidity gets insiste headlights. This issue affects headlights performance making hard to see at night. Safety is at risk.

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Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine84,160–147,813 mi119,150 mi136
ODI 10458979 · 14,250 mi

CAR HAD AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS WASHED THEN CAME HOME. CAR'S FRONT DEFROSTER WAS NOTED TO BE STUCK ON AND WHITE SMOKE STARTED TO BILLOW OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. QUICK CHECK UNDER THE CAR NOTED A FLAME THAT WAS EITHER COMING FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OR REFLECTING IN THE EXHAUST FROM SOMEWHERE ON THE BOTTOM/SIDE OF THE ENGINE. NO FLUIDS WERE SHOWN TO BE LEAKING ONTO THE DRIVEWAY OR WERE VISIBLE. CAR THEN RAPIDLY WENT UP IN FLAMES AND WAS A COMPLETE LOSS. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO PUT OUT. *TR

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ODI 10547682 · 11,230 mi

8-31-13 IS THE FIRST TIME I WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE CAR ACCELERATING WHEN I WOULD FIRST START THE CAR UP IN THE GARAGE AND THEN WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT WOULD JERK INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THEY RESET THE ADAPTIVE LEARNING SYSTEM. 10-9-13, IS THE 2ND TIME I WENT TO DEALERSHIP WITH THE SIMILAR SITUATION, BUT THE CAR WOULD SEEM LIKE IT WAS SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND WHILE I WAS ACTUALLY DRIVING. THEY CHECKED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS AND THEY THOUGHT IT WAS LOW (THEY TOLD ME THIS IS NONSERVICEABLE AREA AND THEY HAD TO ACCESS THE COVER …

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ODI 10595148 · 16,000 mi

THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES AND I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO SPEED UP AND THE CAR HESITATED AFTER A FEW SECONDS I HAD POWER AGAIN. WHEN THE CAR DID ENGAGE A BIG THICK CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE TAILPIPE.THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPEN WAS ON 5/25/2014 MY WIFE WAS ON A RAMP TRYING TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE GOING ABOUT 30-40MPH, THERE WAS A VEHICLE COMING SO SHE LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL THAN WHEN THERE WAS AN OPENING SHE STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN AND THERE WAS NO POWER. AFTER SEVERAL …

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Steering40,000–88,282 mi68,000 mi89
ODI 10450518 · 200 mi

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW KIA SOUL IN NOV OF 2011. WITHIN 200 MILES OF OWNERSHIP, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND FALSELY ACTIVATED. THE ESC NOT ONLY FALSELY ACTIVATED BUT REMAINED ACTIVATED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP AND COULD ONLY BE TURNED IF CONSIDERABLE FORCE WAS APPLIED TO IT. I CAREFULLY PULLED OVER THE TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE THEN STARTED IT BACK UP HOPING THE ESC WOULD TURN OFF. IT DID NOT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY DEALER. THE KIA DEALER SERVICE SHOP ULTIMATELY HAD TO REPL…

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ODI 10493646 · 14,522 mi

WE TRAVELED FROM TENNESSEE TO FLORIDA AND THE STEERING KEPT LOCKING-UP ON THE KIA SOUL. WE WENT TO GALEANA KIA IN FT. MYERS, FL AND TOLD THEM THAT ?WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY STEERING WHEEL JUST LOCKS GOING STRAIGHT AND HAS TO HAVE APPLIED PRESSURE TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT?. GALEANA KIA DID THIS ON 12/4/2012: VERIFY INTERMITTENT P/S ASSIST INOP. REMOVE P/S COLUMN & ASSIST UNIT. APPLIED STABILANT 22 TO ALL CONNECTORS. REMOVE CONTROL WIRING HARNESS. REMOVE IPM MODULE. REMOVE & TEST HECU. FOUND STRIPPED BOLT IN GROUND GNG10 LOOSE GROUND. RE…

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ODI 10504914 · 8,572 mi

STEERING WHEEL LOCKING AT SPEED VERY DANGEROUS IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE VEHICLE. *TR

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Unknown Or Other68,200–134,757 mi92,680 mi15
ODI 10927722 · 50,000 mi

THIS IS A STANDARD 6 SPEED VEHICLE. REVERSE IS IN THE SAME LOCATION AS 1ST GEAR. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT ONE MUST PULL ON A SLIDER CONTROL IN THE SHIFT HANDLE TO GET INTO FIRST. HISTORICALLY, REVERSE WAS ALWAYS THE GEAR FARTHEST AWAY FROM THE DRIVER. I HAVE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THOUGHT I WAS IN FIRST BUT WAS ACCIDENTLY IN REVERSE. I CAUGHT THE MISTAKE BEFORE THERE WAS ANY ACCIDENT. AS A SUGGESTION, REVERSE SHOULD BE IN THE SAME LOCATION FOR ALL CARS IN AMERICA. ACTUALLY, THE ENTIRE GEAR PATTERN SHOULD BE THE SAME FOR ALL STANDARD CARS IN A…

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ODI 11012779 · 80,400 mi

DRIVING MY CAR ABOUT 65 MPH DOWN A LONG STRETCH HIGHWAY IN THE WOODS HEARD THIS LOUD NOISE SAW BLACK IN THE RIGHT UPPER SIDE OF MY WIND SHIELD. THOUGHT I HIT A BLACK BIRD SAFELY PULLED OVER GOT OUT SAW NO BLOOD ON THE CAR OR FEATHERS. LOOKED CLOSER A BLACK PLASTIC MOLD HAD COME OFF AND CAUSED THE LOUD NOISY GOT IN MY CAR WENT BACK DOWN THE ROAD AND LOCATED IT WAS BROKE UP PRETTY GOOD. COME HOME DID SOME RESEARCH IT IS CALLED A PILLAR. IT WAS THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. THEIR WAS NO REASON THE …

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ODI 11067250 · 55,000 mi

BACKUP CAMERA STOPPED WORKING JUST OUT OF WARRANTY.

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Electrical System36,221–112,000 mi68,000 mi21
ODI 10493834 · 6,850 mi

STARTED CAR SUNDAY AT 1:30 PM. NOTICES GAS GAUGE NEEDLE WAS BELOW EMPTY. BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPACE, PUT THE CAR INTO DRIVE - NO INSTRUMENTATION AT ALL. TACH AT O, TEMP GAUGE AT O, FUEL GAUGE BELOW EMPTY. SHUT OFF IGNITION AND RESTARTED ENGINE - STILL NO INSTRUMENTATION DROVE SLOWLY TO NEAREST GAS STATION TO FILL TANK (I DID NOT REMEMBER BUT I NEVER LAT THE TANK GET BELOW 1/4 FULL) TOO 2.6 GALLONS TO FILL. SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETERS NOT WORKING. ONLY DASHBOARD LIGHT WORKING IS TEMP (OUTSIDE) AND THE ECON LIGHT. MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH UNIVERSI…

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ODI 10525681 · 12,100 mi

THE RADIO FROZE AND I COULDN'T CHANGE THE STATION, PROGRAM, OR USE THE CD. NEXT THE BACKUP CAMERA WOULDN'T WORK. AFTER DRIVING FURTHER, THE SIGNALS AND LIGHTS ON THE DASH CEASED TO FUNCTION. I DIDN'T DRIVE MORE THAN 8 MILES GOING TO AND FROM WORK AND TO THE STORE. IT HAS RESET ITSELF SO FAR AFTER THE CAR SAT FOR 3-9 HOURS. THE KIA TOLL FREE NUMBER REFERRED ME TO THE DEALER IN RICHMOND, CA WHERE I BOUGHT THE USED CAR, BUT WAS TOLD IT CANNOT BE FIXED UNTIL THE CAR IS BROUGHT IN WHILE TROUBLE OCCURS. IT HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES SINCE JUNE 26, 2013. *…

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ODI 10561634 · 53,000 mi

NOV. 2013 I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING, I WENT TO KIA AND THEY SAID THEY HAD TO ORDER A PART FOR IT BUT IT WAS OKAY TO DRIVE. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT FROM KY TO INDIANAPOLIS IN WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING THEN THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING, I CALLED KIA DEALERSHIP IN ELIZABETHTOWN KY AND THEY SAID THEY HAD ORDERED THE ENTIRE CLUSTER BUT CAR WAS OKAY TO DRIVE, I WENT OUT THE NEXT DAY AND THE CAR STARTED BUT YOU COULD NOT ENGAGE THE GEAR SHIFT. HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THEY HAD C…

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Service Brakes, Hydraulic88,000–150,000 mi122,746 mi13
ODI 11557426 · 115,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent me…

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ODI 11557778 · 70,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, she detected a burning plastic odor. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer did not diagnose the vehicle and advised the contact that she could not leave the vehicle at the deale…

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ODI 11563129 · 172,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and then lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.…

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Engine And Engine Cooling109,000–160,000 mi144,481 mi21
ODI 10478179 · 1,200 mi

I BOUGHT A 2012 KIA SOUL FROM CAPITAL CITY KIA IN MONTPELIER, VERMONT JUST OVER A MONTH AGO. IT HAD 600 MILES ON IT. AFTER TWO WEEKS OF DRIVING IT VERY SELDOM, IT STOPPED OPERATING WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT AND I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP. THEY KEPT IT THERE FOR A COUPLE HOURS AND WORKED ON IT WHILE I WAITED AND THEN SENT ME ON MY WAY. THEY SAID IT WAS JUST LOOSE CONNECTIONS. A HALF AN HOUR LATER THE CAR QUITE WHILE I WAS DRIVING AGAIN AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AGAIN. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR DIAGNOSTICS. I WAS FRUSTRATED AND AFRAI…

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ODI 11330025 · 109,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A KNOCKING NOISE OCCURRED COMING FROM THE ENGINE AS WELL AS SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ENGINE AND OIL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS CLOSED TO THE DEALER AND COASTED INTO SPRITZER KIA CLEVELAND (3414 BROOKPARK RD, CLEVELAND, OH 44134) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A ROD WENT THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERRED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA C…

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ODI 11428000 · 300,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the mechanic cleared the warning light. There was no code for the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired however, the recall was closed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

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Fuel/Propulsion System72,010–138,000 mi113,500 mi8
ODI 10692885 · 100 mi

MY KIA SOUL 2012 HAS A NOISE AT COLD START THAT LAST 15 TO 20 SECOND, IT FEEL LIKE SOME THING LOOSE. DEALER AT SAHARA, LAS VEGAS NEVADA HAD IT FOR THREE TIMES AND 4 DAYS EACH TIME AND THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID WAS THE TIMING TENSIONER AND THEY REPLACED, BUT NOISE STILL THERE SO THEY HAVE TWO TIMES MORE AND AT THE END THE SAID THE NOISE IS THE OIL PUMP, OS IF IT WAS THE OIL PUMP WHY THEY REPLACE THE TIMING TENSIONER ? THE NOISE STILL EVERY DAY IN THE MORNING, PLUS SMELLING GAS BY THE MOTOR AND INFEST THE WHOLE GARAGE, SO I TOOK IT TO DEALER AT…

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ODI 11184409 · 155,000 mi

ENGINE LEAKING AND CAT CATALYTIC CONVERTER DOESN'T SEAM RIGHT

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ODI 11195470 · 134,000 mi

FIRST 2 TIMES CAR DIDN'T START ON INITIAL TRY, CAR STARTED, TACH DIAL WASN'T FUNCTIONING AND CAR DIDN'T WANT TO GO MORE THAN 25 MPH. CAR TAKEN TO KIA WHERE THEY SAID CAR WAS FINE BUT NEEDED FUEL INHECTORS CLEANED AND A SERPENTINE BELT. 2 WEEKS LATER CAR STALLS AT STOP LIGHT, TACH DIAL NOT FUNCTIONING AND CAR DOESN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE PAST 25 MPH. CALLED KIA THEY WERE CLOSING AND WOULD CALL BACK, NEVER DID. 1 WEEK LATER AT STOP LIGHT AGAIN AND CAR STALLS, RESTART, TACH DIAL NOT FUNCTIONING, CAR DOESN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. TAKEN TO KIA…

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Power Train11,230–99,700 mi63,000 mi17
ODI 10438749 · 860 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THIS FAILURE RECURRED AT LEAST THREE TIMES SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPAIR A VEHICLE THAT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 860.

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ODI 10453192 · 600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AS THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE UPHILL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600.

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ODI 10458588 · 100 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCKED ALL OF THE DOORS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THE FEATURE WAS UNABLE TO BE TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING TO STANDARDS AND THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO ALTER THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100 AND THE CURRENT M…

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Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

4 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-111None
ODI 11626944

Took car in for recall SC176 and was told by Taylor Kia in Lima, Oh that what was happ wasn't throwing a code. Said they fixed the knock sensor and that if it is that problem it would go off and they could check it again. My car ran worse than before getting it back. What is happening to my engine is exactly what is detailed in the recall. I drove home 35 minutes shacking and knocking the whole time and no engine light? You can hear the rod knocking in my engine. Exactly how it is explained in the recall. So, now I'm stuck with an engine that g…

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2024-122None
ODI 11628644 · 143,449 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally, with the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact drove back to the residence and inspected the vehicle and became aware that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact raised the hood and noticed that there was oil all over the engine compartment and the dipstick had blown off. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #2 an…

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ODI 11629326

The attached MDPS Flexible Coupling warranty announcement identifies "noise when turning the steering wheel" and later "especially when stopped" as the concern for which KIA would authorize a repair within warranty. The same is in the attached Technical Service Bulletin posted to your Site. Identifying noise as the concern is deceptive, the noise arises from the fact that there is loss of synchony between the steering wheel and the steering. So, while while the car is in motion and the steering wheel is held steady, the wheels and steering turn…

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2025-011None
ODI 11639106

Was stalling, would loose power, now will not start. Found a recall ( engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic converter # 19v120000.) same problems. Towed to local kia, they say not under recall list. This recall is only for engine size 1.6. My engine is a 2.0. But they said catalytic converter needs replaced. Although car is aged only has about 55,000 miles. Catalytic converter should not be an issue. I believe the 2.0 engine needs to be added to the recall list.

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2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-032None
ODI 11647024 · 88,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campa…

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ODI 11647818

We have tried multiple times to obtain information on this recall. My husband was finally told we must travel over 240 miles for this procedure. This would include two separate trips to Eugene. The first trip for the diagnosis and the second trip for the remedy "if it needs it". Every person at the dealership told my husband a different story and he finally gave up. We are older and we do not travel anymore. We do not have the internet. I am hoping you can help in some way. This is a huge inconvenience, not to mention the cost of gas. Any help…

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2025-041None
ODI 11653250 · 161,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under the Extended Warranty. The manufacturer sent the contact the information for a Class Action Lawsuit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to empty and refilled with premium gasoline. The contact stated that while driving on the hi…

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2025-051None
ODI 11661640

The engine has gunk in the motor. Can not clean it. Uses oil. Noise from the engine.

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2025-061None
ODI 11667624 · 189,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the traction control warning light was continuously flashing on and off. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 189,000.

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2025-073None
ODI 11670995 · 117,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA ID Number: 10247553 (Steering, Structure, Electrical System), and the vehicle intermittently failed to start. While driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle jerked and shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent; however, the failure mostly occurred while the radio or A/C was in use. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a code for a f…

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ODI 11671409

While driving KIA 2012: It will suddenly quit running while driving. Loss of control of steering. Loss of electrical controls, ie: brake lights, head lights & all electrical devices. Dangerous to drive.

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ODI 11674032

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving and turning, there was an abnormal metal-on-metal sound coming from near the wheels. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the driver's side wheel bearing, and axle had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that there was a loud metal-to-metal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that th…

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2025-081None
ODI 11683497

I had some work done on the drive train of my car by a local mechanic. When I picked up the car, the Brake light and the Low Tire light were on. I asked the mechanic to see about getting them turned off. He came to me a bit later, said they tried to replace a fuse connected to these sensors, and the fuse blew out a small flame when they tried to start the car. He looked it up and discovered there was a recall on this very fuse from Kia (I never received a notice), and he had the car towed to the local dealership. They are refusing to correct th…

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2025-094None
ODI 11685336

premature wear of the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) flexible coupling. This wear causes a "knock" or "clunk" noise when turning the steering wheel, especially at a stop, and may be accompanied by a tight or loose steering feel.

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ODI 11687259

I was driving on the highway when I heard a whistle. When I arrived at my destination, I was surprised to see that the front driver’s side windshield trim panel was missing and flew off when I was driving. Earlier, I had a similar issue with the front passenger side trim panel. I reported these safety concerns to Kia on 9/2. I received a standard form letter on 9/4 (copied below). I was surprised by Kia’s response because I think parts flying off during typical driving use is more than standard repair and is a safety concern for all of us who …

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ODI 11688776

In March 2023 I reported my keys stolen by a tow truck driver and in March 2025 I discovered my auto registration documents was forged by the auto dealer. The time In August 2024 my ID was stolen and because of slander HPD refused to investigate. All of this was followed by more violence against me and I decided to move to another state. I believe my car has been tampered with as the reasons for the theft of the keys which have been replaced three times. Now I am having problems with the gear shifting. I believe someone is trying to slander me…

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2025-103None
ODI 11692488 · 45,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while reversing and parking the vehicle, the steering wheel malfunctioned and became difficult to turn, and the driver was unable to control the direction of the vehicle, causing the rear passenger side wheel to strike the curb. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the steering failure was due to a faulty ignition key. The keys were replaced, but later the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who indicated that the keys needed to be repro…

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ODI 11693344

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact informed the dealer of an attempted theft of the vehicle and that the ignition was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be performed. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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ODI 11695651

I have self diagnosed the problem thus far. The issue is with a severe hesitation in the steering wheel..it started 3 days ago and is getting worse. I feel as though I will lose complete control of my vehicle at any time. I am scared to death to drive my car. I will contact my dealership in the morning for a professional diagnosis. Praying this is covered by extended warranty as I have no money for an expensive repair. My dealership is 25 miles away and I'm terrified to drive it that far..if the steering fails, it will be a complete catastroph…

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2025-112None
ODI 11697452

Steering makes a clicking noise and will pull either direction while driving straight. I took it to the dealership and they want me to pay for the repair. They state that the problem is the steering coupler. To me this is a safety issue, they said my warranty is expired so they wont cover the cost. I am afraid to drive it. It is also making my tires wear to fast and they are new.

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ODI 11700888

P1326 code followed by loss of power (limp mode) followed by multiple misfires and loss of compression in cylinder 2. Loss of power going up a hill on interstate with a full car one under age 10. Dealer and firestone states no compression in cylinder 2 and says needs engine.

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2025-123None
ODI 11702167

I bought the car 2 yrs ago come April and it's had nothing but issues. I've had one recall did which was the knock sensor however now the check engine is on and it's smelling like rubber my brakes are wearing like an eraser and my engine just feels sluggish. The code is p0420 which from what I understand is a catlic converter and I read online there is a recall for that with kia . I've spent a lot more than what I paid for the car not even 2 yrs ago and every place i take it has a new opinion and none of those have any connections with the cod…

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ODI 11702657

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that parts needed to be ordered for the repair. The contact stated that the parts were ordered two months ago; however, the contact was informed that the parts were still not available. The contact stated that the recall summary stated there was a possibility of the vehicle catching on fire, and the contact stated that the repair urgently needed to …

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ODI 11706152

Steering is slightly loose and thumps when turned to the right.

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2026-013None
ODI 11709889

On 12/ 22/ 2025 I went to start the 2012 KIA Soul and it would act like it would start but, it would not turn over. Battery was fine checked it. Let it set a moment and tried it again would not start. Called a wrecker and towed it in. The service guy tried and couldn't get it to start either. He ran a diagnostic on it, there were not type of codes, no check engine light nothing. He had it for until 1/5/2026 and when they went to check it it started right up. They drove it for 20 miles to check to see if it would cut off while driving, it didn't…

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ODI 11710763

I am submitting this complaint regarding a known defect with the steering wheel coupler in my 2012 Kia vehicle. The steering coupler is a component that has been subject to recall concerns due to premature wear. When this part becomes worn, it can result in looseness or failure in the steering system, creating a serious safety risk for the driver and others on the road. Despite this being a known and widely reported defect, Kia has not adequately addressed the issue for all affected vehicles. Instead, owners are being charged significant out-o…

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ODI 11711934

On Oct. 14, 2025, this vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure while driving approx. 70 mph on a highway. While in the passing lane, the vehicle began to lose power, shake, and wouldn’t accelerate. The check engine light came on just moments before a loud explosive noise came from the engine, and a burning smell came through the vents - the engine completely shut down. This failure occurred with other vehicles on the roadway, creating a serious safety risk. I was forced to quickly maneuver the disabled vehicle across multiple l…

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2026-021None
ODI 11714892

I have a used kia soul 2012 which I bought 3 years ago. It's steering column has started making strange clicking noises when I turn the wheel left and right. I went to KIA dealership, they inspected the steering column and said it's gonna cost me $1200. They said it's not covered under "recall" policy. I don't have the money to fix it and I drive Uber every day. This problem can cause accident or collision if the wheel column stops working on the road.

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2026-031None
ODI 11724549

Check engine light came on. Car starts to shutter upon acceleration as well when its idling. Changed spark plugs 3 times since Jan 2025 and coils twice. Code for engine misfire in cylinder 3. Also have to add oil every 2 weeks.

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2026-041None
ODI 11728857

See attached document for complaint.

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2026-051None
ODI 11737340 · 84,213 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and failed to accelerate with the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the contact’s spouse had added oil to the vehicle. The vehicle was able to restart, and additional oil had to be delivered to the contact to refill the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to have the …

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2026-062None
ODI 11744927

When I turn my steering wheel left or right there is a very large margin before the tires turn it rattles back and forth back and forth as I'm driving down the street no control for at least three degrees and either direction, also my front of the vehicle turn signals pop out and fall out to the road and I would drive with no turn signals on the front of my vehicle?

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ODI 11747370

The brake lines on my car failed. I had to use the parking brake to get the car to stop. Typically, a brake failure leaves you with partial braking power, however, I had no brakes whatsoever. Upon inspection, it appears that all the brake lines failed in the same area, where the brakes are over the gas tank. For them all to fail at the same time in an area that is not accessible seems like the this must be prone to corrosion. Note that I regularly wash the car with undercarriage wash in the winters, as they salt extensively around here. I was …

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2026-072None
ODI 11750027 · 156,310 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started, and the check engine warning light was off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair failure code was not illuminated. In addition,…

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ODI 11752753

I purchased Dorman part #74015 Brake Pedal Stopper from AutoZone Altamonte after an employee recommended it for my 2012 Kia Soul without checking system compatibility. I installed it that night. On, while driving on a busy road in Orlando, FL, my brake pedal locked completely solid and could not be depressed. I had complete loss of braking and could not shift out of park. I was stranded in live traffic with cars swerving around me. I discovered the Dorman part is ∼10mm thick. The correct OEM Kia part 32876-2H000 is 8.0mm. The 2mm extra thic…

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2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 238 reports

2022: 20 complaints · 2023: 38 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
202261620
2023192938
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20228404
20234605

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngineSteeringUnknown Or OtherElectrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicEngine And Engine CoolingFuel/Propulsion SystemPower Train
Engine—
7
ODI 11326127 · 132,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF OF THE ROADWAY AND THE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACT…

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ODI 11342929 · 117,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON A CURVE AND WHEN MAKING TURNS AND GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO…

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ODI 11415032 · 140,000 mi

THE ENGINE IS MAKING A TICKING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO HAD 3 OPEN RECALLS. TOOK IT TO ALL STAR KIA IN SAN BERNARDINO FOR 3 RECALLS AND THEY REFUSED TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT COMFORTABLE WORKING ON THE CAR, THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE TICKING SOUND WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM I SAW ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT DUE TO CATALYTIC COVERTER OVERHEATING IT COULD CAUSE ROD KNOCK. I EVEN TOLD THEM THE RECALL WAS SC176.

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15
ODI 10927722 · 50,000 mi

THIS IS A STANDARD 6 SPEED VEHICLE. REVERSE IS IN THE SAME LOCATION AS 1ST GEAR. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT ONE MUST PULL ON A SLIDER CONTROL IN THE SHIFT HANDLE TO GET INTO FIRST. HISTORICALLY, REVERSE WAS ALWAYS THE GEAR FARTHEST AWAY FROM THE DRIVER. I HAVE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THOUGHT I WAS IN FIRST BUT WAS ACCIDENTLY IN REVERSE. I CAUGHT THE MISTAKE BEFORE THERE WAS ANY ACCIDENT. AS A SUGGESTION, REVERSE SHOULD BE IN THE SAME LOCATION FOR ALL CARS IN AMERICA. ACTUALLY, THE ENTIRE GEAR PATTERN SHOULD BE THE SAME FOR ALL STANDARD CARS IN A…

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ODI 11187115 · 207,465 mi

MY 2012 KIA SOUL (BASE) WITH THE 1.6L GDI RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM ON I-80 TRAVELING BETWEEN DES MOINES, IA AND DENVER, CO. (THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR SYMPTOMS) AFTER REACHING AROUND 65 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN MISFIRING EMMITING OBD ERROR CODE 0336 INDICATION A BAD CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I STOPPED AT THE NEAREST AUTOZONE, BOUGHT A APPROPRIATE REPLACEMENT, AND INSTALLED THE PART IN THE PARKING LOT. UPON IGNITION, THE CAR IMMIDIATELY BEGAN MISFIRING AND DIED. ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT, THE CAR STARTED AND MISFIRED; BUT IT SENT THE SAME 0336…

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ODI 11278738 · 92,000 mi

I WAS ON THE FREEWAY, AND ALL THE LIGHTS LINING THE FREEWAY WERE OUT. IT WAS PITCH BLACK, AND A COW HAD MADE ITS WAY INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. IT WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SENT INTO THE AIR, AND FLEW RIGHT INTO MY CAR. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT ONE OF ADOT'S FENCES WERE DOWN THAT WAS CONTAINING CATTLE. I WAS IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS, ALONG WITH MULTIPLE OTHER VEHICLES. I FILED A POLICE REPORT AND HAVE THAT CASE NUMBER AS WELL. I HAVE PHOTO AND VIDEO EVIDENCE PROOF.

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11
ODI 11066866 · 14,000 mi

2012 KIA SOUL WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON IT SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES AND THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS .

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ODI 11187115 · 207,465 mi

MY 2012 KIA SOUL (BASE) WITH THE 1.6L GDI RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM ON I-80 TRAVELING BETWEEN DES MOINES, IA AND DENVER, CO. (THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR SYMPTOMS) AFTER REACHING AROUND 65 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN MISFIRING EMMITING OBD ERROR CODE 0336 INDICATION A BAD CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I STOPPED AT THE NEAREST AUTOZONE, BOUGHT A APPROPRIATE REPLACEMENT, AND INSTALLED THE PART IN THE PARKING LOT. UPON IGNITION, THE CAR IMMIDIATELY BEGAN MISFIRING AND DIED. ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT, THE CAR STARTED AND MISFIRED; BUT IT SENT THE SAME 0336…

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ODI 11187504

CAR WAS GREAT UNTIL IT REACHED THE 100000 MILE MARK. THEN IT LOSES ALL POWER AND DIES WHILE GOING 65 TO 70 MPH ON FREEWAY! IT IS GOING TO GET ME KILLED! WHEN HAPPENS, THE RPM GAUGE QUICKLY PLUMMETS TO ZERO AND REMAINS THERE AT ZERO AFTER I GET IT RESTARTED. AFTER IT SITS FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES IT STARTS FINE WITH THE RPM GAUGE GIVING AN ACTUAL READING. THIS IS HAPPENING ABOUT 3 TIMES IN A 25 MILE SPAN!

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7
ODI 11557426 · 115,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent me…

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ODI 11562547

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and jerked. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, a burning odor was detected. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacture…

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ODI 11563129 · 172,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and then lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.…

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19
ODI 11330025 · 109,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A KNOCKING NOISE OCCURRED COMING FROM THE ENGINE AS WELL AS SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ENGINE AND OIL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS CLOSED TO THE DEALER AND COASTED INTO SPRITZER KIA CLEVELAND (3414 BROOKPARK RD, CLEVELAND, OH 44134) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A ROD WENT THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERRED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA C…

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ODI 11428000 · 300,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the mechanic cleared the warning light. There was no code for the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired however, the recall was closed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

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ODI 11430641 · 90,600 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, a abnormal noise and odor appeared from the rear both driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The contact managed to veer to the shoulder of the road, turn the vehicle off, wait for about 15 minutes, attempted to turn the vehicle back on when the noise became louder and the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle then was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the command rod fractured and went through the engine. The vehicle was not…

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16
ODI 10692885 · 100 mi

MY KIA SOUL 2012 HAS A NOISE AT COLD START THAT LAST 15 TO 20 SECOND, IT FEEL LIKE SOME THING LOOSE. DEALER AT SAHARA, LAS VEGAS NEVADA HAD IT FOR THREE TIMES AND 4 DAYS EACH TIME AND THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID WAS THE TIMING TENSIONER AND THEY REPLACED, BUT NOISE STILL THERE SO THEY HAVE TWO TIMES MORE AND AT THE END THE SAID THE NOISE IS THE OIL PUMP, OS IF IT WAS THE OIL PUMP WHY THEY REPLACE THE TIMING TENSIONER ? THE NOISE STILL EVERY DAY IN THE MORNING, PLUS SMELLING GAS BY THE MOTOR AND INFEST THE WHOLE GARAGE, SO I TOOK IT TO DEALER AT…

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ODI 11195470 · 134,000 mi

FIRST 2 TIMES CAR DIDN'T START ON INITIAL TRY, CAR STARTED, TACH DIAL WASN'T FUNCTIONING AND CAR DIDN'T WANT TO GO MORE THAN 25 MPH. CAR TAKEN TO KIA WHERE THEY SAID CAR WAS FINE BUT NEEDED FUEL INHECTORS CLEANED AND A SERPENTINE BELT. 2 WEEKS LATER CAR STALLS AT STOP LIGHT, TACH DIAL NOT FUNCTIONING AND CAR DOESN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE PAST 25 MPH. CALLED KIA THEY WERE CLOSING AND WOULD CALL BACK, NEVER DID. 1 WEEK LATER AT STOP LIGHT AGAIN AND CAR STALLS, RESTART, TACH DIAL NOT FUNCTIONING, CAR DOESN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. TAKEN TO KIA…

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ODI 11217440 · 107,000 mi

OCCASIONALLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD TURN ON AND THEN TURN OFF. FOR ONLY A DAY OR TWO, I COULD HEAR A RATTLING SOUND UPON ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE NOISE BECAME MUCH LOUDER, THE ENGINE FAILED AND BEGAN SMOKING. THE CAR BECAME INOPERABLE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP WHERE THEY SHOWED ME THAT A PISTON ROD HAD PUNCTURED THE CAR'S ENGINE BLOCK. I LEARNED THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN RECALLED UNDER NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 19V120. I FOLLOWED RECALL INSTRUCTIONS AND BROUGHT THE CAR TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER REFUSED TO RE…

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8
ODI 10547682 · 11,230 mi

8-31-13 IS THE FIRST TIME I WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE CAR ACCELERATING WHEN I WOULD FIRST START THE CAR UP IN THE GARAGE AND THEN WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT WOULD JERK INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THEY RESET THE ADAPTIVE LEARNING SYSTEM. 10-9-13, IS THE 2ND TIME I WENT TO DEALERSHIP WITH THE SIMILAR SITUATION, BUT THE CAR WOULD SEEM LIKE IT WAS SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND WHILE I WAS ACTUALLY DRIVING. THEY CHECKED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS AND THEY THOUGHT IT WAS LOW (THEY TOLD ME THIS IS NONSERVICEABLE AREA AND THEY HAD TO ACCESS THE COVER …

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ODI 10595148 · 16,000 mi

THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES AND I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO SPEED UP AND THE CAR HESITATED AFTER A FEW SECONDS I HAD POWER AGAIN. WHEN THE CAR DID ENGAGE A BIG THICK CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE TAILPIPE.THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPEN WAS ON 5/25/2014 MY WIFE WAS ON A RAMP TRYING TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE GOING ABOUT 30-40MPH, THERE WAS A VEHICLE COMING SO SHE LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL THAN WHEN THERE WAS AN OPENING SHE STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN AND THERE WAS NO POWER. AFTER SEVERAL …

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ODI 10692885 · 100 mi

MY KIA SOUL 2012 HAS A NOISE AT COLD START THAT LAST 15 TO 20 SECOND, IT FEEL LIKE SOME THING LOOSE. DEALER AT SAHARA, LAS VEGAS NEVADA HAD IT FOR THREE TIMES AND 4 DAYS EACH TIME AND THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID WAS THE TIMING TENSIONER AND THEY REPLACED, BUT NOISE STILL THERE SO THEY HAVE TWO TIMES MORE AND AT THE END THE SAID THE NOISE IS THE OIL PUMP, OS IF IT WAS THE OIL PUMP WHY THEY REPLACE THE TIMING TENSIONER ? THE NOISE STILL EVERY DAY IN THE MORNING, PLUS SMELLING GAS BY THE MOTOR AND INFEST THE WHOLE GARAGE, SO I TOOK IT TO DEALER AT…

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Steering
7
ODI 11326127 · 132,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF OF THE ROADWAY AND THE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACT…

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ODI 11342929 · 117,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON A CURVE AND WHEN MAKING TURNS AND GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS, THE STEERING WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO…

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ODI 11415032 · 140,000 mi

THE ENGINE IS MAKING A TICKING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS CLICKING WHEN I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO HAD 3 OPEN RECALLS. TOOK IT TO ALL STAR KIA IN SAN BERNARDINO FOR 3 RECALLS AND THEY REFUSED TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT COMFORTABLE WORKING ON THE CAR, THEY ALSO STATED THAT THE TICKING SOUND WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THEM I SAW ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT DUE TO CATALYTIC COVERTER OVERHEATING IT COULD CAUSE ROD KNOCK. I EVEN TOLD THEM THE RECALL WAS SC176.

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—
2
ODI 11507549

Unknown. Piston rings have blown, oil leaking into muffler.

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ODI 11554605

The engines makes a weird chatter noise all the time

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11
ODI 10701551

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER AND EVERY SO OFTEN THE GAUGES AND THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH WILL NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. I HAD CONTACTED THE DEALER FROM WHOM I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE, I THEN TOOK IT TO THEIR REPAIR SHOP. THE GENTLEMAN (MECHANIC) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. I THEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND REQUESTED ANOTHER VEHICLE, OF COURSE THEY REFUSED. IN A MATTER OF DAYS, THE DASH MATERIALS BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN. UNFORTUNATELY, 20 DAYS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. NONE OF THE LIGHTS AND GAUGES IN THE DA…

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ODI 11021114 · 68,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL FAILURES THAT PROGRESSED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE RADIO SHORTED OUT AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER (SOUTHSIDE KIA, 9401 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225, [phone removed]). ALSO, THE ODOMETER DISPLAYED AN IMPROPER READING AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT, MAKING ABNORMAL NOISES. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES, BUT THE RADIO FAILED AGAIN AND TH…

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ODI 11048716

DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND CAR WOULDN'T START. HAD CAR TOWED TO KIA OF BOWIE MD., WHO DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND REPLACED ELECTRICAL PANEL WHICH COST ESTIMATED $200.00 DOLLARS INCLUDING DIAGNOSTIC. KIA OF BOWIE NEVER CALLED AND WHEN I FINALLY CONTACTED SOMEONE A WEEK LATER, THEY STATED THE STEERING COLUMN WAS OUT AND WOULD COST APPROXIMATE $2000.00 AND THAT'S THE PART. CAR HAS ONLY 70.000 MILES.

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000
1
ODI 11688776

In March 2023 I reported my keys stolen by a tow truck driver and in March 2025 I discovered my auto registration documents was forged by the auto dealer. The time In August 2024 my ID was stolen and because of slander HPD refused to investigate. All of this was followed by more violence against me and I decided to move to another state. I believe my car has been tampered with as the reasons for the theft of the keys which have been replaced three times. Now I am having problems with the gear shifting. I believe someone is trying to slander me…

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Unknown Or Other
15
ODI 10927722 · 50,000 mi

THIS IS A STANDARD 6 SPEED VEHICLE. REVERSE IS IN THE SAME LOCATION AS 1ST GEAR. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT ONE MUST PULL ON A SLIDER CONTROL IN THE SHIFT HANDLE TO GET INTO FIRST. HISTORICALLY, REVERSE WAS ALWAYS THE GEAR FARTHEST AWAY FROM THE DRIVER. I HAVE ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THOUGHT I WAS IN FIRST BUT WAS ACCIDENTLY IN REVERSE. I CAUGHT THE MISTAKE BEFORE THERE WAS ANY ACCIDENT. AS A SUGGESTION, REVERSE SHOULD BE IN THE SAME LOCATION FOR ALL CARS IN AMERICA. ACTUALLY, THE ENTIRE GEAR PATTERN SHOULD BE THE SAME FOR ALL STANDARD CARS IN A…

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ODI 11187115 · 207,465 mi

MY 2012 KIA SOUL (BASE) WITH THE 1.6L GDI RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM ON I-80 TRAVELING BETWEEN DES MOINES, IA AND DENVER, CO. (THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR SYMPTOMS) AFTER REACHING AROUND 65 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN MISFIRING EMMITING OBD ERROR CODE 0336 INDICATION A BAD CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I STOPPED AT THE NEAREST AUTOZONE, BOUGHT A APPROPRIATE REPLACEMENT, AND INSTALLED THE PART IN THE PARKING LOT. UPON IGNITION, THE CAR IMMIDIATELY BEGAN MISFIRING AND DIED. ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT, THE CAR STARTED AND MISFIRED; BUT IT SENT THE SAME 0336…

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ODI 11278738 · 92,000 mi

I WAS ON THE FREEWAY, AND ALL THE LIGHTS LINING THE FREEWAY WERE OUT. IT WAS PITCH BLACK, AND A COW HAD MADE ITS WAY INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. IT WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SENT INTO THE AIR, AND FLEW RIGHT INTO MY CAR. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT ONE OF ADOT'S FENCES WERE DOWN THAT WAS CONTAINING CATTLE. I WAS IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS, ALONG WITH MULTIPLE OTHER VEHICLES. I FILED A POLICE REPORT AND HAVE THAT CASE NUMBER AS WELL. I HAVE PHOTO AND VIDEO EVIDENCE PROOF.

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2
ODI 11507549

Unknown. Piston rings have blown, oil leaking into muffler.

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ODI 11554605

The engines makes a weird chatter noise all the time

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—
4
ODI 11094110

CAR WOULD NOT START, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE WIRE COVERS AND WIRES WERE DISINIGRATED. IT WAS TAKEN TO SHOP AND REPAIRED. THEN TWO WEEKS LATER HAPPENED AGAIN, THEN AGAIN ON 5/10/18 THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHOP AND MECHANIC HAD ADVISED THAT IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE BUT DIFFERENT LOCATION, THIS TIME WAS WORSE AND WAS TOLD THAT IF THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE STARTED THAT IT WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY CAUGHT ON FIRE AND ENDANGERING THE SAFETY TO MYSELF AND OTHER OCCUPANTS. WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT KIA USES A SOY BASED PEANUT OIL COATING…

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ODI 11187115 · 207,465 mi

MY 2012 KIA SOUL (BASE) WITH THE 1.6L GDI RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM ON I-80 TRAVELING BETWEEN DES MOINES, IA AND DENVER, CO. (THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR SYMPTOMS) AFTER REACHING AROUND 65 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN MISFIRING EMMITING OBD ERROR CODE 0336 INDICATION A BAD CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I STOPPED AT THE NEAREST AUTOZONE, BOUGHT A APPROPRIATE REPLACEMENT, AND INSTALLED THE PART IN THE PARKING LOT. UPON IGNITION, THE CAR IMMIDIATELY BEGAN MISFIRING AND DIED. ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT, THE CAR STARTED AND MISFIRED; BUT IT SENT THE SAME 0336…

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ODI 11515984

The series of events leading to my theory of what is wrong with my 2012 Kia Soul: 1. Steering coupler replacement in March of 2021 left my steering wheel sideways instead of straight, air bag light remains on, and traction control light as well. The after-market (I assume) cruise control is automatically on when car is started. Must turn off manually. 2. U-joint connecting to steering column fell onto my feet while driving in December of 2021. I slid it back on, but it slipped off approximately 4 more times in the next month before it was str…

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0
1
ODI 10427688

VEHICLE SUFFERED SUDDEN LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE SLUGGISH, RPM WOULD NOT GO BEYOND 2500 RPM, HAD TO GET VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, LOST DRIVEABILITY. *TT

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1
ODI 11394588 · 92,680 mi

WITHIN TEN MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR, IT STALLS WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, ETC., GEARED IN DRIVE AND LOW IDLE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN RESTARTED IT PROCEEDS AT A SLOW CRAWL AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE OR WILL ACCELERATE NORMALLY IN 15 TO 30 SECONDS. HAD OIL, OIL FILTER AND ENGINE AIR FILTER REPLACED BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN IT STALLS. AFTER SIX TIMES OF DYING AND NOT ACCELERATING, IT IS NOW PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND FEAR IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THESE INCIDENTS HAPPENED WITHIN ONE WEEK W…

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1
ODI 11490443

"play" and clicking noises in steering wheel have increasingly gotten much worse and noisier, clicking and clunking on turns. I feel like any moment my steering is going to go out and I am going to put everyone in my car and around me at risk. Called dealership and they said it is a common problem which I researched and found that the coupler in steering wheel fails. Kia used the same part in presvious years same model and even years afterward and those years were recalled but not my year. Makes no sense. The next issue was I was driving on t…

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Electrical System
11
ODI 11066866 · 14,000 mi

2012 KIA SOUL WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON IT SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES AND THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS .

Look up ODI 11066866 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11187115 · 207,465 mi

MY 2012 KIA SOUL (BASE) WITH THE 1.6L GDI RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM ON I-80 TRAVELING BETWEEN DES MOINES, IA AND DENVER, CO. (THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR SYMPTOMS) AFTER REACHING AROUND 65 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN MISFIRING EMMITING OBD ERROR CODE 0336 INDICATION A BAD CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I STOPPED AT THE NEAREST AUTOZONE, BOUGHT A APPROPRIATE REPLACEMENT, AND INSTALLED THE PART IN THE PARKING LOT. UPON IGNITION, THE CAR IMMIDIATELY BEGAN MISFIRING AND DIED. ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT, THE CAR STARTED AND MISFIRED; BUT IT SENT THE SAME 0336…

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ODI 11187504

CAR WAS GREAT UNTIL IT REACHED THE 100000 MILE MARK. THEN IT LOSES ALL POWER AND DIES WHILE GOING 65 TO 70 MPH ON FREEWAY! IT IS GOING TO GET ME KILLED! WHEN HAPPENS, THE RPM GAUGE QUICKLY PLUMMETS TO ZERO AND REMAINS THERE AT ZERO AFTER I GET IT RESTARTED. AFTER IT SITS FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES IT STARTS FINE WITH THE RPM GAUGE GIVING AN ACTUAL READING. THIS IS HAPPENING ABOUT 3 TIMES IN A 25 MILE SPAN!

Look up ODI 11187504 at NHTSA ↗

11
ODI 10701551

I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN DECEMBER AND EVERY SO OFTEN THE GAUGES AND THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH WILL NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR. I HAD CONTACTED THE DEALER FROM WHOM I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE, I THEN TOOK IT TO THEIR REPAIR SHOP. THE GENTLEMAN (MECHANIC) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. I THEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND REQUESTED ANOTHER VEHICLE, OF COURSE THEY REFUSED. IN A MATTER OF DAYS, THE DASH MATERIALS BEGAN TO WORK AGAIN. UNFORTUNATELY, 20 DAYS LATER, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. NONE OF THE LIGHTS AND GAUGES IN THE DA…

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ODI 11021114 · 68,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL FAILURES THAT PROGRESSED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE RADIO SHORTED OUT AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER (SOUTHSIDE KIA, 9401 ATLANTIC BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225, [phone removed]). ALSO, THE ODOMETER DISPLAYED AN IMPROPER READING AND THE STEERING COLUMN WAS EXTREMELY TIGHT, MAKING ABNORMAL NOISES. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES, BUT THE RADIO FAILED AGAIN AND TH…

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ODI 11048716

DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON AND CAR WOULDN'T START. HAD CAR TOWED TO KIA OF BOWIE MD., WHO DID A DIAGNOSTIC AND REPLACED ELECTRICAL PANEL WHICH COST ESTIMATED $200.00 DOLLARS INCLUDING DIAGNOSTIC. KIA OF BOWIE NEVER CALLED AND WHEN I FINALLY CONTACTED SOMEONE A WEEK LATER, THEY STATED THE STEERING COLUMN WAS OUT AND WOULD COST APPROXIMATE $2000.00 AND THAT'S THE PART. CAR HAS ONLY 70.000 MILES.

Look up ODI 11048716 at NHTSA ↗

4
ODI 11094110

CAR WOULD NOT START, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE WIRE COVERS AND WIRES WERE DISINIGRATED. IT WAS TAKEN TO SHOP AND REPAIRED. THEN TWO WEEKS LATER HAPPENED AGAIN, THEN AGAIN ON 5/10/18 THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHOP AND MECHANIC HAD ADVISED THAT IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE BUT DIFFERENT LOCATION, THIS TIME WAS WORSE AND WAS TOLD THAT IF THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE STARTED THAT IT WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY CAUGHT ON FIRE AND ENDANGERING THE SAFETY TO MYSELF AND OTHER OCCUPANTS. WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT KIA USES A SOY BASED PEANUT OIL COATING…

Look up ODI 11094110 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11187115 · 207,465 mi

MY 2012 KIA SOUL (BASE) WITH THE 1.6L GDI RECENTLY HAD A PROBLEM ON I-80 TRAVELING BETWEEN DES MOINES, IA AND DENVER, CO. (THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR SYMPTOMS) AFTER REACHING AROUND 65 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN MISFIRING EMMITING OBD ERROR CODE 0336 INDICATION A BAD CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I STOPPED AT THE NEAREST AUTOZONE, BOUGHT A APPROPRIATE REPLACEMENT, AND INSTALLED THE PART IN THE PARKING LOT. UPON IGNITION, THE CAR IMMIDIATELY BEGAN MISFIRING AND DIED. ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT, THE CAR STARTED AND MISFIRED; BUT IT SENT THE SAME 0336…

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ODI 11515984

The series of events leading to my theory of what is wrong with my 2012 Kia Soul: 1. Steering coupler replacement in March of 2021 left my steering wheel sideways instead of straight, air bag light remains on, and traction control light as well. The after-market (I assume) cruise control is automatically on when car is started. Must turn off manually. 2. U-joint connecting to steering column fell onto my feet while driving in December of 2021. I slid it back on, but it slipped off approximately 4 more times in the next month before it was str…

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2
ODI 11689749 · 200,000 mi

The contact's son owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact's daughter-in-law looked through the glass door of the residence and noticed that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire started from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the entire vehicle had burned significantly. The fire was extinguished by fire department, and the fire department filed a report. The contact stated that he resided in a lot for RVs converted into permanent residences. T…

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ODI 11693344

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact informed the dealer of an attempted theft of the vehicle and that the ignition was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be performed. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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0
2
ODI 10532211

FAULTY WIRING HARNESS. CAR WAS 3 WEEKS OLD.

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ODI 11229153 · 120,000 mi

NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ON. AT RANDOM, ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER, BUT DOES NOT QUIT. NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE, CAR ONLY REACHES APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. OBSERVED TO HAPPEN AFTER TURNING IGNITION KEY AND NOTHING HAPPENS. HOWEVER, OCCURRENCE IS RANDOM, AND NO ENGINE WARNING CODE IS GIVEN. MECHANICS FIND NOTHING WRONG, DUE TO NO WARNING CODE.

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1
ODI 11557416 · 99,700 mi

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection, the vehicle independently accelerated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact steered the vehicle to the left in an attempt to stop the acceleration and repeatedly depressed the brake pedal. Due to the failure, the contact hit a curb, a sidewalk post, and finally, a retaining wall which stopped the vehicle. The sidewalk post was damaged due to the crash. The contact was unaware if any warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The air bags did no…

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Service Brakes, Hydraulic
7
ODI 11557426 · 115,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent me…

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ODI 11562547

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and jerked. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, a burning odor was detected. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacture…

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ODI 11563129 · 172,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and then lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.…

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00
2
ODI 11689749 · 200,000 mi

The contact's son owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact's daughter-in-law looked through the glass door of the residence and noticed that the vehicle had caught on fire. The contact stated that the fire started from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the entire vehicle had burned significantly. The fire was extinguished by fire department, and the fire department filed a report. The contact stated that he resided in a lot for RVs converted into permanent residences. T…

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ODI 11693344

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact informed the dealer of an attempted theft of the vehicle and that the ignition was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be performed. In addition, the contact stated that the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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1
ODI 11728857

See attached document for complaint.

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00
Engine And Engine Cooling
19
ODI 11330025 · 109,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A KNOCKING NOISE OCCURRED COMING FROM THE ENGINE AS WELL AS SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ENGINE AND OIL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS CLOSED TO THE DEALER AND COASTED INTO SPRITZER KIA CLEVELAND (3414 BROOKPARK RD, CLEVELAND, OH 44134) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A ROD WENT THROUGH THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERRED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA C…

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ODI 11428000 · 300,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the mechanic cleared the warning light. There was no code for the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired however, the recall was closed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

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ODI 11430641 · 90,600 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, a abnormal noise and odor appeared from the rear both driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The contact managed to veer to the shoulder of the road, turn the vehicle off, wait for about 15 minutes, attempted to turn the vehicle back on when the noise became louder and the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle then was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the command rod fractured and went through the engine. The vehicle was not…

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0
1
ODI 10427688

VEHICLE SUFFERED SUDDEN LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE SLUGGISH, RPM WOULD NOT GO BEYOND 2500 RPM, HAD TO GET VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, LOST DRIVEABILITY. *TT

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0
1
ODI 11728857

See attached document for complaint.

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Fuel/Propulsion System
16
ODI 10692885 · 100 mi

MY KIA SOUL 2012 HAS A NOISE AT COLD START THAT LAST 15 TO 20 SECOND, IT FEEL LIKE SOME THING LOOSE. DEALER AT SAHARA, LAS VEGAS NEVADA HAD IT FOR THREE TIMES AND 4 DAYS EACH TIME AND THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID WAS THE TIMING TENSIONER AND THEY REPLACED, BUT NOISE STILL THERE SO THEY HAVE TWO TIMES MORE AND AT THE END THE SAID THE NOISE IS THE OIL PUMP, OS IF IT WAS THE OIL PUMP WHY THEY REPLACE THE TIMING TENSIONER ? THE NOISE STILL EVERY DAY IN THE MORNING, PLUS SMELLING GAS BY THE MOTOR AND INFEST THE WHOLE GARAGE, SO I TOOK IT TO DEALER AT…

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ODI 11195470 · 134,000 mi

FIRST 2 TIMES CAR DIDN'T START ON INITIAL TRY, CAR STARTED, TACH DIAL WASN'T FUNCTIONING AND CAR DIDN'T WANT TO GO MORE THAN 25 MPH. CAR TAKEN TO KIA WHERE THEY SAID CAR WAS FINE BUT NEEDED FUEL INHECTORS CLEANED AND A SERPENTINE BELT. 2 WEEKS LATER CAR STALLS AT STOP LIGHT, TACH DIAL NOT FUNCTIONING AND CAR DOESN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE PAST 25 MPH. CALLED KIA THEY WERE CLOSING AND WOULD CALL BACK, NEVER DID. 1 WEEK LATER AT STOP LIGHT AGAIN AND CAR STALLS, RESTART, TACH DIAL NOT FUNCTIONING, CAR DOESN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. TAKEN TO KIA…

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ODI 11217440 · 107,000 mi

OCCASIONALLY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD TURN ON AND THEN TURN OFF. FOR ONLY A DAY OR TWO, I COULD HEAR A RATTLING SOUND UPON ACCELERATION. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE NOISE BECAME MUCH LOUDER, THE ENGINE FAILED AND BEGAN SMOKING. THE CAR BECAME INOPERABLE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP WHERE THEY SHOWED ME THAT A PISTON ROD HAD PUNCTURED THE CAR'S ENGINE BLOCK. I LEARNED THAT THE CAR HAD BEEN RECALLED UNDER NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 19V120. I FOLLOWED RECALL INSTRUCTIONS AND BROUGHT THE CAR TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE DEALER REFUSED TO RE…

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0
1
ODI 11394588 · 92,680 mi

WITHIN TEN MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR, IT STALLS WHEN STOPPED AT LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, ETC., GEARED IN DRIVE AND LOW IDLE UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN RESTARTED IT PROCEEDS AT A SLOW CRAWL AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE OR WILL ACCELERATE NORMALLY IN 15 TO 30 SECONDS. HAD OIL, OIL FILTER AND ENGINE AIR FILTER REPLACED BUT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN IT STALLS. AFTER SIX TIMES OF DYING AND NOT ACCELERATING, IT IS NOW PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AND FEAR IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THESE INCIDENTS HAPPENED WITHIN ONE WEEK W…

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2
ODI 10532211

FAULTY WIRING HARNESS. CAR WAS 3 WEEKS OLD.

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ODI 11229153 · 120,000 mi

NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ON. AT RANDOM, ENGINE WILL LOSE POWER, BUT DOES NOT QUIT. NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE, CAR ONLY REACHES APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. OBSERVED TO HAPPEN AFTER TURNING IGNITION KEY AND NOTHING HAPPENS. HOWEVER, OCCURRENCE IS RANDOM, AND NO ENGINE WARNING CODE IS GIVEN. MECHANICS FIND NOTHING WRONG, DUE TO NO WARNING CODE.

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4
ODI 10692885 · 100 mi

MY KIA SOUL 2012 HAS A NOISE AT COLD START THAT LAST 15 TO 20 SECOND, IT FEEL LIKE SOME THING LOOSE. DEALER AT SAHARA, LAS VEGAS NEVADA HAD IT FOR THREE TIMES AND 4 DAYS EACH TIME AND THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID WAS THE TIMING TENSIONER AND THEY REPLACED, BUT NOISE STILL THERE SO THEY HAVE TWO TIMES MORE AND AT THE END THE SAID THE NOISE IS THE OIL PUMP, OS IF IT WAS THE OIL PUMP WHY THEY REPLACE THE TIMING TENSIONER ? THE NOISE STILL EVERY DAY IN THE MORNING, PLUS SMELLING GAS BY THE MOTOR AND INFEST THE WHOLE GARAGE, SO I TOOK IT TO DEALER AT…

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ODI 11184409 · 155,000 mi

ENGINE LEAKING AND CAT CATALYTIC CONVERTER DOESN'T SEAM RIGHT

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ODI 11526267

My car stalls and the engine light frequently stays on, my car is driving sluggish every since I got the recall adjustment my car has declined in performance and the engine light started coming on more frequently up until now, it's loud at and experiencing a great lost of power ,the computer is giving the code PO420 reading as bank 1 oxygen sensor , I had intended changing out both sensors, but wasn't sure if it's a damaged engine effecting the Cadillac converter from the 2019 recall, # 19V120000 giving a false reading.

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Power Train
8
ODI 10547682 · 11,230 mi

8-31-13 IS THE FIRST TIME I WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE CAR ACCELERATING WHEN I WOULD FIRST START THE CAR UP IN THE GARAGE AND THEN WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT WOULD JERK INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THEY RESET THE ADAPTIVE LEARNING SYSTEM. 10-9-13, IS THE 2ND TIME I WENT TO DEALERSHIP WITH THE SIMILAR SITUATION, BUT THE CAR WOULD SEEM LIKE IT WAS SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND WHILE I WAS ACTUALLY DRIVING. THEY CHECKED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS AND THEY THOUGHT IT WAS LOW (THEY TOLD ME THIS IS NONSERVICEABLE AREA AND THEY HAD TO ACCESS THE COVER …

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ODI 10595148 · 16,000 mi

THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING AND WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES AND I STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL TO SPEED UP AND THE CAR HESITATED AFTER A FEW SECONDS I HAD POWER AGAIN. WHEN THE CAR DID ENGAGE A BIG THICK CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE TAILPIPE.THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPEN WAS ON 5/25/2014 MY WIFE WAS ON A RAMP TRYING TO GET ON THE INTERSTATE GOING ABOUT 30-40MPH, THERE WAS A VEHICLE COMING SO SHE LET OFF THE GAS PEDAL THAN WHEN THERE WAS AN OPENING SHE STEPPED ON THE GAS PEDAL AGAIN AND THERE WAS NO POWER. AFTER SEVERAL …

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ODI 10692885 · 100 mi

MY KIA SOUL 2012 HAS A NOISE AT COLD START THAT LAST 15 TO 20 SECOND, IT FEEL LIKE SOME THING LOOSE. DEALER AT SAHARA, LAS VEGAS NEVADA HAD IT FOR THREE TIMES AND 4 DAYS EACH TIME AND THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID WAS THE TIMING TENSIONER AND THEY REPLACED, BUT NOISE STILL THERE SO THEY HAVE TWO TIMES MORE AND AT THE END THE SAID THE NOISE IS THE OIL PUMP, OS IF IT WAS THE OIL PUMP WHY THEY REPLACE THE TIMING TENSIONER ? THE NOISE STILL EVERY DAY IN THE MORNING, PLUS SMELLING GAS BY THE MOTOR AND INFEST THE WHOLE GARAGE, SO I TOOK IT TO DEALER AT…

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1
ODI 11688776

In March 2023 I reported my keys stolen by a tow truck driver and in March 2025 I discovered my auto registration documents was forged by the auto dealer. The time In August 2024 my ID was stolen and because of slander HPD refused to investigate. All of this was followed by more violence against me and I decided to move to another state. I believe my car has been tampered with as the reasons for the theft of the keys which have been replaced three times. Now I am having problems with the gear shifting. I believe someone is trying to slander me…

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1
ODI 11490443

"play" and clicking noises in steering wheel have increasingly gotten much worse and noisier, clicking and clunking on turns. I feel like any moment my steering is going to go out and I am going to put everyone in my car and around me at risk. Called dealership and they said it is a common problem which I researched and found that the coupler in steering wheel fails. Kia used the same part in presvious years same model and even years afterward and those years were recalled but not my year. Makes no sense. The next issue was I was driving on t…

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1
ODI 11557416 · 99,700 mi

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection, the vehicle independently accelerated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact steered the vehicle to the left in an attempt to stop the acceleration and repeatedly depressed the brake pedal. Due to the failure, the contact hit a curb, a sidewalk post, and finally, a retaining wall which stopped the vehicle. The sidewalk post was damaged due to the crash. The contact was unaware if any warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The air bags did no…

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00
4
ODI 10692885 · 100 mi

MY KIA SOUL 2012 HAS A NOISE AT COLD START THAT LAST 15 TO 20 SECOND, IT FEEL LIKE SOME THING LOOSE. DEALER AT SAHARA, LAS VEGAS NEVADA HAD IT FOR THREE TIMES AND 4 DAYS EACH TIME AND THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID WAS THE TIMING TENSIONER AND THEY REPLACED, BUT NOISE STILL THERE SO THEY HAVE TWO TIMES MORE AND AT THE END THE SAID THE NOISE IS THE OIL PUMP, OS IF IT WAS THE OIL PUMP WHY THEY REPLACE THE TIMING TENSIONER ? THE NOISE STILL EVERY DAY IN THE MORNING, PLUS SMELLING GAS BY THE MOTOR AND INFEST THE WHOLE GARAGE, SO I TOOK IT TO DEALER AT…

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ODI 11184409 · 155,000 mi

ENGINE LEAKING AND CAT CATALYTIC CONVERTER DOESN'T SEAM RIGHT

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ODI 11526267

My car stalls and the engine light frequently stays on, my car is driving sluggish every since I got the recall adjustment my car has declined in performance and the engine light started coming on more frequently up until now, it's loud at and experiencing a great lost of power ,the computer is giving the code PO420 reading as bank 1 oxygen sensor , I had intended changing out both sensors, but wasn't sure if it's a damaged engine effecting the Cadillac converter from the 2019 recall, # 19V120000 giving a false reading.

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—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

8 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

97 mentions · 18.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 126,000 mi (71 usable records).

ODI 10454467

OPERATIONAL WARNING LIGHTS FOR BRAKES-STABILITY CONTROL-ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. I HAVE RETURNED TO DEALER 3 TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX. THIS CREATES A SAFETY CONCERN.I.E. DO THESE SYSTEMS FUNCTION AS REQUIRED WHEN DRIVING CONDITIONS PRESENT THEMSELVES. *TR

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ODI 10458477 · 7,200 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN THE TIRE FAILED. THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHEN THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE THE TIRE THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A REPAIR KIT INSTEAD OF A SPARE TIRE. THE REPAIR KIT WAS FIX-A-FLAT AND A DC AIR PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THEY WERE AWARE THAT SOME VEHICLES DO NOT HAVE SPARE TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE M…

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ODI 10480921 · 12,800 mi

I WAS TAKING MY AUNT TO THE DOCTORS OFFICE, SHE IS OLDER AND FORGOT TO ATTACH HER SEAT BELT. I HAPPENED TO LOOK OVER AND PULLED OVER SO SHE COULD ATTACH HER BELT. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT OR BUZZER TO INDICATE THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS NOT ATTACHED. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY WERE AMAZED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING. AFTER CHECKING MY CAR AND ANOTHER KIA OF THE SAME YEAR, I WAS ADVISED THAT NONE OF THE KIA SOULS HAVE A WARNING SYSTEM FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IS THIS A MISTAKE BY KIA OR ARE THEY NOT REQUI…

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

64 mentions · 12.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 132,000 mi (43 usable records).

ODI 10453192 · 600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AS THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE UPHILL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A SOFTWARE UPDATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600.

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ODI 11128688 · 96,500 mi

VEHICLE HAS 96000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY BEGAN TO HEAR RATTLING AND PINGING. ATTEMPTED TO MAKE IT TO REST AREA TO PULL OVER AND INSPECT. HEARD LOUD BANG AND ENGINE STALLED. COASTED INTO REST AREA. INSPECTION REVEALED OIL LEAKING FROM HOLE BLOWN IN LOWER ENGINE BLOCK.

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ODI 11187247 · 192,000 mi

WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WAS EXITING ON OFF RAMP CAR LOST EXCELERATION CAR BLEW OUT SMOKE AND STALLED COASTED OFF EXIT. WOULD NOT RUN AFTER THAT. IT CLICKED LIKE IT WANTED TO START. FOUND HUGE HOLE BLOWN IN MY ENGINE BLOCK

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

22 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 72,000 mi (11 usable records).

ODI 10450518 · 200 mi

I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW KIA SOUL IN NOV OF 2011. WITHIN 200 MILES OF OWNERSHIP, THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MALFUNCTION AND FALSELY ACTIVATED. THE ESC NOT ONLY FALSELY ACTIVATED BUT REMAINED ACTIVATED. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED UP AND COULD ONLY BE TURNED IF CONSIDERABLE FORCE WAS APPLIED TO IT. I CAREFULLY PULLED OVER THE TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED OFF MY VEHICLE THEN STARTED IT BACK UP HOPING THE ESC WOULD TURN OFF. IT DID NOT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY DEALER. THE KIA DEALER SERVICE SHOP ULTIMATELY HAD TO REPL…

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ODI 10467482

2012 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER STATES POWER STEERING FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST TIME THE POWER STEERING FAILED, THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO FIND AN ERROR CODE OF 300 ELECTRICAL AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING MOTOR. ON JAN 13, 2012 AS THE CONSUMER WAS PULLING OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY, HE DISCOVERED THE POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN. HE STOPPED, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND WAITED FIVE SECONDS AND THEN TURNED IT BACK ON. IT APPEARED TO WORK FINE AFTER THAT. ON JAN. 201, 12, AS THE CONSUMER WAS EXITING A PARKING LOT, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN…

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ODI 10504914 · 8,572 mi

STEERING WHEEL LOCKING AT SPEED VERY DANGEROUS IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE VEHICLE. *TR

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

14 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 95,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10547682 · 11,230 mi

8-31-13 IS THE FIRST TIME I WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE CAR ACCELERATING WHEN I WOULD FIRST START THE CAR UP IN THE GARAGE AND THEN WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT WOULD JERK INTO ANOTHER GEAR. THEY RESET THE ADAPTIVE LEARNING SYSTEM. 10-9-13, IS THE 2ND TIME I WENT TO DEALERSHIP WITH THE SIMILAR SITUATION, BUT THE CAR WOULD SEEM LIKE IT WAS SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND WHILE I WAS ACTUALLY DRIVING. THEY CHECKED TRANSMISSION FLUID LEVELS AND THEY THOUGHT IT WAS LOW (THEY TOLD ME THIS IS NONSERVICEABLE AREA AND THEY HAD TO ACCESS THE COVER …

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ODI 11218190 · 74,599 mi

THE TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE SENSOR A ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT INPUT SIGNAL HAD HIGH VOLTAGE FOR A PREDETERMINED PERIOD OF TIME WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO SHIFT HARD AND BUCK. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ACTS LIKE A MANUAL. YOU HAVE TO TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS AND LET IT SHIFT. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WERE YOU ARE DRIVING. IT COULD HAPPEN WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR CITY STREETS.

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ODI 11230995 · 150,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BIG RED SPORTS / IMPORTS (418 N INTERSTATE DR, NORMAN, OK 73072, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT IT NEEDED A PISTON REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S MILEAGE MADE IT INELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL…

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Oil consumption or dilution

11 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 123,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10992648 · 80,000 mi

NOTICED THAT MY CAR WAS MAKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. CHECKED OIL AND FOUND THERE WAS NO OIL. I WAS GETTING OIL CHANGES AT EVERY 3000 MILES THEN CHANGED TO 7500 MILES PER RECOMMENDED. CHANGED BACK TO EVERY 3000 MILES BECAUSE OF SIGNIFICANT OIL LOSS. CAR WAS STILL BURNING OIL AND EMPTY BEFORE 3000 MILE CHANGE. ALSO NOTICED IT WAS BURNING A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF GAS ALSO. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHO DID AN INDUCTION TEST AND TOLD ME I HAD CARBON BUILDUP ON MY PISTONS AND MY RINGS WERE STICKING SO I WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE. PLACED A CLAIM WITH KIA…

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ODI 11220646 · 156,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD NOT MOVE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE CHANGED AND THE ENGINE BURNED OIL CONSTANTLY AT A HIGH RATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BROWNS KIA (9030 LIBERIA AVE, MANASSAS, VA 20110, [phone removed]) TO BE DIAGNOSED AND AN UNKNOWN FAILURE CODE APPEARED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE …

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ODI 11269897 · 123,000 mi

BEFORE TAKING THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL IT WAS BURNING OIL. IT WOULD BE COMPLETELY EMPTY AFTER JUST 2000 MILES OF GETTING MY OIL CHANGE. I TOOK IT IN TO GET THE RECALL FIXED. THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER AS WELL AS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. IT STILL CONTINUES TO BURN THE OIL THE SAME AS IT DID BEFORE. THEY TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ESPECIALLY SINCE IT HAS 123000 MILES NOW.

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Matching rule\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

9 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 134,000 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10919064 · 25,100 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA SOUL. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PROMPTED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,100.

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ODI 11094110

CAR WOULD NOT START, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE WIRE COVERS AND WIRES WERE DISINIGRATED. IT WAS TAKEN TO SHOP AND REPAIRED. THEN TWO WEEKS LATER HAPPENED AGAIN, THEN AGAIN ON 5/10/18 THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHOP AND MECHANIC HAD ADVISED THAT IT WAS THE SAME ISSUE BUT DIFFERENT LOCATION, THIS TIME WAS WORSE AND WAS TOLD THAT IF THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE STARTED THAT IT WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY CAUGHT ON FIRE AND ENDANGERING THE SAFETY TO MYSELF AND OTHER OCCUPANTS. WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT KIA USES A SOY BASED PEANUT OIL COATING…

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ODI 11297671 · 140,000 mi

ON 2-2-17 I WAS DRIVING ON STATE HIGHWAY EE, WHICH IS A 2 LANE BLACKTOP WHEN MY KIA ENGINE DIED, I COASTED TO A NEARBY DRIVEWAY AND GOT OFF OF THE ROADWAY THE BEST I COULD, A TOW TRUCK HAD TO BE CALLED, AS THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE CATALYSTIC CONVERTER HAD BLOWN APART AND WAS CLOGGING THE EXHAUST.. IN DOING RESEARCH, I SEE THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 1.6 ENGINES, BUT MINE IS A 2.0, WHY ARE THERE NO RECALLS ON THE 2.0 ?

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Brake response concerns

6 mentions · 1.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 99,700 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10491964

THE BRAKES ON ALL FOUR WHEEL ARE "EXTREMELY" SENSITIVE. THIS IS NOT BRAKES GRABBING, IT IS THE THE SLIGHTEST PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BRINGS BRAKING SYSTEM ON "HARD". IN A PANIC STOP SITUATION IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE LIGHT TOUCH TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WITHOUT OVER BRAKING. THE DEAL SAID THIS IS NORMAL. I SAY BS, THIS ISN'T MY FIRST NEW CAR. IN A NUT SHELL, THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS TO SENSITIVE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL CORRECT STOPPING DISTANCE. *TR

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ODI 10760849 · 63,000 mi

BEFORE APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL UPON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WAS ABLE TO SHIFT VEHICLE FROM PARK TO DRIVE JUST BY DEPRESSING SHIFTER. SEVERAL TRIPS TO DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM.

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ODI 11557416 · 99,700 mi

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while stopped at an intersection, the vehicle independently accelerated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact steered the vehicle to the left in an attempt to stop the acceleration and repeatedly depressed the brake pedal. Due to the failure, the contact hit a curb, a sidewalk post, and finally, a retaining wall which stopped the vehicle. The sidewalk post was damaged due to the crash. The contact was unaware if any warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The air bags did no…

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

4 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 100 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10692885 · 100 mi

MY KIA SOUL 2012 HAS A NOISE AT COLD START THAT LAST 15 TO 20 SECOND, IT FEEL LIKE SOME THING LOOSE. DEALER AT SAHARA, LAS VEGAS NEVADA HAD IT FOR THREE TIMES AND 4 DAYS EACH TIME AND THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID WAS THE TIMING TENSIONER AND THEY REPLACED, BUT NOISE STILL THERE SO THEY HAVE TWO TIMES MORE AND AT THE END THE SAID THE NOISE IS THE OIL PUMP, OS IF IT WAS THE OIL PUMP WHY THEY REPLACE THE TIMING TENSIONER ? THE NOISE STILL EVERY DAY IN THE MORNING, PLUS SMELLING GAS BY THE MOTOR AND INFEST THE WHOLE GARAGE, SO I TOOK IT TO DEALER AT…

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ODI 11453714

The fuel tank is made in two parts a top and a bottom and assembled together along with mounting brackets. The joining seam leaks fuel when the fuel level is greater than half fuel. The fuel leakage is very close to the exhaust system creating a potentially dangerous Fire and Safety hazard. The design is flawed because the mounting brackets continually stress the joint which separates to cause fuel leakage.

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ODI 11457294

Took it in to the shop. Had have problems with vehicle start up, stalling, and smell of gas. It has 107000 miles on it. Was told engine will need to be replaced. It is a Hazzard while driving.

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b