SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Defect Description
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.Read moreConsequence
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, 2
... 024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.Read more1,730,192 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Defect Description
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.Read moreConsequence
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, 2
... 024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.Read more1,730,192 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
ENGINE
Defect Description
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.Read moreConsequence
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 ma
... y 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.Read more378,967 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Defect Description
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.Read moreConsequence
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 ma
... y 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.Read more378,967 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Defect Description
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.
95,314 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
Complaint Statistics
850 total complaints
32 crashes 60 fires 38 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|
| ENGINE | 274 |
| STEERING | 147 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 68 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 66 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 60 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 33 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 30 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 26 |
| AIR BAGS | 18 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 15 |
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
On Feb. 11, 2026, while driving, the vehicle displayed a flashing check engine light and entered limp mode with major loss of power. A code reader recorded P1326. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnosis and repair. After the dealership returned the vehicle to me, the same
... problem happened again within about 30 miles. The last repair order listed 142,352 miles, and the vehicle re-entered limp mode by 142,382 miles. I captured video of the flashing check engine light and a code-reader screenshot showing P1326 as the last trouble code. The malfunction appears related to the engine/engine management system and the vehicle is available for inspection. The safety risk is sudden reduced power and limp-mode operation while driving, which can make it difficult to maintain normal traffic speed or safely continue in traffic. This creates a safety concern if the event happens in traffic, during a turn, or while crossing an intersection. The problem has been reproduced more than once. A Kia dealership previously inspected the vehicle and returned it to me, but the problem recurred almost immediately after pickup. Kia corporate was notified in writing. The warning symptom was a flashing check engine light with limp mode. I am not continuing to drive the vehicle in this condition.Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
I bought a Kia Soul at 130k miles and by 140k or so it was dead. the engine started knocking and will no longer turn over. I did regular oil changes and usual maintenance. Within 2 days after knocking the engine refused to turn over. I was driving when it stopped working so at any time someone could
... have rear ended me and caused a traffic jam. The car was toed to a mechanic who said it was done for and if they needed the specifics they would have to tear down the engine. not going to pay 600 to find out my engine is gone when i already know the engine is gone. no warnings light or messages prior to failure. My vehicle experienced catastrophic engine failure consistent with well-documented defects in Kia GDI engines. Kia has acknowledged these defects through recalls, settlements, and extended warranties covering later model years. However, Kia has refused repair or good-faith assistance for my vehicle solely because my VIN is excluded, despite the engine design being materially identical to covered models. I contacted Kia Corporate directly, provided my VIN, and was assigned a case number. Kia informed me that: - My VIN is not eligible for recall or settlement relief - No good-faith repair would be offered - Denial was based on model year/VIN classification, not engine design or failure mode - I am not the original owner, which Kia cited as an additional reason for denial Why This Is Concerning: - The 2013 Kia Soul was equipped with the same GDI engine architecture later acknowledged as defective - Consumers are being denied relief based on administrative cutoffs rather than engineering reality - Kia continues to avoid responsibility for early-year vehicles that suffer identical failures - The cost of engine replacement far exceeds the vehicle’s value, leaving consumers with unrecoverable losses I am requesting - Review Kia’s handling of known GDI engine defects - Assess whether Kia’s exclusion of certain VINs constitutes an unfairRead more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
There is a distinct click when the steering wheel is center (car going straight). there is a click and a notch feeling when you turn the wheel back and forth from center. Appears to be a common problem with the Kia Souls from 2010 - 2015. (Flexible rubber steering coupler) Dealer is charging $688 t
... o change this $12 part. Dealer also mentioned it is important to fix because as it gets worse you can potentially lose steering control of the car. This type of safety concern I think should be a recall and fixed by Kia.Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Put gas in it and out the blue would go pass 30 rpm we never had any issues with it I work on cars for a living I have spend over 3000 in new parts now I got it tow to Firestone they telling me it’s something wrong with my engine cylinder two and four not getting any power they told me it was bad
... bargin or piston I don’t know how it happens because we kept the car up to maintenanceRead more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Put gas in it and out the blue would go pass 30 rpm we never had any issues with it I work on cars for a living I have spend over 3000 in new parts now I got it tow to Firestone they telling me it’s something wrong with my engine cylinder two and four not getting any power they told me it was bad
... bargin or piston I don’t know how it happens because we kept the car up to maintenanceRead more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Put gas in it and out the blue would go pass 30 rpm we never had any issues with it I work on cars for a living I have spend over 3000 in new parts now I got it tow to Firestone they telling me it’s something wrong with my engine cylinder two and four not getting any power they told me it was bad
... bargin or piston I don’t know how it happens because we kept the car up to maintenanceRead more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
Engine knocking
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
I have noticed an audible “clunk” in the steering mechanism for a few weeks. I had the rack-and-pinion inspected by a local alignment shop to avoid a catastrophic failure. On 12/29/2025 while rapidly decelerating from highway speed on a downhill exit ramp, the steering wheel began to shake vio
... lently. My personal research has indicated that the steering coupler disk has failed/disintegrated causing unnecessary looseness between the electrical assist steering motor and steering shaft which has been identified by Kia in a Tecnical Safety Bulletin (TSB) as it's a known safety issue despite being a service campaign rather than a massive single recall for all vehicles.Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
On [XXX] apex [XXX] Central I was driving west on [XXX], approaching the bridge that crosses from [XXX] to [XXX] and I heard a loud pop,I looked to my left and the driver's side window exploded with the glass shattering into tiny pieces and leaving a huge hole in the window with chunks hanging down.
... By the grace of God I did not have glass in my eyes or face drive to safety covering my face w my sweater. pulled off the bridge pulled the rest of glass out and took picture and called my insurance company online there are hundreds of postings with this happening on kias there needs to be a recall on this asap please before someone gets severely injured or dies.my name is [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
Steering wheel vibration violently . Is on Kia safety recall. Has 15 year warranty Started slowly about two months ago Contact dealer on safety recall repairs and refused to honor safety recall. Steering gear assembly flexible coupling Very dangerous at high speed . Safety recall for that particul
... ar year. Thank youRead more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
Recall since I got the car but never been able to afford to bring it go he fixed. Single mother of 2 boys. Both autistic, one age [XXX] and one age [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at night, the neighbor knocked on the door approximately 4:00 AM in the morning to alert the contact that the vehicle was on fire in the driveway. The contact went outside and saw that the front of the vehicle wa
... s on fire. The contact believed that the fire had started in the engine compartment. The contact stated that the neighbor was already attempting to put out the fire with a gardening hose. The contact and the neighbor attempted to extinguish the fire; however, the flames spread throughout the vehicle and destroyed the vehicle. The Fire Department was called and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that the vehicle was considered totaled due to the extensive damages on the outside and inside the vehicle. The contact also stated that the fire caused damages to the front of another vehicle that was parked nearby. A Police report was filed but the report number was not provided to the contact. There were no injuries sustained, and no medical attention was needed. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in the driveway. The contact was notified by the insurance provider that there was possibly a recall listed on the vehicle for a similar failure and to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
I was driving home from work and got about 5 miles and I see smoke and pulled over. I had it towed to repair shop and they said they found a hole in my engine block and a broken connecting rod. They told me I should take it to KIA as I only have 132,179 miles and that repair should be under warran
... ty. I took it to Kia and they denied the repair due to a class action lawsuit and I did not qualify for that as a recall was missed KSDS update. I bought the car used in late 2019 and the last ower has since died. I was never notified of these updates.Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
While driving my 2013 Kia Soul, it has turned off while I was sitting still several times this month. The RPM gauge has stopped working and than my vehicle would not drive, actually it was driving very slow and not getting enough power to go the normal speed. Also now my cruise control does not come
... on any longer. I took my vehicle to a Kia dealer, where they claimed that they could fix it, but than after I paid over $2000, they stated that they did not have the parts to fix my vehicle.Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
There is a loud clicking in the steering wheel and the car is all over the place while driving. I was told by three mechanics that it is the steering coupler gear. I could lose control which would be putting others life at risk as well as myself. I was told this my be a recall. I need help. This i
... s a SAFETY RISK AND NEEDS ATTENTION.Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
On 10/23/25, my car caught fire due to the ABS module.
Fire
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
On 10/23/25, my car caught fire due to the ABS module.
Fire
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
Brake petal sensor broke keeping the tail light on. Has trouble accelerating and throws the traction light on burnt up battery, both front door locks have broke with no reason. Wipers broke does not give water.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
Brake petal sensor broke keeping the tail light on. Has trouble accelerating and throws the traction light on burnt up battery, both front door locks have broke with no reason. Wipers broke does not give water.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
Brake petal sensor broke keeping the tail light on. Has trouble accelerating and throws the traction light on burnt up battery, both front door locks have broke with no reason. Wipers broke does not give water.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and experienced a loss of automotive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local
... dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the catalytic converter and the engine were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and experienced a loss of automotive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local
... dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the catalytic converter and the engine were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
The rims and the rotor have rusted together causing you to use excessive force to remove the lug nut holding on the tire and the nut snaps off.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
The rims and the rotor have rusted together causing you to use excessive force to remove the lug nut holding on the tire and the nut snaps off.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
The steering wheel has a knocking in it. KIA has issued TSB CHA074 for the problem, the deterioration of the MDPS Flexible Steering Coupler. The bulletin covers my 2013 KIA Soul. It's annoying and sounds dangerous.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
RECALL FOR CATALIC CONVERTER UNDER MANUFACTOR WARRANTY , THEY CONTINUE NOT TO HONOR THE RECALL ON MY VECHILE AND THE RECALL WAS ON THE CATALIC CONVERTER
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
RECALL FOR CATALIC CONVERTER UNDER MANUFACTOR WARRANTY , THEY CONTINUE NOT TO HONOR THE RECALL ON MY VECHILE AND THE RECALL WAS ON THE CATALIC CONVERTER
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while her son was driving at 60 MPH, an abnormal sound was heard co
... ming from underneath the vehicle. The contact's son was able to pull over to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated her son exited the vehicle and noticed flames were emitting from underneath the vehicle. A passerby pulled over and helped the contact's son move the vehicle. The vehicle extinguished itself. No injuries were reported. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that her son called her, and she and the contact's brother went to the site of the accident. The contact's brother checked underneath the vehicle and picked off the pieces that were on the ground. The contact's brother noticed that a rod had detached and gone through the motor, which created a hole in the motor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the bearing rod detached and damaged the engine. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and tried to order a new engine. However, KIA declined and advised the dealer not to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. Two months later, the contact sold the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The insurance company was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while her son was driving at 60 MPH, an abnormal sound was heard co
... ming from underneath the vehicle. The contact's son was able to pull over to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated her son exited the vehicle and noticed flames were emitting from underneath the vehicle. A passerby pulled over and helped the contact's son move the vehicle. The vehicle extinguished itself. No injuries were reported. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that her son called her, and she and the contact's brother went to the site of the accident. The contact's brother checked underneath the vehicle and picked off the pieces that were on the ground. The contact's brother noticed that a rod had detached and gone through the motor, which created a hole in the motor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the bearing rod detached and damaged the engine. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and tried to order a new engine. However, KIA declined and advised the dealer not to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. Two months later, the contact sold the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The insurance company was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
On [XXX] Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw performed Recall SC284 on my 2013 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ), replacing the HECU fuse. The next day, [XXX], the vehicle lost acceleration while driving, produced a muffled engine sound, and became barely able to move forward, creating an unsafe driving condition. At n
... o point did the check engine light illuminate, even though the vehicle was experiencing severe drivability issues. Prior to the recall, Kia’s own diagnostic (July 19, 2025) showed no catalytic converter or battery issues. An independent AAA diagnostic performed after the failure (July 21, 2025) ruled out pre-existing converter damage and linked the problem to the recall work. Despite this, the dealership denied responsibility and issued an unsupported estimate of $4,951.41 for catalytic converter replacement. The absence of a check engine light raises concerns that the recall work may have compromised the vehicle’s OBD-II diagnostic system, preventing detection of a safety defect. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that damage occurred to the catalytic converter while the vehicle was in Kia’s possession or as a direct result of the faulty installation of the recall fuse. This incident involves a safety risk, improper recall repair, and potential violation of federal recall law. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the adequacy of Recall SC284 installation procedures and Kia’s handling of this case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
On [XXX] Jim Ellis Kia of Kennesaw performed Recall SC284 on my 2013 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ), replacing the HECU fuse. The next day, [XXX], the vehicle lost acceleration while driving, produced a muffled engine sound, and became barely able to move forward, creating an unsafe driving condition. At n
... o point did the check engine light illuminate, even though the vehicle was experiencing severe drivability issues. Prior to the recall, Kia’s own diagnostic (July 19, 2025) showed no catalytic converter or battery issues. An independent AAA diagnostic performed after the failure (July 21, 2025) ruled out pre-existing converter damage and linked the problem to the recall work. Despite this, the dealership denied responsibility and issued an unsupported estimate of $4,951.41 for catalytic converter replacement. The absence of a check engine light raises concerns that the recall work may have compromised the vehicle’s OBD-II diagnostic system, preventing detection of a safety defect. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that damage occurred to the catalytic converter while the vehicle was in Kia’s possession or as a direct result of the faulty installation of the recall fuse. This incident involves a safety risk, improper recall repair, and potential violation of federal recall law. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the adequacy of Recall SC284 installation procedures and Kia’s handling of this case. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was previously taken to a local independent mechanic, and it was determined that the catalytic converter neede
... d to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector needed to be replaced due to a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The vehicle was also taken to a local AutoZone, where it was determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Steering coupler. Recalled for 2014 up but not covered for 2013
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Was driving on the highway when my car started to smoke pulled over and it was a fire under my hood from the abs module
Fire
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
The steering wheel makes a loud clocking sound. It’s sounds like the pinion plug is broken or loose
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
First, my engine and oil light went on. Second, there began a loud prominent engine knock. I had it serviced for an oil change and after the oil change, the knock persisted and my car began to stall. Third, I took it to Midas for a diagnostic and they told me my engine is about to fail, that this is
... typical of Kia Soul engines, they said there are metal pieces of broken pistons in my engine and that my car will soon break down and to "pray" it doesn't happen on the road. I then drove my Kia Soul to secure a rental vehicle, but on the way my engine died in the middle of a busy intersection and I had just enough time to pull it to the bike path on the side of the road, passenger side still in the road. I then had it towed to a repair shop and paid for a second diagnostic, which aligned with the first diagnostic from Midas. I then received a recall letter from Kia Manufacturer that my specific vehicle had a safety recall from the NHSTA and to bring my car to the nearest Kia dealership for immediate repair, free of cost to me, upto engine replacement. I had my Kia Soul towed to Kia of New Port Richey, Florida and explained the recall letter. They have since done nothing in a week and said that I needed to have the first recall addressed to have this recall repair complete. Then, they said I needed to have my car registered to complete the repair. Then, they said I need to provide a maintenance record to complete this recall repair, and failure to do so will result in Kia refusing to complete my engine repair, in accordance with their recall letter I received. Therefore, I contacted the NHSTA.Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
It is making a noise when turning steering wheel to one side and it has play and clinking noise in steering wheel. Is this included in SC155 recall?
Incident date: Feb 22, 2019
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall rep
... air. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer refused to replace the engine because the previous owner had not received an undisclosed service related to the KSDS completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that if the catalytic converter was damaged, the engine should be replaced. The manufacturer opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. Parts distribution disconnect.Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2019
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall rep
... air. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer refused to replace the engine because the previous owner had not received an undisclosed service related to the KSDS completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that if the catalytic converter was damaged, the engine should be replaced. The manufacturer opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. Parts distribution disconnect.Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2021
Problems with our 2013 Kia Soul! started [XXX] @ 78,388 miles. We took the car to Kia Country in Manteca for an oil change, when leaving the dealership white plumes of smoke where coming out of the exhaust. Took the car back to the dealership who told us not to worry about it, drive it on the freewa
... y to burn it off. Returned to the dealership 4-7-21 @ 80,414 miles smoke is still coming out of the exhaust, Kia performed an oil consumption test, we were told to come back in a couple of months or 3,500 miles to check on the vehicle. 6-4-21 @ 81,737 miles took the car back for inspection, engine oil checked out ok, they couldn't find any issues. [XXX] @ 91,239 miles took the car to Kia Dublin, blue smoke was coming out of exhaust and car won't start. Tech performed tests they recommended to drive the car and wait for a check engine light to be active. They can't open a tech line if there is nothing wrong with the car and they can't duplicate the concern. [XXX] @ 124,770 miles took the car back to Kia Dublin, the car is shutting off at stop lights or at idle, won't go over 40 miles an hour. After being at the dealership for 4 days, spoke to Will on 4-16-25 states the engine needs to be replaced due to the connecting rods and pistons creating an engine failure, there is also an oil leak. There is a recall for the smaller 1.6L engine but not for our 2.0L engine, even though the issues are exactly the same. Will recommended calling Kia Customer Care for help. I called Kia Customer Care 4-17-25 and was given a case number. I have been dealing with both Kia Customer Care and Kia Dublin for over 5 weeks and no one wants to own up to selling us a defective engine or give us a replacement. I have called almost everyday and I am given a different story, meanwhile the car sits on the lot at the dealership. My daughter is without a car and we are struggling to get her to work, we have not been offered a loaner car, as the car has not been approved for an engine replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMRead more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was making an abnormal clicking sound. Additionally, while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel tuned left and right with a loud clicking sound. The contact also stated that
... the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the flex coupling was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was making an abnormal clicking sound. Additionally, while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel tuned left and right with a loud clicking sound. The contact also stated that
... the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the flex coupling was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
Steering wheel making a loud CLUNK sound. Possibly the steering wheel coupler. Concerned that steering wheel might malfunction while driving. Checking for any recalls prior to making an appointment with dealer. Vehicle has not been inspected. Noise started about a month ago and progressively has go
... tten worse.Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
Steering wheel is making a knocking sound when I turn left or right.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter wa
... s able to coast to the side of the road. The contact stated that there was a fuel burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was no longer being driven. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter wa
... s able to coast to the side of the road. The contact stated that there was a fuel burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was no longer being driven. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
steering not tight, car shakes around 70 mph
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The v
... ehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
On [XXX], we were driving on [XXX] from Wisconsin into Minnesota to park at MSP airport. Near the state border, we began to hear a clunk sound in the steering column. We chose to park the car at a friend's home near the airport in her garage in case we needed service upon our return from Texas where
... we travelling to. Prior to driving back to our home from Minneapolis on [XXX] (1.5 hours), we checked with our local mechanic to see if it were safe to drive. He could not diagnose over phone, but suggested coupling issue and that we drive carefully. We made it back home, took car to our local mechanic on 7 October, and thought it would be better to check dealership in Eau Claire, WI (another 30 minute drive). We drove there, slowly, on 18 October, and were told that it was probably the MDPS/Flexible Coupling, but that it would cost us 175 to check, and another 250-300 to replace the 15.00 part. We drove home and had a family emergency out of state and will return now to Wisconsin soon and want to get this fixed as soon as possible. We understand NOW that this is a persistent problem for MANY KIA 2013 Soul and other KIAs and that NHTSA has been supportive to some owners over this matter. We do not object to paying for the repair, but not at price-gouging levels. From what we understand, the inspection needed to check for the flex coupling is not difficult nor time consuming. We are afraid to drive the car for safety sake, but we need the car to drive! Do we have any rights to a free inspection if this is a problem with many KIAs? There were no warning lights and no symptoms prior to the sudden noise and now there is a persistent and regular clunk when the steering wheel is moved. Thank you for any information regarding this issue. Again, no accident and no injuries or results from clunk, but KIA history seems to suggest a potential recall need. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
On [XXX], we were driving on [XXX] from Wisconsin into Minnesota to park at MSP airport. Near the state border, we began to hear a clunk sound in the steering column. We chose to park the car at a friend's home near the airport in her garage in case we needed service upon our return from Texas where
... we travelling to. Prior to driving back to our home from Minneapolis on [XXX] (1.5 hours), we checked with our local mechanic to see if it were safe to drive. He could not diagnose over phone, but suggested coupling issue and that we drive carefully. We made it back home, took car to our local mechanic on 7 October, and thought it would be better to check dealership in Eau Claire, WI (another 30 minute drive). We drove there, slowly, on 18 October, and were told that it was probably the MDPS/Flexible Coupling, but that it would cost us 175 to check, and another 250-300 to replace the 15.00 part. We drove home and had a family emergency out of state and will return now to Wisconsin soon and want to get this fixed as soon as possible. We understand NOW that this is a persistent problem for MANY KIA 2013 Soul and other KIAs and that NHTSA has been supportive to some owners over this matter. We do not object to paying for the repair, but not at price-gouging levels. From what we understand, the inspection needed to check for the flex coupling is not difficult nor time consuming. We are afraid to drive the car for safety sake, but we need the car to drive! Do we have any rights to a free inspection if this is a problem with many KIAs? There were no warning lights and no symptoms prior to the sudden noise and now there is a persistent and regular clunk when the steering wheel is moved. Thank you for any information regarding this issue. Again, no accident and no injuries or results from clunk, but KIA history seems to suggest a potential recall need. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)Read more
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