My 2018 Kia Soul is burning oil at a very fast rate. I am aware of an engine recall for this model and I need to have it looked at for this problem. I have been sometimes running on no oil in my engine, but unaware of it even though I have oil changes done on a very regular basis.
Engine & cooling
Kia Soul EV Engine problems by year
1,535 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Kia Soul EV's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
Engine complaints by model year
Latest Soul EV engine complaints
Authorized KIA dealer is refusing to execute an active safety recall (SC176) on this vehicle experiencing the exact engine failure described in the defect report. It is currently at Don Franklin KIA in Somerset, KY. Vehicle experienced complete loss of oil pressure from engine failure. Was towed to this dealership who stated the because the title is rebuilt because of unrelated cosmetic hail damage only, they would not perform the safety recall or the diagnostic testing because they feel the warranty is void...
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because of the cosmetic damage. Contacted KIA customer support who also states they would only perform safety recall or diagnostic testing if I paid out of pocket. This is a Kentucky Blue, rebuilt title related strictly to cosmetic hail damage only.
My vehicle was towed to the dealer to address a recall. Campaign 19V120/SC176. I advised them I had codes #300, 303 &304. I requested a compression test & documentation of the findings. They instead cleared the codes, addressed the ksds software update & declared the car "fixed". Upon leaving, the engine lost power (in traffic) & the check engine light returned. I limped the car back & again requested a compression test which they did not perform even after pulling codes of a "misfire". They pulled the plugs &...
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advised replacement as well as replacement of the coils for $1,200. I believe I'm entitled to knowing the health of the engine by means of a compression test & possible short block replacement if it's deemed necessary (per recall SC176)
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that prior to the dealer visit, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer had not successfully completed the recall repair, because the check engine warning light remained illuminated when the vehicle was retrieved. The contact informed the dealer that the recall instructions...
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required a catalytic converter inspection and a diagnostic scan to read and clear the trouble codes; however, the dealer responded by claiming that the recall parameters only authorized a software update. The failure mileage was 230,000.
As the original owner of this 2016 Kia Soul (approx. 124,000 miles), I am filing this safety and consumer compliance complaint for severe engine failure and a failure of manufacturer recall notification systems. On [[redacted]], my vehicle experienced severe power loss on the highway and extreme oil consumption. An inspection by an independent repair facility revealed catastrophic engine failure due to piston ring degradation, severe crankcase blow-by, and oil contamination of the exhaust system. The repair shop...
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informed me that these symptoms directly align with known manufacturing defects covered under active safety recalls, specifically NHTSA Recall 19V-120 and the Hyundai/Kia Engine Litigation II settlement (No. 8-18-cv-0223-JLS-JDE, C.D. Cal), for which my VIN is a confirmed match. On [[redacted]], I brought the vehicle to VanDevere Kia of Akron for evaluation. Service associate Jackie Mundri informed me I was denied engine replacement coverage, with Kia claiming I waited "too long" to address the recalls. When I escalated this to Kia Consumer Affairs and spoke with a representative named Cassandra, I was told it was my personal responsibility to proactively check for recalls. I have never received any notification via mail, email, or telephone regarding Recall SC176 or any other engine campaign. Furthermore, within the past two years, I paid out of pocket for major repairs directly related to these exact safety defects (replacing the catalytic converter and two brake lines), yet neither the independent shops nor the dealership flagged these open safety recalls during those services. By blaming the consumer for a lack of communication while failing to provide mandatory notice, the manufacturer is leveraging their own notification breakdown to evade responsibility for a dangerous, defective engine. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia's failure to provide proper notification and their refusal to honor safety obligations for a verified class-settlement vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sudden engine misfire and stall in major metropolitan area in high traffic. Diagnosis from my mechanic was failed valve and complete loss of compression to 2nd cylinder. Symptomatic of repeat catalytic converter issues leading to engine damage. Catalytic converter has been replaced twice-- once out of pocked and once under extended warranting for SC176/NHTSA 19V-120000 at a kia dealership. Engine light turned on just minutes before failure. I am now beyond the extended 150,000 warranty-- engine failed at 167,000.
1. An independent mechanic diagnosed a fuel injector that was stuck open, allowing excessive gasoline to enter the engine and causing flooding. The mechanic also identified issues with the crankshaft position sensor, ignition coils, spark plugs, and coolant temperature sensor. I don't know if it available for inspection upon request. We replaced one of the fuel injectors out of four. 2. While driving the car started to stutter and white smoke came out of the back of the car. There was a distinct gasoline smell....
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After pulling over to the side of the highway, and turning off the engine, it would not start again. The engine turning off created a potentially dangerous situation for the driver and surrounding drivers on the highway during rush hour, particularly given the lack of warning indicators. The car required a tow 3. Yes. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and initially performed repairs that allowed the engine to start. However, significant white exhaust smoke remained. Upon further diagnosis, the mechanic reported that a fuel injector was stuck open and flooding the engine with gasoline. He stated that this type of failure is common in Kia Soul cars. 4. The car was inspected and diagnosed by an independent automotive repair shop, 360 Mechanic Inc. There has been no reported inspection by Kia, law enforcement, or an insurance representative. 5. Prior to the breakdown, the car experienced shaking at higher speeds. The exact date these symptoms first appeared is unknown. No check engine light or other dashboard warning indicators appeared before or during the breakdown.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under Kia Campaign Number: SC176 (Engine Control Unit (ECU) Logic Improvement). A compression test was performed by the dealer, and it was determined that the cylinder compression was low, which indicated an engine failure. However, the dealer determined that only the catalytic converter would be replaced because DTC: P030X was not retrieved....
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The contact stated that the service campaign repair was not adequate for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone but confirmed the assessment of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Issues with catalytic converters , manifold, fuel 02 sensor. Have had to replace multiple times. Not listed as a recal vin.
The vehicle won't go faster than 60mph. It will go in limp mode. Vehicle should be part of the engine replace campaign, but it is not showing up on the NHTSA website.
The engine burns oil too quickly. I only have 130k miles on my car, only owner. I don't even drive it every day at this point. I have ran out of oil and been stranded 3 times in the past few months. The engine completely burns all the oil and the oil light doesn't even come on until there is none left! It's like we have to check it every 500 miles. We have refilled the oil over 6 times while only adding about 4k miles on total mileage. It is absolutely ridiculous.
**Vehicle:** 2018 Kia Soul\ **Mileage:** Approximately 198,000 miles 1\. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The engine appears to have experienced a serious malfunction, and the vehicle is no longer moving. I believe the engine may have failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2\. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** There is no immediate safety risk at the moment because the vehicle is not being driven....
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However, an unexpected loss of engine power or the inability to move could create a dangerous situation if it occurred in traffic. 3\. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** No. The vehicle has not been inspected or diagnosed by a dealer or independent service center. The exact cause of the failure has not been confirmed. 4\. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others?** No. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other party. 5\. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** The check engine light came on, and the vehicle showed misfire codes for cylinder 1 and cylinder 3, along with an oxygen (O2) sensor code. The vehicle was also producing a significant amount of white smoke from the exhaust. These symptoms occurred before the vehicle stopped moving. The exact cause has not yet been determined because the vehicle has not been professionally inspected.
Engine seized while driving with no warning. Dealer has submitted findings to kia corporate techline for powertrain warranty claim which is requesting a $700 engine teardown at my expense
Recall sc176 incomplete- while driving in an unincorperated area in [[redacted]] ([[redacted]] in [[redacted]] county) the vehicle suddenly lost engine power and due to the sudden loss of engine power the vehicle was difficult to stop on a dangerous curve. The vehicle would not start back up. The cruve was situated in such a manor that it was unsafe to try to push it into the side as it was a steep ditch leaving the vhicle completely disabled in the complete dark. Even with the flashers on other motorists including...
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a semi tractor trailer nearly crashed into the disabled vehicle multiple times. While escaping the dangerous situation on foot I noticed the muffler was emmiting smoke and a strong odor. I was able to retain the services of a local towing company to provide immediate emergency response where they had to use multiple units with cones and amber lights and flagmen with strobes to set up a saftey zone to protect oncomming motorists while they cleared the immediate saftey hazard. That week I had a local mechanic shop check on the no start condition. They removed, charged, and bench tested the battery finding it to perform at an acceptable amperage. Upon inspecting the no start condition found the motor to be lockrd. They noted an incomplete saftey recall upon checking the vin and advised the vehicle needs to go to an authorized dealer for recall service. At that point the vehicle was pushed into an outdoor storage lot and the key returned pending transport. I talked to a lady at the kia dealer in [[redacted]] where it was mentioned they only had 2 technicians and it would be a while to get it looked at, so I called the next closest dealer which is [[redacted]]. On the phone they told me to bring the car for recall inspection. Instead of processing the recall they text me mentioning diag fees and costs and tried to get me to trade it in instead. I feel duped having it towed there for recall based on there words just for them to try to get me to trade it in. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I am reporting excessive engine oil consumption in my 2018 Kia Soul, VIN [[redacted]], with over 150,000 miles. The engine consumes approximately 1-2 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. There are no visible external oil leaks, and the vehicle does not produce visible exhaust smoke. I am concerned that this excessive oil consumption may indicate an internal engine defect and could lead to engine damage or sudden engine failure if the oil level becomes too low . Having to add oil so frequently creates an ongoing risk...
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that the engine could become dangerously low on oil between checks, potentially resulting in engine failure while driving and creating a safety hazard for the driver and other motorists. I contacted Kia America to report the problem and request assistance with diagnosis and engine repair or replacement. Kia reviewed my VIN and stated in writing that there are no applicable oil-consumption recalls, service campaigns, or warranty extensions for my vehicle. Kia also denied my request for goodwill assistance. I am concerned that this problem may affect other Kia Soul owners and believe it warrants further investigation. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA can document the excessive oil consumption and determine whether further investigation is warranted INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data