Kia Soul Common Problems

ENGINE

Owners report frequent issues with the 2020 KIA Soul's engine, predominantly involving piston oil ring failures that lead to excessive oil consumption, engine stalling, and, in some cases, complete engine failure. Symptoms often include loud knocking noises, loss of power, and illuminated check engine lights, with some complaints noting metal shavings in the oil. These issues are commonly reported at mileages ranging from 52,800 to over 135,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of the engine stalling unexpectedly while driving and instances of fires, crashes, and injuries. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially concerning the engine's reliability and the associated risks.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 4 fire, 2 injury reports

ENGINE

Owners report frequent engine failures in the 2018 Kia Soul, often without prior warning lights or indicators. Common symptoms include engine knocking, excessive oil consumption, and sudden loss of power, with some engines seizing completely. Complaints frequently mention issues arising around 40,000 to 165,000 miles. At least seven reports involve engine fires, posing significant safety risks. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, as multiple owners describe costly repairs and disputes over warranty coverage.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 7 fire, 0 injury reports

ENGINE

Owners report frequent issues with the 2021 Kia Soul's engine, primarily involving stalling, excessive oil consumption, and engine failure. Typical symptoms include engine stalling at stops or while driving, audible knocking, and warning lights for check engine and oil. Many complaints occur around 80,000 to 90,000 miles, with some owners noting issues shortly after recall-related repairs. Safety implications are significant, as multiple reports mention the risk of rear-end collisions due to sudden stalling and, in one case, an engine fire. These patterns suggest potential buyers should be cautious of engine reliability and verify any recall compliance and repairs.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2020 KIA Soul frequently report issues related to the power train, with several complaints highlighting transmission failures and engine stalling. Symptoms often include the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, inability to accelerate, and the engine seizing or shutting off while driving, sometimes accompanied by high RPMs and a lack of propulsion. These issues typically arise around mileage ranges from 30,000 to 90,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, as there are reports of the vehicle stalling in traffic, a fire incident, and a crash, with at least two injuries noted. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring problems and the potential for significant repair costs.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports

ENGINE

Owners report frequent engine failures in the 2019 Kia Soul, often linked to severe oil consumption and piston ring defects. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as engine stalling, knocking noises, and sudden power loss, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds. These issues commonly arise around 90,000 to 120,000 miles, often just beyond warranty coverage. Safety implications are significant, with reports of engine fires and sudden loss of power posing risks of accidents. Used car buyers should be aware of the potential for costly repairs, such as engine replacements, and the possibility of encountering unresolved defects.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 4 fire, 0 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several issues with the 2020 Kia Soul, with engine-related problems being the most common. Complaints frequently mention engine stalling, oil consumption, and propulsion loss, often accompanied by a lack of warning lights. Some owners describe these issues occurring around 50,000 miles, with the potential for engine failure or fire. Additionally, paint bubbling and peeling is noted by multiple owners, particularly with the white color. A few reports also highlight security vulnerabilities leading to vehicle theft. These patterns suggest potential safety concerns, including the risk of crashes due to loss of control.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owners report that the 2021 Kia Soul frequently experiences excessive oil consumption and engine failures. Complaints often describe symptoms such as abnormal engine noises, rough idling, stalling, loss of power, and illuminated check engine lights. These issues typically emerge at mileages ranging from approximately 30,000 to over 150,000 miles. Some owners mention that their vehicles stall while driving, posing potential safety risks, but no reports of crashes or fires are noted. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring engine issues and the potential need for significant repairs, including engine replacements.

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2018 Kia Soul frequently report issues with sudden loss of power while driving, often accompanied by the check engine light illuminating. Complaints often describe the vehicle hesitating, failing to accelerate, or completely stalling, which is particularly concerning at highway speeds and in heavy traffic. Several reports note these issues occurring around 70,000 to 100,000 miles, with some instances involving engine or transmission failures requiring significant repairs. Safety implications are notable, with one complaint mentioning a near-crash situation due to power loss. Buyers considering a used 2018 Kia Soul should be aware of these potential powertrain issues and the associated safety risks.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports