NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia Soul. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Smoke from exhaust, randomly losing power, randomly struggling to start and accelerate
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the ABS, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a faulty wire and was replaced. However, the warning lights illuminated again later on and the vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic where the failure was not determined or repaired. The warning lights remained illuminated for approximately 5 months. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal and honked the horn, however, the brakes failed to engage. As a result, the contact crashed into a deer on the front passenger's side bumper. A police report was not filed. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to the collision center where the front bumper, passenger side door, passenger side front fender, and hood were replaced. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine light would appear on the instrument panel. The contact then received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000(Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where the recall was serviced; however, the check engine soon after the recall repair. While driving at 55 MPH, a fellow motorist flagged the contact down to alert her that a fire had started from underneath the vehicle. The flame had died out once the contact pulled over and exited the vehicle. The contact suffered no injuries and a fire report was not filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to her home. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no further assistance. The vehicle had yet to be serviced. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair and the engine replacement due to the warranty being expired. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Took car to dealership for a safety recall. After picking up the car the engine light was on, I immediately called them and was told to take car back. after two weeks of checking my car , they call and tell me that it's the catalyctic converter was faulty. this same dealership had fixed that catalyctic converter recall previously. now they want me to pay to have it fixed.
Engine bad sound. Engine knocking noise. No crash was issued. The strange sound appeared one day and engine seems to have inside damage for unknown reason.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made an abnormal sound and the vehicle lost power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown part was repaired, and the mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
My steering wheel is so loose that I am afraid to drive my car. This is a recent problem in the last month.
Vehicle traveled down I-65 normal cruising. Had a check engine light illuminated. Code pulled as a P0420 diagnosed for Catalytic Converter. Because of this code, the oxygen sensors eventually went out. Sensors were replaced. Two months later the code for O2 sensors being bad came again. Vehicle was seen by another driver on right side with flames showing under the engine while driving. From there, a noise was heard, seen later as a hole made in the bottom of the cast iron block. Vehicle was pulled to the side of the road. I had gotten out to pop the hood, where white smoke was fuming from. Then I seen flames arise and grabbed all personal belongings fearing the worst (explosion). Flames simmered down after 1 hour passed. Engine was not started but with a hole in the bottom, fear of a rod being slung is scary.
My 2013 Kia Soul was diagnosed with engine failure. My mechanic stated no trouble codes, all fluids full. No diagnostic codes at all. At above 30 mph my vehicle blows black smoke. My mechanic found Kia TSB 222 Excessive Oil Consumption. He wrote up that he warned me not to drive vehicle and have towed to KIA dealer. Contacted KIA dealer and was told my vehicle not covered as I was second owner. The vehicle had 105302 miles when I bought it in May 2021 and currently has 112446 as of today. There is a class action lawsuit pending on these issues. It shouldn't matter who the owner is when an engine fails because of defective workmanship. KIA is aware of this specific problem and are doing everything they can to NOT make it right by the consumer. This recall should encompass all vehicles with the defect. This is not some recall for a window seal that falls out. This renders the vehicle completely useless and valuable only as scrap. Imagine all the people who did everything right and now have no vehicle due to an issue over which they had no control.
Check Engine Light Came on again after KIA BURLINGTON claim repairs was done and closed out repairs. Diagnostic Code is P0420. First Report was filed in 11/22, Service Manager at KIA BURLINGTON REFUSED TO ADDRESS RECALL ISSUES ON MY CAR AND STATES “NOT HER PROBLEM” and she can not help me. Second and Last Complaint was filled on 2/9/23. Service Manager AT KIA BURLINGTON REFUSED TO ADDRESS RECALL ON MY CAR OR GIVE DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR. HER COLLEAGUES STATES “SHE TRANSFERRED MY FILES TO GREESBORO KIA, For my home dealership”. I am (zuria) is unclear why. In addition, her other colleague stated “she doesn’t want to help me because I am African American”. However, I did witness her on 2/9/23. Come out and speak to caucasian person, while telling her peer she did not have to speak to me regarding my recall on my KIA SOUL 2013. HER BEHAVIOR AS A SERVICE Manager IS UNACCEPTABLE. Had to drive two hours away to get help with my recall on 2/9/23. I’m disgusted with service at KIA BURLINGTON. Open Safety Recall Check February 22, 2019 19v120000 February 22, 2019 19v120000 December 29, 2014 14v822000 Engine 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. Engine and Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor 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. Structure:body:roof and Pillars KIA Motors America (Kia) IS
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The contact also stated that while shifting into drive, the engine revved but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions the engine overheated and was consuming excessive amounts of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that due to the previous update performed, the recall could not be applied to the VIN. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to have the vehicle to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
I bought my KIA SOUL 2013 last year after saving for it bc I needed something more dependable and love it but I don't feel safe anymore bc of the possibility of an engine explosion. There's always been something funky about the radio coming when I start it but now there's a caution light staying on and the oil and everything else checks out. Also the gas lever starts blinking when I've just filled it up. What I don't get is how these people can play God with people's lives? I need a dependable vehicle to be able to go help my granddaughter needs me. At first the radio issue I blamed on me just being PARONOID thankfully I know there is something major going on.I don't let my fur baby go with me anymore, not risking hi life, it's bad enough I have worry about myself and it's just wrong.
My engine been making noise past two years
Rear hatch glass shattered randomly out of no where. No impact to the glass or others around to cause it. Others safety was at risk due to glass falling off the car as I was driving. My safety was jeopardized due to when it happened as I was driving, I jumped and drove left of center.
In December 2022, my 2013 KIA Soul was broken into. There was a trend on tik tok showing how easy it was to break into KIA AND HYUNDAI. My Kia Soul was in the shop for over a month getting fixed. While driving home on I-95 the Kia Soul broke down, it shut off and had to be towed back to the shop. When the shop called back and told me what the issue was, they said the engine was done. I looked up on the recall website seeing if the engine was on the recall list, it said it was not. There are 4 Kia Soul engines on the list but mine is not. I contacted Kia about the issue, they said since I am not the 1st owner, the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty was a void. I only got 5 years 50,000 miles. How are customers getting new engines with the same issue & this Soul isn't
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The contact veered to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that a significant amount of engine oil was leaking underneath the engine onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to a gas station and was then towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be responsible for repairing the vehicle as she failed to repair the vehicle under unknown service campaigns that had been sent to her. However, the contact had not received the notifications. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Check engine light came on and was showing issues with the camshaft and crankshaft sensors. I took it to the dealership where I purchased the car and they told me there was sludge built up due to lack of maintenance (regular oil changes). I have proof of regular oil changes being done. They told me there are no recalls (there is an open investigation on my make and model) and I would have to pay for a new engine which costs more than the car is worth.
Engine loses power and then stops now car won't start catalytic converter the gas cap the 02 censorAnd the throttle body
2013 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ILLUMINATED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. THE VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH AND HAS BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST AND WON'T HOLD OIL FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME.
My engine failed and I thankfully was able to get my car to my mechanic but had I not, I could have stalled on the highway and caused a car accident.
I was involved in a car accident where a truck pulled out in front of me causing me to hit him in his side with the front passenger side of my car resulting in the car to roll two times. As a result of the airbags not deploying the windshield came into the car causing lacerations to the face of the passenger and as the car was rolling his right arm was out of the window causing him to have to have staples put in his arm and the skin on his hand was gone both driver and passenger had concussions and I feel that these injuries could have been avoided if the airbags (front and side ) were to deploy !
Driving on the highway when my car started making a popping sound, No lights came on on the dash We pulled over thinking it was the tire, we pulled over just in time the car cut off completly while we were still moving towards an exit. Car had plenty of oil plenty of water everything was up-to-date Besides of steering coupler. Tried cutting the engine back on and it started smoking and wouldn't cut back on or it would stall out. If we didn't hear that noise a few seconds sooner we would have gotten to a terrible accident on a 4 lane highway, which we were all the way on the far left side before the engine cut out. There was no problems prior to any of this it just happened randomly
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and overheated. Additionally, when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved an unknown fault code. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that it might be the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, and the mechanic stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). There was no additional assistance provided. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000.
the catalytic converter is damaged, soon the engin could fail, and there is a recall on the catalytic converter for this car type and model and year. it has all the symptoms that the converter is damaged, tried to liquid to fix it it did not work It is available for inspection no risk yet, inspected and problem was confirmed engine light is on
Nothing has ever been wrong with my 2013 Kia Soul. Love this car! But less than 1 mile from home it started jumping and died. I have never once known about a recall. When it was looked at by mechanic, I was told the engine was blown due to possible head gasket, oil leaking out, etc. I have a rare terminal disease and can’t afford a new engine! My husband of 20 years left me, I am fixing to having cancer surgery and now to learn I have no car? I can’t take anymore! My local Kia dealships said recall was too old. I don’t have any idea what I’m going to do now! Maybe the surgery won’t go well….because right now, I could care less if I die because I have no life, no husband, no car…….
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon his wife parking the vehicle, a strong fuel odor was coming from both inside and outside the vehicle without warning. Upon inspection, his wife discovered fuel spewing underneath the vehicle. The contact was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a defective high-pressure fuel line that needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
I bought my Kia 1 year ago. When I bought it I was told the transmission needed a software update and that’s why it shifts so hard. Took it to Kia dealer and they installed. Didn’t fix the problem. Took to two other mechanics and had the transmission replaced and it’s still shifting so hard that your whole body jerks forward. Nobody can figure out what is wrong with it. Also smells like something is burning or melting quite often.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM, there was a rattling sound coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used an ODB scanner and retrieved DTC code: P020; indicating the catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer who had upgraded the catalytic overheating protection engine control unit logic as stated in the remedy but had not replaced the catalytic converter despite DTC code. The dealer stated that the catalytic converter would not be replaced under the recall. The vehicle had not received additional repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
The first issue took place in September 2022 when someone tried to steal the catalytic converter off of my car, I took it in to be replaced. Shortly after I started having engine issues, the engine light start flashing numerous times over a few week span and I had taken it into the Waikem (now Diehl) dealership in Massillon, and first they thought it was the spark plugs and replaced those, then had the same issue less than a week later, and then said the engine seized up and needed replaced. I was without my car for a total of over two months altogether, because then after I had it replaced, I had the same issue again, a week later and it was the ignition coils that needed replaced. This was right before Christmas in December 2022. After about two months. I began having issues again. It was one EVAP issue after another with the check engine light on again many times. I took it in, had the purge valve replaced, then a month later, had another issue, and had the filters replaced, then a month later, another issue, this time the purge valve again. Then we thought we fixed it last week, but now same issue again. I have had NOTHING but issues with this vehicle since last year and I am very upset, because I have LOST all confidence in my vehicle. It is one issue after another. Now the fuel gauge is flashing that it is empty, even though I filled up my tank yesterday, this has been the same ongoing issue for three weeks now and no resolution, with the check engine light on. I just want a working vehicle. I have children. I NEED it to be safe and reliable.
My steering wheel is rattling when going around 50-60 mph. When driving on a gravel road the car bounces all over the place when going more than 5 mph. Steering functionality is seriously compromised. 60,000 miles, single owner, no wrecks or potholes hit.
See attached document for complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption and was making abnormal knocking sounds intermittently while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact turned on the hazards lights and exited the highway. The contact coasted the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact then pushed the vehicle to a gas station with the assistance of bystanders. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 113,956.
Catalytic converter is going out. Although apparently there was no recall for MY car in particular but there has been a recall for the converter overheating and damaging the engine. Car no longer goes over 40 mph; meaning I can no longer use the freeway. Oil light comes on at least twice a month. Even after a oil change It comes right back on. Check engine light never goes off. Piston Rod is damaged which then contributes to a oil leak. This has been happening over a 6 month time span. I call myself fixing one thing then something else more detrimental breaks.
My 2013 Kia Soul is having the exact issues as the existing Kia/Hyundai catalytic converter/piston recall, but my VIN is not included in the recall. The car stalled while stopped at a traffic light. We brought it to a local pep boys for service. They alerted us to the existing Kia recall.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to park safely in a driveway. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,432.
My steering wheel just started shaking as I turning a corner. Now, if I go over 60 mph my car wants to jump all over the road. I’ve been told it’s the (MDPS) steering coupler by a few mechanics. Download the recall letter from Kia advising of this and the dealership says my VIN is not covered.
I cranked car letting it warm up, pulled out of my park onto main road, got approximately 300 yards to the red light, while sitting at the red light the cars idling went aradic, I opened the driver's side door and looked under the car, the catalytic converter was glowing red, solid red, I tried to pull into the store next to the red light, the check engine light came in and the car had no power when I mashed the gas, people behind me helped me push it into the store, after getting home that evening I checked and seen they had a catalytic converter recall on my car stating that the catalytic converter can catch on fire and harm the engine, I took the car to Kia south in Union city they gave us the run around stating that I had to have a new engine I told them the catalytic converter recall states that the catalytic converter will cause fire and engine damage, before even inspecting the car their tech had already made up his mind that's not what killed the engine, then started stating that my car wasn't under the recall I ask him how us that possible when it did the same thing 749.000 kia cars did, then was called a week later tech saying he couldn't do the recall cause he couldn't get the car to crank, but the tech said he did a diagnostics on I asked how if he couldn't get the car to crank, we took a mechanic to Kia with us, to look at the car ,after looking at the car, the mechanic told us this is the exact same damage that he has work on because of the catalytic converter, the tech showed us a picture on his phone stating the were metal pieces in the oil , that the car was ran out of oil, upon further inspection of his pictures the tech was caught in a lie, the picture wasn't even a picture of my car , our mechanic told the tech that this falls under the recall and Kia knows it.. Kia and the tech acknowledge my car falls under the recall but said I have more than 150.000 miles on it, so if i want it fixed it would cost $8000 dollar for new engine
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been serviced under an unknown Campaign for the ECU; however, the failure occurred after the repair was performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 158,513.
Car wasn’t always turning over right away. When it would, sluggish acceleration meaning gas pedal to floor and slow acceleration. Could have caused major accident when crossing traffic or joining traffic. Car turned off when at busy intersection twice when idling. Could have caused to be rear ended. Auto shop cleaned terminal 6. Stated if happens again, go to Kia to have board replaced
Paint is bubbling up and peeling off everywhere on my car
Steering coupler bad Looked online and the noise my car is making When I go back-and-forth with the steering wheel when the car is turned on but I’m not driving ! Makes a clicking noise it also make that noise when I’m driving
Speed Control may have misfunctioned. I do not really know. When driving, the car randomly drops down to 5 mph and continues on its own at 5mph. The only way to stop is to turn off the engine. The car is not safe to drive This defect puts me at risk and all the cars following me at risk. This defect has not been independently verified but it is easy to reproduce. Check Engine was on due to problems with a multitude of engine sensors.
I have a Kia Soul ECO. Frequently the car will stop. For no apparent reason. It may have to do with the ECO feature where the engine turns off when you come to a complete stop. This is very dangerous as it happens randomly and disables the car. I have to turn the engine off and back on to continue.
2013 Kia Soul randomly turns off. It has 101K miles. No dash or warning lights come on before this happens. Then after it turns off an oil can icon, battery icon and a steering wheel icon with exclamation come on the dash and the air is still on, so its on battery power. I have to put it in park, turn off the ignition and AC and restart the car. The second issue that is happening. It is also randomly struggling to start up. I have bought a new battery thinking it was the issue. Still it randomly has startup cranking issues. The random engine power off has happened while slowing down to go over a speed bump, while idling at a stop lights and while i tried to engage the reverse to backup. It is also randomly struggling to start after these engine power off events. Never consistent. Sometimes it starts right up after the power off and others it takes several cranks before it starts. I have to put it in park, turn off the ignition and restart it. I drive 5 miles to work and luckily don't need to go over 35MPH to get there, but I shudder to think what could have happened if i was going faster and the engine cuts off. I have had it diagnosed at a non Kia reputable mechanic repair shop, where they tested the battery and is shows to be good(Should since it is new). Since it sounded like an electrical issues they tested and cleaned the power and ground cables. They attached the scan tool and checked all the modules on the vehicle and no diagnostics trouble codes were stored in any of the modules. But the problem continues. I have scheduled another diagnostic with a Kia dealership Sept 29, 2022 to see if they can figure this out. This is very dangerous as it happens randomly and disables the car. Like i mentioned I shudder to think what could of happened the times I was on the highway driving at 60-65MPH and the only way to get it turn back on is to put it in park and restart it and hope it starts right away before an accident occurs. Not driving til fixed
The vehicle lost power and the engine started smoking followed by a loud knock. I had the vehicle towed to a shop and they determined that it was a rod knock. Vehicle has 138000 miles
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 was 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.
My 2013 Kia Soul Exclaim has turned-off three (3) times in the past 30 days. The first time was on 5/17/22, the car was idling in traffic at a stoplight when it turned-off completely. I had my mom in the front passenger seat, and we were quick to turn on the emergency lights. Thankfully, after 60-90 seconds, it restarted, and we were able to continue with the flow of traffic without issue until I tried accelerating, and it sounded like it was stuck between two gears at 40mph. When we were about to idle in traffic, the car felt like it was going to stall/turn off again. We parked in an apartment complex, and checked for leaks but didn’t see any. I scheduled an appointment with Firestone Complete Autocare for the next day, and after a few hours I was able to start the car and head home without issues. On 5/18/22, we took the car to Firestone where they checked the battery & other components but readings came back normal. The manager couldnt explain what happened and didn’t feel comfortable changing the battery since readings were normal. I didn’t have any further issues until 6/1/22 when the car was idling, and turned-off again. It still took 60-90 seconds to restart, but no further issues until this morning, 6/4/22. Today, the car was idling while at the Starbucks drive-thru line when it turned off. This time it took 90-120 seconds to start again, and when I tried to accelerate it began to sputter and felt like it was going to turn off again. I decided to go home, but it would not accelerate up the hill I live on, and ultimately died on the street outside my neighborhood. The car was towed to Firestone, and it was suggested to check Kia for a recall. NHTSA shows that 2012-2016 Kia Souls have been recalled for faulty catalytic converters. I called Kia Service, and the mechanic said that the VIN on my vehicle is not recalled, but from what I described, it could be an issue with the catalytic converter. Firestone was notified, and will check the engine.
Driving down the freeway, and a fireball exploded out the bottom of the car, according to the driver behind us. The fire department were called out, deemed the car unsafe, and disconnected the fuel line. Car towed away.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026