58 of the 7,523 complaints filed about the KIA Soul are about the suspension — 1% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2011.
58
Complaints
1%
Share of all complaints
7
Crashes
1
Fires
SUSPENSION
Noise while driving and over bumps and steering
NHTSA complaint #11750863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
Cv joint and axle causing car to stall when turunning
NHTSA complaint #11740270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
The vehicle experiences major engine performance issues following a replacement engine installation (approximately 8,000 miles on the new engine). Additionally, the catalytic converter is malfunctioning, the steering exhibits significant pulsation during braking, and the suspension system is malfunctioning. These combined defects create an unsafe driving condition and pose a serious risk to the driver, passengers, and other motorists.
NHTSA complaint #11736438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
My KIA Soul 2018 caught on file while driving. The whole engine was in flames. I didn't want to die because my car has a manufacturing issue that KIA was not aware about. The dealership I've purchased the car from denied to give me a copy of the mechanical inspection done at the dealership Stonebriar Chevrolet in Frisco, TX. The flames started under the car and made its way to the engine, smoke was coming from the AC vents. People were able to put the fire down before it got to the gas tank. Due to the seriousness of the damage, the car stopped working and we left it on the side of the road.
NHTSA complaint #11730985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I am submitting this complaint to report serious concerns regarding the quality, safety, and reliability of my new Kia Soul, as well as the financial burden caused by defects that should not occur on a vehicle with such low mileage. At approximately **8,500 miles**, one of the original tires failed prematurely. I was forced to purchase a used tire to keep the vehicle safely drivable. I had the front alignment inspected, and I was informed that it was within normal specifications, yet the tire issue persisted. Now at **10,000 miles**, I am still experiencing abnormal tire wear. Additionally, at **10,000 miles**, the vehicle began making **grinding noises when applying the brakes**, which is extremely concerning for a car that is still essentially new. These issues raise questions about the vehicle’s manufacturing quality and whether it meets reasonable consumer expectations for safety and durability. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that it would be reliable and free from major defects. Instead, I am facing unexpected expenses, safety concerns, and ongoing problems that should be covered under warranty. I am now questioning whether I should continue making payments on a vehicle that is already showing signs of significant defects. I am requesting that the FTC review this matter as a potential issue involving product quality, warranty compliance, and consumer protection. I am seeking assistance in ensuring that Kia addresses these defects appropriately and that my rights as a consumer are upheld. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11714991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
The engine makes a noise like a knock, when the car is running or the speed increases the noise becomes louder and it feels like a strong blow coming from the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11692473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving and turning, there was an abnormal metal-on-metal sound coming from near the wheels. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the driver's side wheel bearing, and axle had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that there was a loud metal-to-metal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the mechanic was using a crowbar on the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic and was informed that the CV axle was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11674032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
When vehicle stopped at red light, foot on break. The whole car shut down and locked up and I was unable to move. I had to turn the car off and back on and jerk the wheel to get it to respond again. This happened twice in one drive. This is right after getting my car back from dealership for parts that had to be replaced due to a re-call.
NHTSA complaint #11667030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
While driving on the freeway, last month mid to late Feb, My steering wheel started spinning in one direction,. The control arm on the right side of the vehicle came off of the car's right front wheel and I skidded to the side of the road at approximately 65 to 70 miles per hour. Fortunately, there was not an accident. The control arms were replaced and there were no further incidents. Regardless, given the multiple engine recalls and problems with the Kia Soul 2019 2.0 plus, I have no confidence in it's integrity to the safety standards set. This is not only related to the car, but mostly due to the behavior of the company in its continued efforts to otherwise resist compliance with engine replacement after my mechanic both viewed rod bearings seeing they may impose some risk. (see previous complaint)
NHTSA complaint #11575206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
My vehicle at three months had transmission failure like many 2021 Kia souls after the repair I began to experience, mini electrical issues and steering issues which are very common for this model year. Most recently I have taken it in for electrical issues. My rear brake lights are not working the fuses burn and the wiring has burned. in addition, there is a bulletin that Kia put out to their dealers asking to repair suspension and steering problems on hundreds of thousands of vehicles but this is not a recall yet my vehicle experience the same symptoms and my vehicle was not repaired siding I was too close to the end of my warranty please see the last page the Kia bulletin regarding popping in the steering the dealer installed parts at purchase of the vehicle in 2021 and please see the brake light repairs Kia motors forced me to sign a disclaimer when the when the transmission went out siding, I would never complain about the vehicle. After submitting a case to the department of Justice in California, Kia instantly reopened my case. The wiring repairs were recorded on my invoices as #Warranty repairs, but when I call Kia motors themselves, they do not show any warranty repairs performed on my vehicle. I don’t understand why they are hiding this information. Again, please see the Kia bulletin in my attachments they did not repair my vehicle based on the bulletin.
NHTSA complaint #11574395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
I bought car being financed in sac,ca. August 8, 2023. Took back referred to mechanic round corner. Brake rotor issues fixed front this was August 14 noise still exist took back turned back rotors scraping noise pulling to left took to other automotive repairs ,inspections shocks original 2010 208,000 miles , brakes rotors scratches need replacing , pads, sway bar crack or been welded, sway bar link needs replacing crack control arms bushings cracked,windshield wipers needed replacing, check engine light I replaced coils and spark plugs, valve cover gasket leak ,front tires worn . Brakes sway bar axle issues could have have tragic accidents rollover cause injury to self passengers pedestrians and other vehicles. Even though car sold as is there's safety issues that should had been addressed before sold to anyone . I been to midas, Les Schwab, AAA inspection jiffy lube, orange Grove automotive, sales person said I need to take to another mechanic they use in elk Grove sine the mechanic they been using not fixing properly or in denial what's wrong, he said they aren't mechanics it's illegal that I brought car back to lot . I left it there feel unsafe after finding out what all wrong when mechanic said stop noise and salesmen said help me if I take to their people .I don't want car cause what else been overlooked it's about moneys I've spent rentals wage losses Safety first neglected . I feel they need to make deal right another car comparable in performance safety what this car suppose to be or give me $1500 back quash deal cause I don't like disrespect they have given me to be professional defrauding me not concerned my safety just$$$. Then say I illegally left car in lot but not that they illegally sold me an unsafe vehicle. I got full coverage insurance before taking car.
NHTSA complaint #11555882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
Turned my wheel to pull out of a parking spot. I heard a grinding noise as I moved forward and then lost the ability to steer my car. I was able to get my car off the street and upon inspection found my left front tie rod had snapped in half.
NHTSA complaint #11554939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 65MPH AND MY CAR JUST BEGAN TO IDLE AND SLOWED DOWN TO REDUCING SPEED QUICKLY. I COULD NOT GIVE IT ENOUGH ACCELERATION TO PICK UP SPEED. I PULLED OVER TO SHUT MY ENGINE CAR OFF. TURNED CAR BACK ON AND MY RPMS TO SHIFT TO 2ND GEAR WERE LOW. I HAD TO SHIFT MY GEARS QUICKLY TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE. SINCE THEN, MY ENGINE LIGHT IS BLINKING AND I CANNOT GO FASTER THAN 50MPH
NHTSA complaint #11547738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
The vehicles steering wheel makes a clunking sound and there is a lot of play in it. It makes noise from left to right and vibrates at higher speeds. I have to drive with both hands gripping the wheel to hold it steady. I drive on the freeway at least once a week to visit my son and grandkids and now to nervous to drive it as it’s an hour drive. I am a senior and cannot afford to pay out of pocket. I’ve had my 2012 Kia Soul since 2013. I bought it used with 22,000 miles on it. I now have reached the 100,000 mile mark. I paid $20,000 for this vehicle over time and now I need Kia to step up and pay for this defect. Since it’s happening in almost all their cars it must be their fault. I don’t understand why they are not fixing the 2012’s but all other years are covered. That is a mistake that will kill someone soon and then they will have a lot more problems than they are facing now. They recently offered me a steering wheel lock so that my car can’t be stolen, that’s funny cause I don’t think that it would be worth stealing cause the steering is already compromised. Please get them to step up and take care of all their customers as it’s their fault. The part is a little rubber star thing that costs $8.00 but labor is 400 dollars and up. Thank you for listening.
NHTSA complaint #11541331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the braking system was erroneously activated, causing the brakes to engage without the brake pedal being depressed. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would drift to the right. The contact stated that there was also an abnormal odor of fuel present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and referred the contact to the local dealer. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 32,000.
NHTSA complaint #11504663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
My struts we’re going through my dash board and I had it repaired and my engine light is just constantly on.
NHTSA complaint #11485618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
When I bought my car in 2018, I didn’t like the way it drives. I had to take it back the next day to return it, but the dealer in North Aurora Gerald Kia said they wouldn’t take it back & I paid cash. I’ve been taking it back and forth from Gerald North Aurora to Bob Rohrman in Schaumburg Il. They have been been telling me every time, there’s nothing wrong. I’m hearing several noises in the Suspenion. So finally I told Bob Rohrman dealer to check everything before my warranty runs out. So far nothing didn’t happen until after my warranty. So I paid for 4 tires, front brakes, rotors. They finally said that I needed an Arm Control & a Strut, with low mileage, but Im steady hearing noises. I know know what to do. After I paid cash & had start going to find out what’s wrong with my car, the service dept was never friendly or professional. I always was told there’s nothing wrong with my car and that I know better. I’ve been driving since 17 yrs old and I’m 68.
NHTSA complaint #11480868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
1. STATIONARY - A PIECE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUSPENSION SPRING BROKE OFF. MY HUSBAND WENT TO CHECK WHAT WEIRD NOISE THE CAR WAS MAKING WHEN HE TURNED THE WHEEL FULLY AS WE WERE TRYING TO EXIT OUR PARALLELED PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF OUR HOME. WHEN HE OPENED THE HOOD, HE LOOKED AROUND AND ASKED ME TO TURN THE WHEEL FROM SO HE COULD HEAR EXACTLY WHERE THE SOUND WAS COMING FROM. WHEN HE HEARD IT WAS ABOVE THE RIGHT WHEEL AREA, HE LOOKED DEEP, REACHED IN AND ENDED UP FINDING A PORTION OF THE SPRING. A DAY OR TWO LATER, BOTH SIDES ARE MAKING THAT NOISE, THOUGH NO DISLODGED PORTION FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE HAS BEEN FOUND YET. 2. STATIONARY WHEN DISCOVERED - TIRE BEGAN LOSING AIR AT A RATE WHICH TOOK 1 FULL DAY. HAD THE TIRE CHECKED FOR HOLES, FOUND 1 AND REPAIRED IT. NEXT-DAY HOWEVER, SAME PROBLEM. CHECKED AGAIN, NO HOLES. NEXT DAY THE SAME. FINALLY BROUGHT IT TO TIRE SALES SHOP WE ALWAYS USE. IT WAS THOROUGHLY EXAMINED AND A CRACK WAS FOUND ON THE INNER SIDE OF THE WHEEL, WHICH MEANS IT WAS NOT FROM BRUSHING AGAINST THE CURB ONE TOO MANY TIMES. 3. HORN HAS ONLY EVER WORKED INTERMITTENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #11407751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
THE FRONT END CREAKS EVERY TIME I SLOWLY RIDE OVER A SPEED BUMP OR EXPERIENCE DIP IN THE ROAD. I ORIGINALLY REPORTED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK THE MECHANIC ON A RIDE WITH ME IN THE VEHICLE SO HE COULD HEAR THE NOISE. HE AGREED SOMETHING WAS WRONG, PROBABLY WITH THE SUSPENSION. AFTER SEVERAL VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY COULD NOT TARGET THE REASON FOR THE CREAKING NOISE. THEIR ONLY QUICK-FIX-TEMPORARY ANSWER WAS TO SPRAY THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE WITH LUBRICANT. THAT ELIMINATED THE ISSUE FOR A BRIEF COUPLE MONTHS, BUT THE CREAKING NOISE QUICKLY RETURNED, AND THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #11399986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUSPENSION
FAILURE TO ACCELERATE,JURKING,STALLING WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. WAS TOLD THERE A RACK AND PINION TIE ROD SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND STEERING PIN. CAR DOES DECELERATION, OIL BURNS UP IN A WEEK.
NHTSA complaint #11394762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.