NHTSA Complaint #11473466 — 2014 KIA SOUL

On July 6, 2022 while in route to Virginia Beach with 4 of my younger siblings for a camping trip, my meticulously maintained 2014 SOUL suddenly lost power and the check engine light began flashing. Unsure what to do I pulled to the side of I-64 and called my father. He instructed me to drive to the nearest exit and call a tow truck, which I did. I had the SOUL towed to the nearest KIA dealership which was Williamsburg Chrysler - Jeep - Dodge - Kia. My parents in the meantime drove from nearly 3 hours away in two vehicles to leave one for us, while they drove back in the other. We drove back again today, July 11th, to pick my SOUL up and get a clearer explanation of what was precisely wrong. It was explained to us that the Knock Sensor Detection System related to a former recall had activated Diagnostic Trouble Code P1326 (as described in the KIA TSB 2002B for 2014-2016 MY Soul (PS) w/Nu 2.0L GDI). To the point, Service Advisor Canon Hughes told me a motor replacement was needed, yet KIA would not cover it because it failed a specific diagnostic test. Note this SOUL has been in our family since its beginning. It was originally owned by my grandmother who bought it new at a KIA dealership in Jacksonville, Florida. It then passed to me upon her death in 2018. I have since regularly serviced the SOUL and have kept a log of regular oil and filter changes. It has proved reliable until its recent sudden malfunction. Disappointed with the lack of concern shown by KIA through its representative dealer, we proceeded to drive the car home after Canon Hughes said it could be driven, which I did with my dad following behind. On the way home we stopped by another KIA dealership closer to home for a second opinion Safford KIA of Fredericksburg. We spoke with Service Director Tony Di Cino. Our disappointment with KIA only increased when Tony refused to perform a second diagnostic test with me agreeing to pay for it... ***See attachment for full account