NHTSA Complaint #11586045 — 2017 KIA SOUL

On 3/22/24, my 2017 Kia Soul started making a backfiring noises while I was on the interstate. Then I heard a loud noise and the car starting losing speed and finally just quit after about a 1/4 of a mile. I had to have car towed to repair shop. I called for roadside assistance from AAA. (They couldn’t, of course, get the car started). Mechanic said motor seized and now has to be replaced. I’ve always kept up with oil changes on time. The car had never used or leaked oil since I’ve owned since August 2017. There were no warning lamps on before the car died. I was at high risk during this incident in heavy interstate traffic, barely able to get off the interstate to the median before it shut down. Never had issues or repairs before this. Car has 106,000 miles. Motors should last way beyond this. Mechanic stated that he’s worked on several Kia souls where motor seized up like this. I have tow receipt from this date. I had to purchase a short block motor and cylinder head from Kia. Took the new motor to the owner/mechanic at repair shop. I’m still waiting on this motor change out to be completed. I’ve had to get rental vehicles and ask for rides for over 5 weeks now. This has been a monumental hardship on me, my family and friends. Vehicle rentals run about $100 per day. I’ve had to spend $1,000 on car rentals when I wasn’t able to borrow a car or get a ride.