NHTSA Complaint #11694710 — 2019 KIA SOUL

Vehicle: 2019 Kia Soul 2.0L GDI VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 92,200 The engine and connecting rod bearings failed — a known defect in Kia’s Theta II GDI engines. The vehicle began making a loud knocking noise and would stall when turning to start the engine within days of purchase. This is consistent with the same defect addressed in Kia’s KSDS / PI2107 Product Improvement Campaign and Theta II Engine class-action settlement. Component failed: Engine. The engine is available for inspection. Safety risk: The engine stalls unpredictably, creating a major risk of collision or being stranded in traffic. The stalling has occurred more than once, and the car is unsafe to drive, per Moritz Kia. Confirmed by: Moritz Kia Fort Worth, which diagnosed internal engine failure and quoted $6,230 for replacement. Kia Consumer Affairs refused to open a case or perform the recall, claiming it was “past due,” though the vehicle is within the 15-year/150,000-mile lifetime warranty coverage. Maintenance history: CARFAX confirms regular oil and filter changes, most recently on 05/30/2025, proving the vehicle was properly maintained. Inspection: Completed by Kia dealership; no outside inspection yet. Warning symptoms: Engine knocking and stalling Summary: Kia is refusing recall service and case creation despite this being a known manufacturing defect, not a maintenance issue. The KSDS system only detects failure after it occurs and does not fix the defect. This creates a continuing safety hazard for consumers. Kia consumer affairs dates of contact and reference numbers: 09/11/2025-#2563091, 10/15/2025-25603091 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)