2017 KIA SOUL Engine Problems

While driving under normal conditions, the check engine light began flashing and the vehicle suddenly lost power and entered limp mode. Acceleration was severely limited, making it difficult to maintain speed in traffic. The vehicle was later diagnosed with diagnostic trouble code P1326, which is associated with engine rod bearing failure. This caused an unexpected loss of engine power and created a safety risk while driving. The vehicle had to be taken to a dealership for inspection due to the severity of the power loss.

While driving, the vehicle suffered a sudden and total engine seizure and loss of power (stalling), creating a life-threatening hazard in traffic . A certified Kia technician diagnosed a seized short block, multi-cylinder misfires (P0300-P0304), and a hole in the exhaust valve. This failure is identical to the defects in Recall SC176 and the Engine Litigation II Settlement. Furthermore, the dealer previously refused my request for the KSDS safety software update, which would have prevented this catastrophic seizure by triggering Limp Home Mode.

I’ve had to get three oil changes in just five months of owning my vehicle. Honda of Brandon sold it to me with a clean Car-Fax report, but I’m now facing a possible manifold and catalytic converter replacement costing $4,200. When the service department called the warranty company, they claimed it was a catalytic converter issue, but it turned out to be an O-2 sensor, which would cost about $460. One month after purchase, I had to replace the ignition coil and requested spark plug replacements, though I wouldn’t have known if a spark plug was bad. That repair bill alone came to $802.17, just a month after buying the car. Problem with battery. Oil has to keep being replaced and no one knows since not on ground has to be going in the engine. service rpt are Aug/19, 2025, jan 20,2026

The engine failed while driving on the highway, putting myself and others at risk. First the car started shaking, then the check engine light flickered. Fortunately, I was able to get off the highway, but I was far from home. The engine failure was confirmed by an independent service center and a dealer. The vehicle was inspected by a third party and since it was still under warranty, the engine was rebuilt. A few weeks later, the check engine light came on again, this time 0420 code. The dealer where I purchased the vehicle called it in to the warranty company, and they have reset the check engine light and asked me to keep driving the car to see if the light comes back on. All of this happened after the car had undergone oil consumption testing, and a previous claim for a new engine had been denied both by...

We had a new engine installed because of a recall. The dealership told us we needed a new catalytic converter because they were clogged due to the faulty engine. There is no recall and I am now in fear for my safety and my children's safety. I can smell exhaust extremely bad while driving and continue to smell it hours afterwards. Including feeling nauseous and developing a headache.

Engine Failed Mid Drive. Started with knocking sound then went into limp mode and then shut off and did not want to start. Car failed in the middle of traffic and could of injured me and others. I've read of other failures of the same models but for some reason the 2017 model isn't eligible for the settlement even though the same issues are present in the 2017 Kia Soul Models. Had to have my vehicle towed home.

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report that a Kia dealership of garden grove, ca falsely recorded a safety recall as “completed” on my 2019 Kia Soul Upon review from another kia dealer, I discovered that the recall repair — essential to prevent engine failure — was never actually performed. My engine has now failed catastrophically (broken connecting rod at 128,600 miles), consistent with the known risks that recall was meant to address. This misrepresentation by the dealership not only endangered my safety but also undermines the recall process intended to protect consumers. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter and ensure accountability for the dealer and manufacturer. To answer your questions more directly. : 1.Connecting rod exploded out of engine. Kia is aware of thier faulty torque on said part. 2 My wife was driving on the free way with her kid at...

Perform check engine light diagnosis. Heard knocking noise at any speed even at idle. Added 2 quarts of oil. P0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold Bank 1. The engine is consuming too much oil and has a noise coming from the valve train. Also, a slight rod bearing knock. Our auto mechanic had told us to check with Kia Dealership because it is a known issue on this vehicle. But the Kia declined to repair.

While driving on June 30, 2025, the engine gave a loud clunking noise, shuttered and shut down. I was able to pull over to the side of the road safely and not impede traffic, however this happened on a public roadway and had the potential of causing different results. I had no warning lights on the dash, no check engine lights came on, no LOW OIl light and/or no other warning signals appeared. I was able to restart the vehicle and it shuttered but was able to drive it at a low reduced speed to get it into a more safer place. The vehicle was towed to the dealership the following morning. The dealership was able to inspect the vehicle and confirmed it was a total engine failure. The dealership has done all the service maintenance since the date of purchase as a new car, with the exception of 3...

I was driving and all a sudden my engine light came on and the car started like stuttering with no power very scarey. The mechanic said the 3 power train warranties on my car would not fix he said I need a new engine and I still owe like 12000 ugg.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also became aware of excessive oil consumption. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the costs. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after an independent mechanic started the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was deemed unrepairable due to insufficient engine oil records. The contact stated that the failure was related to an undisclosed recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The issue involves the engine’s piston rings, which appear to be malfunctioning and causing excessive oil consumption. This has led to oil entering the combustion chamber and likely damaging the catalytic converter. The engine began consuming oil rapidly between oil changes — far more than normal — and has since developed engine knocking and performance issues. These symptoms are consistent with piston ring failure in other 2017 Kia Soul models that have been recalled, though my VIN is not currently included. • Component or system that failed: The likely failure is with the piston rings, which are allowing oil to burn inside the engine. This has begun to impact the catalytic converter as well. All parts remain installed and are available for inspection upon request. • Safety risks: This situation puts my safety and the safety of others at risk, as the engine could seize or stall unexpectedly due to...

The contact called on behalf of her neighbor who owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. A mobile independent mechanic replaced the starter. The contact stated while the neighbor was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The driver was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The driver was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of bystanders. The vehicle was pushed to a business place parking lot, where the mobile mechanic diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

My 2017 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX] ) is experiencing piston ring failure, which has led to excessive oil consumption and the failure of my catalytic converter. The engine is a 2.0L Nu MPI—the same engine type covered under Kia recalls SC176 and SC200—but my VIN is currently excluded. This is a known manufacturing defect that causes oil to enter the combustion chamber, damaging the catalytic converter and violating emissions standards. The repair costs are unaffordable for my family, and Kia refuses to cover them despite California’s extended emissions warranty and identical symptoms to covered vehicles. Many other owners of 2017 Kia Souls with the same engine are also reporting these issues. I am requesting that NHTSA expand the recall to include my VIN and investigate Kia’s exclusion of affected vehicles with the same engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine is running very rough. At a low idle, the engine turns off. Today the car turned off 11 times. A diagnostic reading shows all four cylinders misfiring.

Vehicle shut off on the highway and engine no seized however oil change was recently completed

- Engine failure/seizure with rod bearing failure! Yes, vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - Myself and my wife were driving through a busy intersection light when the engine failed and went into limp mode (Engine Control System) causing an abrupt stop in the middle of the intersection which forced multiple cars to have to slow down and break to not hit us. My wife is pregnant and a recent brain cancer survivor and this put all of our lives at risk! - Yes the problem has been confirmed by the Kia dealer with a full diagnostic inspection and confirmed reports of engine rod bearing failure. This is a known defect with this Kia engine. The car has never had any issues before and has always had regular maintenance and all software/recall updates applied in a timely manner! The car has never had any oil leaks, or leaks or...

Car stalls when at a stop. Restart ignition stalls again when placed into drive and accelerator is pressed. Restart, brake pedal and accelerator pressed at same time, while put into gear, and then it will move. The oil light and battery light comes on when it stalls.

After driving about 2,000 miles after an oil change, the oil warning light comes on. This happens regardless of whether I use 3,000-mile or 5,000-mile oil. When I check the oil, it is completely gone. This issue started about a year ago, and now I always carry extra oil because I am worried. My car has a 2016-manufactured engine, but since it is a 2017 model, the dealership says it is not eligible for a recall and refuses to repair it. They told me that if I want a detailed inspection, I would have to pay for the inspection and repairs myself, even if it is an engine defect. I don’t know what to do. Please help me!

I purchased my car new from the dealer in August of 2017; at 40,000 I started having an excessive oil consumption issue. I took it repeatedly to the dealer for remedy under the warranty. They examined and performed services that failed to remedy the issue. From my research I learned that this problem arises from faulty piston rings and valves. I continued to take the vehicle to the dealer, and their response was that oil consumption on my vehicle was within their specifications. Currently my vehicles has 103867 miles and the KIA warranty has expired. The engine burns 1 quart of oil every 300 miles. Prior to expiration of the warranty I filed a warranty claim with Consumer Assistance and the matter was referred to Mediation and Arbitration, and the arbitrator declined my demand for replacement of the engine. This morning I noticed an article on the WEB that KiA...

My husband was travelling down the highway in our car with my [XXX] in the back seat. Suddenly the motor seized up and the car started the rattle. The car came to a stop. We had the car towed to a Kia dealership and was told that the engine had seized up and would need to be replaced. I also found out about a known issue with Kia engines. I had never heard about it. We are the second owner and weren't notified that there was an issue. They are claiming that they don't have to fix the car because we hadn't had a knock sensor repaired. I don't know how we were supposed to know about it. Because it wasn't actually a recall, I couldn't even look it up. Even though the error is Kia's, they refuse to fix the car. There were no warning lights before this incident....

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel soon after an oil change. Additionally, the contact stated that there was oil accumulating around the exhaust pipe. Upon inspection of the engine, the contact discovered that oil was leaking from the piston rings. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

The crank shaft failed and is costing me 2800 to repair it.

09/06/2024 MY KIA SOUL ENGINE BROKE DOWN TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP AND DETERMINED IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, DUE TO A RECALL THAT WAS ISSUED BEFORE MY OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE. KIA DECLINES DOING THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT UNDER THE 150,000 WARRANTY, DUE TO THE RECALL NEVER BEING TAKEN CARE OF. SPOKE TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM AND AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE THEY HAD NO RECORD OF A RECALL BEING PRESENT ON THE VEHICLE. ATTACHED IS VEHICLES CARFAX AND DATES OF INCIDENTS.

The Kia Soul is burning engine oil. I have to add an extra pint of oil every month. This known engine defect will one day damage the engine and may cause an accident.

Hi Nikki - This vehicle has an engine issue as of [XXX] when my car broken down on the road. The engine sputtered and the car was inoperable. I was told to call the Wynn’s Extended Warranty, however it was late and there was no one available to answer the call. So then my car was taken by AAA to their repair facility where they diagnosed the vehicle with needing a new engine. At that point, they called in to make sure the engine was covered by Wynn’s and they were told to have it towed to Kia as the car is below 100,000 miles and should be covered by them. Kia the performed a diagnosis and told me the engine needed to be replaced today on 10/7. They informed me the car would not be covered due to the car’s two engine recalls that were not performed on the...

I have wasted too much time and my own $ for my local KIA to dismiss their on going re-appointments and months of different service technicians to not have them reacting to an engine light to never retry something not done right. Now, they have my 2017 KiA Soul+ wrongly listed as no recalls remaining. I am trying to be as proactive and not lose my Kia or several more months of covering the Killeen, Tx Dennis Eakin KIA’s rear to quietly avoid redoing more recall call backs they need to finish. So now your national government database shows my Kia doesn’t have the P0420 catalyst and O2 sensor listed. —-I did my part for Killeen KiA and paid my $ to prove to them the check light kept coming back on after they turned it off in early 2022. The gas mileage is horrible. I’m a handicap driver on...

Engine burns oil. Losing over 1 quart per 500 miles. Kia says it is normal.

Vehicle is consuming oil far before service is due. Easily a quart or more before 1000mi. Read about a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT regarding engine failure due to this.

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle shut off on an exit and blocked traffic. The vehicle was pushed out of the roadway by bystanders. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the failure was linked to an unknown recall campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. The VIN was not available.

UNKNOWN

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic discovered metal shards in the oil pan. The mechanic recommended that the vehicle be taken to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that an engine flush needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Burning oil and engine failure! According to Kia this is "a common issue" unbeknownst to consumers. This is VERY dangerous. The vehicle has been been sitting at a repair shop waiting for warranty approval.

I was driving down a freeway after changing my oil when my car began backfiring, which was strange so I pulled over and checked my engine but I saw nothing wrong, so I went back to driving so I could get home, but as I was driving home, the engine made a loud clang and then the engine completely died. I had come to find out later after paying to have my car towed home that it had infact overheated, and blown a piston straight through the engine block.

Just had an oil change done a couple months ago, the two previous oil changes I had, the merchanics advised me that the engine had less oil than it should for how little miles had been put on it. took it in today since it started making a "ticking" noise, and was informed that there was hardly any oil in the engine, and that was the cause. it had only been driven 2000 miles since the last change. they informed me of a TSB that was out for the 2017 souls that have a 1.6L engine (reference number PS739) that basically says that a defect is causing an engine oil leak due to a dowel pin. contacted a dealership per their advice and they told me that it is not covered by Kia even though it is a known issue by them, looking at several of the other complaints against...

The engine failed and the car just stopped running. The safety of me and my family was put at risk. I barely could get the car off the road as I'm disabled. I had to call for help.

The engine failed on an Arizona highway, at night, while my daughter was driving from Arizona to California. My daughter's safety, and that of her friend who was also in the car, was put at risk due to the near inability to move the vehicle off of the highway and onto the shoulder. This route [XXX] ) is a major highway used by truckers and regular vehicles. Her hazards lasted just long enough for the tow truck to arrive. Her hazard lights were dying just as the tow truck driver pulled up. I can't imagine what could have happened if she was sitting on the side of the road, in a black car at night, with no functioning hazard lights. We were able to get the vehicle towed back to San Tan Valley, Arizona. I called several Kia service departments and was told that there was an engine recall up...

05/18/2024 (Saturday) I was driving home from my parents house. After approximately 7 miles from leaving their home the check engine light came on. The car became sluggish and seamed to not have a lot of power. I drove the car approximately another 7 miles straight to the dealership for it is be examined. On Monday 05/20/2024 they called to tell me that I needed a new engine because the car had metal shaving in the engine. I asked the service rep how this was possible they she replied she did not know. I explained to her that I could not pay $7,800 + tax for a new engine. She asked me to wait and see what she could do. She called me back the next day 05/21/2024 to inform that she spoke with the manager and that they would be able to complete the work for $5,100 + tax....

Last year check engine light came on & It was time to get my oil change, So you know when they connect the car to that reader well it came back It was my catalytic converter And so I was like that's really expensive ,check engine light ended up going off then on. Now mind you I always keep up the maintenance on this vehicle. So let's fast forward A little bit My next oil change comes around This establishment put my car on the reader again catalytic converter comes up again. I get the oil change And then 1 month later my car gives me a notice telling me I need oil I take it back to my establishment And there was no oil in there Had to get another oil change to put new oil instead of stuff and then they told me that Issues which is causing...

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....

The Kia has been using oil sind 78000 miles I've been going to dealership now going on 2 years for issues with the engine. Feb 2024 they put a catalytic converter on. On [XXX] I called told them check engine light was flashing and was rattling and running rough Nick Sheets told me to bring it back on Saturday the [XXX] at 10:00 am. On way to bring it in on the highway [XXX] bypass the car quit and there was a tractor trailer behind me blowing his horn and throwing his hands up air but I couldn't do anything. I turned my emergency flashes on and tried to motion for people to go around me. My friend came and helped me get car off road until wrecker came to tow it to the dealership. Upon arrival they did a combustion test or whatever and said engine was blown. INFORMATION...

Engine failed - active codes P0300 and P0303 Cylinder 3 spark plug coated in oil. Only had 10PSI of cylinder PSI. Russ Darrow Waukesha Kia - Wisconsin concluded that a new engine is needed, quoted $9,000. Kia declined to cover the cost, the codes above aren't covered by engine warranty. Before the engine failure, I reported an unusual oil consumption for the vehicle. I researched and found many other 2017 Kia Soul owners who experienced the same incident (engine failure). I believe Kia needs to be held accountable for this engine scam. It's not isolated incidents.

Car has been giving me problems using oil going on 3 years. The Kia dealership keeps having me do different test and repair different stuff. Finally on Saturday March 16,2023 the car broke down right off exit of highway at the light. I was so scared and frustrated people were blowing horn. A man helped me after about 30 minutes get car off road onto shoulder. Had to have it towed to Kia. The did test yet again told me engine is shot. Now waiting approval for a new engine from Kia. This whole time I always check for recalls and stuff on this car but nothing ever shows up. But clearly there is a problem. I bought this car brand new. I have tried all this time with the dealership to make it right I even reported to y'all once before and started a case with Kia corporate. I...

I am reporting the problem with the starters used in the Kia Soul. My starter went out with no warning. My vehicle had less than 25,000 mi. This occurrence happened 1 yr ago. January of 2023. The temp outside was a blistering 13°below 0. I was stumped by this occurrence. After searching the web for answers- I found myself viewing Utube videos for the problem I was experiencing. I found several about the symptoms, sounds and the behavior of the dash lights that verified the fact That my STARTER has gone out. Upon arrival at Dealership garage, I was told "the manufacturer is aware of the problems with these specific starters but are not willing to do anything about it because of cost" I feel this is a true safety issue. Being January in MN winter, the temperature can be very devastating. I contacted Roadside assistance (their headquarters being in...

Burning oil in 1,000 miles blowing blue smoke out exhaust

Had oil changed and noticed car was stalling. Went to get car checked out and there was no oil. Replaced oil and car still had the same issue. Was notified that there was an issue with these cars and burning oil. Engine was replaced but car still has issues.

The car gave no warning, no lights or anything to tell me that there was something wrong with the engine. The engine started to knock very loud while I was driving on the freeway and completely failed. The car could have caught on fire or blew up while I was driving it or I could have gotten into a very bad accident. As soon as I had heard the knocking I immediately pulled over on the freeway dangerously while cars were speeding by me. There was no warning and the car was driving completely fine. I also saw that there was a recall for other years for the kia soul that had the same engine failures that mine had except that my car did not have a recall.

Engine blew

Dear Officer, I'm writing to report the powertrain and engine issue on my Green Kia Soul 2017 with a 1.6L engine. The engine misfired when I was driving on Interstate 26 with my whole family (including my wife, mom, and 4-year-old daughter). The speed was down first with no signal and then the car started to shake strongly. It was extremely dangerous as it would very likely have made a collision from the back. I was so scared after that. I couldn't imagine the consequences if the car crashed due to a sudden engine misfire on the interstate. Thank Goodness, we are blessed as there was an exit that led us to get off the interstate. After towing the car to the dealer for a full inspection, I was told to pay at least $6,600 to buy a new engine to fix this issue without a warranty. I do need...