2021 Kia Soul Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer cleared the check engine warning light code and deployed the Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle back if the failure recurred. The dealer marked the recall as completed. The contact stated that the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where DTC: P1327 (Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) was retrieved, and the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with piston vibration. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the failure was not related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired, but the dealer cleared the diagnostic trouble code. Additionally, the vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where DTC: P1327 (Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) was retrieved, and the contact was informed that there was a vibration in cylinder #3. The contact stated that the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where DTC: P1327 (Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) was retrieved; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle passed the SC336 recall inspection test. The contact stated that the dealer performed the test in 20 minutes. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced at 67,000 miles. The dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that once the district manager became available a determination would be made if the engine should be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 128,495.

When the car was originally going out, the check engine light came on and the engine was making a funny sound, then after we filled up on gas like 10-15 miles later, the engine shut off and stopped accelerating but all of the electronics were still coming on, the battery and oil pressure light came on as well, we pulled it over and when trying to start, it was cranking but not coming on, but the electronics and everything was still working just fine, radio worked and my phone was charging, eventually when we tried cranking again, the engine started rattling and grinding . Towed it to Kia. KIA said they did every test possible on the car and are about 90% sure that the car needs a new ecu, but that kia doesn't manufacture that part anymore and that if they made it, it could take 2 weeks to 4 months, they're saying that it's not apart of the warranty so it would be expensive. They said that the best bet would be to trade in the car. Then they asked for all receipts for oil changes. Then they said it's the camshaft. "Wanted to reach out to let you know we need to replace the Cam shaft, the camshaft phaser and valve cover gasket before we can do the test for the recall this will cost about $1530". He said this after already saying they tested it. They are refusing to repair the recall. This is the Kia dealership in Gettysburg PA.

Saw that there was a recall for faulty oil piston rings on my Kia 2021 soul received the letter from Kia in mid to late April made the appointment with Coughlin Kia of Newark for May 5. Coughlin Kia canceled it on May 4 June 24 had to have my Kia towed to Coughlin Kia of Newark June 20 27. They said Oil was going through my piston rings. There was vertical scoring on the cylinder walls, but they said that it was not because of the recall and I would have to pay $7000 to fix it even though I hid made the appointment and they canceled it. I had talked to Kia manufacturing in late February and had them record my call and ask them what do I do in the meantime because my Kia is burning a lot of oiland their response was we don’t know now I have engine failure and they’re claiming that they won’t fix it, even though it is under the recall.

While driving, the vehicle began running rough and stalled shortly after. It would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, where they diagnosed “excessive cylinder wall scoring” and no engine compression. This matches the symptoms described in Recall SC336, which affects piston oil rings and can lead to engine failure, stalling, or fire. The dealer confirmed the engine won’t turn over and compression is lost, but they refused to perform the required piston ring inspection under the recall. They stated I would need to pay for an engine tear-down first. However, according to the recall remedy, the inspection and engine replacement should be performed free of charge if symptoms are present. The issue occurred without warning, leaving me without transportation and unable to safely pick up my child. I have opened a case with the manufacturer and am awaiting their review.

Unusual engine oil consumption. Engine using 1 quart of engine oil every 1000 miles. Not normal.

I took my 2021 Kia Soul to Kia of Leesburg here in Florida, and dropped it off yesterday June 17th, per service department request and was told that they were going try to repair the multiple recalls on this vehicle. They told me that it was going to be 24-48 hours before I was going to be able to get it back when I called, regarding my safety critical recall. So, I dropped it off last night as instructed, the KIA of Leesburg service department called me today stating that due to sludge in the engine, they're refusing to fix the recalls, and stated that I owe them $200 before I am able to pick up my vehicle

Recall by KIA for engine malfunction--website/nhtsa shows multiple recalls, issues & motor replacements due to Piston Oil Ring issues that could result in stall or fire; had 2 recall dealer inspections citing need for camshift replacement, & SC336 Piston Oil Ring failure. Engine has used excessive oil (now 3+ qts in 3000 miles) which nhtsa lists as issue with the engines--recall was issued for this engine 2/17/2025, letters sent 4/4/2025 which I never received, oil consumption occurred over years/months. Techs at dealer told me operation of the engine "can be detrimental". KIA refuses to replace or repair the engine--this has been noted by nhtsa. Independent testing (2) indicates camshaft and crankshaft sensors are not in sync. I am fearful to operate the vehicle due to danger of stalling and/or fire, which could cause crash or injury. I ask for NHTSA to enforce their directions to KIA and replace the engine.

Engine burns oil irregularly and quickly. In October 2022, the check engine light was on and stalled while driving. Kia dealership in Sioux City stated my vehicle was not part of the original recall. The car was under warranty and they kept it for nearly 2 months to repair. Vehicle started stalling again last winter. Was told mice ate wires per dealership. In June 2025 - oil still burning quickly despite getting on time and regular oil changes. This time while driving on the interstate the check engine light came on again. Went to my local mechanic immediately (Car is out of warranty per mileage 85,000) and I hate the dealership - bone dry oil. They are convinced it's the pistons. Called the dealership. They made me call Kia. Kia claims my vehicle is not effected by the updated April recall - but they could repair my...horn. This car is dangerous. It constantly makes a knocking sound. I check the oil twice a week and have to add oil accordingly like it's a 1978 Buick. If this car stalls out while I'm commuting to work on an interstate, I and others could be seriously injured.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that the recall repair was on hold. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that a recall appointment with a local dealer was scheduled; however, while driving to the dealer the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at the dealer. The dealer attempted to restart the vehicle and then ran several tests on the vehicle. The dealer stated that the engine had failed; however, the dealer would not be replacing the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

[XXX], the vehicle was delivered to Crain KIA dealership located in Conway, Arkansas, due to failure of engine to start (engine would turn over but not run). I scheduled a service appointment for May 20th at 0930, for the car to be evaluated/troubleshot. While at the KIA dealership service desk, I discussed KIA SAFETY RECALL SC336, and that my VIN# was effected by the recall (verified by speaking with KIA Customer Care representative) and by using NHTSA's VIN/Recall search engine. At that time, I disclosed that the car was a SALVAGE TITLE vehicle, but was restored, looked nearly brand new and was otherwise operational prior to the engine "no start" condition (4 months of ownership). The service team at the dealership confirmed the SALVAGE TITLE via "Carfax", however they noted that KIA's internal VIN/TITLE database DID NOT REFLECT the car as salvaged. Crain Kia dealership then decided to submit the car for KIA's SAFETY RECALL inspection and possibly warranty work since the vehicle has not exceeded the 5yr/60,000 mile limited basic warranty. Unfortunately, the dealership did not open a "tech-line case' until approximately 15 days later. Tech-line communication between the service technician and KIA's engineering/recall rep, directed the dealership to perform an engine wet/dry compression test (due to deficient piston oil-rings). On June 5th, Crain KIA notified me that the resulting 'LOW" compression test results indicated that the piston rings were faulty, and that the engine would need to be replaced. Additionally, they told me that the vehicle would NOT BE ELIGIBLE for factory warranty due to the SALVAGE TITLE and that I would be responsible for engine change costs. Moreover, the dealership's service team charged me for the cost of the compression testing. I have thoroughly reviewed the KIA recall SC336 documentation as well as NHTSA's 25V-099 bulletin and verified that neither notices proclaim, exclude or deny coverage to salvage title vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I own a 2021 Kia Soul that was serviced under recall SC060, which involves inspection of the piston oil rings for potential defects. The recall service was performed at an authorized Kia dealership on May 12th, and I was informed that the engine passed the inspection and was operating properly. However, on [XXX] after the recall service was completed, I noticed oil deposits on my spark plugs. Upon removal and inspection, the spark plug tips (combustion side) show clear evidence of oil contamination, which suggests that oil is entering the combustion chamber—exactly the type of problem SC060 was meant to address. My car is definitely damaged, and my recall passed the inspection. That doesn't make sense. Kia Dutch Miller didn't give me proof of inspection of my car; they only gave me the invoice for the work done on the car. I have photo evidence of the oil-contaminated spark plugs, and I am concerned this may lead to increased engine wear, misfires, or even total engine failure. Please investigate whether recall SC060 is being resolved properly by dealerships, and whether additional remedies or extensions should be provided to affected owners like myself. My car hasn't been fixed yet. Vehicle VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of recall service: 41,365 Date of recall service: [05/12/2025] Location of dealership: Dutch Miller, South Charleston, WV Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Hi, I had my car tested for recall SC336, and it initially failed, indicating the engine needed replacement. The dealership ordered a new engine from Kia. However, a few days later, they called to say that after retesting, the engine was fine and didn't require replacement. Now, I'm experiencing excessive oil consumption, and the check engine light shows code P0420, indicating a faulty catalytic converter. This issue is likely due to the car burning oil, clogging the converter, and pointing to a problem with the piston rings – the same issue covered under recall SC336. Given the recall's warning of potential engine stalling and fire risk, I'm extremely uncomfortable driving this car.

I purchased vehicle in Nov 2025 from Autonation. It drove well for awhile, but once I drove steadily for several miles, the steering wheel started drifting back and forth, rather like it was driving itself. I was in on the 2025 recall for the piston issue, and failed the first test; apparently passed Kia's "new test". While at the dealership, they did an alignment and told me my problem was solved; I asked if they had test driven it, and had let the previous service rep, named Ken, know that it started after a period of driving, not come and go driving in town. I asked if they had test driven they car, they assured me they had but I don't know if they drove it any distance. On the way home, the steering wheel again shifted back and forth in as I drove a secondary road home that had long distances between intersections.

My car had sputtered leaving gas station I took it to my mechanic February 17 had engine coil and spark plugs replaced There was a anti theft recall for software update I took my car to Kia dealer and they preform the update As I was waiting I looked up my vin for any other recalls and there was one but letters would not be sent out till April 4 2025 On May 10 th my car had loss power and on the 12 th I called Kia and they said there was a recall for sc336 piston oil rings I took my car in on May 17 they did a software update 2 days latter my car was making a knocking sound I had that repaired by my machanic on May 20th I received a email from Kia reference a up date to the recall and says my car will be fixed with no charge I spoke with a Kia representative and out in a claim for reimbursement but was denied…. WS my repairs related to the recall SC336 if so I would like to be reimbursed please help me get this resolved I would think Kia would send me a detailed explanation on why my part that was repaired are not reimbursed

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

In May 2025, my 2021 kia soul engine suddenly seized while I was driving close to my home. I took it to my local Kia dealership to have it inspected in which they said my engine needed to be replaced but did not identify exactly what caused my engine to fail. I have not had any issues with my car before this happened and kept up with oil changes, etc.I also told the service department about the recent recall on my vehicle regarding faulty piston rings leading to engine failure. Due to not having an extended warranty, I was told the replacement would be around $10,000. I reached out to them Kia Customer care to see if they could provide assistance considering this was something I did no t expect to happen. I decided to have it towed to a mechanic my family knows and he had my engine rebuilt for lower cost. Today (8/21/2025), we picked up the car which started out good initially but still demonstrated the same issue with the engine failing after driving it one time. My VIN is not in the recall list but I am not understanding how my vehicle which was performing perfectly, all of sudden seized on me. Prior to my engine failing, there were no dashboard indicators that anything needed to be inspected. They appeared after the engine seized. Fortunately, when my engine seized, I just turned into my neighborhood but I'm sure if I was a couple seconds or minutes late, my safety would have been at risk considering I live off a busy highway.

My vehicles engine light is consistently flashing on and off, indicating there is an engine issue and when I took it to get the engine light diagnosed, error code P1327 shows up and the mechanic sites that it could be related to the faulty piston ring part, which is corresponding to the recent recall of Kia Souls from last February. Not to mention my vehicle sometimes goes through a momentarily power surge or lack of that temporarily stalls the engine.

I was told that my engine failed the test for the recall for the incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings and that they would have to replace my engine. It has been turned in at the Shawnee-Mission KIA dealership since April 23rd and they said it would only take 2 weeks. I called again today at 5/5/2025 and now they are saying that repair is held indefinately and I have chemotherapy appointments that I have to show up for and they told me they do not loan cars out so I can have a means of transportation. I am given no specifics as to why this is happening. This is unacceptable.

The vehicle has a piston ring issue and I received a re all letter but to no avail because this website has not recognized the recall

Driving, slowing down for a stop light. Put the brakes on, they did not work. Push the all the way to the floor. Hit the vehicle in front of me. Luckily going slow between lights

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall remedy was still under engineering review. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that it was determined that the recall remedy test was substandard, and the recall remedy was still under engineering review. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Engine overheating and leaking oil due to faulty piston ring, kia will only check the vehicle when its cold and claims its passes their tests. The car only acts up when runing for 30 mins or so

my vehicle was part of a recall for the piston oil rings. the car was taken to KIA for testing. The car failed the test and I was told that the engine would need to be replaced (I have a video and test results of the failed test. Then KIA stated that too many cars were failing and that they were redoing the test. My car was in the Kia repair shop waiting for an engine that was ordered. KIA cancelled my engine and my car was tested with the new test and it passed. After two weeks of being in the repair shop I was told to come and get it. This not only appears unethical but a blatant attempt to circumvent the recall.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the piston oil rings had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, consuming 2 quarts of oil in a short time. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included; however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

I dropped off my 2021 Kia Soul at the dealership where I purchased it to address a nationwide recall, which states: “The piston oil ring(s) may have been incorrectly manufactured, potentially damaging the engine cylinder wall. This can lead to increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noises, engine seizure, and possible fire from oil leaking onto hot exhaust components. Loss of drive power and/or fire increases crash and injury risk.” My vehicle has shown multiple symptoms, including rough running, significant shaking, illuminated check engine and oil lights. On 01/02/23, I brought it in, but the dealership found no stored codes and took no action. On 04/20/23, a code for a cylinder 1 misfire was found, but because the issue wasn’t present at that moment, no repairs were made. On 10/05/23, spark plugs and fuel pump were replaced under warranty. No further issues occurred until 02/14/25, when the same symptoms returned. I was told I’d be charged for a diagnosis and they likely wouldn’t find anything, so I left without service. On 04/09/25, the symptoms reoccurred. I dropped off the vehicle on 04/10/25 and paid out-of-pocket for a rental until 04/14/25. On 04/14/25, after being told earlier that work couldn’t be done because the engine hadn’t cooled to 55°F, I was later told the recall was completed and the vehicle was safe—despite ongoing issues. I fear for my safety and the safety of others. I believe my vehicle needs an engine replacement and is unsafe to drive. The recall letter states inspection and software update should take 1–2 hours, and engine replacement 8+ hours. I request further diagnosis and repairs. Despite the vehicle continuing to show symptoms, I was dismissed. I am seeking accountability and proper resolution.

Bought the car used with around 30k miles on it from a dealership. Since then have only needed to get 2 oil changes done. Engine stalled while driving one day and noticed weird noises coming from under the hood. Had the car towed to the Kia dealership on Mon. 4/14. Car has been sitting at the dealership waiting on the manufacturer to approve replacement of the engine due to the recall. It should not take this long to get an approval for a safety issue. They're asking me for oil change documentation which I supplied them. Secondly, I shouldn't have even had to do that. This is a RECALL, not a warranty issue. A recall should get approved as soon as the engine failed the test. It seems like I'm having to jump through hoops to get this done and its not right.

My car has been recalled for faulty piston oil rings which can lead to engine fires. I took my car to the Kia dealership on 4/14/25. It is still there and the engine replacement still has not been approved. I was told by the dealership that my car did fail the vibration test. I was told by a Kia technician at another location that since the vibration test failed that is an automatic approval for a new engine per Recall Flow Chart. The only time it should go through Kia Techline for assistance is if it passed the test and needs additional investigation. NOW, Kia Corporate is stating I need to provide oil change receipts. THIS IS IRRELEVANT. If I drive that car off the lot with the current engine and have my engine cleaned out to their satisfaction and then a week later my engine catches fire because they refused to replace the engine, that's a lawsuit whether I live or die in that scenario. Oil change receipts and maintenance records should play no part in this. I did buy my car used, but all the original parts are still inside. There have been no modifications. The dealership can attest to this. Bottom line is the Kia manufacturer owes me a new engine because this is a safety issue. I am attaching a copy of the Flowchart that was sent to me by the Kia tech at another location. There is no reason that this should not have already been approved and ordered for my vehicle 2 weeks later. I want this done and I need your help, please! I do not feel safe driving a car around that could at any time burst into flames.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, but the recall repair was denied by the dealer due to poor maintenance record. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 46,000.

Our 2021 Kia Soul experienced complete engine failure without warning. The engine suddenly lost power and became inoperable while driving. The dealership's diagnostic testing identified a camshaft sensor code, but no definitive cause for the catastrophic failure was provided. We believe the failure is related to internal engine damage potentially caused by defective piston oil rings, consistent with NHTSA Recall Number 25V099000. Kia has not conducted a full internal engine inspection to rule this out. The vehicle is in Kia's possession and is available for inspection upon request. The sudden engine failure occurred without warning and caused a complete loss of power while the vehicle was in motion. This could have led to a serious accident had the incident occurred in heavy traffic or on a high-speed roadway. The inability to accelerate or maintain control of the vehicle poses a serious safety risk to both the driver and others on the road. Yes. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by a Kia dealership. While they identified a camshaft sensor code, they did not perform a full inspection to determine the internal cause of the engine failure. They declined to attribute the issue to the known piston oil ring defect and refused to repair it under the recall. Instead they want to submit it to the TechLine for the power train warranty. We had to spend hours calling places and collecting information of all oil changes and maintenance on the vehicle over the last 4 years. We can show a CLEAR pattern of regular maintenance of the vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Kia dealership. No inspections have been conducted by the police, insurance representatives, or other third parties. There were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or performance issues prior to the engine failure. The vehicle was regularly maintained and had been operating normally up to the point of the incident.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered, and there was an abnormal rumbling and clunking sound coming from the engine. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software was installed; however, the failure recurred and progressively worsened. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle could not be restarted. Additionally, the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the starter was replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to the recall, but the dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure several times, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

car has a recall, engine keeps stalling. engine is knocking due to oil pistons

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was unable to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and was assisted in pushing the vehicle to a safe location, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The low oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

[XXX], driving down highway [XXX] the car lost power. I was able to start it up again but was misfiring where I drove it home. I had it towed on March 12 to Koon Kia Service, 9610 Reistertown Road, Owings Mill, MD 21117-4128. On Friday, March 14, 2025 I spoke with Blaine in the Service department and he said I after a diagnostic my car indicates that I need a new engine to repair my car. Today, I called and spoke with Blaine and told him about the recall SC336 and he said the was no remedy for this recall. I told him I would call Kia Customer service which I did and received case #[XXX] from Denise. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ON WAY TO WORK MY CAR STALLED ENTERING HIGHWAY TOOK CAR IN TO GET CHECKED THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT ..IT NEEDED OIL CHANGE .THAT WAS APPRO. 60000 MILKES...THEN JULY 2024 EXITING HIGHWAY IT STALLED AGAIN I HAD TO RESTART HAD IT CHECKED IT WAS ABOUT 72000 MILES THEY SAID SAME THING. THEN IN SEPT OF 24 IT STALLED AGAIN DAY AFTER OIL CHANGE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. i TOOK IN AGAIN THEY SAID ITS THE OIL PISTON RINGS SAID MY ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED AND ITS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. sO NOW ITS 8000 OR MORE MONEY TO REPLACE ENGINE. i HAVE KNOCKING SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONEONE IS THROWING JACK AROUND CAR...

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the piston rings. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. The VIN was not available.

I am experiencing a serious safety issue with my 2021 Kia Soul. My vehicle is consuming excessive oil, which should not be happening under normal operating conditions. The check engine light is on, and while driving, the car suddenly shuts off and displays the battery symbol before losing power completely. This has happened multiple times, creating a dangerous situation where my vehicle loses power unexpectedly on the road. I took my car to a mechanic, who confirmed that the engine is consuming oil at an abnormal rate. The mechanic also informed me that there is a known recall on certain 2021-2023 Kia Soul models due to defective piston oil rings, which can cause excessive oil consumption, engine failure, and even fires. However, when I contacted Kia’s customer service and provided my VIN, they stated that my vehicle is not included in the recall, despite exhibiting the same symptoms. This is a serious safety hazard, as my vehicle is at risk of sudden engine failure while in motion. Kia has issued recalls for similar models, but my specific VIN has been excluded, even though I am experiencing the exact same defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue further to determine whether more vehicles should be included in the recall before this defect leads to accidents or injuries. I am available to provide further documentation, including inspection reports, oil consumption records, and any additional information needed.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the vehicle consumes one quart of engine oil every 1,000 miles. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

The engine in my 2021 Kia Soul has been experiencing serious performance issues consistent with Recall SC336. The vehicle has erratic RPM fluctuations while idling and has stalled multiple times at stoplights and in traffic. When this happens, it fails to restart immediately, leaving me stranded and creating a serious safety risk. The vehicle has been at Step One Kia in Fort Walton Beach, FL, for 2 weeks. The dealership claimed the issue was caused by a clogged air filter, replaced it, & stated the car was “adequately repaired.” However, when I attempted to pick up the vehicle, the Check Engine Light was still on. The owner of the dealership took the keys back and said I would receive a follow-up call on Monday. No call was ever received. I contacted Kia Headquarters and was told to “pick up the car and drive it if I choose to” because there is no remedy available. When I requested a loaner vehicle, I was initially told it was not guaranteed because this was "not an engine issue." When I pointed out that the symptoms were directly related to engine failure, the representative backtracked and said a loaner was simply "not guaranteed." 1. A clogged air filter does NOT cause stalling at idle or failure to restart. A clogged filter would cause gradual power loss, not sudden shutoffs. 2. The Check Engine Light remained on after the repair, proving the issue was not fixed. 3. The dealership refused to conduct recall-related tests, including the PNSS and oil consumption tests. The car stalls in traffic, increasing crash risk. It fails to restart immediately, leaving me stranded. Kia’s refusal to diagnose the issue properly puts my safety at risk. The vehicle is still at the dealership but has not been properly inspected for recall-related failures. Kia refuses to acknowledge a remedy and denies a loaner vehicle. Since these symptoms match Recall SC336, I urge NHTSA to investigate Kia’s failure to inspect and repair affected vehicles.

On [XXX] Car stopped during traveling home on [XXX]. Had car towed to Stapleford Auto in St. Georges, Delaware. The mechanic found that the motor had seized. I Called KIA Customer Care and was advised to tow to the KIA dealer in Felton, Delaware. Dealer had the car from 2/26/25 and did not inspect the car until approximately 3/11/25. During the interim I discover a recall for model year 2021 due to faulty piston rings which was shown to cause engine seizures. When contacted by KIA dealer they claimed the problem was due to lack of Maintenace. I have documentation detailing the Maintenace of the car. I have contracted KIA customer care on several occasions stating that Maintenace was done and expected KIA live up to the recall notice. So far, no response. I contacted the Delaware Attorney General, and they told me to contact you folks. KIA Case#: [XXX] I appreciate any assistance in the manner. Thanks, [XXX] Email: [XXX] Cell: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The engine in my 2021 Kia Soul has been experiencing serious performance issues that align with Recall SC336. The vehicle frequently exhibits erratic RPM fluctuations while idling, and on multiple occasions, it's completely shut down while stopped at traffic lights or in traffic. When this happens, the vehicle does not restart immediately, leaving me stranded / creating a safety risk. I reported this issue to an authorized Kia dealership, but they refused to perform proper diagnostic tests related to the recall. Instead, they blamed a clogged air filter as the cause of the stalling. This explanation does not make sense. Why the Dealership’s Explanation is Incorrect: 1. A clogged air filter does NOT cause sudden stalling at idle or failure to restart. If an air filter were completely clogged, the engine would lose power under acceleration, not stall at idle. The engine requires very little air at idle, so a dirty filter would cause gradual power loss, not sudden shutdowns. 2. My symptoms match Recall SC336, which involves piston oil ring failure. Erratic RPMs, stalling, and failure to restart are all signs of compression loss or internal engine damage. 3. The dealership is refusing to conduct recall-related tests. I requested a PNSS (Piston Noise Sensing System) test and an oil consumption test, but the dealership refused. Instead, they tried to charge me for an air filter replacement, ignoring possible recall-related failure. Safety Risks: The vehicle stalls at stoplights and in traffic, increasing crash risk. The car fails to restart immediately after shutting down, leaving me stranded. Inspection Status: The vehicle is at the dealership, but they have not inspected it for recall-related failures. Kia Corporate was contacted but supported the dealership’s incorrect assessment. Warning Signs Before Failure: Erratic RPM fluctuations at idle began before the first shutdown. Check Engine Light was on but cleared but cleared by the dealership.

Engine does not work properly. It is loud and car shakes. Dealership had me do maintenance and did not fix the problem. Rear windshield wiper pours out fluid and turns on with no reason. They say there is a short however it turns on and blocks my rear window view every while just driving, or using my turn signal, I have to mess with the switch while driving to finally get it to stop.

While driving to work [XXX] my engine seized on the highway, going 50mph, leaving me struggling to get it to the side of the road and out of traffic. No warning lights came on, no signs of any kind to alert me. Car completely shut off while moving at a high enough rate of speed for a fatality or serious injuries, to myself and other drivers. Immediately that day, after calling KIA, I was informed of the engine recall that wasn't in effect yet. Shortly after that I received two notices in the mail from KIA, two recalls, regarding my VIN number. I towed the car to KIA in Blufton SC from Pembroke GA, after towing it home from the side of the road. All at my own expense. KIA informed me 6/02/2025 that they will not perform any repairs free of charge because I am "out of warranty coverage". I am still making payments on this vehicle, and have not been in possession of nor been able to drive it, for several months now. I am the second owner, purchased the car December 2023, with 40,000 miles or so on it. Mileage now is roughly 85,000. And I still owe $12,000 on the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Contact Information: •Name: [XXX] •Contact: Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] •Location: Hawaii Vehicle Information: •Year / Make / Model: 2021 Kia Soul S •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 133,000 miles Recall Reference: •Verified NHTSA recall for VIN: [XXX] Kia Consumer Affairs Case Number: XXX ⸻ Complaint Description 1.I received a notification of an NHTSA safety recall for this vehicle. In February 2025, I responded to that notification by contacting Kia. My husband followed up in March 2025 with the dealer, but we did not receive any follow-up regarding inspection or repair. 2.On Tuesday, 12/16/2025, I contacted the dealership again; I was told someone from the service department (believed to be named Colton) would call me back. I have not yet received a callback. 3.Today, I visited the dealer in person. The service department did not document the symptoms reported in my Kia Consumer Affairs case #XXX. 4.The earliest the dealer can see the car is Friday at 9:30 a.m., despite confirming that the car is part of an active safety recall. 5.Current symptoms include: •Engine overheating •Excessive oil consumption (1 quart lost in days) •Check engine light illuminated •Blue smoke from the exhaust •Engine rattling / vibration •A/C inoperable 6.The vehicle is unsafe to drive due to these symptoms. 7.Kia Consumer Affairs, via Gina, stated: •The dealer does not have loaner vehicles available •If I rent a vehicle, Kia will only reimburse $43.19 per day, and I must go through a reimbursement process 8.Given the known safety concerns of the recall and the severity of current symptoms, the dealer must be responsible for providing a safe vehicle immediately while inspection and repairs are addressed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine failure of the 1.6 liter turbocharged GDI engine at 102,670 miles. Engine light went on while driving back on the Atlantic City Expressway and engine lost power reduced to 45MPH. Had car towed to dealer and was told the engine was no longer usable and had to be replaced. KIA engines are failing at an alarming rate and a recent recall of the same year KIA Soul is in effect. My KIA engine is not the recalled engine but my failure was pretty much the same as the 2.0 Liter engine. I think an investigation of my 1.6 liter turbo GDI should be made as well.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the oil level was extremely low, due to a faulty cam shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 96,000.

Less than 24 hours after being purchased as a Kia factory certified pre-owned vehicle my daughter was driving. While driving headlights, wipers, and dash lights went out including infotainment/CarPlay map display on a rainy day. California requires headlights be on when wipers are used. Occurred while doing approximately 25 mph after going over a speed bump. When stopped and key was turned to ACC, they came back on. Issue did not return when vehicle was started again. Dealer has said they can find not fault. We have located threads for this issue with other Kia models on [XXX] . One common factor is they are key start, not push start models. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)