This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I own a 2021 Kia Soul with 34,130 miles. Purchase brand new in 5/21. I just had it serviced on 2/3/23. On 2/10/23, I was driving toward home on I-40 east, near mile marker 418 and the rpms suddenly started to jump up and down from 1000x to 6000x and the car had no ability to go anywhere close to the speed limit. There was a whistle noise coming from under the car. I took the I-81 north interchange to try to get the 80 or so miles back home but could not get the vehicle to go more than 15 mph. I was terrified I was going to get hit by the 18 wheelers whizzing by me. I got in the break down lane and limped to exit 8. The car began to shake violently and barely move. I got off the exit ramp praying no one would rear end me. I called Kia roadside and they towed it to the closest dealership in Moristown because they only tow up to 50 miles, unless I paid the requested $300+ to take it the extra 30 miles to my dealership where I bought the car. The service department called on 2/11/23 to tell me it was being evaluated now, but I have heard nothing else since. I had to sit at the dealership in Moristown until my sister could drive from Lexington KY to take me home. I have severe walking impediment due to broken neck from a car wreck. This whole experience was terrifying.
The engine is consuming increasingly high amounts of oil with no leaks, far surpassing the one quart per 1000 miles. Oil pressure lamp has illuminated on 1-2 occasions, only briefly, and shortly before I took it to the dealership. Unusual noises coming from the engine while accelerating and also after I stop. I had my oil changed 1 week ago, unusual noises have not improved. Currently awaiting inspection at the dealership for manufacturer warranty coverage for repair of this issue, but seems to have all the earmarks and the production date (9/20) that line up with the piston ring recall, though they say my vehicle is not covered by the recall.
The vehicle started loosing power. the engine would rev up but the car wouldn't go. the car had to be towed to the dealership because the vehicle would not engage into drive or reverse. the dealership is replacing the transmission. It is the IVT transmission
I I was on the interstate and my car started making a loud noise and decelerated. It seemed to lose power, I turned around and started home as I was very frightened. The car accelerated without pressing the gas, decelerated without pressing the brake. The tachometer was swinging around wildly. The car most of the time seemed to have no power. I was afraid of a rear end hit by another car or flyling into the back of the car in front. I was trying to limp it in to the dealer. The car only had 3400 miles on it and I had had it for 7 months. At one point I had to stop for a red light and the car would not move. I put on the warning flashers and tired to edge to the side of the street as there was a bit of slope. I turned the car off and restarted it and was able to get it to the dealer about 2 miles away with very little power. They told me it has to have a new transmission. They said they are replacing the transmission with a different kind and it will be safe not to worry, though confidence in the vehicle is diminished. I understand that the ivt transmission that Kia developed in 2020 has been giving problems.
Vehicle was parked on a slight slope parking space backing to a one-way public road in national park.it was a designated parking space. The vehicle was running and in the P mode of gear selection. I exited the driver's door for few minutes. Then opened the driver's side door with the intent to shut the engine. The car started rolling back, crossed the road, and stopped by a sandy embankment. I was thrown off by the open door on the sandy bank. The engine stopped and I observed the vehicle in D mode by itself. I was able to start the car in the P mode and was pulled out with help of several people who observed this near-miss serious accident. This was a rental car. No further problems observed. Car returned to the rental company.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Bristol, TN, USA