ATLANTA Unexpected fires are starting in new autos. With Kia automobiles, Channel 2 Action News has been on top of this for years.
Even after a significant settlement with the federal government, recalls and safety warnings continue to be issued.
Hyundai and Kia released “For a few models, such as the 20142016 Kia Sportage, the 20162018 Kia K-900, and the 20162018 Hyundai Santa Fe, park outside orders.
The company claimed that even when the vehicles are off, they still run the risk of catching fire.
The 2020 Kia Soul owned by Ginger Evans experienced precisely that. Just a short distance from her Blue Ridge house, it caught fire.
“I consider the idea that someone’s loved one would have to pass away because, Kia, are they really taking this seriously? said Evans.
If it sounds familiar, it’s because Channel 2 Action News has covered a number of recalls, government complaints, and settlements involving late-model Kia and Hyundai vehicles catching fire for the past four years.
The firm did not include many late-model Souls in recalls or in its significant settlement with federal regulators, despite the fact that many of those we’ve covered were Kia Souls.
In This Article...
Which Kia Souls are subject to the recall?
- 253,281 models from 2017 to 2019 Kia Souls built between July 25, 2016, and December 24, 2018
- 953 Model Years 2017 to 2019 Kia Soul EVs made between May 18, 2017, and September 28, 2018,
- From March 2, 2017, 108,693 Kia Fortes for the model years 2017 to 2018 were built.
- up to July 27, 2018
- 47,690 models from 2017 to 2019 Kia Sedonas built between July 12, 2016 and January 10, 2019
- On October 4, 2016, 2 (two!) 2017 Kia Forte Koups were produced.
Kia Recall Contact Information
Instructions on how and when to bring their Kia into a dealership should be sent to the owners of these vehicles by first class mail at the address on file. On March 21, 2022, letters are anticipated to be mailed. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC226 is the Kia recall number.
The ACU will be examined by dealers. A dealer will swap out the Airbag Control Unit for a “better” one if the airbag warning light is already on. If the light is not on, a software update will be applied that, according to Kia, will guarantee proper airbag deployment in the case of a collision.
Recall Reimbursement and Unaffected Cars
Kia asserts Sedonas produced in 2019 after January 10 come standard with an upgraded airbag control unit. Kia Fortes for the 2019 model year and new-generation Kia Souls for the 2020 model year both received a different component. According to the Defect Notice Report on the NHTSA website, “Kia will reimburse owners for repair charges previously paid pursuant to Kia’s General Reimbursement Plan submitted May 11, 2020.”
According to Kia and NHTSA, there have been no crashes that have been associated with problems with the airbag systems on the impacted Kia models to far. However, 947 warranty claims and 13 customer complaints have been made in relation to the flaw.
What models of Kia engines are on fire?
- In nearly 500,000 of their vehicles, the engines may catch fire on their own, Hyundai and Kia warned.
- Their anti-lock brake systems’ electrical component, which is susceptible to short circuiting, causes the problem.
- Both automakers urged owners to park outside and away from structures in the interim.
After discovering a potential fire danger in the engines of numerous models, the automakers Hyundai and Kia recalled roughly 500,000 vehicles in the US and advised owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Tuesday that both businesses informed authorities that an electrical component in their anti-lock brake systems might short circuit and ignite a fire in the engine compartment even if the cars aren’t driving.
As a result, Hyundai is recalling 357,830 vehicles while Kia is recalling 126,747.
Kia announced a recall on its 2014-2016 Kia Sportage SUVs and 2016-2018 Kia K900 sedans on February 2. Hyundai has issued recalls for the 2014-2015 Tucson, 2016-2018 Santa Fe, 2017-2018 Santa Fe Sport, and 2019 Santa Fe XL SUVs.
“Owners will get a letter from Kia or Hyundai instructing them to take their cars to a Kia or Hyundai dealer for a free repair. Dealers will put in a fuse to lessen the chance of a fire, “claimed the NHTSA. Hyundai said it would mail its letters by April 5, while Kia anticipates doing so by March 31.
Although the two South Korean automakers, Hyundai Motor Group and Kia, share some manufacturing facilities and have a controlling interest in each other, they run their US operations separately.
Owners can call the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 and enter their 17-digit car identification number to see if their vehicle is currently being recalled or visit the recall website of the NHTSA.
When was the Kia Soul recalled?
Certain 20122016 Kia Soul vehicles with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The catalytic converter may become damaged by high exhaust gas temperatures, which could lead to irregular engine combustion, damage to one or more engine pistons, and even piston connecting rod failure.
An engine stall caused by damaged pistons might raise the likelihood of a collision. An engine block hole caused by a broken connecting rod could let engine oil leak. The risk of a fire is increased if the oil spill makes contact with the exhaust.
To stop the catalytic converter from overheating, Kia will contact owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic. If the catalytic converter has to be replaced, it will also be done so. The engine might also be exchanged for free, depending on the severity of any damage. Recall started on April 17, 2019. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC176.
Steering
Certain 20142016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The pinion gear may be able to separate from the steering gear assembly thanks to the pinion plug.
The risk of a collision will rise if the pinion gear separates and the vehicle loses steering.
Owners will be notified by Kia, and dealers will check the pinion plug and secure it or, if necessary, replace the steering gear assembly free of charge. Beginning on November 16, 2017, the recall. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC155. Nota Bene: Campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736 are superseded by this recall. Under this effort, previously fixed vehicles under certain numbers are being recalled once more.
Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal
Certain Soul and Soul electric vehicles from the model years 20142015, built between July 21, 2013, and January 8, 2015, are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The accelerator pedal may fracture and bend in one place.
The chance of a collision rises if the vehicle’s accelerator pedal is deformed or broken, making it harder for the driver to accelerate.
Owners will be informed by Kia, and dealers will voluntarily put a supporting rubber beneath the pedal stopper. Beginning on March 24, 2015, the recall. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC116 is the Kia recall number.
Structure
Certain model year 20102013 Kia Soul vehicles with sun roofs manufactured from January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). During the curtain air bag’s deployment, a headliner plate can come off.
In the event of a collision, a detached headliner plate could make the occupant more vulnerable to injuries.
Kia will provide owners notice, and dealers will free-of-charge add commercial adhesive strips to fasten the headliner plates. The start of the recall is anticipated for February 2, 2015. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC112.
Exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic
Certain vehicles from the model years 20072010 Rondo and Sportage, 20072011 Sorento, 2007 Sedona, 20102011 Soul, and 2011 Optima are being recalled by Kia Motors Corporation (Kia). There could be a problem with the stop lamp switch in the impacted vehicles. When the brake pedal is applied, a broken stop lamp switch may prevent the brake lights from turning on, or it may prevent the cruise control from being off. The push-button start feature may also operate erratically due to a broken stop lamp switch, and the brake-transmission shift interlock feature may malfunction, preventing the shifter from being pushed out of the PARK position and illuminating the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light.
The risk of a collision may increase if the stop lamps are not lit while braking or if the cruise control cannot be turned off. Furthermore, when the ignition is turned to the “ON” position, it might be possible to shift out of PARK without first applying the brake. This could result in the car moving unintentionally, raising the possibility of a collision.
Owners will receive a temporary notice from Kia in May 2013. Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch for free after sending out a second notification to owners when the necessary parts are available. Kia can be reached by owners at 1-800-333-4542. SC098 is the recall campaign number for Kia.
Electrical system: Wiring
CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SOUL AND MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010 ARE BEING RECALLED BY HYUNDAI-KIA. A SMALL NUMBER OF WIRING HARNESSES SUPPLIED BY JCI AND USED FOR THE LIGHTING IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLES INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION, LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR DOOR TRIM PANELS, AND THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLES ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS, LOCATED IN THE FRONT DOOR TRI
UNDER SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY TAKE PLACE WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ON, CAUSING A FIRE.
The wiring harnesses for the lights in the advanced lighting speakers in Kia Soul vehicles and the wiring harness for the interior accent illumination in Kia Sorento vehicles will be replaced by dealers. THIS SERVICE IS FREE AND WILL BE PROVIDED. DURING SEPTEMBER 2010, THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN. AT 1-800-333-4542, OWNERS CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH THE KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER.
Do Kia Souls have many issues?
The Kia Soul dominated the market for more than ten years with its boxy appearance, which people either love or detest, good safety ratings, and a long list of standard amenities. Today, the Soul is among Kia’s best-selling vehicles and is still a serious competitor in the subcompact crossover SUV market.
Despite being a reliable small SUV, there have been several problems, complaints, and recalls across a number of model years. There are some Kia Soul years to stay away from when purchasing used.
The worst Kia Soul years to steer clear of due to reliability difficulties are listed below, along with the safest years for used purchasing.
Which Kia Soul Years to Avoid?
If at all possible, stay away from buying a secondhand Kia Soul from one of the following model years:
- Kia Soul 2012
- Kia Soul (2013)
- Kia Soul (2014)
- Kia Soul 2015
- Kia Soul 2016
Kia Soul
The 2012 Kia Soul should be avoided at all costs, according to the people from Car Reports, who cite 470 NHTSA complaints. Body integrity issues and flawed safety features were its principal shortcomings.
Clunking noises when turning are this Soul year’s most prevalent problem. Owners have mentioned hearing a clunking or popping sound when rotating the steering wheel. Additionally, some owners have heard loud rattles when driving on roads or hitting small bumps. Owners are perplexed that there hasn’t been a recall because this body integrity issue is so prevalent.
The 2012 Soul’s unlatched hood while driving is another potential issue. Although this is a rare problem, it poses a serious safety risk, particularly on roads or freeways.
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Kia Soul
Several owners of the 2013 Soul have suffered engine failure, which has been known to occur at roughly 85,000 miles or more. Some users reported hearing a banging sound emanating from the engine, while others just experienced an engine failure. The expected fix for this issue is to replace the engine, which will set you back a whooping $5,000.
A few owners reported that their Soul’s engine had started to make a ticking noise, which is less serious. The ticking noise, which may be anywhere from mildly bothersome to frighteningly loud, compels owners to visit their nearby Kia dealership. With an average repair cost of $4,100, we cannot recommend the Soul model year.
Kia Soul
The 2014 Kia Soul is the greatest loser in terms of complaints. The 2014 Soul is unquestionably one of the worst Kia Soul years to stay away from, receiving more than 900 complaints. Similar to the 2013 Kia Soul, the 2014 model similarly receives a pitiful 1 out of 5 stars from Consumer Reports.
One of the 2014 Soul’s most serious problems, according to a number of Consumer Reports owners, is engine failure. This issue appears to be connected to the oil pump in the Soul, which results in higher-than-normal oil consumption by the engine. One owner said that the car began requiring a quart of oil every 300 miles.
The 2014 Soul has a terrible comeback of the engine’s annoying ticking/knocking noise. The initial diagnosis by technicians is that this occurs at about 105k miles and is caused by low oil. However, the owners who are meticulous and keep up with their oil changes are the ones who complain the most.
Kia Soul
The 2015 Kia Soul is another vehicle you ought to stay away from, with more than 700 NHTSA complaints and four recalls to its name. The 2015 model of the Soul has numerous engine problems, just like the other problematic Souls on our list.
Engine failure is the issue that needs to be addressed first. Around 80k miles is the typical mileage at which this problem appears. Many customers have noted that the engine initially made knocking or ticking noises or began to burn more oil. The Soul’s engine finally just stopped working. You will be responsible for paying the estimated $4,620 cost of the engine rebuild or replacement if this occurs.
Excessive oil use is another area of concern. It seems that the engine guzzles oil like it’s nobody’s business when it’s not breaking down.
Check out our list of the top 10 most dependable used sedans available if you’re ready to start looking for a used automobile and reliability is important to you.
Kia Soul
The number one issue with the 2016 Soul, as measured by the severity scale, is a blown engine. According to several accounts, the 2016 Soul’s engine is prone to blowing up, particularly after 90k miles. This is not only dangerous, but an engine replacement will cost you almost $7,000 as well.
Additionally, Kia Soul owners complained that their car simply won’t start. Although there are indications that there may be a battery issue, most concerns are unrelated to this.
Common Kia Soul Problems
Although the Kia Soul is extremely reliable in every way, there are a few persistent issues that impact cars from a few years ago. Here are a few examples:
- spike in cruise control There are rumors that some Soul models have a surgey cruise control technology. Owners reported that when the SUV was in cruise control mode, it would suddenly accelerate and then slow down to a crawl. As of the time of writing, Kia has not yet addressed this potentially deadly problem.
- a ticking clock
- Although it’s not the most typical of Soul models, 2013 Soul owners find it extremely annoying. Hearing loud knocking or ticking noises emanating from the engine is not enjoyable. The Kia Soul has yet another problem with its engine.
- spinning while clicking
- The 2012 Soul’s clunking sounds when turning were a problem for owners. This is unquestionably a body integrity issue that Kia overlooked.
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Kia Soul
One of the most dependable Kia Soul generations was the second one ever produced. A adaptable, reasonably priced, and all-around useful compact SUV is the 2011 Soul. Car Complaints awarded the 2011 Soul a “Pretty Good” Seal of Approval for dependability, stating that it is “pleasant to drive, roomy, and trustworthy.”
Kia Soul
The 2018 Soul features a huge luggage area, a roomy interior, a nimble turbocharged engine, and top-notch reliability ratings. In fact, the 2018 Soul received a fantastic Quality & Reliability score from J.D. Power of 84 out of 100.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul made a victorious comeback the following year with its 2019 year model. The 2019 Kia Soul received praise for its smooth ride, great utility, and respectable fuel efficiency. You may put your reliability concerns to rest because the 2019 Kia Soul received a reliability rating of 4 out of 5.
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