2018 Kia Soul - POWER TRAIN Failure Complaint (#b0c41d)

2018 Kia Soul

  • Date of Incident: Apr-22, 2024
  • Date complaint filed: Apr-22, 2024
  • Failed components: POWER TRAIN

2018 Kia Soul gas pedal stopped working while driving on interstate 695. On April 7, 2024 my car displayed the following warning message on the dash while I was driving on the beltway. “Transmission Temp high please stop safely”. The warning light went off, but I took my car to the Koons Kia service on April 9, 2024. A few days later I was informed by the dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced and that the engine had sludge. I was later informed that the clutch actuator also needed to be replaced. The Transmission was covered under warranty and Koons Kia allegedly did the repair. I picked my car up on April 17th. The very next day (April 18) the transmissions started making noise. I contacted the dealer on the 18th and reported the concern. They told me to bring the car back on Tuesday , April 23rd. At no time did anyone warn me of the potential safety issue. I do not know what the mechanics at Koons Kia did, but the car was worse and more dangerous after the repair. Unfortunately, on April 22,2024 while driving on interstate 695, my car started to lose power and suddenly slow down. Cars rushing by and my car would not accelerate when I applied the gas pedal. The warning message “ Transmission temp high stop safely “ appeared again. I pulled over on the shoulder until the car cooled off. This time there was a smell along with it. When the car cooled off, I slowly drove the rest of the way with my hazard lights on. I contacted Kia dealership, Kia roadside assistance, and Kia customer service. No one warned me of the extreme safety issue nor did they offer any assistance with getting me home or with getting car back to service department. My car is back at the dealership. But this is a major safety issue. The gas pedal stopped working without warning while I was on interstate 695 going well over 50mph. There were other cars zooming by. very dangerous. I could have been hurt or someone else could have been hurt.

Vehicle VIN Info

VIN PatternKNDJX3AA*J7******
Drive Type4x2
Gross Vehicle Weight RatingClass 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
ManufacturerHYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC (HATCI)
MakeKIA
ModelSoul
Model Year2018
TrimEXCLAIM
Body ClassSport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Top Speed (MPH)124
Base Price22990
Engine ManufacturerKMC
Engine HP201
Engine KW149.886
Engine Displacement (L)1.6
Engine Displacement (CC)1600
Engine Displacement (CI)97.638
Primary Fuel TypeGasoline
Transmission StyleAutomatic
Wheelbase - Short101.2
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Traction ControlStandard
Blind Spot Monitoring SystemOptional
Rear Visibility SystemStandard
Daytime Running LightOptional
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)Direct
Keyless IgnitionStandard
Auto Reverse SystemStandard
Front Air Bags1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Side Air Bag1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Curtain Air Bags1st and 2nd Rows
Seat BeltsManual
Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam SwitchingStandard
Plant CityGWANG-JU
Plant CountrySOUTH KOREA
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