I really like the idea of getting a Kia, but I’m really scared because there are so many reports about them catching on fire. If I do go ahead and get one, what can I do to avoid that risk? Also, how can I find insurance for my Kia? It’s frustrating that some companies aren’t insuring Kia owners. I’m also worried about it being stolen. The Kia I’m interested in is a 2017 Brownstone Edition, and it has an airbag recall. It’s either this car or a 2010 Ford Fusion, which also has an airbag recall.
I traded in my 2015. When I first bought it back in 2021, the fire issue wasn’t as big of a topic, but over the last year or two, it really started to come up more. My car had about 50k miles on it when I traded it. Nothing major happened, but it did start running rougher. I kept up with the maintenance, but I just couldn’t shake the worry about the fire risk. For me, it wasn’t worth the stress anymore. Hope whatever you decide works out.
@jordansmith
Did you hear any shuddering sounds under low RPMs or feel it struggle before downshifting?
@jordansmith
Thanks for sharing! I’m really torn about whether to get it. The thought of something going wrong really scares me.
@jordansmith
A Ghost Key might be a good idea to prevent theft. I’ve dealt with two major recalls myself, and it worked out. It’s always important to stay on top of things. If it fits your budget, you’ll likely enjoy the car. I’ve had mine for 8 years and still love it. I park far away from the entrance so I can keep an eye on it for longer!
I wish I had seen this thread when I was at 30k miles. Good move. I waited until my car was at 80k, and I only got $1000 for it, not the best move.
Catch fire often? I’ve only seen one on this forum that did. I need to take mine in for the recall, but I haven’t had any problems except for a small misfire when a spark plug went out.
I’ve seen at least four Souls catch fire on this forum, which is pretty terrifying. But I think I’m still going to go for it. I just hope I can get insurance if something happens.
It’s a great little car! Mine’s part of the recall, but I’ve had it for years and nothing like that has happened. I know it’s hard to know for sure, but I love my Soul.
So happy to hear yours is still going strong!
Just don’t crash, haha! Or, maybe you can give your Soul to me?
There are lots of Souls out there with GDI engines that are doing fine. I got a 2017 a few months ago, and it had a pretty questionable maintenance history, but it’s been fine so far. It burns a quart of oil every 2200 miles, but no other major issues. Keep in mind that these are among the cheapest cars available, so maybe some owners didn’t keep up with maintenance, and that’s why some of them caught fire.
I have a 2015 Soul, and I’m not too worried about the fire risk. I do keep a fire extinguisher just in case. The engine was replaced under warranty when it failed at 100k miles. If the engine does fail, you’ll probably get a warning, like knocking or a flashing check engine light, especially if it’s had the knock sensor update. The fire risk seems higher in older models, but newer Souls might not have this issue.
All car brands have their issues and recalls. It looks like this fire problem is mostly with the 2011-2013 Souls. Here’s a link to more info: Recall: Millions of Kia, Hyundai Vehicles for Fire Risk | NHTSA
I have a 2017, and it burns a lot of oil. There are plenty of posts about this. If you’re buying a Soul with a GDI engine, it could be problematic, even if there’s no official recall. As a second owner, you wouldn’t be covered under warranty either.
If you sell me the wheel arch trim, I can help with the payments!
I thought it was just the 2011-2013 HPFP issues. My engine failed early, but no fire, just a simple replacement. My little brother drives it now, and it’s still going strong.
You might be fine if you keep an eye on the oil consumption. But if you treat it like a normal car, your kid might get stranded under 100k miles. Or you might want to consider not buying this car and get something more reliable.
Don’t do it. I have a 2018 and regret it so much. Three weeks after an oil change, the engine exploded, and there was sludge everywhere. It was on the highway when I was 5 months pregnant. Then, they took forever to fix it, and when I got it back, the catalytic converter was bad, which happens often with these cars. They burn too much oil or gas or something.