2020 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 381 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 9 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 6 people were injured and 8 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineApr 13, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.
Campaign 21V259000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
245 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the pistons and the PCV valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Engine, Feb 27, 2025
So my car (despite being regularly maintained) had complete engine failure. At 100,300 miles. I was told the bottom half of the engine had complete shut down due to excessive oil burning. The car would start but then when put in gear would die immediately. When originally noticed the engine would shut down when going from a stopped position into moving, usually through an intersection. Not safe at all.
Engine, Feb 25, 2025
I have called Kia multiple times about my 2020 Kia soul burning oil. The car is only 5 years old and should not be going through oil like it is. My car takes 5 quarts of oil. I do an oil change every 3,000 miles. When I drain the old oil it’s only at 2 quarts. The car burns 3 quarts of oil every 3,000 miles.
Engine, Feb 14, 2025
Car started running rough and stalling at stops. Replace crankshaft sensor and vvt solenoids. Found out there was a recall and sent to dealership for recall. They claim that the issue is not related to the recall, that the valves are the issue. But if the piston oil rings aren't working properly that would cause problems with the valves.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact heard a loud banging sound coming from the engine compartment. In addition, there was blue smoke entering the cabin of the vehicle with smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power in the middle of the road. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was not determined; however, the contact received an estimate for the repair from the dealer, which quoted a price to rebuild the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was advised to expect a call from the legal team. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Engine, Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle lunged forward and stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine and referred the contact to the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the failure was due to the timing chain and camshaft, and that the engine had shifted out of position. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine, Jan 24, 2025
I brought the vehicle in for the open recall, which clearly states that the dealership would conduct a thorough inspection of the engine. Not only did they inspect the engine as required by the recall, but they refused to complete the recall altogether and told me that I needed to purchase a new engine. The recall language clearly indicates that a new engine may be needed, at Kia's expense, if there are issues noted in the inspection. Can a dealership really deny completing an open recall? Now I have a vehicle that is dangerous to drive with no way to get it repaired. The dealership was Jones Kia (2001 Belair Rd, Fallston, MD 21047).
Engine, Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine, Jan 14, 2025
While driving the vehicle on the highway I lost speed slowly..pull over an car made a rattling noise an stop running..Took to dealer.they have had my car going on three months..last I talk with them I had to agree with the next step which could cost me.to take apart.to see if I kept up with my oil changes...no offer of a rental car...I have almost lost my job twice..an I been there fifteen years..
Engine, Jan 9, 2025
I brought my vehicle in for the open recall as my engine seized: Manufacturer Safety Recall issued NHTSA: #21V259 Recall: #SC209A SC209A ECM UPDATE (PISTON-RING NOISE) Kia is refusing the repairs and has not completed the recall, which includes the following remedy: KIA WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE ENGINE AT NO COST TO YOU. IF IT HAS NOT BEEN DONE ALREADY, KIA WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE ENGINE THE ESTIMATED TIME REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE INSPECTION IS APPROXIMATELY 1-2 HOURS. IF ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS NECESSARY, THE ESTIMATED TIME REQUIRED IS 8 HOURS OR MORE. IN ADDITION, KIA WILL INSTALL THE PISTON-RING NOISE SENSING SYSTEM SOFTWARE FOR THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT IN THE VEHICLE THAT WILL ALERT THE DRIVER OF POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO THE PISTON OIL RINGS. THE ESTIMATED TIME TO INSTALL THE SOFTWARE WILL BE APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR. THE SOFTWARE SHOULD BE INSTALLED WIETHER OR NOT YOUR VEHICLE'S ENGINE WAS ALREADY INSPECTED AND/OR REPLACED UNDER THE ORIGINAL CAMPAIGN NOTIFICATION. IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD THE ENGINE INSPECTED, PLEASE IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN AUTHORIZED KIA DEALER TO ARRANGE TO HAVE BOTH THE RECALL AND THE PISTON RING NOISE SENSING SYSTEM SOFTWARE INSTALLED AT NO COST TO YOU. The car has been at the dealership for over 1 month with no resolution.
Engine, Dec 30, 2024
Engine failure while driving, only 51,000 miles on the vehicle. I was driving on the interstate and fortunately was in the right lane so I could pull over immediately and it did not cause an accident. I was driving approximately 45 miles per hour to pull onto the interstate when a loud noise and engine failure occurred.The engine light and oil light came on when I heard the engine stalling. My car was taken to the dealership where they stated the engine needs to be replaced for $8200 and it’s beyond warranty. According to their recall test, it passed the recall. I’m assuming that’s for the piston oil recall, but they have been unable to provide proof or details on how it passed. I have had regular maintenance on my car and should not require a new engine at this point. Please advise.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 27, 2024
When I would come to a complete stop at a stop sign it would stall battery light and oil light would come on. I would need to put it in park then turn it off and turn it back on. It also would suck up oil like crazy I would need to replace the oil every few days otherwise it wouldn't start. I took it to the shop and 2 of the 4 pistons blew and all the timing stuff stopped working.
Engine, Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was discovered that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the oil consumption. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Engine, Dec 7, 2024
I had software installed for piston rings. Got car back with check engine light on. Brought it back and was told I need a new engine which I need to pay for. Car was bought brand new gave receipt for oil changes.
Electrical system, Engine, Lane departure, Nov 26, 2024
Our vehicle experienced every dash light on the board coming on intermittently. At time, we could not use the remote control and had to open the door and crank the car manually. Windshield Wipers and headlamps did not work, nor did any of the safety features on the car or indicator lights. When all illuminated, we took the vehicle to local Kia dealership and eventually they replaced the electrical panel. The side and rear collision indicators never worked again even after repairs were done. The car continued to display every light on the dash after the electrical panel was replaced and local dealership could not fix it. None of the indicator lights showed problems with the engine and regular maintenance to the vehicle was maintained on schedule. Four years into the life of the vehicle, the car started burning all the oil in the engine and oil indicator light did not come on. The oil life was within the schedule to be changed. Oil ran low on car and caused the oil control valve to not operate properly. Local dealership requests we play $6,069 (approximately a third of the vehicle's original cost) to repair the timing chain. All maintenance records were produced for the dealership service department and we were denied that the engine would be repaired while still under warranty because we were told we did not maintain the vehicle properly. This, of course, was not true because we had all the receipts to prove it. The vehicle failed to indicate a problem and as a result --- permanent engine damage occured to the vehicle.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 24, 2024, crash
When taken for oil changes, no oil is left on stick and motor will lock and cut off. I have to restart the car to get it to turn on.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 15, 2024
While driving vehicle; stalling, sputtering, failure to shift gears, engine knocking/shaking car. Altinator was replaced and stopped sputtering. Following day I was going 55 mph and car completely stalled out on a busy road and almost got rear ended and car lost power car was towed to Kia Dealership for further diagnostics test. Failures of systems have been on going but always started back up after leaving dealership where purchased. After altinator was replaced batter light and oil light came on dash along with check engine light stalled for about a minute I turned car off and back on and it was able to drive off lot. Place of purchase would do a temporary fair and also changed transmission fluid. One hour later was when vehicle stalled out and lost power.
Structure, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 15, 2024
The entire car is infested with Mold due to a prior evaporator leak that was improperly installed prior to my purchase of the vehicle. The dealership Lighthouse Point Kia in Pompano, Florida, refusing to fix the car issues.
Engine, Sep 13, 2024
The contact owns 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where the camshaft accessory exhaust, the CVT exhaust, the timing belt tensioner, and the three bond were replaced. Additionally, an oil change was performed; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the catalytic converter, the crankshaft sensor, the spark plugs, and the ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 68,824.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 3, 2024
I was driving to work this morning and my check engine light started flashing.I took it to O'reilly's and plugged it in and it said something wrong with my engine.I just had it serviced and everything was fine and tell all of the sudden.This happened?Time this happened.I had to have 4 new engines put in my Kia.This has to be a recall
Engine, Aug 15, 2024
In the timeframe of 1 oil change had to add 3-4 qts of oil to my car and still have 1000 miles left before i have to have an oil change. It is a 2020 2L kia soul. The car has no leaks and has been properly maintained. I have taken it to a shop that told me that it is probably going to blow a motor in the next few thousand miles. The car only has 78,414 miles on it. They explained that if it blows to get ready to hopefully not crash as the power steering will go away.
Engine, Aug 13, 2024
Car is making a knocking sound
Engine, Aug 5, 2024
Engine using oil at only 45,000 miles. It's been less than 500 miles since last oil change and today had to put 1/2 quart of oil. Had all recalls done. Told the dealership it was using oil, they said it was a faulty gasket and oil drain plug was lose. Changed everything including oil,gasket and tightened the oil drain plug. But today less than 500 miles later had to add half quart of oil. I am the original owner and I know Kia says a quart per 1000 miles is acceptable. I have owned older cars with over 100,000 miles never used oil in between changes, I have owned new cars never had to top off between oil changes. I am afraid my engine should be recalled now, I don't trust my soul anymore. There's absolutely no reason for this car with 50,000 miles should be using oil. If it breaks down I am hearing that Kia probably won't repair or put new motor in as I have read and heard everyone saying. Even doing a compression test they won't pay for it unless it's rod bearing, no rental car during any time. I have lots of doctors appointments that are over 2 hours away and I am scared of being broken down ( disabled 61 years old female). I am scared that this car is going to cause me harm . I don't know if the dealership even looked into the rings when they did the recall. Also I have nobody to borrow car from so if Kia was to do the warranty I would need a loaner car, rental car for the duration of the work.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 5, 2024, fire
I was driving to work. 12 miles my oil leaked. A state trooper turned around when seeing flames and called the fire department and tow truck. I lost control of the car, nothing was working. I was only ever given one recall notice which I fixed 2 months after buying the car. The car also has issues with security. Only certain insurance companies will cover the car and their prices are higher. We took car to dealership . three months later I contact attorney general. The GM this started attacking us, denying anything happened etc. He should be fired for how he treats people. Reviews of their business show others have had issues. Kia corporate has always told us they r waiting on images yet this GM contacted them, told us to leave, and screamed he would charge us for every day it was on lot. So we had it towed the next day. Insured company will be doing their own I xpection. This isn't about money, its about safety and these cars have slot of issues. It is wrong to blame the consumer for a faulty product. We had to get new car and now upside down in this one. We bought thus Kia be,cause the previous one the engine seized. We expressed our concerns, but got put in another car with issues. Kia corporate has been non talking to us the entire three months, so the only findings can be based on what GM said. They washed the motor. It sat so long the battery died. Someone went through papers in the glove box then left them out. We had medicine in the loaner, which they say is a lie. My daughter drives the car and recently was laid off. So now she can't have her medication..... Although she left it in the car they had no right to do that. There was plenty of other issues along the way.
Power train, Engine, Aug 2, 2024
Unknown. Consuming oil at a high rate. Car also randomly loses acceleration power acting as if it’s in neutral.