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: other or unspecified
52 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 30, 2023
On 5/27/23 I was stopped at a light in the middle of active traffic. When traffic started moving again, I put my foot on the accelerator. Nothing happened: the "check engine" light appeared on the dashboard as well as the "Auto Stop" light, which showed up yellow. The engine was dead. Cars in back started honking. I put on my hazard lights, turned the ignition off, waited a few seconds, then on impulse turned the key on again. Car started without a problem, and the indicator lights disappeared. I called the dealership but could not get a service appointment until Thursday. I am afraid my own car will kill me if this happens again in active traffic.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 10, 2023
The car has rebooted (like a computer) three times in the last month as I am driving the car. Not in Park, not just starting the car. I am in drive and the car just reboots. Today, I received a warning about my forward collision system and all the lights on the dashboard lit up.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 26, 2022
While driving along the interstate, going 70 MPH, I noticed the RPM gauge started to fluctuate. Shortly after, I started having issues maintaining the speed. I pressed the gas pedal, but the vehicle wouldn’t speed up - instead started loosing speed. I started to hear grinding noises as I pressed the gas pedal. Eventually, I kept loosing speed and there was nothing I could do to make the vehicle move. I had to pull off and coast into a parking lot to be towed.
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2022
My car was stolen using a usb cord. The manufacturer needs to correct this error in design. There are internet videos detailing how to steal these cars. The consumer is left to foot the expense of this design error.
Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2022
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2021
My issue is constant engine stalling. It is a very scary experience.
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2021
The car started knocking at 65 mph while excelling to 70 the engine then had a loud bang and the engine block broke apart and spilled oil on to manifold almost starting a fire I have been informed that the engine is recalled for piston rings. This is an extremely dangerous situation. LUCKILY I managed to exit highway and not engulfed in flames. So far Kia has been unwilling to assist me and I also purchased an extended warranty with Automotive Protective Corporation in Atlanta Ga. and no body is helping me.
Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving the vehicle was slow to move and stalled. The oil level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the oil was dirty, the oil level was low, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The Vin was included in NHTSA Campaign number: 21V259000 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, declined to offer any assistance for the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2021
When pulling out into traffic the car started to go, RPMs spiked all the way and the car just died… I shut it off, and all was fine…. Then I stopped to get gas, and when the auto stop/start kicked in, the car didn’t restart… the oil pressure light turned on, battery light, and check engine light all at the same time. Would not let me shift into park. I had to push the shift release to let me put it into park. I was then able to shut off the car properly and start it just fine, and no lights active. This all happened around 19,000 miles. The last 2 times I’ve been in for an oil change, there has been 2 recalls completed , and now this new recall related to the oil piston.
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2021
6/4/2021 Returning from picking up my children in Maryland, my vehicle stalls out at MD 137 in Hereford. The idle stop and go system repeatedly engages and disengages, the engine continued to sputter and rev. I took the vehicle to the nearest service station, as all the Kia service techs no longer were working past 4 PM. I was able to have a Jiffy Lube service tech read the code P0420 (which has been a previous issue with catalytic converters wearing out at 80,000 miles for previous Souls) as well as several codes for the Camshaft sensor and Crankshaft.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2021
Recently I noticed when I stop and the stop-start system feature and the Blind-spot sensors are turned on the car will either shut completely off or stall once I step on the gas.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, May 2, 2021
STOPPED AT STOP LIGHT, LIGHT TURNED GREEN. PRESSED GAS AND DASHBOARD SYMBOLS CAME ON AND CAR DIED. TRIED STARTING AGAIN AND IT WAS DEAD. PUSHED IT TO PARKING LOT AND TRIED TO JUMP IT. DIDNT JUMP.. PUSHED TO AUTO ZONE. TESTED BATTERY IT WAS AT 10%. THEY DIDN'T HAVE A BATTERY. USED A JUMP BOX AND CAR STARTED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2021
WHEN THE AUTOMATIC START STOP START IS ON WHEN I STOP AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AS IT SHOULD, WHEN I RELEASE THE BRAKE IT MAKES A WHINING NOISE FOR A FEW SECONDS. ALSO HAPPENS WHEN GOING UP MY DRIVEWAY. HAVE READ THAT THIS IS HAPPENING IN A LOT OF PEOPLE'S 2020 KIA SOUL'S AND NOBODY SEEMS TO KNOW OR HAVE A FIX.
Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2021
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH LESS THAN 3,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS ON A CITY STREET ABOUT TO GO ON HIGHWAY RAMP. I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND AS USUAL ISG (IDLE STOP AND GO) FEATURE SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE, BUT WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I MOVED MY FOOT OFF THE BREAK, THE CAR DID NOT START AGAIN, INSTEAD THERE WAS AN ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY AND OIL LIGHTS THAT WENT ON. THERE WERE CARS BEHIND ME. THANKFULLY, SINCE I WAS ON A HILL I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE CAR TOWARDS THE CURB ALLOWING THE CARS BEHIND ME TO PASS. AFTER THAT I USED MY CAR KEY TO COMPLETELY TURN OFF AND THEN TURN ON THE CAR, AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE STARTED AGAIN. IN THE PAST I HAVEN'T HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS ISG (IDLE STOP AND GO) FEATURE, BUT NOW I'M WORRIED THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN ON A HIGHWAY OR IF I CANNOT START THE CAR WITH MY KEY.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2020
I STOPPED AT STOP SIGN AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AND MADE A DING SOUND BUT RADIO NEVER DISCONNECTED. NOT THE USUAL SHUT OFF THIS WAS DIFFERENT. THEN IT STARTED BUT IT MADE AN UNUSUAL DING SOUND. PLUS, SOUNDS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS DRAGGING IT WAS A RECALL AND I TOOK THE CAR BACK FOR MAINTENANCE AND NOW IT'S DOING SAME THING AGAIN PLUS THIS TIME IT WAS WHINING FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS WHILE I WAS DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Dec 10, 2020
OUR KIA SOUL 2020 HAS SOME FAILURE RELATED TO THE AUTO STOP FEATURE (ISG). STARTING AT ABOUT 3000 MILES, THE CAR GROANS AS IT COMES OUT OF AUTO STOP, WITH THE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT. KIA CORPORATE DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A REPEATED ISSUE, THOUGH THERE ARE MANY FORUMS ONLINE RECORDING THIS EXACT PROBLEM AROUND THIS MILEAGE. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO CONSENSUS ON THE REPAIR, AND NO CONSENSUS ON WHETHER IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. IF THE AUTO STOP (ISG) FEATURE IS DISABLED, THE NOISE DOES NOT HAPPEN. MORE ACCOUNTS CAN BE FOUND HERE: HTTPS://WWW.KIASOULFORUMS.COM/THREADS/ENGINE-GRINDS-WHEN-COMING-OUT-OF-THE-AUTO-START-STOP.116042/ A VIDEO WITH THE SAME NOISE CAN BE FOUND HERE: HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/1TA6BH6ZPU8 THIS UNNERVING NOISE OCCURS AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING (NO NOISE PRIOR TO THAT).
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2020
THIS 2020 KIA SOUL HAS A CVT TRANSMISSION. IT HAS NOW FAILED TWICE WITH ONLY 1400 OR SO MILES ON THE CAR. THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY, APPROXIMATELY 100 MILES FROM OUR HOME. THE SECOND OCCURRED ON STREETS BY MY HOUSE, DIRECTLY BY A SCHOOL IN A SCHOOL ZONE. THE CAR FAILED TO DRIVE MULTIPLE TIMES, AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND KIA WILL NOT EVEN SPEAK WITH ME. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ASSIST EITHER. THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 14 DAYS, WITH ONLY A LOANER FOR 7, AND NOW IT IS DEAD A SHORT TIME LATER. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN. IT WAS PURCHASED NEW.
Other or unspecified, Oct 7, 2020
WHEN THE ISG (AUTOMATIC STOP/START) COMES OUT (LIFT FOOT OFF OF BREAK PEDAL), THE CAR MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN COMING OUT OF ISG. OTHER KIA SOUL OWNERS HAVE FOUND SAME THING. THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHEN COMING OUT OF A FULL STOP, AFTER THE ISG ENGAGES, THEN DISENGAGES (THIS IS WHERE SOUND OCCURS). CONTINUES TO HAPPEN AFTER EVERY ISG STOP.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 22, 2020
IN THE MORNINGS VEHICLE IS NOT STARTING. TAKES 20 TRIES...HAS OCCURED LAST 5 DAYS.
Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2020
WHILE AT MY KIA DEALERSHIP ON 6/17/20 FOR A ROUTINE VEHICLE INSPECTION, KIA STAFF TOLD ME THAT MY CAR HAD "TWO SAFETY RECALLS (SA409 AND SA424)." I ASKED WHY KIA HAD NOT TOLD ME ABOUT THE "SAFETY RECALLS". THEY TOLD ME THAT: "WE DON'T KNOW THAT THEY EXIST UNLESS YOU BRING YOUR VEHICLE IN HERE. THEN, WHEN WE CHECK OUR RECORDS, WE FIND OUT IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS". IF THIS STATEMENT IS TRUE, BOTH KIA AND NHTSA HAVE A SIGNIFICANT LAPSE IN THEIR PROCEDURES. HOW WAS I AS THE CAR'S OWNER SUPPOSED TO LEARN ABOUT THE UNADDRESSED "SAFETY RECALLS"? YESTERDAY, I SENT EMAILS TO KIA' S CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IN IRVINE, CA. THEY DO NOT REPLY. SINCE I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE "SAFETY RECALL" CODE NUMBERS MEAN, I DON'T KNOW IF I WAS DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE, OR, HOW LONG THE ISSUE(S) HAD BEEN PRESENT. PLEASE REPLY AND PLEASE, CONTACT KIA TO APPRISE THEM OF THE CARELESS MANNER IN WHICH KIA STAFF HANDLED THIS MATTER. *TR
Other or unspecified, May 10, 2020
4/3/20 AT 6,959 MILEAGE, TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP 'CAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON. THEIR COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC CODE FOR COOLANT COLD S5ART ERROR, KIA HAS NO REPAIR AT THIS TIME. HAVE PERIODICALLY CHECKED WITH DEALERSHIP AND CUSTOMER SERVICE, STILL NO REPAIR, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. HAVE INVOICE # K1CS392579 FROM MENTOR KIA, MENTOR, OH 44060 - SAME RESPONSE FROM PURCHASING DEALERSHIP, HALEEN KIA IN NORTH OLMSTED, OH ON 4/24/20 AND KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE IN CALIFORNIA ON 4/24/20. NOT COMFORTABLE WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYING ON CONSTANTLY! *TR
Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2020, crash
GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK WE RAN THROUGH THE END OF THE HOUSE. THIS HAPPEN WHILE TURNING IN OUR DRIVEWAY
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jan 23, 2020
1-13-2020 DRIVING WHEN A LITTLE ROCK MADE A CHIP IN MY WINDSHIELD AND WITHIN SECONDS A CRACK ABOUT 8 INCHES LONG APPEARED AND NOW THE CRACK IS A FOOT LONG. WHEN WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WE WERE TOLD OUR WARRANTY WOULD COVER EVERYTHING, BUT WHEN WE TOOK IT IN THEY INFORMED US WE ONLY GOT BUMPER TO BUMPER MECHANICAL. THE PERSON WE GOT IT FROM LIED TO US ABOUT WHAT WE WERE GETTING AND WE THOUGHT WE COULD TRUST HIM. WE HAD TO RESET THE RADIO BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT WOULD WORK SOMETIMES IT WOULDN'T, THEN MY BACKUP CAM WOULDN'T WORK IF THE RADIO WAS ON THE FRITZ. STARTING 1-17-2020 MY KIA STARTED SURGING OR CHUGGING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HOPEFULLY THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED. THIS IS MY FIRST BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THE SELLERS OR THE VEHICLE SO FAR. AND NOW MY WINDSHIELD WONT BE FIXED BECAUSE WE THOUGHT WE COULD TRUST THE PERSON WE BOUGHT FROM AT THE KIA IN MOLINE, ILLINOIS CAUSING THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND OUR DEDUCTIBLE IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN IT WOULD BE THAT TO JUST PAY OUT OF POCKET.
Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2020
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY I HEARD A LOUD BANG. I THOUGHT SOMETHING HAD HIT THE ROOF OF MY CAR. I OPENED THE SUNROOF COVER AND DISCOVERED MY SUNROOF WAS SHATTERED BUT STILL INTACT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THERE WAS NO SIGN OF DEBRIS HITTING THE SUNROOF OR ANY PART OF THE ROOF. THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED, WHICH I NEVER KNEW IT COULD DO, BUT READING FURTHER ON THE INTERNET IT CAN AND DOES HAPPEN.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 1, 2020
THE CAR WOULD SHUT OFF AND I WILL START IT BACK UP IT WILL CRANK THEN SHUT BACK OFF AND TO BE CLEAR IT HAS PLENTY OF OIL SO THAT'S NOT THE PROBLEM