2020 Kia Soul

What owners report most often

1. Engine238
2. Power train89
3. Other or unspecified52
4. Electrical system28
5. Steering16
6. Fuel/propulsion system15
7. Vehicle speed control14
8. Engine and engine cooling11

Recalls and investigations

1. 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

381 reports, newest first.

1. Engine, Jul 2, 2026

   I own a 2020 Kia Soul that received Recall SC209. Kia performed the recall remedy and considered the recall complete. Before the engine failed, the vehicle had a documented history of excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was previously diagnosed by an independent third-party mechanic shop for excessive oil consumption, and I repeatedly had to add significant amounts of engine oil between oil changes to keep the engine operating. Despite this known condition, the excessive oil consumption continued after the recall was completed. Eventually, the engine suffered a connecting rod bearing failure and seized. The Kia dealership has denied warranty or recall coverage solely because Recall SC209 had already been completed. Kia Consumer Affairs also denied assistance and stated that the engine failure is not covered because the recall was previously performed. My concern is that the symptoms leading up to the engine failure—including excessive oil consumption followed by connecting rod bearing failure—are consistent with the defect addressed by Recall SC209. In my opinion, the recall remedy did not correct the underlying defect on my vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the SC209 recall remedy is effective for vehicles that continue to experience excessive oil consumption and subsequently suffer catastrophic engine failure after the recall has been completed. I have maintenance records, documentation from the independent mechanic shop showing excessive oil consumption, proof that Recall SC209 was completed, and documentation of the engine failure and Kia's denial of coverage.

2. Power train, Jun 30, 2026

   While driving on the interstate at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of forward motive power. The engine revved, but the vehicle completely ceased forward acceleration and could not maintain highway speeds. This created an immediate safety hazard, forcing me to navigate across active lanes of highway traffic without power to reach the shoulder, narrowly avoiding a rear-end collision. Once stopped, the vehicle completely refused to engage any forward gears (Drive). However, the transmission will still engage and move backward in Reverse. This is the second time this vehicle has experienced a total transmission failure in 6 years, despite having previously had the transmission replaced at an authorized dealership under Kia Service Campaign SC199. The replacement Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) component has suffered an identical, catastrophic mechanical failure to the first unit. The manufacturer’s previous campaign remedy failed to permanently resolve this severe highway safety defect.

3. Engine, Jun 21, 2026

   I recently bought this 2020 Kia soul the 2 L engine and I’ve noticed every 700 miles 1 quart of oil in this concerns me because how do I not affect it would’ve ran dry and burn the motor up that me is safety. I understand that they have it to replace motor and engine for the original owner, but since I am second owner of this vehicle I don’t qualify for the hundred thousand miles 10 year warranty. My vehicle has 88,700 miles and I’m sure what not to do next.

4. Structure, Jun 14, 2026

   There are hundreds of on-line complaints regarding 2020 Kia Soul with paint flaking and peeling off. This is especially true for cars painted white. This is happen to the Soul I purchased a few years ago. I can no longer use a car wash. Please see pictures. The exposed areas will lead to rust and corrosion. If the metal supporting the engine, cabin, or bumpers flakes off or has holes, the vehicle loses its ability to protect occupants during a collision. A rusty car can be highly dangerous if the corrosion has spread to critical structural or mechanical components. Rust on surface areas will eventually let water leak through to a vehicle's frame, suspension, or braking system which will significantly compromise safety and increases the risk of catastrophic failure. One of the attached photo's will show paint that came off the car with painters tape which I used on the back of a credit card to show the relative size of another area where paint has come off!!!

5. Engine, Jun 3, 2026

   I was driving when the vehicle stalled while slowing down. It stalled several more times at a stop light, and then when slowing down or accelerating slowly. I then noticed the engine started making a noise. I have parked it and not been able to drive it since. No safety indicators popped up during the stalling. When the engine started making a noice the check engine light then turned on. The car has only 65958miles on it. I believe it should be apart of the SC209 recall list but it is not.

6. Engine, Jun 2, 2026

   The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The contact stated that he was a mechanic, and the contact had retrieved a diagnostic code indicating a vibration in the pistons. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,704.

7. Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 2, 2026

   There was a recall-SC209A for a faulty piston ring. This vehicle “passed” prior to my purchase. I was unaware that my vehicle was part of the recall- when the VIN is entered in the NTSB website, no active recalls show. Starting in 10/24, the vehicle began having problems accelerating, and when I brought to my local mechanic it was found to be nearly empty on oil despite a recent oil change. I have since experienced continuing issues with low oil and oil consumption. The latest incident was in XXX on a trip to [XXX] . The car seized in the highway, and was brought to a local Kia dealer. They diagnosed a bad transmission, and it was replaced. Despite this, the car has continued to burn oil. I have brought the car to my local Kia in Schaumburg where it was purchased. It was today that I found out it was part of the recall. I asked for an oil consumption test, and I was told this would be at a $200 cost to me. I am worried for my families safety taking this car on the road- the oil light doesn’t come on when it is low. Kia hasn’t offered to retest the car, and I feel at significant risk continuing to drive it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

8. Engine, May 31, 2026

   My 2020 Kia Soul had its engine replaced under safety recall SC209 (NHTSA Campaign 21V259). At 136,202 miles, this replacement engine suffered a secondary catastrophic failure, dropping heavy metal shavings into the oil lubrication system and causing the engine to stall. Kia of Orange Park (Repair Order 183972) diagnosed the failure but refused to honor the 15-year/150,000-mile Class Action Engine Settlement extension, forcing me to pay out-of-pocket at an independent shop. The manufacturer's safety recall remedy has failed."

9. Engine, May 27, 2026

   The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly’s where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle as not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 109,256.

10. Engine, May 21, 2026

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the lack of specialize mechanical technician. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

11. Engine, May 14, 2026

    This vehicle burns over 2 quarts of oil between oil changes. Had 3 oil consumption tests. Kia states that this motor is supposed to burn that much oil. My catalytic converter is now going bad due to the amount of burnt oil clogging it. Why have these engines not been recalled?

12. Engine, May 14, 2026

    I own a 2020 Kia Soul that, according to Kia Customer Care, had the SC209 engine recall repair completed in 2021 at approximately 28,000 miles under a previous owner. I have the exact repair date written down and can provide it if needed. On May 12, 2026, while driving, the vehicle suddenly stalled and shut off, switching into accessory mode without warning. I was able to restart it afterward. Today, approximately 20 minutes ago, the same issue occurred again while driving — the engine stalled unexpectedly and switched into accessory mode. After the first incident on May 12, I checked the oil level and it appeared full. Today, after the second stall, I checked the oil again and found it significantly low, around 1–2 quarts remaining. The vehicle required approximately 3 quarts of oil to return to full. I want this formally documented because I am concerned there may be an ongoing engine issue related to excessive oil consumption and/or engine failure despite the prior SC209 recall repair having been completed. I have only had the car 27 days.

13. Engine, May 12, 2026

    Car just starting shutting off only will drive a certain amount of time then turns off again

14. Engine, May 6, 2026

    The engine consumes oil and requires repeat oil changes or refilling the engine oil prior to expected or recommended service date. This causes a severe emissions issue.

15. Engine and engine cooling, Apr 24, 2026

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under Kia Recall: SC209; however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware of a n excessive oil consumption. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that oil was being added approximately every 2 days. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

16. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 20, 2026

    Engine shut off while making a turn. Took car to mechanic and he stated that the car did not display any error messages. The car also over heated while driving in freeway.

17. Electrical system, Engine, Apr 17, 2026

    My Car would shut off in the middle of the road after I stopped to make a turn or even stop at a stop light. Also the engine is burning oil. Mechanic says the the engine needs to be replace. Something with the oil piston and the exhaust is burning oil. I am not sure

18. Engine, Apr 8, 2026

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the engine started knocking on the passenger side of the vehicle underneath the hood. The contact accelerated to 45 MPH and continued driving. After refueling, while continuing to drive at 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost engine power, and the vehicle started coasting. The vehicle was stopped, restarted, and the contact continued driving. A short while after restarting the vehicle, the failure reoccurred. The contact stopped the vehicle, waited, then restarted the vehicle a second time. The vehicle was driven to the destination. An image of an engine was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle continued to make a knocking sound. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine was failing and needed to be replaced. The certified mechanic informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); and associated the vehicle with the recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis; however, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer declined to provide the engine replacement under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

19. Engine, Apr 6, 2026

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle was driving sluggishly, and the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated before stalling. The vehicle was towed to the local Service Center and was diagnosed with piston rings failure. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and metal shavings were found inside the engine oil, and the camshaft and the timing were not operating properly. The cause of the failure was not yet determined by the dealer. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (ENGINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

20. Engine, Mar 24, 2026

    The engine burnt through all the oil in it, many miles before an oil change was needed for it.I have taken it to the dealership and the dealership submitted an extended warranty claim for it and despite the fact that the issue is mechanical and covered by the extented owarranty, the claim is being denied.

21. Engine, Mar 18, 2026

    The engine seems to be stalling, more than likely being caused by the piston rings being defective. With the piston rings being defective, this can cause oil to be lost, and then in turn causing damage to the vehicle. This can put others at risk as this will stall the vehicle, and in any form of traffic, can cause an accident. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer, but they claim it is another issue. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. The engine light turned on shortly before this happened.

22. Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 13, 2026

    Owner of 2020 Kia soul experiencing engine failure symptoms including stalling and oil consumption vehicl is associated with engine fire risk safety recall vehicle is currently disabled at mechanic and unsafe to drive I requested kia arrange a tow to authorized dealership for recall diagnosis but kia customer service refused to cover tow bc this involves potential engine fire hazard I believe manufacturers should arrange safe transport for inspection under the recall

23. Power train, Electrical system, Mar 6, 2026

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The automatic start warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. Additionally, the error message indicated that the automatic start feature was disabled; however, the contact stated that the automatic start feature was enabled. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The contact disabled the automatic start feature. The contact stated that while the vehicle was decelerating, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The contact stated that the diagnostic test was incomplete. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,924.

24. Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2026

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at undisclosed speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal, fluttery sound detected before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was due to the crankshaft and camshaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 135,864.

25. Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2026

    This issue is a significant safety concern. The vehicle intermittently loses propulsion, causing a sudden forward lurch, and then abruptly regains power, pushing me back into the seat. This unexpected deceleration and surge can create a dangerous situation in traffic and may lead to an accident if it occurs while merging, crossing intersections, or driving at highway speeds. In addition, I am experiencing significant engine oil loss between regular oil changes. This week, just before my scheduled service, I found the engine to be approximately two quarts low. There were no warning lights indicating low oil or pressure. I only became aware of the issue after hearing noticeable engine ticking, at which point I immediately parked the vehicle and have not driven it since. I added two quarts of oil due to concern over potential engine damage caused by operating at a low oil level. I have contacted my dealership to report the oil loss and the engine noise, and I am currently waiting for a return call as I had to leave a message. This level of oil consumption is abnormal and concerning, especially combined with the lack of warning indicators. I believe this condition may pose a safety risk and could potentially lead to engine failure while driving. I have recorded video showing the amount of oil needed, the dipstick readings before and after adding oil, and the process of topping up the engine. I also have receipts for the oil I purchased. I can provide all documentation upon request. Based on my research, this appears to be a documented issue reported by multiple vehicle owners, and it is known to require corrective repair. I checked my VIN on the manufacturer’s recall website and confirmed that there are currently no open recalls associated with my vehicle. However, despite the absence of an official recall, the issues I am experiencing are safety‑related and require investigation and correction.