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
381 reports, newest first.
Engine, Oct 21, 2025
Engine stopped do to zero oil no light came on warning me and I checked the oil a month pryer. Had the oil changed two months before.
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2025
Paint is bubbling and peeling off in large sections down to the primer coat. The paint is shedding. Paint does not appear to have adhered to the E-coat.
Power train, Engine, Oct 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle had shut off on several occasions while driving in traffic or while stopped at a stoplight. The contact stated that while the air conditioning was activated, the engine made an abnormally loud thumping sound before the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after shifting to park; however, the vehicle hesitated after restarting. The contact activated the hazard lights while the vehicle was off in traffic. The contact stated that there were no visible leaks, and no warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The message "Shift to Park and Restart Engine" was displayed and flashing. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the failure might be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact sought assistance from an independent mechanic, who was unable to assist. The local dealer was called, but the contact received no answer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 14, 2025
Second engine installed in the car ceases to fire. Condition does not change with new sensors for camshaft nor crankshaft. Engine turns freely cranks but will not restart. Unreliable driving conditions. Mathew’s Kia wants $1400 upfront to start exam in blind faith to see if a properly serviced car has a common warranty claim
Engine, Oct 10, 2025
Since the first year of ownership, I have noticed that the vehicle burns oil excessively. I reported this issue to the Kia dealership, but I was told that “it is normal to add a quart of oil every other week.” Despite this statement, I believe this is not normal and points to a defective engine design consistent with the piston ring problems known in similar models and engines. In the summer of 2025, the vehicle began having hard-start issues when the engine is hot. Over time, I replaced several components at my own expense through an independent repair shop, including the alternator, starter, PCV valve, MAP sensor, and camshaft sensor. None of these repairs resolved the problem. When I returned to the dealership, they performed a borescope inspection and found scoring and damage on three cylinder walls inside the engine block. Thats whats causing the engine to seize when the engine is hot and make it hard to start and misfire when accelarate.
Engine, Oct 6, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at a very low speed, the vehicle's speed increased independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was being parked. The contact noticed an unusual sound, and the engine revved up. The contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle went across the street into the neighbor's yard. The vehicle crashed into the neighbor's rose bush and up onto the patio. The contact stated that the neighbor, who was seated on the patio, had been knocked out of the chair. In addition, the vehicle crashed into a wooden post. The neighbor was transported to the hospital by ambulance. A police report was filed; however, the information was unavailable. The neighbor's injuries were unknown. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,500.
Engine, Oct 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rod bearings failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 20, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding the handling of my vehicle recall and repair process at Kia Killian Road in Columbia, South Carolina. Vehicle Information: - Year/Make/Model: 2020 Kia Soul - VIN: [XXX] - Registered Owner: [XXX] Timeline of Events: - My vehicle was brought to Kia Killian Road for recall repairs related to recalls 21V259, 21V259A, and CS2306 concerning the engine and starter. - The starter was replaced as part of the recall work. Despite this, the vehicle remained at the dealership for over a month and a half without resolution. - I was then informed I would need to pay approximately $1,200 to replace the ignition, even though there had been no issue with the ignition prior to the recall service. - The ignition was replaced at my cost, but I have since been informed that my vehicle is still not repaired due to an alleged electrical issue. - At the time of this complaint, my vehicle has been at the dealership for more than 2.5 months, and I have been given inconsistent explanations and no resolution. Concerns: - The dealership appears to be tying unrelated repairs to the recall, causing unnecessary costs and delays. - I have been without the use of my vehicle for an extended and unreasonable period of time. - I have not been provided a loaner vehicle or alternative transportation despite the lengthy delay. Requested Resolution: - Immediate completion of the recall repair work at no additional cost to me. - Reimbursement of the $1,200 ignition replacement charge, as the issue arose only after recall work began. - Provision of a loaner vehicle or compensation for transportation expenses incurred during the 2.5 months my vehicle has been out of service. - Written clarification from Kia corporate as to why this delay has occurred and how Kia will ensure resolution. This matter has caused significant hardship, and I am seeking urgent assistance from Kia Consumer Affairs, NHTSA, and INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Sep 18, 2025
Car was purchased used in November 2024. Driven minimally through 2025. July of 2025 engine began stalling at low idle or when pulling into a stop and repeatedly stalling out. Took car to mechanic and replaced crankshaft position sensor, spark plugs, and fuel pump - cost $1,218. Stalling still occurred. Took it to Kia Dealership and they stated, “Cylinder 1 scoring damage, and needed new engine”. This was/is a known problem with various Kia models: “Engine stalling symptom from defect manufacturing of oil rings in cylinder that causes scoring and engine damage.” We bought this car for $12,000 in good faith and it didn’t even last a year!!
Engine, Sep 10, 2025
According to Ray Skillman Southside Kia, located in Greenwood, Indiana on [XXX], the “exhaust engine lock pin” broke inside the engine causing metal to shear inside the engine causing engine failure and needing engine replacement. Prior to this diagnosis the car was stalling during running in the middle of traffic potentially causing an accident or collision with other vehicles. This is a known defect in the manufacturers engines, yet there is no recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Engine, Sep 3, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 35 MPH and going up a slight hill, the vehicle stalled. The contact's son said multiple unknown warnings illuminated. The son depressed the brake pedal and felt that it was very hard to depress. The son was able to restart the vehicle and continued on to his destination. The contact stated that the engine stalling failure had occurred once, however the failure of the brakes had occurred several times. The contact's son stated that when he was slowing the vehicle, as he was in reverse (R) backing out of a parking spot, he was unable to stop the vehicle using the brake pedal and had to use the emergency brake to stop. The son stated that another brake failure occurred as he was slowing for traffic. The son stated that he depressed the brake pedal and it was stiff and the vehicle was not stopping. The front end of his vehicle crashed into the rear end of the vehicle in front. The son said that when the brake failure occurred the check engine, oil check and the battery warning illuminated. The son stated that he used the emergency brake to stop. The police were called and wrote a report, both of the vehicles were drivable and there were no injuries. The son stated that there were minor dents and scratches on the front bumper and grill of his vehicle and dents and scratches on the rear bumper and trunk of the other vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was determined that there was no mechanical issue with the brakes or the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000. The contact stated that in 2021 the vehicle had an engine failure and the engine had been replaced.
Engine, Aug 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where an inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the inspection. The mechanic stated that no repairs were needed, and the recall was removed from the VIN. The contact then stated that while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an inspection, and the contact was provided a diagnostic test fee. The contact declined the diagnostic test and took the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic determined that there was a defect with the piston oil rings. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2025
Kia initially refused to honor engine-related safety recalls on my vehicle (including Recall No. 21V259). Only after I filed a complaint with higher authorities did Kia agree to replace my engine. After completing this recall repair, Kia suddenly claimed my vehicle’s ignition “needs replacement” and is attempting to charge me $1,200. This is deeply concerning because: •Kia ran multiple diagnostic tests before the recall repair and never reported any ignition issues. •There was no ignition damage when Kia received my vehicle. •I believe this claim is either false or the result of tampering, and may be retaliation for my prior complaint. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of this matter and ensure consumers are protected from false charges and retaliation when exercising their right to safe recall repairs. Thank you for your attention. Please let me know if you need additional documentation.
Engine, Aug 24, 2025
Check engine light code P1327 According to what I have read on the internet, it says that this code is usually associated with improperly heated rings. This causes excessive oil use and oil leaking and possible fires if the oil leaks on the exhaust. It can also causes shaking or knocking which leads to the engine knock sensor sending a code to the computer.
Engine, Aug 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood. The contact turned off and attempted to restart the vehicle after arriving at work; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that prior to the failure, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check oil and engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure, an oil and filter change was performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and the failure was deemed recall-related; however, due to a lack of oil records, the vehicle was deemed unrepairable by the dealer and manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine, Aug 18, 2025
My engine stalled out as I was heading up a hill after taking a right turn. There were cars coming up behind me and could have had a rear end collision. A day or two before, the check engine light came on but it was not flashing. I was going to have it looked at ASAP. I had it towed to my mechanic who found that there was zero oil in oil tank. They did some research and found a technical service bulletin for excessive oil consumption for Kia Souls through 2021. (I have kept up with all maintenance) They recommend I have it towed to a Kia dealer. I spoke with corporate and they refuse to cover engine repairs which would cost approximately $4,000, even though there is a TSB on this make and model. This is outrageous as my car only has 49,000 miles on it.
Engine, Aug 15, 2025
Was driving home from work and the car started smoking and making nose. Full power loss but was able to safely pull over to side of the ride. Had vehicle towed to mechanic and a piston had blown a hole through the engine. Mechanic estimated the cost of repair $7000 or more to replace the engine.
Engine, Aug 15, 2025
So the actual oil piston ring problem started with the 2020 Kia soul, I had a recall and I took it to the Kia dealership, over 3 hours away and they performed their noise test and checked it over, I complained about burning quite a bit of oil and they said they would have to do a oil consumption test, so I agreed and they changed my oil and guess who had to pay for that, yes me, so I drive back home 3 hours and I decided to check my oil in the morning, they purposely over filled the oil, was half an inch over the fill level, but needless to say nothing was done about anything just like the 2021-2023 models, now I'm seeing a bunch of transmissions dieing out with the same model and yes my transmission died out a few weeks ago and nothing is being done about it, we're does it end with these car companies, extremely disappointed in the care and service I received from Kia, hopefully the transmission issue can get taken care of soon and hope that future models don't have to go through the same thing
Engine, Aug 13, 2025
Piston oil ring failure resulting in needing a complete new engine. Known recall issues on other years same model/engine(2.0L). Car would lose oil pressure and stall while driving at any speed.
Engine, Jul 29, 2025
The engine totally failed while driving without any warning. Zero warning lights came on and the car would not restart. I had it towed to the dealership where they reported that I needed a new engine which is not covered under warranty or recall repair even though its been recalled several times and half the people who own 2020 KIAs seem to have almost the same exact problems. The cars start to consume way too much oil and then the engines seem to fail not soon after so I brought the car back home since its over $8000. to replace just the engine! This vehicle is not paid off so its sitting at my house without being repaired or drivable. The dealership where I had it towed, Ray Skillman NE KIA, in Indianapolis charged me $200 for diagnostics yet never explained what was wrong with the car other than it needs a new engine.
Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2025
Paint bubbling on both side of the car. Kia claims there is no defect in their paint however it seems to be a known problem with the white Kia soul.
Engine, Jul 24, 2025
My wife had went to the store and came out and went to pull out and the vehicle jerked forward and died. I went to see if it was a dead battery the vehicle would not jump. I called a tow truck and realized that the engine had completely failed. I took it to Parkside Kia in Knoxville Tennessee and they confirm that it was an engine failure there was a recall from Kia referencing SC209 Parkside Kia states that the recall was addressed on this vehicle but the dealership that I purchased the vehicle from had no record of that recall being done and they are stating that they will not goodwill it or repair the recall I understood from my research that even if the vehicle was fixed under that recall that there were some cases of it not being fixed and resulting in needing a complete engine my main concern was the fact that my wife could’ve been driving down the road and been in and a severe accident thankfully, she was just in a parking lot
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, low oil, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound before the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to a stop but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an engine rod had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was 93,307.
Engine, Jul 7, 2025
Vehicle: 2020 Kia Soul VIN: [XXX] Component: Engine What happened: My 2020 Kia Soul experienced sudden engine failure at around 130k miles. I was driving when the oil light turned on, and within seconds the engine seized and locked up. The check engine light came on afterward. There were no prior warning signs, no check engine light, and the oil level was not dangerously low. This is the second Kia Soul I’ve owned that experienced this exact failure pattern—my previous 2014 Kia Soul also seized without warning. Kia is refusing to assist or escalate, despite the fact this issue closely mirrors Recall SC209 related to the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. I believe this is a serious safety issue and mechanical defect that deserves further investigation and may justify expanding existing recalls. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 3, 2025
First issue started in February when check engine light came on for camshaft position sensor A circuit. Took to Shawnee Mission Kia and was told that I just needed an oil change. Not even a mile away and the check engine light came back on. Took to where I purchased the vehicle from and they fixed the sensor. 4 months later, almost the exact same thing is happening. Check engine light came on for ignition coils, replaced. Check engine light off for 2 days. Check engine light pops back on, checked oil and there's like none so I added 2 quarts and had the code read. Comes back on for camshaft again. Took to dealer, Bob Sight Kia this time, have been told I need a whole new engine. My third party warranty is covering it, but not the rental. This issue is also pretty much what everyone else is going through with the recall... I just hit over my 5y/60k warranty... I think the recall needs to be broadened and isn't fully covering the issue.