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, 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.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. After several attempts, the vehicle was restarted, and the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. After waiting for a while the contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving slowly; however, the failure recurred. The contact had to turn off and restart the vehicle several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2024
ON NOVEMBER 29,2024 i FOUND A PAINT BUBBLE under the door handle of the rear passenger side of my Snow Pearl white Kia Soul. The primer is visible underneath and intact but the area is cracking and peeling thereby enlarging quickly. I have read online that others have had this problem. I called the dealer and waiting for a call back from the manager. Thank you
Structure, Dec 4, 2024
My 2020 Kia Soul is not even five years old yet and under 20k miles and I noticed that the paint has started to lift and this should not happen. I have heard that other Kia models with the same paint, Snow White Pearl, have had the same reported issue over the past few years. The paint started bubbling/lifting on the side of the back passenger door.
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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2024
I am filing a complaint about my paint. It is fading and on the roof and hood.
Electrical system, Oct 11, 2024
Upon releasing the break, all warning lights appear (like when initially starting the vehicle). Then they usually all turn off again. From time to time, specific lights come on but disappear upon turning the engine off and then on again. In effect, it's hard to tell if there really is a maintenance issue or not.
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.
Structure, Sep 3, 2024
My 2020 Kia Soul S is not even five years old yet and far under 100k miles and I noticed that the paint in several places has started to lift and this should not happen. I have heard that other Kia models with the same paint, Snow White Pearl, have had the same reported issue over the past few years. The paint started bubbling/lifting on the hood and above the drivers side rear door handle which has now peeled off.
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