2020 KIA SOUL Engine Problems
200 NHTSA complaints on file
All Engine Complaints — Page 3
My husband was driving down the street in our 2020 Kia soul when under the hood of the car started to smoke profusely and a fire broke out under the hood of the car the engine was affected the car no longer turns on or turns over there was a recall for the engine overheating however we took it into a Kia location and June and they said nothing was wrong we took it in in May for recalls they said nothing was wrong they deleted all of the codes in the vehicle and one month later this happened in the car is no longer operable. Kia refused to help us at JT's Kia claiming that the car experienced wear and tear however the car was only 3 years old and there was no wear and tear. When we took the vehicle into address the recall we were told on...
I purchased this car (Used) on 8/1/2023 and on 8/7/23 I called Kia and stated that the car started shaking while driving and I took the car to the dealership on 8/10 and they stated they could not find any problem, they would have if they had taken it out for a drive. After waiting all day from 9:30 until 4pm they found nothing. I saw my car just sitting there and no one doing any work or anything on my car. My car still shakes so bad while driving that even the steering wheel is shaking and now when I stop at a red light the car takes a few minutes before it will move. I have had this car for a month and 2 weeks and they will not return my calls to setup an appointment. Kia Corporate can't even get them to respond. What can I do...
On August 15, 2023 my 2020 Kia Soul's engine over heated causing a fire under the hood. There after the car smoked and would not turn back on or turn over.
I bought this car in November of 2022 and it didn't make it its 3rd oil change. The car averaged a quart low at each oil change but that didn't seem to outrageous to me. It drove perfectly until June when the check engine light randomly came on and started flashing. I took it to the dealership who told me I needed a new engine, they couldn't tell me why or what was wrong but they assured me KIA wouldn't cover the cost since there was no open recall. Now I have an almost $20k lawn ornament, it won't even start and KIA can't even tell me why.
I had a noise for 2 days when I made right turns. Then my check engine light came on July 30 2023. On July 31 2023 I went to where I received the car from which was century 3 Chevrolet and they told me to go across the street to century 3 kia. I went there told them the problem. I was told they couldn't do nothing for me till September 2023. Mind you the check engine light is on. I asked would I be fine to drive it he says yeah. 30 minutes later my car start to jerk then it cut off. I restarted it it jerked then drove a little before it completely just cuts off and starts drifting backwards I was still in drive it wouldn't restart I put it in park.
While driving down the street the car turned completely off. Had aaa Try to jump it…aaa guy said it looks like there might be a problem with the engine…it has been sitting at the car dealership for the last 3 weeks.
The car stalled when coming to a stop and would not start for over 5 mins while on a major road. When the car finally started engine light started to flash and at a fast speed. Got the car home and noticed the oil leaking heavily. I have only had the car for 2 weeks so I took the car into the AutoCare shop for diagnoses and the code came back as code p1327. I was told the car must go to the Kia dealership immediately and be towed.
I recently purchased this 2020 Kia Soul at the end of April 2023. About 2 weeks ago while I was stopped for a red light in a busy intersection and the "restart" feature was engaged as I had the brake pedal pressed but then as the light turns green and I move my foot from brake to gas (that step is supposed to restart the engine) it did not start immediatley as it should have, Which left me in the lane of traffic vulnerable to possible accidents until it restarted. It finally started after what seemed to be forever and embarassment caused by the restart failure. This event could have had a different outcome if the car wouldn't have restarted. I am taking the car to the dealer tomorrow to have it inspected. I wasn't that there was even a problem until this happened there were no warning lights. I...
ON 8/18/22 I HAD 5 RECALLS DONE ONE BEING SC209 THE PISTIONOIL RING, THAT WAS CAUSING IT TO STALL OUT/DIE IN TRAFFIC AFTER THE RECALL IT WORKED FINE FOR A FEW DAYS THEN IT PROGRESSIVE GOTTEN WORSE AND STARTED USING OIL, AND THE OIL LIGHT NO LONGER WORKED . ALSO AFTER A OIL CHANGE THE "ALERT FOR DUE OIL CHANGE " DID NOT RESET I TOOK IT BACK TO KIA OF CHATTANOOGA,(2/22/23) AND THEY PROCEEDED TO TELL ME EVERY OTHER THING THAT WAS WRONG AND DID NOT ADDRESS THE OIL LEAK OR THE STALLING OUT. THEY WERE DISMISSIVE OF MY CONCERNS AND TOLD ME THE ENGINE WAS FULL OF GUNK AND IT WAS FROM IMPROPER UPKEEP WHICH IS UNTRUE I TRIED TO EXPLAIN THAT THE OIL CHANGE I HAD DONE WASNT REGISTERING, BUT I WAS IGNORED AND SO I TOOK MY KIA TO GOODYEAR(2/24/23) AND HAD THE $800+ IN REPAIRS...
I have two complaints. One just occurred while driving down the highway. My hood popped open. I do not go under the hood. I have my car serviced. The last time it was serviced was over a month ago. The hood popped open immediately the alarm began to ring and I pulled over. I got out on the side of the highway to close it. I immediately called the dealer and they say they have to keep my car to address this and another issue I previously reported. The other issue is my car revs and sounds like a race car. When I told them this they asked how many miles I have. I did pay for an extended warranty. The last time I serviced the car with them in November they said it was taken care of but it is not. I told them don't wait until the mileage...
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.
massive oil consumption engine knocking and needs to be replaced 3 weeks and kia can't tell me why this an issue hasn't fixed engine issue
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at slow speeds or while idling, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road and restart the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer test drove the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that upon research, the vehicle previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,400.
While at a red light the vehicle stalled out and would not restart. The vehicle was pushed into a parking lot and the battery life and oil were assessed. It was then determined that there was no oil in the engine by checking the dip stick. Oil was then added and spilled out simultaneously because the oil plug was missing from the vehicle. It was determined that it fell out while driving. The vehicle has 114k miles and had received an oil change 15 days prior.
While driving on the highway at 60 mph, the vehicle Started To feel like it was trying to go forward (thrusting) on its own. It then accelerated on its own to over 80 mph. I slammed on the brakes and pulled over and put it in park.the engine was revving in park. After Kia roads on assistance couldn't send a tow truck,I thought I would be okay driving on the emergency lane The 2 miles home from the highway. As I put the car in drive, the engine was revving at 6 On the gauge but the vehicle Wouldn't go over 20 miles an hour. It is at the dealership today. There were no warnings or lights or sounds.It all started with the slight thrusting of the entire car. I could have easily slammed into the back of another vehicle if it had been in front of me.
Compete engine failure at just over 100,000 miles. Driving down a busy road and vehicle suddenly lost engine power. Had to unsafely travel at well below speed limit to local Kia dealership. Dealership evaluated engine and stated it would need replaced entirely. There was no reason or explanation given.
there were a series of recalls on my 2020 kia soul , one of the recall notices stated that they installed non heat treated piston rings in the engine that went into my. the recall was singed off at a dealership in north carolina without making any repairs or recomendations. the engine has not yet failed but is consuming oil with no leaks. kia service states that 1 quart of oil usage every thousand miles is okay. they did not send any notices or make any verbal statements that owners must check and add oil between the recommended oil change intervals. the safety complaint here is that owners of these vehicles could have their engines seize up while on the highway at speed due to lack of lubrication. i have lost confidence in the safety of my 2020 kia soul.
I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the engine started to sputter and shake violently. I couldn't get it to accelerate. I pulled the vehicle to safety and shut it off. I looked under the hood and saw or smelled nothing unusual. I restarted the vehicle and it ran okay. I went immediately to a Kia dealership. I was told that if it was running okay to make an appointment for the next day. I did. The battery was changed out and I was told it was fine. It is not. The same thing happened again, several times. I am being told that if they can't duplicate the problem, they can't fix it. This problem is very unsafe given the entire vehicle slows to an almost stop, even on the highway, at times. I have researched this and it is a common problem with this engine....
My car will not turn on
Hello, I purchased a 2020 Kia Soul S in Oct. of 2019. Soon after I received a letter noting an engine recall in relation to the oil pistons. This manufacturer defect causes the engine to stall, and if left long enough, can cause oil to leak onto the engine and potentially catch fire (https://www.cars.com/research/kia-soul/recalls/). I have needed three engine replacements since purchasing the car. The first replacement was in January of 2022 with less than 20,000 miles, the second was in October of 2022 at around 33,000 miles, and my vehicle is currently awaiting another engine replacement at about 35,000. To my knowledge, the issue has been the same oil piston engine associated with the initial engine recall. I'm concerned because it seems like Kia is replacing defective engines with more defective engines with the same issue. Sometimes a check engine pops up intermittently, but in all three cases, the...
Vehicle shut down while driving
Car stalled while driving,
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started overheating. Additionally, the piston rod had gone through the engine block. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
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.
The vehicle stalls and turns off while stopped. The vehicle turns off quickly with all dash light sensors turned on with a front collision warning. The vehicle can only be restarted when is boosted. The battery was checked and is in good working condition.
The dealership installed the knock sensor in my car in November 2022 due to recall. Yesterday 12/12/22 when I left work, my car knocked so loudly the whole car was shaking. The car slowed and the check engine light came on. The car slowed while I was in process of accelerating to get up to speed on a busy urban street. There were several cars and I was afraid I was going to get hit due to the sudden deceleration. My car was towed to a Kia dealership. I was told it would be one to two week before they could even do a diagnostic on it and they could not give me a rental. I’m paying a car payment for a car that has broken down multiple times. The dealership said they were having a lot of cars being brought in because kids were stealing them after watching a...
For many months car has been randomly stalling. It has never been able to be duplicated at dealership, therefore it hasn't been addressed. In recent weeks the stalling is more often and is now accompanied by a check engine light.
At around 91, 697 miles, our 2020 Kia Soul EX began to have issues with the engine stalling out while downshifting in lower speeds, We took our Kia into the local (still an hour away from our home) dealership, for the recall "fix" which involved uploading a firmware update to the ECM for the knock sensor. We also had the dealership look into the issue of stalling out, but they could not replicate the issue and therefore sent us on our way. About two weeks later, the vehicle started making an extreme knocking sound (I am a mechanic and knew what the issue was immediately), and it brought up a check engine light, however there was no oil light or warning of any kind that came on. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that there was no oil in the vehicle. Upon filling the vehicle back up with oil, everything...
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that twelve hours after the vehicle was purchased while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The traction control warning light and the check engine warning light are illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and lubricant was placed on the wiring however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was offered an appointment scheduled for a diagnostic test and offered a trade for the vehicle, but no further assistance was provided. The failure...
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH, the vehicle started jerking. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon coming to a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle shut off. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the vehicle experienced internal engine failure. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be dis-assembled to provide a final diagnostic result. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) which she associated with the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the fuel injectors were replaced; however, the failure later reoccurred while refueling the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer Gunther Kia (1900 S State Rd 7, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317) on four different occasions where the spark plugs were replaced and the fuel tank was drained; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle would not properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle had previously been inspected by the local dealer under an unknown Manufacturer’s Campaign. After performing an oil consumption test, it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine replacement was not yet performed. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced engine failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
Engine did not restart after Auto/off. Instead, center screen restarted and engine light and battery light came on. Had to restart entire car to get engine back on. Happened at stoplight.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and accelerating to 50 MPH, the vehicle began to make an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued to drive to her residence. The contact stated she added 3 quarts of oil to the engine. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact took the vehicle to a second local dealer: Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712:(847) 581-7500) where an oil consumption test was completed however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact called the local dealer: Kia of Lincolnwood and made them aware of the...
The vehicle was in perfect operating condition than began knocking. Less than two miles down the road the vehicle engine seized and a piston oil ring sheared. Shortened timeline: Jan 15 - engine knock, engine seized during transport (Jan 26) Jan 15 - Call to Lithia Kia in Anchorage, spoke to Brian (Service manager) confirmed on recall. Feb 18 - Kia Consumer Affairs (CA) schedules transport to Lithia Kia in Anchorage Feb 22 - Transport falls through on Kia end, denies all further transport. Feb 27 - Hired private transport ($500) March 1 - Lithia confirms Vehicle March 4 - Lithia demands service records March 10 - Service records are sent March 16 - Jessica Weaver with Kia CA looses contact with dealership March 18 - Brian with Lithia Kia in Anchorage says they do not honor recalls on rebuilt or salvage titles.
Engine oil consumption after 1000 miles of oil change at dealership.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while she was at a stop light, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to a Chevrolet dealer who had sold her the vehicle. The Chevrolet dealer diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the starter was replaced; however, the engine remained locked. The dealer associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was towed to a second dealer Bramlett Kia (3326 US-31, Decatur, AL 35603) but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Contact has 2020 Kia Soul bought from Beaumont Texas at Classic Kia. Contact was driving to school to attend a class of speeds approximately 20-30 mph, when the engine light kicked on and the car stalled. Contact immediately called Classic Kia in Beaumont to speak to service department. Previously contact had piston rings "inspected" with no detection. Informed the occurrence to the maintenance department and was told to bring the car into dealership. Contact did as instructed and brought the vehicle to Classic Kia, contact was then told by Maintenace manager that this car has never had an oil change (which the first was done by the dealership itself) and there is sludge in the engine. Contatct stated "I did not have free ones with the dealership, why would I come here". Manager stated on the day after occurrence there were 2 years free oil changes in which was not...
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that he became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer did not complete the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle started decelerating independently. The contact pulled into the nearest parking lot and opened the hood but could determine the cause of the failure. The contact continued to drive the vehicle and the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The check engine warning light, the oil warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 5 minutes; however, the vehicle was shuddering and would not exceed 15 MPH while driving. The contact also stated that there were abnormal sounds coming...
The supposed remedy for SC209 on my vehicle only included a test as per the Kia certified techs on 10/27/2021. In June 2021, while the vehicle still had warranty remaining, my Kia soul stalled out at a traffic light near Towson, Maryland. The check engine light illuminated, as well as oil pressure. I brought the vehicle to Kia of Westchester (PA) to remedy the issue. The determination at the time was a cam shaft pin had broken, and that was the cause. They replaced the pin, and I continued to have the check engine light come on. I took the vehicle back on 6/17/2021 with the same issue of check engine light and stalling. They reported no issue, and no light after they had cleared the code. I noticed by early autumn a strange knocking sound at low RPM and the check engine light re illuminated. This was the time...
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,116.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled while the oil change, battery, and check engine warning lights illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECM computer upgrade was needed. Additionally, NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) needed to be completed. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,200.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia SOUL. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
RECALL NOT BEING FIXED
Engine still uses oil and the issues is getting worse. Now there is a knocking sound coming from the engine and KIA refuses to acknowledge it. Mechanic told me that there was not a noise that was not unusual for a KIA Soul. The engine stalls and looses power occasionally. KIA mechanic states they did not see any issue.
The car has the auto stop engine feature. Randomly, when ever I stop the car the engine will turn off because of the auto stop feature. But when I shift the car into park, the car won’t turn back on. Instead the green auto stop light will stay lit in the dashboard and when I take off my seatbelt I will get an error that states: “Auto Stop is Off. Shift to P or N to start engine” and I will hear a high pitch noise. If I shift the car to Neutral, Drive, Reverse or back to park nothing will happen. The engine won’t turn back on and if I’m on a incline or decline the car will start rolling. The only way to get the engine to turn back on is to turn off the car and turn it back on via turning the key. I have also...
There was recall before I purchased this at certified Kia dealer but they didn’t mention anything I found out about it on your website. I took this to Kia they said it’s not part of recall it’s not effected vehicle according to Kia.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vibration was felt throughout the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed a vibration test. The vehicle failed the vibration test and the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed a new engine, which could take 2 - 6 months to repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact stated that the manufacturer declined the recall repairs because the vehicle was in Puerto Rico, and was not a state, but a U.S. territory. The dealer and another dealer, Caribbean Auto Distributors (Avenida 65 De Infantería, Km 10.2 Esquina Muñoz Rivera, Carolina, 00987, Puerto Rico) were made aware of the recall on separate occasions. However, both dealers informed the contact that they needed approval from the manufacturer before the recall could be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer declined the recall repair and informed the contact that Puerto Rico was not a state, but a USA territory. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the dealer advised the contact to call back in two months to set up a recall repair appointment since the dealer was already booked for repair dates. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and a case was opened. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other 2020 KIA SOUL Problem Areas
Power Train
81 complaints
Unknown Or Other
44 complaints
Electrical System
24 complaints
Steering
16 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
14 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
12 complaints
Service Brakes
9 complaints
Structurebody
7 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
6 complaints
Exterior Lighting
6 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings
4 complaints
Air Bags
3 complaints
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
3 complaints
Visibilitywiper
3 complaints
Seat Belts
2 complaints
Seats
2 complaints
Child Seattether Strapwebbing
1 complaint
Electrical Systemadasblindspotsensors
1 complaint
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftimmobilizerproximitykeysender
1 complaint
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasoline
1 complaint
Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulic
1 complaint
Suspension
1 complaint
Tether Lower Anchor On Car Seat Or Vehicle
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Controlthrottle
1 complaint
Wheels
1 complaint