2020 Kia Soul Problems

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and two hubcaps were damaged, and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that when the vehicle arrived at the residence, there was no oil inside the engine. The contact added oil to the engine, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that an oil change was performed at approximately 54,000. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,375.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was erratically shaking, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with piston rings failure. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the engine, catalytic converter, the two Oxygen sensors, radiator hoses, heater coil hoses, motor mounts, and the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the engine was replaced in 2022 under an unknown recall. In addition, the contact was informed that the mileage on the vehicle was 108,000, at the time that the recall repair was completed. The contact was informed that the warranty only covered the replacement of the engine. The contact stated that the failure was a consequential failure associated with the engine failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning while releasing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle restarted after each failure. The first dealer diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P04100 (Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit); however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Hendrick Kia of Concord (7550 Hendrick Auto Plaza NW, Concord, NC 28027); and the technicians informed the contact that the vehicle was not properly repaired. The vehicle was returned to the first dealer, and the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The dealer dismissed the contact’s concern that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that adding one quart of oil per 1,000 miles was within normal operation of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to Kia recall SC199. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2020 Kia SOUL LX. The contact stated that they had began to notice that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel the steering would remain turned and would not return to its original position, no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the steering rack and pinion plugs were faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 232,000.

The contact’s wife owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel failed to return to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the steering rack, and pinion plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 232,000.

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)

The problems with the KIa Sol began with the "check engine" light continuously coming on in January of 2025. Took it to the dealership twice and numerous repairs were made and the vehicle continues to malfunction. It sputters and has created a dangerous condition to drive. For example, my 21 year old son was on the freeway and the car started sputtering. Thank God that the truck behind him moved lanes when he saw the car was struggling or it could have ended tragically. That was incredibly scary. I took it to the dealership again. They kept for two weeks trying to find the root of the problem, I spent $4,000 to "fix" it. When I drove it around town it did the same again, which put my brother and I in danger. The dealership finally said that the car needs a catalytic converter, which I was quoted as costing approximately $5000 dollars. I have spent a lot of money to try to fix this car and have been in two dangerous situations because the problem was not located. I have been trying in good faith to work with the dealership and KIA corporate to put a new catalytic converter by requesting a good will gesture.

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

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.

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!!!

The pearl white paint is pealing. And chipping

MY KIA 2020 SOUL, THE PARKING LIGHTS, THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE REAR LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. LIGHTS BULB WERE OUT.

MY KIA SOUL 2020, THE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME UP, THE PARKING LIGHTS, THE RIGHT HEADLIGHTS, THE REAR BACK RIGHT SIGNAL LIGHTS, THE FUEL SYSTEM AND THE BREAKS SYSTEM ALL OF THEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was rigid and failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the brake pedal operated as needed. The contact stated while the vehicle was in park(P), the message to shift to park(P) was displayed. Additionally, the oil pressure and charging warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the front windshield wipers failed to work intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

BRAND NEW CAR WITH 6K MILES AND WHEN IT RAINS THE HEADLIGHTS FILL UP WITH SO MUCH MOISTURE IT'S BLOCKING OUTPUT FROM THE LIGHT AND CAUSING FLICKERING WITH THE BULB INTERMINABLY. THIS IS CAUSING ME TO PULL OF THE ROAD DURING RAINFALL AND AT NIGHT AND I WAS INFORMED THIS IS NORMAL FOR KIA FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER AT WESLEY CHAPEL KIA IN WESLEY CHAPEL FL. KIA REFUSED TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER PLATINUM WARRANTY ON A NEW CAR WHEN THEY HAVE A TSB OUT ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE

The tether buckles appear to be too small to clip into the vehicle tether anchors. When clipped in and an audible click is heard, the tether buckles release with a very light tug. I have tried tethering only one buckle as deep as the buckle allows and until I hear the click, but it still pops loose with a gentle tug.

Faulty design of rear right hand passenger seatbelt buckle prevents use while the left side of the split seat is folded down for cargo.

Seat belt extenders are not made available at Kia Dealership.

Faulty design of rear right hand passenger seatbelt buckle prevents use while the left side of the split seat is folded down for cargo.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the transmission failed causing the vehicle to stall. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the transmission needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,175.

I was driving on I-75 in heavy holiday traffic, suddenly no acceleration and car started slowing. Transmission just quit working. My car only has 20,000 miles on it. I was able to get to the side of the road without getting hit. Online there are many reports of this issue with the 2020 Kia Soul, with it occurring in vehicles with as little as 5000 miles. It has been noted by Consumer Reports. There were no warnings and no indications other than the sudden loss of power with 7000+ rpm showing on the tachometer.

Immediately after purchase, the Passenger Airbag warning light illuminated. An authorized Kia dealer confirmed that the airbag system is defective and requires repair under warranty. Despite this confirmation, more than five (5) months have passed without repair, citing parts unavailability. I am operating a vehicle with a known airbag malfunction. This defect involves a federally regulated safety system and poses a safety risk.

Car hit guardrail at highway speed. There is significant damage to the front end. The drivers and passengers airbags failed to deploy. The driver side air bag did deploy.

PULLS TO THE RIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEED - APPROX 45MPH. SEVERE ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY DID HAVE A NEW-ENOUGH MACHINE TO ALIGN THE CAR. HOW CAN KIA OF IRVINE, NOT HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT TO FIX THE CARS THEY SELL? INSIDE REAR COWLING THAT GOES AROUND THE SMALL PORTAL WINDOW ON THE RIGHT WAS WARPED FROM THE FACTORY. CAR WAS NOT MOVING. GOT A REPLACEMENT PART; HOWEVER, IT WAS A POOR INSTALL JOB AND THE FRONT PART OF THE COWLING DOES NOT ALIGN WELL WITH ITS LOWER CONNECT PIECE. RIGHT FRONT TIRE IS BECOMING SEVERELY WORN BECAUSE OF ALIGNMENT ISSUE THAT CAN'T BE FIXED. EXTERIOR PLASTIC COVER ON LEFT-SIDE A-FRAME PILLAR CAME FROM THE FACTORY SCRATCHED AND LOSE. KIA OF IRVINE WILL NOT FIX IT - THEY ONLY WANT TO BUFF THE PLASTIC. NOT A PROPER FIX BECAUSE THE PART IS STILL LOSE.

WHEN PARKED (BUT WITH THE POWER SET TO "RUN" OR THE ENGINE FULLY ON), IF YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, TYPICALLY TO ITS FULLEST EXTENT, THERE IS A LOUD "CLUNK" OR "CLANK" NOISE COMING FROM THE BASE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. AFTER TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY ONLY TOLD ME THE STEERING WAS "BROKE" AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING SYSTEM UNDER WARRANTY. THE ISSUE STARTED AROUND 2300 MILES. I HAVE TAKEN SEVERAL VIDEOS SINCE THE ISSUE BEGAN. THE CAR HAS TO BE STATIONARY OR IN MOTION (FORWARD OR REVERSE) BUT UNDER 5MPH (ROUGHLY). AFTER WATCHING A FEW YOUTUBE VIDEOS AND DOING SOME FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT APPEARS AS THOUGH PART OF THE PROBLEM IS A DEFECTIVE/DAMAGED "COUPLING GEAR" BETWEEN THE POWER/ELECTRIC ASSIST STEERING MOTORE AND THE STEERING COLUMN ITSELF. REGARDLESS, IT IS A SEVERE STEERING ISSUE THAT HAS LEAD TO A PREVIOUS RECALL IN OLDER KIAS AND SEVERAL ACCIDENTS.