2020 KIA Soul

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/30/2024· ENGINE

  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.

• 12/30/2019· POWER TRAIN

  I PURCHASED THIS CAR NEW WITH APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES ON IT. ON DAY 34, WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE RURAL ROAD THE RPMS BEGAN GOING UP AND DOWN WILDLY, A STRONG SMELL (WHICH I NOW KNOW IS TRANSMISSION) AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. BEING IN AN S CURVE WITH FLASHERS ON, I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A CAR COMING AROUND THE CURVE. TWO MORE VEHICLES WERE BEHIND THE FIRST ONE AND STOPPED, HELPING ME PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. AS THE NIGHT THIS OCCURRED WAS CHRISTMAS EVE, IT TOOK 3 HOURS TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER IT WAS PURCHASED FROM. I AM TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATES KIA CORPORATE WILL SEND A NEW TRANSMISSION AND HAVING THAT PERFORMED IS MY ONLY OPTION.

• 12/28/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  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.

• 12/28/2023· ENGINE

  I had transmission changed out in May of 23 and then in November the check engine lights starts blinking and now I need a new engine, prior to needing a new engine the car would cut off it was loud and it wasn’t taking off like it should.

• 12/27/2024· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  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.

• 12/26/2022· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  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.

• 12/25/2025· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  My car has been acting up almost every winter. Bought brand new and within two years would not start. Triple A had to get it started. Next winter it shook and the check engine light came on. There was a misfire. I called Kia of Queensbury and they just told me to keep the gas cap off for a bit and than drive it after putting it back on. I believe the fuel injectors were a problem at that point because at times when starting it would shake and it would lag in power. The check engine light did go off but it kept lagging and I had to put fuel in it more often. They did not diagnose it. The next winter it shook and felt like it was going to shut down. I took it in for diagnosis while it was under warranty. They denied anything was wrong. This winter it did it again. It shook and the check engine light came on. Even though I told Kia service in Queensbury NY that a computer said there was a misfire in cylinder 4 they insisted that if the check engine light was not flashing I could drive it. They wanted me to wait almost two weeks to get it diagnosed. Had I driven it as they stated I could have ruined the engine, it could have caused a fire or for me to have an accident. I called back told them it was shaking and dangerous to drive. They allowed me to take it in earlier. I had it towed in. Now that it is out of warranty and 64000 miles they admitted the fuel injectors had to be replaced and the spark plugs. Because of the issues I had experienced from the beginning, I believe the fuel injectors had been faulty for a long time and could have been a serious risk for myself and other drivers. It was dangerous. The fuel injectors and spark plugs have since been replaced out of pocket. I asked for the fuel injectors and spark plugs that were taken out of my vehicle to be given to me, but the service department did not comply with my request.

• 12/24/2020· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  TODAY WHILE DRIVING HOME. MY 2020 KIA SOUL HIT 23000 MILES. SHORTLY AFTER AS I WAS ON HIGHWAY ON WAY HOME STILL. MY VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING LIKE BAD GAS. THEN STARTED JERKING AND RPMS KEPT REVVING UP EVEN THOU I WASNT PUSHING ON GAS ANY HARDER.ABOUT 27MILES FROM HOME RPMS SHOT UP AND CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN. QUICKLY PULLED OVER. SO I PUT IN PARK THE SHIFTED TO DRIVE AGAIN TRIED TO GIVE LIL GAS BUT CAR DIDNT MOVE HAD TO GET TOWED HOME.

• 12/21/2021· ENGINE

  RECALL NOT BEING FIXED

• 12/18/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  My issue is constant engine stalling. It is a very scary experience.

• 12/18/2020· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I STOPPED AT STOP SIGN AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AND MADE A DING SOUND BUT RADIO NEVER DISCONNECTED. NOT THE USUAL SHUT OFF THIS WAS DIFFERENT. THEN IT STARTED BUT IT MADE AN UNUSUAL DING SOUND. PLUS, SOUNDS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS DRAGGING IT WAS A RECALL AND I TOOK THE CAR BACK FOR MAINTENANCE AND NOW IT'S DOING SAME THING AGAIN PLUS THIS TIME IT WAS WHINING FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS WHILE I WAS DRIVING.

• 12/18/2019· CHILD SEAT

  THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT LATCHES ARE INACCESSIBLE AS THEY ARE BURIED IN TIGHT UPHOLSTERY. I CAN'T ALWAYS SUCCESSFULLY LATCH THE CAR SEATS INTO THE CAR AND WHEN I SUCCEED IT IS ONLY WITH THE HELP OF SOMEONE VERY EXPERIENCED AND TAKES UPWARDS OF HALF AN HOUR. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO KIA AND WAS ADVISED THEY WILL TAKE NO ACTION UNTIL THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. SIMILAR INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY PROFESSIONAL REVIEWERS: HTTPS://WWW.CARS.COM/ARTICLES/HOW-DO-CAR-SEATS-FIT-IN-A-2020-KIA-SOUL-GT-403604. "SOME MUSCLE" IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO US FOUR TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS ALWAYS STATIONARY.

• 12/17/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  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.

• 12/16/2024· ENGINE

  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.

• 12/15/2023· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and coasted to a stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence and then towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle failed to qualify for the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

• 12/14/2025· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  The car is frying my battery. I had a Duralast Platinum that should last approx 4 years. It killed one at 26 months. I replaced it, free of charge per the warranty, and 6 months later the brand new one is testing low again. Also, at 127k miles a flashing check engine light came on, I took it for a pre-check at a local shop and the tech identified that there was 0 oil in the reservoir. I had him change the oil just so I could get it out of there and took it into the dealership a day later. After charging me $250 for a diagnostic the dealerships response was that the cylinder walls and piston rings were damaged causing excessive oil consumption and that I need to replace my engine. $9,000 for a new engine at 127,000 miles is ridiculous. Apparently just about every other model but mine was recalled. I had to take it in for a recall last year.

• 12/14/2023· ENGINE

  The engine when it heats up drives so rough. Then the car completely shuts off. This creates such a dangerous situation when on the freeway. The motor needs to be replaced. I bought car from a used dealership and have only had 2 months and the motor is gone. Recall on certain motors is garbage because this motor is suffering from the same problem as the GDIs. I have an MDI. $15,000 down the drain. Thanks

• 12/14/2022· ENGINE

  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 tik tok where they’re shown how easy it is to steal a Kia and taking the cars for joy rides and wrecking them. When I took the car to the dealership in November, they didn’t fix anything, only put the knock sensor on. Now, just a few weeks later, its knocking and and the sensor is going off. I told them it sounded odd, knocking sort of when I found out about the recall. I bought this car because I needed a more dependable car. My other car was getting older and I am getting older and have health issues. I do not feel safe in this car with all the problems I’ve had.

• 12/12/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AUTO STOP/START. WHEN AT A STOP LIGHT THE AUTO STOP/START ENGAGED, AND BEFORE THE BRAKE WAS RELEASED THE AUTO STOP/START DISPLAYED AN ERROR IN THE DISPLAY INDICATING THAT THE CAR NEEDED TO BE SHIFTED TO P OR N AND RESTARTED AS THE STOP/START FUNCTION ENDED AND ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY OFF. REPLACEMENT OF THE ECM SEEMED TO FIX THIS. NOW THE SAME VEHICLE DISPLAYS THE SAME ERROR (ENGINE STOP/START IS OFF) AS THE VEHICLE IS BEING PARKED IN A PARKING SPACE AND BEFORE THE ENGINE IS PHYSICALLY TURNED OFF (THE BRAKE IS BEING ENGAGED, AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED TO PARK AT THE SAME TIME. THIS HAPPENED IN BOTH MY VEHICLE AN EX MODEL, AND A 2020 S MODEL (RENTAL CAR). MY VEHICLE HAS PUSH BUTTON START/STOP, AND THE S MODEL IS A KEY START MODEL. THIS BEGAN ON 082919 WITH THE EX, AND LASTLY ON 120619 WITH THE S MODEL.

• 12/12/2019· POWER TRAIN

  WHILE DRIVING MY 2020 KIA SOUL GT, THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GET IT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ON A COUNTRY ROAD AND NOT ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHERE IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER.

• 12/10/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES

  OUR KIA SOUL 2020 HAS SOME FAILURE RELATED TO THE AUTO STOP FEATURE (ISG). STARTING AT ABOUT 3000 MILES, THE CAR GROANS AS IT COMES OUT OF AUTO STOP, WITH THE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT LEFT. KIA CORPORATE DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A REPEATED ISSUE, THOUGH THERE ARE MANY FORUMS ONLINE RECORDING THIS EXACT PROBLEM AROUND THIS MILEAGE. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO CONSENSUS ON THE REPAIR, AND NO CONSENSUS ON WHETHER IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE. IF THE AUTO STOP (ISG) FEATURE IS DISABLED, THE NOISE DOES NOT HAPPEN. MORE ACCOUNTS CAN BE FOUND HERE: HTTPS://WWW.KIASOULFORUMS.COM/THREADS/ENGINE-GRINDS-WHEN-COMING-OUT-OF-THE-AUTO-START-STOP.116042/ A VIDEO WITH THE SAME NOISE CAN BE FOUND HERE: HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/1TA6BH6ZPU8 THIS UNNERVING NOISE OCCURS AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING (NO NOISE PRIOR TO THAT).

• 12/08/2022· STEERING

  The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while starting the vehicle in a parking lot, the steering wheel locked, and the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact shifted the vehicle into park(P) and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated a symbol of a steering wheel in a circle with a line through the steering wheel was illuminated. The contact stated she drove the vehicle to her residence and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.

• 12/07/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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

• 12/07/2024· ENGINE

  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.

• 12/07/2019· POWER TRAIN

  WITH JUST UNDER 1800 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION ABRUPTLY SHIFTED INTO 5TH GEAR AND THE RPMS JUMPED UP. AS WE SLOWED AND PULLED OVER THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT DOWN SHIFT AND REMAINED IN 5TH GEAR AS WE CAME TO A STOP. PUT IT INTO PARK AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. THEN STARTED THE CAR, PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND IT WAS STILL IN 5TH GEAR. TURNED IT OFF AND WAITED 5 MINUTES, WHEN WE TURNED IT BACK ON AGAIN A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, THE CODE DESCRIPTION WAS "SPEED INPUT SENSOR DOES NOT MATCH THE SPEED OUTPUT SENSOR". TOOK IT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP, AND THEY HAVE HAD IT EVER SINCE. THEY ARE AWAITING AN ARRIVAL OF A TRANSMISSION TO REPLACE IT.

• 12/06/2020· ENGINE

  BOUGHT NEW IN FEBRUARY 2020, AS I WAS COMING HOME DOWN CITY STREETS, FROM WORK IN OCTOBER 2020, I NOTICE A KNOCKING PINGING RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.. WHEN I GOT HOME THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER AND I IMMEDIATELY CALLED KIA OF PALM SPRINGS CA TO TAKE IT IN. THEY TOLD ME AN APPOINTMENT WOULD TAKE WEEKS TO TAKE IN OR DROP OFF AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 4 DAYS TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT. I DECIDED TO DROP IT OFF AS THE CAR WAS STILL MOVABLE, DROPPED IT OF WITH NO APPOINTMENT. THE DEALER CALLED ME ABOUT A WEEK LATER AND COULD NOT FIND A REASON FOR THE NOISE AND WOULD KEEP CHECKING. ABOUT ANOTHER WEEK INTO THE ISSUE WE WERE TOLD THE ENGINE FAILED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. TO DATE, AND WOULD TAKE 3 TO 4 WEEKS TO RECEIVE A NEW ENGINE AND ANOTHER 2 WEEKS FOR INSTALLATION. WE ARE NOW IN DECEMBER AND HAVE NO CAR AND HAVE HAD TO MAKE MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON OUR CAR LOAN. I HAVE COMPLAINED DIRECTLY TO KIA MOTORS AND EVERY TIME I HAVE CALLED THEY SEEM TO NOT BE ABLE TO SATISFY OUR COMPLAINT AND THEY KEEP PASSING THE BUCK TELLING ME THAT MY CASE WILL HAVE TO BE ESCALATED TO A HIGHER AND DIFFERENT DEPARTMENT BECAUSE NO ONE HAS AUTHORITY TO MAKE DECISION UNLESS WE GO THRU THEIR PROCESS OF ESCALATION AND EACH TIME SAY THEY WILL CALL ME AND I HAVE TO CALL THEM. I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS SITUATION AND REGRET HAVING BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE.

• 12/04/2024· STRUCTURE

  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.

• 11/29/2019· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  WHEN USING THE AUTO START AND STOP FEATURE WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE AND THE ENGINE CRANKS BACK I HEAR A STRANGE NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE A CAT SQUALLING WHEN THE ENGINE STARTS. THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN WHEN YOUR NOT USING AUTO START. PLUS WHEN YOU SHIFT INTO PARK WHILE STOPED IT DOESN'T MAKE THIS NOISE. MY WIFE ALSO HAS THE SAME ISSUE WITH HER CAR SAME YEAR MODLE AND MAKE. NO CLUE I FEAR THIS MAYBE RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION. AS WHEN PLACING IN PARK IT DOESN'T MAKE THE NOISE WHEN YOU RELEASE THE BRAKES. MY WIFE'S CAR HAS LESS THAN 12000 MILES AND MINE HAS 6000 MILES AND IT'S STARTING TO MAKE THE NOISE. SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE WHEN HARD BRAKING OCCURS . SOUND IS COMMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR.

• 11/28/2025· POWER TRAIN

  Vehicle transaxle will start or feel like is slips and wont go pass 40mph on the highway and has become a safety concern. This started about a week ago and continues. No lights on dash and dealer claims they cant duplicated concern. On the way to the dealer it was doing it and when we pickup the vehicle started doin again less than a mile from dealer. They charge for diag and the car is under warranty. I went back to drop off vehicle and they are refusing to take the vehicle in. I have contacted Kia prior to the visit and will contact them next Monday.

• 11/28/2022· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  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.

• 11/26/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE

  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.

• 11/25/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I'd been having issues where the entirety of my oil reservoir would burn off before I was due for an oil change, which would result in my car having issues starting and running while driving on the road. I've had two separate mechanics not associated with Kia that have told me to take it to Kia and have told me about recalls on my vehicle for the same issues I'm having. I took it to Kia multiple times about the issue, and was given a 1000 mile oil consumption test which passed and then was told that there's nothing they could do for me as I passed the consumption test so in their eye's there isn't a problem.

• 11/24/2024· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMCrash

  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.

• 11/21/2025· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Car is suddenly stalling without warning during idling or slow acceleration. No check engine light initially appears. When the stall happens a check engine light comes on. When the car restarts there is not a check engine light. Car will sometimes mar a funny sound like a loud fan and jerking motion before acting “normal” but when idling at a light again will suddenly turn off. Car will start back up again, no warning lights, no check engine, etc. when doing a read of the computer there are no codes to determine any issues.

• 11/20/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  The engine began to sound like it was missing or sputtering. This occurred for a short period of time, and then the sound stopped. The next day the sound started again, shortly after engine seized while driving which created a very dangerous situation. After about 10 minutes the vehicle restarted, was making a sputtering noise, and was driven a short distance into a parking lot. Still, no warning lights appeared on the dashboard, vehicle was towed to a KIA dealership. At the dealership, 4 days later, We were told that the vehicle was completely out of oil. The check engine light, nor the oil icon, came on at any time. There was no evidence of an oil leak of any kind. There has been no damage to the vehicle. The vehicle has received regular oil changes either at a dealership or at a business that supplies oil change services. The engine seizing, really with no warning, created a dangerous situation.

• 11/19/2025· ENGINE

  The check engine light came on and took in to have checked and am told I need a whole new engine. When Kia is contacted they are saying that they do not honor 100,000 mile warranty as I am not the first owner. I would like this to be honored because it is ridiculous that an engine would fail this soon. I have kept up on all oil changes and services since I have owned the vehicle

• 11/19/2025· ENGINE

  On my morning commute the engine light popped up and I started feeling a rumbling in my car when idle and gliding after accelerating. I suspect the issue is consistent with the recall for 2.0L Nu MPI engine due to a fire risk caused by faulty piston oil rings. Some sources say this is for 2020-2023 models and others report it being 2021-2023 so I am unsure if my car falls under this recall or perhaps this recall needs to be expanded.

• 11/19/2025· ENGINE

  Component that failed: The engine (2.0L Nu MPI) suffered a sudden internal mechanical failure. A connecting rod broke and punctured through the engine block. The failure was catastrophic and occurred without any warning lights, oil pressure warnings, overheating messages, or performance symptoms beforehand. Safety risk: The vehicle stalled instantly and lost all power while I was driving, which put my safety at risk. A sudden engine failure at speed can cause loss of control, a crash, or the inability to move the vehicle off the roadway. This type of failure is a serious safety hazard. Inspection and confirmation: The failure was confirmed by Kia of Riverdale on November 13, 2025. Their mechanic documented that the engine rod blew through the block due to internal damage. The dealer stated the vehicle is no longer drivable and needs a full engine replacement. Manufacturer response: Kia declined assistance because I am the second owner and the warranty has expired, even though this type of failure is consistent with known engine defects in Kia’s 2.0L engines involving connecting rods, oil starvation, and internal bearing failures. Kia did not inspect the vehicle beyond the dealership diagnosis and did not offer goodwill repair. Warning signs before failure: None. No warning lamps, noises, or messages appeared prior to the incident. The engine failed suddenly without any advance symptoms. Best assessment of cause: Based on the dealer inspection and Kia’s documented history of engine defects, the failure appears related to the same connecting rod and internal lubrication issues affecting similar Kia engines from nearby model years. Although my VIN is not currently included in an active recall, the mechanical failure matches the defect patterns described in existing Kia engine recalls. The vehicle remains unsafe and completely inoperable.

• 11/19/2020· POWER TRAIN

  WHILE EXITING FREEWAY, TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF 5TH GEAR (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). AFTER STOPPING AT LIGHT, CAR FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF 5TH GEAR. PULLED OFF ROAD STARTED AND STOPPED CAR (HOPING TO RESET TRANSMISSION) TRIED TO ENGAGE SPORT MODE TO MANUALLY SHIFT AND TRANSMISSION INDICATED 5TH GEAR AND WOULD NOT SHIFT. TURNED ENGINE OFF AND ON AGAIN, SHIFTED OUT OF SPORT MODE. TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO ENGAGE INTO LOWER GEAR, BUT SHIFTED BACK INTO 5TH GEAR WHILE CLIMBING HILL. TURNED ENGINE OFF AND ON AGAIN, PUSHED ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR, TRANSMISSION REVVED AND MANAGED TO MAKE IT TO THE TOP OF HILL. WENT THROUGH 2 STOP LIGHTS AND 1 STOP SIGN (WHILE WATCHING FOR CROSS TRAFFIC). THIS WAS AT 11:00PM WITH NO TRAFFIC PRESENT. PULLED CAR INTO CARPORT PARKING SPACE. AGAIN TURNED CAR OFF AND ON AND WAS ABLE TO PUT INTO REVERSE AND THEN DRIVE WITH TRANSMISSION ENGAGING CORRECTLY. VERY FRIGHTENING! ROUTE FROM FREEWAY TO HOME IS NOT A VERY SAFE AREA AT NIGHT TO JUST STOP AND WAIT FOR ASSISTANCE.

• 11/19/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  MY CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT WITH 28 MILES ON IT. I NOW HAVE APPROXIMATELY 15614 MILES ON MY 2020 KIA SOUL. I JUST WANTED TO REPORT THAT THE HORN, A MAJOR SAFETY FEATURE, INTERMITTENTLY STOPS WORKING. WHEN THE HORN STOPS WORKING IT INCLUDES THE STEERING WHEEL DEPRESS AND THE KEY FOB 'LOCKED' SIGNAL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AS A HORN CAN BE THE LAST RESORT NOTIFICATION SOMEONE NEEDS BETWEEN LIFE OR DEATH.

• 11/18/2019· POWER TRAIN

  AT 11,200 MILES THE TRANSMISSION ABRUPTLY MALFUNCTIONED IN HEAVY HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. RPM WOULD SHIFT WILDLY FROM IDLE TO REDLINE, AND THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERED HARD AND LOST ALL POWER. I HAD TO MERGE FROM THE INSIDE LANE OF A 65MPH HIGHWAY TO THE OUTSIDE, NEARLY GETTING INTO A COLLISION IN THE PROCESS. THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED IMMOBILE AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED. IT IS NOW AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING ON A NEW TRANSMISSION TO BE INSTALLED. FROM WHAT I CAN TELL, THIS VEHICLE SHARES A POWER TRAIN WITH THE 2019 KIA FORTE. THAT MODEL HAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT FAILED TRANSMISSIONS, AND I SUSPECT MY MODEL WILL AS WELL.

• 11/17/2021· AIR BAGSCrash

  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.

• 11/16/2023· POWER TRAIN,ENGINEFire

  Unresolved Recall. The vehicle was under recall in 2019 and should not have been sold by JTs Kia in Columbia, SC. The piston oil rings were affected in the 2019 recall and also caused an issue for the 2020 Kia Souls. The car was sold under recall. Once the revised recall came out in 2021 JTs Kia did not properly resolved the issue and later the car engine overheated and caught fire. JTs Kia Never took responsibility and told the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs that the Kia Corporation will not honor any repairs. The car was no longer able to turn on and JTs KIA is still selling these dangerous cars that has had piston oil ring issues since 2010

• 11/13/2025· ENGINE

  The engine stalled. I was in a left turning lanev(which there's 2 left turning lanes and I was in the far left turning lane when the vehicle stalled and I had to get out in heavy traffic and push the vehicle to the gas station to the right of me. Cars were coming so close to me and I was so scared) I've spoken to the dealership and they said twice that someone would call me but no one has yet. The engine light came on and when I pressed the gas to go, it wouldn't move. Once I got the vehicle into the gas station, a gentleman told me to let it sit for 5 minutes and turn it back on. I did, the vehicle started but, would only allow me to drive around 35 mph until I was able to park it back in my driveway. Im terrified to drive it now.

• 11/12/2019· STEERING

  STARTED CAR "PUSH BUTTON" ONE EVENING AND FOUND THE STEERING WAS INOPERATIVE. SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED AND ALL WAS FINE. IT ONLY DID THIS ONE TIME.

• 11/11/2019· STRUCTURE

  MY 2020 KIA SOUL, I ONLY HAVE IT FOR 2 WEEKS AND THE FOG LIGHTS GOT WET AND FOGGY, I TOOK THE CAR THE DEALER AND SPOKE TO SERVICE, AND ORDER NEW PARTS, TO INSTALL IN THE CAR, IT REALLY CONCERNS ME THAT A BRAND NEW CAR GET THESE FOG LIGHTS WET, WHICH CAN CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE THE LIGHT WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY WITH THIS LIGHTS FOGGY, DEALER SAID IT WAS DUE TO HUMIDITY.

• 11/10/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I bought my car brand new off the lot 0 miles on it. Recieved a letter in mail Dec. 7th 2021 bout the pistons not being treated properly. And the software being available. I've been putting anywhere from 1 quart to 1.5 quart of oil in weekly. There's no leaks no smoke not sure where oil is going. It stalls when stopped or idling. When in park will stall. After I get gas it won't start I have to put gas pedal all the way to floor and hope it's turns over and when it finally does I have to keep it idle over 2rpms or it sputters til it stalls. I feel these are continued safety issues. Besides my oil issue gas mileage is awful.

• 11/07/2019· STEERING

  VEHICLE PULLS SHARPLY AND ABRUPTLY TO THE RIGHT AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45-50. WHEN I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, I MENTIONED TO THE SALESMAN THAT I THOUGHT IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT, OF COURSE HE DIDN'T FEEL IT, BUT WOULD HAVE IT CHECKED. AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN APRIL, AND OWNING IT ABOUT 7 MONTHS, THIS PROBLEM IS WORSE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED, AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL DUE TO THE LANE KEEPING ASSIST FUNCTION. IF THIS IS THE CASE THIS IS DANGEROUS DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS A VERY SHARP AND ABRUPT PULL TO THE RIGHT, WITH NO WARNING.

• 11/07/2019· SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

  PROBLEM WITH IDLE STOP/START SYSTEM-WHEN I STOP AT A LIGHT, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF, WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE, I HEAR A LOUD GROAN SOUND, AND THE CAR SHUTTERS BEFORE EVENTUALLY MOVING FORWARD. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SOUND THEY HEARD WAS "NORMAL", BUT IF IT CONTINUED TRY TO GET A AUDIO RECORDING OF THE SOUNDS I WAS HEARING, AND THEY WOULD LOOK IN TO IT. RIDICULOUS! I HAVE SEEN AT LEAST 2 MORE COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. RIGHT NOW I TURN THE FUNCTION OFF AS SOON AS I GET IN THE VEHICLE, WHAT GOOD IS IT IF YOU CAN'T USE IT?

• 11/06/2023· ENGINE

  The engine was damage and the Kia Wesley chapel. Does not want to respond and is within the warranty and has less than 100,000 miles . The car broke do2n on the express and it turned off .