general problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul - part 2

Was driving home from work and the car started smoking and making nose. Full power loss but was able to safely pull over to side of the ride. Had vehicle towed to mechanic and a piston had blown a hole through the engine. Mechanic estimated the cost of repair $7000 or more to replace the engine.

My engine stalled out as I was heading up a hill after taking a right turn. There were cars coming up behind me and could have had a rear end collision. A day or two before, the check engine light came on but it was not flashing. I was going to have it looked at ASAP. I had it towed to my mechanic who found that there was zero oil in oil tank. They did some research and found a technical service bulletin for excessive oil consumption for kia Souls through 2021. (I have kept up with all maintenance) they recommend I have it towed to a kia dealer. I spoke with corporate and they refuse to cover engine repairs which would cost approximately $4,000, even though there is a TSB on this make and model. This is outrageous as my car only has 49,000 miles on it.

On August 3, 2025, I was in erie PA - presque isle park when the check engine light came on. It was a Sunday, so dealership was closed. I was over 3 1/2 hrs from home. Had no choice but to drive home and pray that I made it. On Monday, dealer said ok to drive if light is not flashing. If anything happens, have it towed here (that was comforting). First appt available was 8/26. On 8/26, I went to service area, they said several codes coming up relating to engine issues. They would have to keep the car - not safe to drive - they had no loaners - someone would drive me home. So when I was told ok to drive 3 weeks earlier - that was not true. I live on my own and what would I do if stranded somewhere. Dealer called me later and said that kia would not honor my 10 yr/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. It was initially in husband's name but he passed away 4/29/2024. Pa dmv required me to change the title to my name. The dealership also would not honor their extended warranty my husband had purchased for $2000. Meanwhile, the kia was 5 yrs 8 mos old with only 28,400 miles. The codes that came up in the car were: p030400 cylinder 4 misfire p001400 exhaust cam timing over advanced p000b00 cam position slow response engine timing chain assembly is stretched - removed and replaced engine timing chain assembly removed and replaced exhaust camshaft removed and replaced exhaust cvvt removed and replaced intake camshaft removed and replaced intake cvvt removed and replaced the timing chain tensioners I did not receive the kia back from the dealership until December 12, 2025 - yes they had my car from 8/26 to 12/12. Luckily, I had another car I could access since I had no loaner vehicle. After being strung along. . . Making phone calls to the dealership weekly. . . Contacting kia corporate. . . And listening to excuse after excuse why they would not honor the powertrain warranty - I had it with kia. I went to a Subaru dealership and signed papers for new car on 12/17/2025.

Car was purchased used in November 2024. Driven minimally through 2025. July of 2025 engine began stalling at low idle or when pulling into a stop and repeatedly stalling out. Took car to mechanic and replaced crankshaft position sensor, spark plugs, and fuel pump - cost $1,218. Stalling still occurred. Took it to kia dealership and they stated, “cylinder 1 scoring damage, and needed new engine”. This was/is a known problem with various kia models: “engine stalling symptom from defect manufacturing of oil rings in cylinder that causes scoring and engine damage. ” we bought this car for $12,000 in good faith and it didn’t even last a year!!.

To whom it may concern, I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding the handling of my vehicle recall and repair process at kia killian road in columbia, south carolina. Vehicle information: - year/make/model: 2020 kia Soul - VIN: kndj23auxl7084518 - registered owner: stephanie nadine hessell timeline of events: - my vehicle was brought to kia killian road for recall repairs related to recalls 21v259, 21v259a, and cs2306 concerning the engine and starter. - the starter was replaced as part of the recall work. Despite this, the vehicle remained at the dealership for over a month and a half without resolution. - I was then informed I would need to pay approximately $1,200 to replace the ignition, even though there had been no issue with the ignition prior to the recall service. - the ignition was replaced at my cost, but I have since been informed that my vehicle is still not repaired due to an alleged electrical issue. - at the time of this complaint, my vehicle has been at the dealership for more than 2. 5 months, and I have been given inconsistent explanations and no resolution. Concerns: - the dealership appears to be tying unrelated repairs to the recall, causing unnecessary costs and delays. - I have been without the use of my vehicle for an extended and unreasonable period of time. - I have not been provided a loaner vehicle or alternative transportation despite the lengthy delay. Requested resolution: - immediate completion of the recall repair work at no additional cost to me. - reimbursement of the $1,200 ignition replacement charge, as the issue arose only after recall work began. - provision of a loaner vehicle or compensation for transportation expenses incurred during the 2. 5 months my vehicle has been out of service. - written clarification from kia corporate as to why this delay has occurred and how kia will ensure resolution. This matter has caused significant hardship, and I am seeking urgent assistance from kia consumer affairs, NHTSA, and.

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.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, low oil, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound before the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to a stop but was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an engine rod had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure mileage was 93,307.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood. The contact turned off and attempted to restart the vehicle after arriving at work; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that prior to the failure, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check oil and engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure, an oil and filter change was performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and the failure was deemed recall related; however, due to a lack of oil records the vehicle was deemed unrepairable by the dealer and manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Vehicle: 2020 kia Soul VIN: [xxx] component: engine what happened: my 2020 kia Soul experienced sudden engine failure at around 130k miles. I was driving when the oil light turned on, and within seconds the engine seized and locked up. The check engine light came on afterward. There were no prior warning signs, no check engine light, and the oil level was not dangerously low. This is the second kia Soul I’ve owned that experienced this exact failure pattern—my previous 2014 kia Soul also seized without warning. Kia is refusing to assist or escalate, despite the fact this issue closely mirrors recall sc209 related to the 2. 0l nu mpi engine. I believe this is a serious safety issue and mechanical defect that deserves further investigation and may justify expanding existing recalls. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Complaint regarding mechanical failure and $315 service charge on recent vehicle purchase I’m writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the recent service experience involving my vehicle purchased on April 12, 2025. A few weeks after purchase, I returned to the dealership with concerns over a check engine light. I was reassured by your service department that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. However, the car recently died while I was driving on the highway, putting me in an unsafe situation and requiring a tow. Now I am being told that spark plugs need to be replaced before further diagnosis can occur, and that I am responsible for a $315 charge. The technician noted that cylinder 2’s spark plug was loose and melted—an issue that clearly could have caused the breakdown. This is not typical wear and tear. It’s something that either pre-existed at the time of purchase or should have been caught during the initial inspection when I brought the car in with concerns. I haven’t even made my second car payment, and I’m already dealing with a major mechanical failure. I feel I was sold a vehicle that was not properly inspected and that now I’m being asked to cover the cost of repairs that should fall under the responsibility as the seller. I respectfully request that the $315 service fee be waived and that the vehicle be fully inspected and repaired at no cost to me. I purchased this vehicle in good faith, and I expect the dealership to stand by its product.

I have a certified pre owned 2020 kia Soul. It has roughly 29,000 miles on it. I have had 2 instances where the check engine light starts blinking with no warning and I have had to have the car towed. I have documentation that I keep up with oil changes. Each time it was towed, there was no oil. I have no quantitative evidence to predict when the light will come on. The oil is burning off somewhere and was told to bring it to dealership. The code that the diagnostic showed was p1327. The oil was replaced and the light reset and I made an appt at kia north dealership for a diagnostic inspection. Unfortunately since the light was off and the oil was full, I was told they couldnt help me with the issue and I need to drive carefully for the light to come back on. I said that seems unsafe but they claim its the only way to diagnose the issue, which also costs 175$. I have been driving my car minimally as I am petrified I am going to break down and be in a dangerous area or on the highway. This seems like complete disregard for their customer and the publics welfare. I called kia again after months of driving minimally to ask if there was any alternative as I feel like this should not be occurring with a car that is certified and "backed" bye kia. The 5yr 60k warranty ends tomorrow 6/20/2025. The extended warranty is supposed to be until 3/21/2030 or 100k. I am not happy with the lack of empathy or their poor advisement. Also, I asked if I would be provided with a loaner car or reimbursed if the car will need work for an extended period. I was told their dealership has minimal loaners and if they don't have one, they dont have one. I asked if I would be reimbursed for the rental or rideshare apps I would need to use to get to work etc and was told there is no guarantee. I am disgusted with this whole situation. This whole policy seems dangerous and also reckless. The car was paid off, so now I am basically stuck with a car that I cant drive far.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact pulled over. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was no engine oil in the vehicle. The contact added engine oil, and upon starting the vehicle there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact scanned the vehicle and retrieved dtc: p1327 (knock sensor issue). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine) as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,815,.

Check engine light code p1327 according to what I have read on the internet, it says that this code is usually associated with improperly heated rings. This causes excessive oil use and oil leaking and possible fires if the oil leaks on the exhaust. It can also causes shaking or knocking which leads to the engine knock sensor sending a code to the computer.

First issue started in February when check engine light came on for camshaft position sensor a circuit. Took to shawnee mission kia and was told that I just needed an oil change. Not even a mile away and the check engine light came back on. Took to where I purchased the vehicle from and they fixed the sensor. 4 months later, almost the exact same thing is happening. Check engine light came on for ignition coils, replaced. Check engine light off for 2 days. Check engine light pops back on, checked oil and there's like none so I added 2 quarts and had the code read. Comes back on for camshaft again. Took to dealer, bob sight kia this time, have been told I need a whole new engine. My third party warranty is covering it, but not the rental. This issue is also pretty much what everyone else is going through with the recall. . . I just hit over my 5y/60k warranty. . . I think the recall needs to be broadened and isn't fully covering the issue.

I am submitting this formal complaint regarding kia’s failure to honor engine-related recall repairs on my 2020 kia Soul. Despite these recalls being publicly issued by kia and clearly applicable to my vehicle, I have encountered significant obstacles in obtaining the necessary repairs. I have made multiple attempts to have the recall issues addressed. However, the required repairs have not been approved or completed. The extended warranty provider has also refused coverage, citing the recall as the manufacturer’s responsibility. This situation is unacceptable given the known safety risks associated with the affected engine components. The following safety recalls and campaigns have been identified for this vehicle: 1. Nhtsa# 21v259 (sc209) Kia Motors America 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. 2. Nhtsa# 21v259 (sc209a) this is to advise that the piston-ring noise sensing software is now available for this safety recall campaign, even if you have already been to the dealer to have the recall repair performed. Kia America, inc. Has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2020–2021 my kia Soul vehicles. The defect can cause an engine stall which increases the risk of a crash, and in certain cases, may cause engine oil to leak onto a hot exhaust, thereby increasing the risk of a fire and injury. 3. Campaign# cs2306 (dated 04/18/2023) anti-theft software & decal: sk3 given the severity of these safety-related issues and the legal obligations manufacturers hold under federal recall enforcement, I respectfully request that kia schedule and perform the necessary recall repairs at no cost and without delay. Please provide a resolution or confirmation within ten (10) business days from the date of this submission. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

While driving, the engine started to knock shortly before stalling. The car was restarted and then stalled again while to safely get it into a driveway. The check engine light did not come on until after the first stall (code p0014). As mentioned, these stalls occurred while driving at speed and on busy roads. The car was towed to a kia dealership and found to have bad crankshaft bearings, requiring full engine replacement. Kia refuses to include this under a previous recall that admits engine damage could have resulted.

Someone broke my window, and entered my car. Then proceeded to tear apart the entire area of the car that it below the steering wheel including the ignition. The car was not able to be turned off. This left the car unable to be used and unfortunately needed to be towed away. This is the second time this has happened and it is causing a serious safety hazard to my family, my home and my neighborhood. I unfortunately cannot get rid of the car because I am not the title owner and cannot afford to trade it in. I am looking for some assistance and to learn what other options I may have.

My wife had went to the store and came out and went to pull out and the vehicle jerked forward and died. I went to see if it was a dead battery the vehicle would not jump. I called a tow truck and realized that the engine had completely failed. I took it to parkside kia in knoxville tennessee and they confirm that it was an engine failure there was a recall from kia referencing sc209 parkside kia states that the recall was addressed on this vehicle but the dealership that I purchased the vehicle from had no record of that recall being done and they are stating that they will not goodwill it or repair the recall I understood from my research that even if the vehicle was fixed under that recall that there were some cases of it not being fixed and resulting in needing a complete engine my main concern was the fact that my wife could’ve been driving down the road and been in and a severe accident thankfully, she was just in a parking lot.

Rod bearing pop while driving on highway. Car stalls out. Only warning was oil light and battery light appearing. Rough idle and sluggish. . . Sounds like it's going to blow .

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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The engine totally failed while driving without any warning. Zero warning lights came on and the car would not restart. I had it towed to the dealership where they reported that I needed a new engine which is not covered under warranty or recall repair even though its been recalled several times and half the people who own 2020 kias seem to have almost the same exact problems. The cars start to consume way too much oil and then the engines seem to fail not soon after so I brought the car back home since its over $8000. To replace just the engine! this vehicle is not paid off so its sitting at my house without being repaired or drivable. The dealership where I had it towed, ray skillman ne kia, in indianapolis charged me $200 for diagnostics yet never explained what was wrong with the car other than it needs a new engine.

My car randomly started stalling and turned off while I was in the middle of a busy intersection with both my children in the car. I had to turn on my hazards and turn off my car and turn it back on and press on the gas pedal. The car did that four times in less than 30 minutes. I am not the original owner of the vehicle, but the previous owner did have the cars camshaft repaired when I took it to the mechanic on 4/21 that was when I found out about the previous owner having the same issue as I am. I called kia of America regarding the recall on 2020 kia Souls. They ignored my request and told me there was nothing they can do as my warranty was expired. I then proceeded to call carmax where I bought the car and was never informed that there was mechanical issues and that the car was safe. I did the research and saw there is a recall on 2020 kia Soul for improperly heat treated piston oil rings and that a damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash and that oil may leak into hot exhaust causing a fire.

2020 kia Soul with 55,000 miles on it had the check engine light come on. The car was promptly taken to the dealership where was determined that the combustion chamber had filled with oil which had soaked the spark plugs, causing the pistons to misfire and completely ruin the engine. The car had always been maintained with all maintenance performed at a dealership with receipts for proof but since the car was a second owner and outside the warranty by 7 months, kia wouldn’t replace engine despite 187k other kia Souls being recalled for similar issues because this vehicle wasn’t included in the recall. There is no reason for a car with only 55k myles that had been properly maintained according to the owners manual to have an engine seals fail and flood it with oil and total the engine.

2/7/25 went to dublin CA kia dealership requested engine diagnostic for engine light and burning oil @76,621 mileage they found code for catalyst efficiency po42000, upper O2 sensor has failed, verified cat comb had no damage and wasn't clogged. Inspected cylinder walls and found scoring on cylinder 1due to failed piston, recommended oil combustion test to return in 1000 miles to verify how much oil being burned topped off engine oil. 2/15/25 picked up kia @76,622 mile drove home @76,637 2/27/25 @77,271 dipstick @ 3 dots -no oil added (634 miles driven) 3/8/25 @77,532 dipstick @ no dots -no oil added( 261 miles driven) drove local 3/10/25 drove to dealership @77,597 I've asked for written estimate ( they say its covered parts/labor free)) to have it writing- they are waiting for parts to replace. I'm a super commuter to san francisco and will always check my engine oil b/c I could be serious injured or die.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle had shut off on several occasions while driving in traffic or while stopped at a stoplight. The contact stated that while the air conditioning was activated, the engine made an abnormally loud thumping sound before the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after shifting to park; however, the vehicle hesitated after restarting. The contact activated the hazard lights while the vehicle was off in traffic. The contact stated that there were no visible leaks, and no warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The message "shift to park and restart engine" was displayed and flashing. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the failure might be related to NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine). The contact sought assistance from an independent mechanic, who was unable to assist. The local dealer was called, but the contact received no answer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Error codes possibly 3 times diagnose. P0017. Crankshaft - camshaft 1 correlation bank b . Could be timing chain being stretched vigorously. Still have excessive oil consumption after getting piston rings replaced.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure, and it was determined that the long block, cat exhaust manifold, intake gasket, exhaust, and oil o-ring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Car stalls constantly. Tires plus inspected and did diagnostic early March. Kia dealership inspected and did diagnostic recently.

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.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's daughter noticed an abnormally loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was smoke coming the exhaust and the vehicle was erratically shaking. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's uncle checked the oil pressure, and the engine low was extremely low. The contact arrived on the scene and added oil to the engine. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The contact researched and identified an unrepaired recall repair under NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine), which the contact stated was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a fuel system failure. The dealer confirmed there were metal shavings in the oil pan. The contact was informed of a fuel system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the dealer did not address the unrepaired recall repair or the failure due to the unrepaired recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer confirmed the unrepaired recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the discrepancy regarding the unrepaired recall repair, which the contact stated had been removed from the NHTSA database. The contact stated he had not received any updates from the manufacturer since the report was made a week prior. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 10 mph on the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with thermostat failure. The contact had the thermostat replaced and a coolant repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,408.

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.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. The contact stated that there were no visible leaks. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 2,500 rpm. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The contact was provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

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.

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.