general problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul - part 2

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.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under kia recall: sc209; however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware of a n excessive oil consumption. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that oil was being added approximately every 2 days. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

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.

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.

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.

While I was parked, I got into the vehicle inserted the key and turned the vehicle on as it was started five seconds later the vehicle shut off instantly and the check engine light came on. I tried to keep starting the vehicle a couple of times. When it finally started, I had no warning lights on the dashboard so I took it a parts store who checked it out with a handheld diagnostic machine. The results were nothing was showing wrong. Everything was okay. They said it could be a glitch in the computer system and to follow up with dealership if problem persist.

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.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle was driving sluggishly, and the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated before stalling. The vehicle was towed to the local service center and was diagnosed with piston rings failure. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and metal shavings were found inside the engine oil, and the camshaft and the timing were not operating properly. The cause of the failure was not yet determined by the dealer. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

I believe my car has been burning oil. The oil was empty at our last oil change only about 60,000 miles on car and we have had to keep adding oil to the car since then. I got extra concerned also when I saw alot of kia Souls same year have gotten recalled for oil consumption, yet my VIN number wasnt included. . . I have dropped a document in the comments with what the dealership said about it as well.

This vehicle burns over 2 quarts of oil between oil changes. Had 3 oil consumption tests. Kia states that this motor is supposed to burn that much oil. My catalytic converter is now going bad due to the amount of burnt oil clogging it. Why have these engines not been recalled?.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at a very low speed, the vehicle's speed increased independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was being parked. The contact noticed an unusual sound, and the engine revved up. The contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle went across the street into the neighbor's yard. The vehicle crashed into the neighbor's rose bush and up onto the patio. The contact stated that the neighbor, who was seated on the patio, had been knocked out of the chair. In addition, the vehicle crashed into a wooden post. The neighbor was transported to the hospital by ambulance. A police report was filed; however, the information was unavailable. The neighbor's injuries were unknown. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,500.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rod bearings failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

Second engine installed in the car ceases to fire. Condition does not change with new sensors for camshaft nor crankshaft. Engine turns freely cranks but will not restart. Unreliable driving conditions. Mathew’s kia wants $1400 upfront to start exam in blind faith to see if a properly serviced car has a common warranty claim.

Engine stopped do to zero oil no light came on warning me and I checked the oil a month pryer. Had the oil changed two months before.

According to ray skillman southside kia, located in greenwood, indiana on [xxx], the “exhaust engine lock pin” broke inside the engine causing metal to shear inside the engine causing engine failure and needing engine replacement. Prior to this diagnosis the car was stalling during running in the middle of traffic potentially causing an accident or collision with other vehicles. This is a known defect in the manufacturers engines, yet there is no recall. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2020 kia Soul. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where an inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the inspection. The mechanic stated that no repairs were needed, and the recall was removed from the VIN. The contact then stated that while driving 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated, and there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an inspection, and the contact was provided a diagnostic test fee. The contact declined the diagnostic test and took the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic determined that there was a defect with the piston oil rings. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v259000 (engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

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.