Two problems related to engine clicking and tapping noises have been reported for the 2020 Kia Motor Soul. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2020 Kia Motor Soul based on all problems reported for the 2020 Soul.
At 10k miles the vehicle shut off multiple times with no warning or dummy lights right after I slowed and made a turn. Oil change was scheduled for the following week. Took vehicle in and was almost out of oil. At 13,400 miles vehicle started making loud ticking noise and was not properly accelerating. Each time I had slowed to make a turn and when I attempted to accelerate, the rpm would go up, but the vehicle did not go as if it was in neutral. Took it to the dealership and they said there was no oil on the dipstick. They started an oil consumption test and said the acceleration issue was due to lack of oil. 5 days and 200 miles later I took it back to the dealership because it was making the loud noise again from the engine and also not accelerating properly. They test drove it and said there was nothing wrong and to come back in 300 more miles. This vehicle is not safe to drive 300 more miles due to the acceleration issues. I called kia corporate and they said the dealership knows best. I am fearful of driving it because it has already almost caused an accident once.
2020 kia Soul purchased in March of 2020. Vehicle started to develop a mild "ticking" noise from the engine compartment that progressively became worse and worse at the end of October 2020. On 10/11/2020, the vehicle developed a considerable grinding/clicking noise from the engine compartment, but was still drivable. We were stopped at a stoplight that afternoon when the vehicle attempted to lurch forward, but was stopped by the brakes being applied. The vehicle made a screeching noise very briefly, and died. Vehicle was not able to be restarted, and had to be pushed to a parking lot. On attempting to restart the vehicle a few minutes later, the engine turned over, made some very considerable grinding noises and shut off again. All dash indicator lights were illuminated. Kia roadside towed to a dealership, and I have not heard from them at all. I have called 2-3 times, and was only told today by a secretary that it appeared the vehicle needs a whole new motor. I still have not been directly communicated with by the service advisor. Had this failure occurred on the freeway at speeds, the end result could have been very different.