Two problems related to transmission slip out of gear 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.
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.
Vehicle rpm began fluctuating while on cruise control in rainy weather. Switched to manual (sport mode) control and the problem lessened. Vehicle began to loose power and was shifting randomly between gears automatically, eventually redlining while maintaining 74mph. A loss of power occurred and nearly caused a collision on interstate 10 as my speed fell dramatically. I was able to coast to the nearest exit but the car would not shift out of 5th gear. We were stranded in a thunderstorm for several hours and dealership offered no help. Aaa saved the day, got the vehicle back, and then the dealership refused to issue a rental car for several days after the incident. Please be aware that if the transmission fails at interstate speeds, the risk of injury is high and do your best to get off the main road as safely as possible. Dealership has since issued a rental car and informed me that a transmission would be re-manufactured. For my vehicle. I am not afraid to drive a brand new vehicle anywhere away from home.