2020 KIA SOUL Recalls, Complaints & Safety

The engine burnt through all the oil in it, many miles before an oil change was needed for it.I have taken it to the dealership and the dealership submitted an extended warranty claim for it and despite the fact that the issue is mechanical and covered by the extented owarranty, the claim is being denied.

The engine seems to be stalling, more than likely being caused by the piston rings being defective. With the piston rings being defective, this can cause oil to be lost, and then in turn causing damage to the vehicle. This can put others at risk as this will stall the vehicle, and in any form of traffic, can cause an accident. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer, but they claim it is another issue. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. The engine light turned on shortly before this happened.

Owner of 2020 Kia soul experiencing engine failure symptoms including stalling and oil consumption vehicl is associated with engine fire risk safety recall vehicle is currently disabled at mechanic and unsafe to drive I requested kia arrange a tow to authorized dealership for recall diagnosis but kia customer service refused to cover tow bc this involves potential engine fire hazard I believe manufacturers should arrange safe transport for inspection under the recall

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The automatic start warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. Additionally, the error message indicated that the automatic start feature was disabled; however, the contact stated that the automatic start feature was enabled. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The contact disabled the automatic start feature. The contact stated that while the vehicle was decelerating, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The contact stated that the diagnostic test was incomplete. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,924.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at undisclosed speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal, fluttery sound detected before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was due to the crankshaft and camshaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 135,864.

This issue is a significant safety concern. The vehicle intermittently loses propulsion, causing a sudden forward lurch, and then abruptly regains power, pushing me back into the seat. This unexpected deceleration and surge can create a dangerous situation in traffic and may lead to an accident if it occurs while merging, crossing intersections, or driving at highway speeds. In addition, I am experiencing significant engine oil loss between regular oil changes. This week, just before my scheduled service, I found the engine to be approximately two quarts low. There were no warning lights indicating low oil or pressure. I only became aware of the issue after hearing noticeable engine ticking, at which point I immediately parked the vehicle and have not driven it since. I added two quarts of oil due to concern over potential engine damage caused by operating at a low oil level. I have contacted my dealership to report the oil loss and the engine noise, and I am currently waiting for a return call as I had to leave a message. This level of oil consumption is abnormal and concerning, especially combined with the lack of warning indicators. I believe this condition may pose a safety risk and could potentially lead to engine failure while driving. I have recorded video showing the amount of oil needed, the dipstick readings before and after adding oil, and the process of topping up the engine. I also have receipts for the oil I purchased. I can provide all documentation upon request. Based on my research, this appears to be a documented issue reported by multiple vehicle owners, and it is known to require corrective repair. I checked my VIN on the manufacturer’s recall website and confirmed that there are currently no open recalls associated with my vehicle. However, despite the absence of an official recall, the issues I am experiencing are safety‑related and require investigation and correction.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. Additionally, the engine was leaking oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however, the failure recurred. The contact's friend diagnosed the vehicle with a code reader and retrieved DTC: P0017, P0301, P0302, P0303, and P0304. 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 92,000.

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.

My car suddenly cut off while I'm driving putting me and others at risk in traffic and then my mechanic confirmed that its due to a defect in the engine with the piston. When I looked it up there is a recall for this on my type of car but not for my specific car VIN

My car is burning oil and showing signs of blow-by. I suspect it is due to the faulty piston rings that prompted your engine recall SC209. I brought the vehicle into the dealership in 2020 at 2,100 miles for the recall and they said it "passed." I recently became aware that this vehicle is burning oil at a significant rate, which is the date I reference below as "date this incident occurred." I opened a case with Kia Customer Care on 1/31/26. On 2/3/26 I began an oil consumption test at the local Kia dealership and I will return at or near the 1,000-mile mark to determine how much oil was burned and to see if the oil has turned black, signifying the blow-by. Attached is the Letter of Fact that I provided to the dealership when I took the vehicle in to initiate the oil consumption test, so they have that on record, as does Kia Customer Care. I may be in touch with you if I believe my vehicle has burned more than a quart of oil during the consumption test and they decline a next-step for addressing the defective pistons.

I purchased my 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line brand new in October 2019. The vehicle was later subject to a Kia oil piston ring recall, which was performed by an authorized Kia dealership in July 2021. Rick Case Kia - Duluth, Georgia Despite the recall being marked as completed, the engine has now suffered catastrophic failure. An authorized Kia dealership (Nalley Kia, Lithonia, GA) performed an inspection and documented the following diagnosis: “Engine has loss of compression in 3 of 4 cylinders due to piston ring failure.” This confirms that the engine failed due to piston ring failure, the same defect addressed by the recall. The vehicle is currently inoperable and unsafe to drive due to engine failure and loss of power. Despite identifying the cause of failure, the servicing dealer and warranty administrator are refusing to process warranty coverage unless I personally pay $1,949.56 for a complete engine teardown. The cause of failure has already been documented by the dealership, making the teardown demand unnecessary and unreasonable. I do not consent to teardown at my expense. This appears to be a case of failed or ineffective recall remediation, resulting in engine failure and creating a serious safety risk due to loss of engine power. I am requesting NHTSA investigation into the effectiveness of Kia’s oil piston ring recall remedy and post-recall engine failures.

Immediately after purchase, the Passenger Airbag warning light illuminated. An authorized Kia dealer confirmed that the airbag system is defective and requires repair under warranty. Despite this confirmation, more than five (5) months have passed without repair, citing parts unavailability. I am operating a vehicle with a known airbag malfunction. This defect involves a federally regulated safety system and poses a safety risk.

My 2020 Kia Soul is suffering catastrophic engine failure from a known safety recall defect involving the piston oil rings. I received a safety recall notice from Kia on July 5, 2021 warning that defective piston oil rings could cause engine damage and engine fires. I brought the vehicle to a Kia dealer for recall service on July 5, 2021 and again on February 1, 2022 for the same safety recall. Kia did not replace the engine and did not explain what repairs were performed. Now, despite having complied with both recall repairs, my engine is knocking, burning oil, losing power, and the check engine light is blinking. The vehicle has stalled in traffic, creating a serious safety risk. I am afraid to drive it due to the risk of engine failure and fire. The Kia dealer is now telling me the engine needs to be replaced at a cost of $5,000 or more, or I must replace the vehicle. They claim the recall was already performed and the vehicle is no longer under warranty, even though the same recalled defect has now caused engine failure. This appears to be a defective and ineffective recall remedy that did not correct the safety defect and has resulted in dangerous engine failure.

Mapping system will not update. Vehicle is dangerous.

My 2020 Kia Soul has around 135,000 miles on it. When accelerating it sounded like a rod or piston was coming through the engine wall. Then began the chugging and loud knocking noises along with engine shutting off. Glad we were not on a railroad track or something like that. We could have easily been killed. No warning lights or sounds at all.

Oil is getting past the piston oil rings, causing oil to get into spark plugs/coil area of engine. Mechanic printed recall paperwork for this exact issue, but no recall found for my VIN. According to recall, this is a very dangerous issue that can stall car at any time or may be more likely to cause fires. I need this to be addressed in my car, please. Especially since it's a known issue.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle indicated that the oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the dipstick was dry. The contact was concerned because oil had been added to the vehicle four months earlier, in October 2025. The dealer was not able to determine the cause of the failure. The oil level was topped off. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,637.

The car is at the shop. My mechanic says engine needs to be replaced. It failed rapidly, in one evening, it started running ruff and check engine light came on. It stalled more than 5 times. The car stalled in an intersection and had to coast to a stop to restart. The next morning drove to O'reilly's to get the engine code. They identified the code as engine block. When leaving O'reilly's the car stalled in middle of the street and was almost hit by Semi tractor trailer that stopped barely in time. The mechanic reported finding metal shaving in the oil when diagnosing the problem. There was not any warning lights or issues before that evening outing. We would love to have the manufacturer address this issue. Engine failure at 52,800 miles on a 2020 KIA Soul needs to be addressed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

Paint is bubbling and peeling off in large sections down to the primer coat. The paint is shedding. Paint does not appear to have adhered to the E-coat.

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.

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

Since the first year of ownership, I have noticed that the vehicle burns oil excessively. I reported this issue to the Kia dealership, but I was told that “it is normal to add a quart of oil every other week.” Despite this statement, I believe this is not normal and points to a defective engine design consistent with the piston ring problems known in similar models and engines. In the summer of 2025, the vehicle began having hard-start issues when the engine is hot. Over time, I replaced several components at my own expense through an independent repair shop, including the alternator, starter, PCV valve, MAP sensor, and camshaft sensor. None of these repairs resolved the problem. When I returned to the dealership, they performed a borescope inspection and found scoring and damage on three cylinder walls inside the engine block. Thats whats causing the engine to seize when the engine is hot and make it hard to start and misfire when accelarate.

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.

Crash 1 injured

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.