NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
28 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Oct 15, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine
While driving vehicle; stalling, sputtering, failure to shift gears, engine knocking/shaking car. Altinator was replaced and stopped sputtering. Following day I was going 55 mph and car completely stalled out on a busy road and almost got rear ended and car lost power car was towed to Kia Dealership for further diagnostics test.…
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While driving vehicle; stalling, sputtering, failure to shift gears, engine knocking/shaking car. Altinator was replaced and stopped sputtering. Following day I was going 55 mph and car completely stalled out on a busy road and almost got rear ended and car lost power car was towed to Kia Dealership for further diagnostics test. Failures of systems have been on going but always started back up after leaving dealership where purchased. After altinator was replaced batter light and oil light came on dash along with check engine light stalled for about a minute I turned car off and back on and it was able to drive off lot. Place of purchase would do a temporary fair and also changed transmission fluid. One hour later was when vehicle stalled out and lost power.
NHTSA ODI #11619947
Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2024
Electrical System
Upon releasing the break, all warning lights appear (like when initially starting the vehicle). Then they usually all turn off again. From time to time, specific lights come on but disappear upon turning the engine off and then on again. In effect, it's hard to tell if there really is a maintenance issue or not.
NHTSA ODI #11619262
117,517 miles · May 16, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
Appropriately April 2024, The engine service light came on at about 115,000 miles, followed by the 2020 Kia Soul X-line engine stopped running. I tried turning off the key and attempting to restart the car however it would start but for only a few seconds. After 5 or 6 tries to restart the car, I finally turned off the car, wa…
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Appropriately April 2024, The engine service light came on at about 115,000 miles, followed by the 2020 Kia Soul X-line engine stopped running. I tried turning off the key and attempting to restart the car however it would start but for only a few seconds. After 5 or 6 tries to restart the car, I finally turned off the car, waited about 3 minutes and then restarted the car in as it continued to run. The check engine light remained on but I noticed that there was a drop in power when I tried to accelerate. Since then I have notice the engine check light go on and off several times. I recently brought my car in to have an oil change only to find out that there was no oil on the dipstick. I signed a form stating this and got the oil change completed. I have had the Software Program installed about 3 months after I heard of the recall, however the Local Kia Dealer will not do the diagnostic unless I pay a diagnostic fee because I have a check engine light on... I am calling KIA at the corporate number tomorrow to ascertain " IF " I will still have to pay for the Recall issues ...
NHTSA ODI #11589014
26,000 miles · May 13, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking, vibrating and a loss of motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced but the failure persisted. The contact stated th…
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The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking, vibrating and a loss of motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced but the failure persisted. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that the DC-to-DC converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
NHTSA ODI #11588391
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2023
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
My vehicle was stolen. . They broke out window. The problem of kia’s being stolen has increased to the point local officials have filed a lawsuit against kia. The problem of these cars being easily stolen has been all over the news recently. People are getting killed because of reckless driving by the persons stealing the vehic…
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My vehicle was stolen. . They broke out window. The problem of kia’s being stolen has increased to the point local officials have filed a lawsuit against kia. The problem of these cars being easily stolen has been all over the news recently. People are getting killed because of reckless driving by the persons stealing the vehicles. I had no idea my car was vulnerable to this and was told when my engine was replaced, all updates had been made. I am not rich, i have no car and even though i have insurance doesn't mean they will pay off my vehicle. Stolen vehicle report has been made to the police. I have tried to file a clain on the kia claims website but it says theres no recall for my vehicle. It is a 2020 kia soul and has been a nightmare since i bought it.
NHTSA ODI #11550051
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineStructure
I purchased this car (Used) on 8/1/2023 and on 8/7/23 I called Kia and stated that the car started shaking while driving and I took the car to the dealership on 8/10 and they stated they could not find any problem, they would have if they had taken it out for a drive. After waiting all day from 9:30 until 4pm they found nothing…
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I purchased this car (Used) on 8/1/2023 and on 8/7/23 I called Kia and stated that the car started shaking while driving and I took the car to the dealership on 8/10 and they stated they could not find any problem, they would have if they had taken it out for a drive. After waiting all day from 9:30 until 4pm they found nothing. I saw my car just sitting there and no one doing any work or anything on my car. My car still shakes so bad while driving that even the steering wheel is shaking and now when I stop at a red light the car takes a few minutes before it will move. I have had this car for a month and 2 weeks and they will not return my calls to setup an appointment. Kia Corporate can't even get them to respond. What can I do to get help with this. I am even afraid to drive this car (2020 Kia Soul). I need some advice on what I need to do. HELP
NHTSA ODI #11544970
Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
I recently purchased this 2020 Kia Soul at the end of April 2023. About 2 weeks ago while I was stopped for a red light in a busy intersection and the "restart" feature was engaged as I had the brake pedal pressed but then as the light turns green and I move my foot from brake to gas (that step is supposed to restart the engine)…
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I recently purchased this 2020 Kia Soul at the end of April 2023. About 2 weeks ago while I was stopped for a red light in a busy intersection and the "restart" feature was engaged as I had the brake pedal pressed but then as the light turns green and I move my foot from brake to gas (that step is supposed to restart the engine) it did not start immediatley as it should have, Which left me in the lane of traffic vulnerable to possible accidents until it restarted. It finally started after what seemed to be forever and embarassment caused by the restart failure. This event could have had a different outcome if the car wouldn't have restarted. I am taking the car to the dealer tomorrow to have it inspected. I wasn't that there was even a problem until this happened there were no warning lights. I also recieved a "voucher" in the mail to take with me to the dealer stating that my car is a high risk potential pre existing conditions with mechanical or electrical issues. I have only had this car less than 2 months and am already having issues with it. I think I'm regretting this purchase. There is also a sluggish gear shift in the transmission it does'nt seem to be working properly also an engine knock that wasn't there previously. It's not even due for the first oil change since purchase. Kia shoulkd get it together and stop duping unsuspecting naive first time car buyers like myself.
NHTSA ODI #11528378
Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine
ON 8/18/22 I HAD 5 RECALLS DONE ONE BEING SC209 THE PISTIONOIL RING, THAT WAS CAUSING IT TO STALL OUT/DIE IN TRAFFIC AFTER THE RECALL IT WORKED FINE FOR A FEW DAYS THEN IT PROGRESSIVE GOTTEN WORSE AND STARTED USING OIL, AND THE OIL LIGHT NO LONGER WORKED . ALSO AFTER A OIL CHANGE THE "ALERT FOR DUE OIL CHANGE " DID NOT RE…
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ON 8/18/22 I HAD 5 RECALLS DONE ONE BEING SC209 THE PISTIONOIL RING, THAT WAS CAUSING IT TO STALL OUT/DIE IN TRAFFIC AFTER THE RECALL IT WORKED FINE FOR A FEW DAYS THEN IT PROGRESSIVE GOTTEN WORSE AND STARTED USING OIL, AND THE OIL LIGHT NO LONGER WORKED . ALSO AFTER A OIL CHANGE THE "ALERT FOR DUE OIL CHANGE " DID NOT RESET I TOOK IT BACK TO KIA OF CHATTANOOGA,(2/22/23) AND THEY PROCEEDED TO TELL ME EVERY OTHER THING THAT WAS WRONG AND DID NOT ADDRESS THE OIL LEAK OR THE STALLING OUT. THEY WERE DISMISSIVE OF MY CONCERNS AND TOLD ME THE ENGINE WAS FULL OF GUNK AND IT WAS FROM IMPROPER UPKEEP WHICH IS UNTRUE I TRIED TO EXPLAIN THAT THE OIL CHANGE I HAD DONE WASNT REGISTERING, BUT I WAS IGNORED AND SO I TOOK MY KIA TO GOODYEAR(2/24/23) AND HAD THE $800+ IN REPAIRS DONE. WHICH STILL DID NOT REPAIR THE STALLING OUT. I TOOK IT BACK TO KIA ON 6/1/23 AND THEY REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING TO IT SAYING MY WARRANTY WAS VOID SO I TOOK IT BACK TO GOODYEAR ON 6/2/23 HAD $250+ OF MORE WORK DONE AND IT STILL DID NOT FIX MY CAR . IT IS NOW SITTING IN MY PARKING LOT UNDRIVABLE BECCAUSE IT WILL NOT STAY CRANKED AND THE ENGINE NO LONGER SHIFTS GEARS ON ITS ON . THIS IS A ENGINE ISSUES AND THEY WILL NOT ADDRESS IT BECAUSE THERE ARE NOT ANY RECALLS .
NHTSA ODI #11527356
Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2023
Electrical SystemCrash
Car subject to theft SEE NHSTA press release Feb. 14, 2003 The press release announced a fix had already been achieved (EMPHASIS ADDED): Hyundai and Kia HAVE developed theft deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will provide it FREE of charge to vehicle owners Unless your PIO totally muf…
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Car subject to theft SEE NHSTA press release Feb. 14, 2003 The press release announced a fix had already been achieved (EMPHASIS ADDED): Hyundai and Kia HAVE developed theft deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will provide it FREE of charge to vehicle owners Unless your PIO totally muffed, this has been an EXTREMELY SLOW ROLLOUT. Two local dealers deny having any information about by vehicle from Kia. The Kia consumer line is jammed and I have not received any callbacks. Now I have gotten a a threatening letter from my insurer. Get on Kia's ass. This is a safety issue. See "Eight fatalities" https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tiktok-hyundai-kia-challenge-car-thefts-security/ Feb. 14 2023
NHTSA ODI #11517894
Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2023
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceUnknown Or Other
The car has rebooted (like a computer) three times in the last month as I am driving the car. Not in Park, not just starting the car. I am in drive and the car just reboots. Today, I received a warning about my forward collision system and all the lights on the dashboard lit up.
NHTSA ODI #11506715
NHTSA investigations
1DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.