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2020 Kia Soul

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Soul do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 225.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

160 reports with mileage · 218 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 235 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports6 fire reports5 injury reports

Engine complaints

235 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2026
EngineUnknown Or Other

Jeff Smith Kia in Perry was doing the maintenance they went out of business Kia Hutchinson I told several employees more than once that I was having problems the car would slowly shut down and cut off start then stop on the hey I had to call tow trucks have rentals there was a chainsaw sound underneath had to constantly place oi…

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Jeff Smith Kia in Perry was doing the maintenance they went out of business Kia Hutchinson I told several employees more than once that I was having problems the car would slowly shut down and cut off start then stop on the hey I had to call tow trucks have rentals there was a chainsaw sound underneath had to constantly place oil in the car Kia Never contacted me about a recall the dealerships never communicated recalls on the engine and oil burning they placed me and my grandchildren at risk and say I have to pay $110000 for a new engine. A belt. Cadillac converter and I simply do not have that. School starts in a week 1/2 and I cannot get four children to school or make it to my Dr appointments tremendous hardship and safety concern because a mechanic told me the shutting down is a mechanism to keep the engine from catching on fire and exploding. I have been told by several Kia owners they had the same issue. Walmart mgr told me it is a manufacturer issue I should not have to pay for repairs.

NHTSA ODI #11750558

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2026
Engine

On XXX my family and I were heading home from a family vacation. My engine burned through the oil that was put in my car on XXX. No low oil pressure light came on and there was no warning my vehicle had problems with the oil. We took our car to a Kia dealership in [XXX] and that’s when I was informed that my engine was burning o…

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On XXX my family and I were heading home from a family vacation. My engine burned through the oil that was put in my car on XXX. No low oil pressure light came on and there was no warning my vehicle had problems with the oil. We took our car to a Kia dealership in [XXX] and that’s when I was informed that my engine was burning oil. We had no prior knowledge that there was a problem. The service guy we were working with admitted that this issue was due to the fault engines from Kia and submitted a claim to get my engine replaced that was denied due to “low oil” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11750483

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2026
Engine

The car began making a weird noise and stalling. Then close to home if shut off, I was able to restart it and drove a short distance to home. Realized couldn't drive it like that and contacted City Kia Greater Orlando dealer. Towed the car to the indicated destination and after about four days (it was the July 4th weekend) they …

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The car began making a weird noise and stalling. Then close to home if shut off, I was able to restart it and drove a short distance to home. Realized couldn't drive it like that and contacted City Kia Greater Orlando dealer. Towed the car to the indicated destination and after about four days (it was the July 4th weekend) they sent me a diagnostic of engine failure due to internal combustion and want to charge me $7500. Offered another alternative for about $1500 but acknowledged that would likely not solve the issue. I declined and informed them that I was told about the engine recall, that my vehicle year and model (2020 Kia Soul) was included in the lawsuit that caused the recall, and that I was never told by the dealer or Kia about the engine recall and about a particular software upgrade that was supposed to alert me about the possibility of engine failure due to a Kia manufacturing defect. They informed me that my vehicle was out of warranty and that my VIN number was not in a particular list of vehicles. I don't understand how is it possible, since I purchased that vehicle in the same dealer with about 3000 miles at the time of purchase and the vehicle has been properly maintained in the same dealer, as the maintenance records show, including a good maintenance badge from CarFox. I believe this is extremely unfair, how I am supposed to accept that I have a useless vehicle when I did everything right and my car obviously should've been included in that engine recall. How is it that I received letters from Kia about other recalls but not about that engine recall? Previous to the engine stalling and noise incident the oil warming light never turned red. I believe that my vehicle should be included in the list of vehicles approved for the engine recall, based on this statement and the facts.

NHTSA ODI #11749416

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2026
Engine

A service campaign/safety recall was issued, necessitating an engine replacement. Bramlett Kia in [XXX], performed this service in late May/early June of 2025. It took them an entire six weeks to do the work. Upon completion of the job, my husband attempted to drive it off their lot, only for the transmission to go out immediate…

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A service campaign/safety recall was issued, necessitating an engine replacement. Bramlett Kia in [XXX], performed this service in late May/early June of 2025. It took them an entire six weeks to do the work. Upon completion of the job, my husband attempted to drive it off their lot, only for the transmission to go out immediately. Kia also replaced the transmission. After this was done, my husband drove the car back to our house in [XXX]. It sat in our garage from June until two weeks ago. My brother has been driving the car between [XXX], and [XXX]. Two nights ago, as he was leaving work, the vehicle started, ran for 30 seconds and made a rumbling sound before breaking down. He restarted the car and started driving it, but the car quickly overheated. As an emergency measure, he drove it to a service shop in [XXX], where it was discovered that the AC compressor and serpentine belt had come loose. This was because the bolts securing the engine were overtightened during the engine replacement in [XXX], and two of them had broken off while the vehicle was in motion, thus allowing the compressor and serpentine belt to loosen. We had the car towed to Cavenaugh Kia in [XXX]. They will not perform the work and say that the vehicle should go back to the dealership in [XXX]. The Alabama dealership says it is not their problem. Kia Customer Affairs also says that because the work was performed just over a year ago, it is no longer covered under warranty. Furthermore, they will not pay to have it towed. I called Gossett Kia in [XXX], where the car was purchased, and they are not sure they will be able to do the work either. I feel so stuck and without recourse in this situation. We are stuck with a [XXX]old car that is undrivable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11748034

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2026
Engine

I own a 2020 Kia Soul that received Recall SC209. Kia performed the recall remedy and considered the recall complete. Before the engine failed, the vehicle had a documented history of excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was previously diagnosed by an independent third-party mechanic shop for excessive oil consumption, and I …

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I own a 2020 Kia Soul that received Recall SC209. Kia performed the recall remedy and considered the recall complete. Before the engine failed, the vehicle had a documented history of excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was previously diagnosed by an independent third-party mechanic shop for excessive oil consumption, and I repeatedly had to add significant amounts of engine oil between oil changes to keep the engine operating. Despite this known condition, the excessive oil consumption continued after the recall was completed. Eventually, the engine suffered a connecting rod bearing failure and seized. The Kia dealership has denied warranty or recall coverage solely because Recall SC209 had already been completed. Kia Consumer Affairs also denied assistance and stated that the engine failure is not covered because the recall was previously performed. My concern is that the symptoms leading up to the engine failure—including excessive oil consumption followed by connecting rod bearing failure—are consistent with the defect addressed by Recall SC209. In my opinion, the recall remedy did not correct the underlying defect on my vehicle. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the SC209 recall remedy is effective for vehicles that continue to experience excessive oil consumption and subsequently suffer catastrophic engine failure after the recall has been completed. I have maintenance records, documentation from the independent mechanic shop showing excessive oil consumption, proof that Recall SC209 was completed, and documentation of the engine failure and Kia's denial of coverage.

NHTSA ODI #11747963

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2026
Engine

I recently bought this 2020 Kia soul the 2 L engine and I’ve noticed every 700 miles 1 quart of oil in this concerns me because how do I not affect it would’ve ran dry and burn the motor up that me is safety. I understand that they have it to replace motor and engine for the original owner, but since I am second owner of this ve…

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I recently bought this 2020 Kia soul the 2 L engine and I’ve noticed every 700 miles 1 quart of oil in this concerns me because how do I not affect it would’ve ran dry and burn the motor up that me is safety. I understand that they have it to replace motor and engine for the original owner, but since I am second owner of this vehicle I don’t qualify for the hundred thousand miles 10 year warranty. My vehicle has 88,700 miles and I’m sure what not to do next.

NHTSA ODI #11745470

Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2026
Engine

I was driving when the vehicle stalled while slowing down. It stalled several more times at a stop light, and then when slowing down or accelerating slowly. I then noticed the engine started making a noise. I have parked it and not been able to drive it since. No safety indicators popped up during the stalling. When the engine s…

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I was driving when the vehicle stalled while slowing down. It stalled several more times at a stop light, and then when slowing down or accelerating slowly. I then noticed the engine started making a noise. I have parked it and not been able to drive it since. No safety indicators popped up during the stalling. When the engine started making a noice the check engine light then turned on. The car has only 65958miles on it. I believe it should be apart of the SC209 recall list but it is not.

NHTSA ODI #11741921

112,704 miles · Jun 2, 2026
Engine

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The contact stated that he was a mechanic, and the contact had retrieved a diagnostic code indicating a vibration in the pistons. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. Th…

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The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The contact stated that he was a mechanic, and the contact had retrieved a diagnostic code indicating a vibration in the pistons. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,704.

NHTSA ODI #11741590

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System

There was a recall-SC209A for a faulty piston ring. This vehicle “passed” prior to my purchase. I was unaware that my vehicle was part of the recall- when the VIN is entered in the NTSB website, no active recalls show. Starting in 10/24, the vehicle began having problems accelerating, and when I brought to my local mechanic it…

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There was a recall-SC209A for a faulty piston ring. This vehicle “passed” prior to my purchase. I was unaware that my vehicle was part of the recall- when the VIN is entered in the NTSB website, no active recalls show. Starting in 10/24, the vehicle began having problems accelerating, and when I brought to my local mechanic it was found to be nearly empty on oil despite a recent oil change. I have since experienced continuing issues with low oil and oil consumption. The latest incident was in XXX on a trip to [XXX] . The car seized in the highway, and was brought to a local Kia dealer. They diagnosed a bad transmission, and it was replaced. Despite this, the car has continued to burn oil. I have brought the car to my local Kia in Schaumburg where it was purchased. It was today that I found out it was part of the recall. I asked for an oil consumption test, and I was told this would be at a $200 cost to me. I am worried for my families safety taking this car on the road- the oil light doesn’t come on when it is low. Kia hasn’t offered to retest the car, and I feel at significant risk continuing to drive it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11741488

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2026
Engine

My 2020 Kia Soul had its engine replaced under safety recall SC209 (NHTSA Campaign 21V259). At 136,202 miles, this replacement engine suffered a secondary catastrophic failure, dropping heavy metal shavings into the oil lubrication system and causing the engine to stall. Kia of Orange Park (Repair Order 183972) diagnosed the fai…

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My 2020 Kia Soul had its engine replaced under safety recall SC209 (NHTSA Campaign 21V259). At 136,202 miles, this replacement engine suffered a secondary catastrophic failure, dropping heavy metal shavings into the oil lubrication system and causing the engine to stall. Kia of Orange Park (Repair Order 183972) diagnosed the failure but refused to honor the 15-year/150,000-mile Class Action Engine Settlement extension, forcing me to pay out-of-pocket at an independent shop. The manufacturer's safety recall remedy has failed."

NHTSA ODI #11741106

Official recalls

1

21V259000 · Engine

Apr 13, 2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22003 · 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.