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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

What owners actually said

378 reports
13,500 miles · Aug 12, 2021
Engine

The contact owned a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while she was at the stop light, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and lost power. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated she was able to restart the vehicle and drove to her destination. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues…

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The contact owned a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while she was at the stop light, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and lost power. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated she was able to restart the vehicle and drove to her destination. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated shortly after receiving notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who informed the contact that they could not complete the recall repair because no issues were found when the vehicle was test driven. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired and was traded in for another vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 13,500.

NHTSA ODI #11428851

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the dealer advised the contact to call back in two months to set up a recall repair appointment since the dealer was already booked for repair dates. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exc…

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The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the dealer advised the contact to call back in two months to set up a recall repair appointment since the dealer was already booked for repair dates. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and a case was opened. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11428795

10,000 miles · Aug 11, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while she was at the stop light, the light turned green, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The vehicle failed to exceed 2 mph while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she depressed the accelerator …

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The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while she was at the stop light, the light turned green, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle hesitated to respond. The vehicle failed to exceed 2 mph while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she depressed the accelerator pedal with force and the vehicle accelerated, and she was able to drive to her destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the dealer informed the contact that they would be able to inspect the vehicle in approximately two months. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11428673

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2021
Unknown Or Other

The car started knocking at 65 mph while excelling to 70 the engine then had a loud bang and the engine block broke apart and spilled oil on to manifold almost starting a fire I have been informed that the engine is recalled for piston rings. This is an extremely dangerous situation. LUCKILY I managed to exit highway and not eng…

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The car started knocking at 65 mph while excelling to 70 the engine then had a loud bang and the engine block broke apart and spilled oil on to manifold almost starting a fire I have been informed that the engine is recalled for piston rings. This is an extremely dangerous situation. LUCKILY I managed to exit highway and not engulfed in flames. So far Kia has been unwilling to assist me and I also purchased an extended warranty with Automotive Protective Corporation in Atlanta Ga. and no body is helping me.

NHTSA ODI #11428148

34,000 miles · Jul 30, 2021
Engine

2020 KIA SOUL CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL RELATED TO ENGINE OIL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CONSUMED OIL TOO QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT, THE FAILURE PERSISTED.

NHTSA ODI #11427151

15,500 miles · Jul 26, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and lost power while she was stopped at a traffic light. The oil pressure warning light and two other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who d…

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The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and lost power while she was stopped at a traffic light. The oil pressure warning light and two other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired, and the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer several times and the crankshaft sensor was replaced however, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was still waiting on a call back. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 15,500. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI #11426450

4,175 miles · Jul 16, 2021
Power Train

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the transmission failed causing the vehicle to stall. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the transmission needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repa…

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The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the transmission failed causing the vehicle to stall. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the transmission needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,175.

NHTSA ODI #11425135

Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2021
Engine

Cause Unknown . I was driving my Kia Soul at 35-38 mph on a busy city street. The engine suddenly and completely shut off. I had it towed out to the Kia place ( 2 pm.) , checked it in and left. That was about the a couple of days before I received my recall notice letter. I have not been able to find out anything abo…

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Cause Unknown . I was driving my Kia Soul at 35-38 mph on a busy city street. The engine suddenly and completely shut off. I had it towed out to the Kia place ( 2 pm.) , checked it in and left. That was about the a couple of days before I received my recall notice letter. I have not been able to find out anything about my car in about 3 or so weeks. All I am told is that it is being diagnosed. ( I did have a service guy snap at me that " when they finished , they would call and ask me what I wanted to do about the car".)

NHTSA ODI #11424745

21,000 miles · Jul 14, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a fluttering sound was present coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle would drive very poorly and occasionally stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was…

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The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a fluttering sound was present coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle would drive very poorly and occasionally stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was later informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number 21V259000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was 21,000.

NHTSA ODI #11424733

14,750 miles · Jul 9, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer several times and the battery, spark plugs, and ignition coils were…

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The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer several times and the battery, spark plugs, and ignition coils were replaced however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the Vin was included in the NHTSA campaign number: 21V259000 (Engine). The failure mileage was 14,750.

NHTSA ODI #11424035

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.