NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Soul. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
My issue is constant engine stalling. It is a very scary experience.
RECALL NOT BEING FIXED
Car hit guardrail at highway speed. There is significant damage to the front end. The drivers and passengers airbags failed to deploy. The driver side air bag did deploy.
Engine still uses oil and the issues is getting worse. Now there is a knocking sound coming from the engine and KIA refuses to acknowledge it. Mechanic told me that there was not a noise that was not unusual for a KIA Soul. The engine stalls and looses power occasionally. KIA mechanic states they did not see any issue.
I was driving down the interstate at 70 mph. Noticed the car felt like it was accelerating and then decelerating like I was fighting against a strong wind. Looked at the tachometer and saw it fluctuating between 2000rpm and 3000 rpm. Suddenly it redlined to 7000 rpm and I had very little power to the wheels. It would drop back to 3000 but if I tried to accelerate it would redline. I was in heavy interstate traffic. I barely made it to an exit and into a parking lot. By the time I got off the highway it would go no faster than 5mph. I tried restarting the car to find I couldn't go forward or in reverse and the engine would go to 7000rpm. I have about 24k miles on the odometer. Bought brand new from the dealership. Easily could've been rear-ended or crashed in the heavy traffic with no power to the wheels.
The car has the auto stop engine feature. Randomly, when ever I stop the car the engine will turn off because of the auto stop feature. But when I shift the car into park, the car won’t turn back on. Instead the green auto stop light will stay lit in the dashboard and when I take off my seatbelt I will get an error that states: “Auto Stop is Off. Shift to P or N to start engine” and I will hear a high pitch noise. If I shift the car to Neutral, Drive, Reverse or back to park nothing will happen. The engine won’t turn back on and if I’m on a incline or decline the car will start rolling. The only way to get the engine to turn back on is to turn off the car and turn it back on via turning the key. I have also had the car fail to turn back on at stop lights when the auto stop feature is activated. I would be at the stop light. The engine would turn off and when I take my foot off of the break the engine won’t turn back on. I won’t get the error that I stated earlier. I just see the green auto stop light turn off and then the check engine light, the battery light, and the oil light turns on. There was another time I was with my sister and we were getting food. We were at a stoplight and the engine turned off. When the light turned green and I went to take my foot of the break, the whole car died. Everything turned off. The radio and the dashboard all went black and lost power. The car also wouldn’t let me turn the key to try and restart it. When I got the car restarted, I was at the same traffic light. The car lost all power again. The same thing happened again. The engine turned off and when I went to take my foot of the break, everything went black. Finally, this last thing only happened so far 1 time. I was driving home on the highway. I heard the car making a sound like it was increasing in revs. Then all of a sudden everything went black. The car lost power when I was driving on the highway. I pulled over and had to restart the car.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact stated that the manufacturer declined the recall repairs because the vehicle was in Puerto Rico, and was not a state, but a U.S. territory. The dealer and another dealer, Caribbean Auto Distributors (Avenida 65 De Infantería, Km 10.2 Esquina Muñoz Rivera, Carolina, 00987, Puerto Rico) were made aware of the recall on separate occasions. However, both dealers informed the contact that they needed approval from the manufacturer before the recall could be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer declined the recall repair and informed the contact that Puerto Rico was not a state, but a USA territory. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
There was recall before I purchased this at certified Kia dealer but they didn’t mention anything I found out about it on your website. I took this to Kia they said it’s not part of recall it’s not effected vehicle according to Kia.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".)
Took the vehicle in for oil consumption issues earlier this year. Kia cooperate stated the consumption was abnormal, but within parameters and would not fix the problem. The recall came out for the oil piston issue and i took the vehicle on for repair. Kia still refuses to fix the oil piston ring issue and oil consumption issue under the recall order. States the issue with the vehicle is abnormal, but passed inspection. The engine does not run correctly, while driving on the road, the engine looses power and has knocking sound. The vehicle still uses oil and Kia refuses to fix under warranty or the recall. .
6/4/2021 Returning from picking up my children in Maryland, my vehicle stalls out at MD 137 in Hereford. The idle stop and go system repeatedly engages and disengages, the engine continued to sputter and rev. I took the vehicle to the nearest service station, as all the Kia service techs no longer were working past 4 PM. I was able to have a Jiffy Lube service tech read the code P0420 (which has been a previous issue with catalytic converters wearing out at 80,000 miles for previous Souls) as well as several codes for the Camshaft sensor and Crankshaft.
Engine shuddering violently, losing power and shutting off around 6500 miles causing loss of power and near accidents. The check engine light came on and remained solid during the duration of the incident. Oil level was found to be around 2.5 quarts low after being observed resting at a healthy level just 1000 miles prior during fluid checks by owner. Vehicle had recently been taken to dealership for first oil, lube and filter visit and inspection around 3500 miles. Following the discovery of oil loss vehicle was promptly taken to dealership where no external leaks were detected and an oil consumption test was started. The consumer stated the Kia oil consumption test disallows for the consumer to check the oil. The consumer would have to drive the vehicle 1,000 miles or until the car shuts off while testing the vehicle.
Recently I noticed when I stop and the stop-start system feature and the Blind-spot sensors are turned on the car will either shut completely off or stall once I step on the gas.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number:21V259000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated the parts were not available. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving the vehicle was slow to move and stalled. The oil level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the oil was dirty, the oil level was low, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The Vin was included in NHTSA Campaign number: 21V259000 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, declined to offer any assistance for the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vibration was felt throughout the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer performed a vibration test. The vehicle failed the vibration test and the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed a new engine, which could take 2 - 6 months to repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
I was driving on I-75 in heavy holiday traffic, suddenly no acceleration and car started slowing. Transmission just quit working. My car only has 20,000 miles on it. I was able to get to the side of the road without getting hit. Online there are many reports of this issue with the 2020 Kia Soul, with it occurring in vehicles with as little as 5000 miles. It has been noted by Consumer Reports. There were no warnings and no indications other than the sudden loss of power with 7000+ rpm showing on the tachometer.
My car is experiencing all issues related to recall SC209 yet it has not been recalled. I am now being told by Kia that a 2020 vehicle with 22k miles has a dead engine from missing 2 oil changes. Please advise.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. There was an abnormal ticking sound detected. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was sludge buildup in the engine from poor maintenance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was like the failure mentioned in NHTSA campaign number: 21V259000 (Engine). The failure mileage was 22,000. Consumer stated vehicle is not drivable will only drive about a block before it shuts off. Recall repairs for earliest date is August 6, 2021. Mechanic could not perform due to pre-existing damage caused by lack of maintenance and manufacturer would not honor repairs in the recall.
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.
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.
THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE ENGINE KEY AROUND. I WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR AS THE STEERING WHEEL WAS JAMMED. IT TOOK ME OVER 1 HRS TO FINALLY UNNAMED THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE.
When pulling out into traffic the car started to go, RPMs spiked all the way and the car just died… I shut it off, and all was fine…. Then I stopped to get gas, and when the auto stop/start kicked in, the car didn’t restart… the oil pressure light turned on, battery light, and check engine light all at the same time. Would not let me shift into park. I had to push the shift release to let me put it into park. I was then able to shut off the car properly and start it just fine, and no lights active. This all happened around 19,000 miles. The last 2 times I’ve been in for an oil change, there has been 2 recalls completed , and now this new recall related to the oil piston.
My car has been at Classic Kia in Beaumont TX with the exception of 2 days since May 5. It stalled and died repeatedly. They said they fixed it and I picked it up may 19th. It died 20 miles down the road and warning light came back on...service engine soon. I returned it to them May 21 and they still have it. They say metal shavings are in the oil. I am hamstrung without a car. I don't think they have mechanics that know how to fix it. I called Kia Corp. June 7. They said they'd call Classic Kia and call me back. They have still not called me back. Please help me. Nobody should take two months to repair factory recalls!
STOPPED AT STOP LIGHT, LIGHT TURNED GREEN. PRESSED GAS AND DASHBOARD SYMBOLS CAME ON AND CAR DIED. TRIED STARTING AGAIN AND IT WAS DEAD. PUSHED IT TO PARKING LOT AND TRIED TO JUMP IT. DIDNT JUMP.. PUSHED TO AUTO ZONE. TESTED BATTERY IT WAS AT 10%. THEY DIDN'T HAVE A BATTERY. USED A JUMP BOX AND CAR STARTED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME.
Purchased car on 7/16/19 with 13 miles. On 1/26/20 the car had 6,764 miles when the car started to appear as though it was in neutral while driving down the highway at 70 miles per hour. Even when giving it gas the RPM would increase and engine sounded revved up but transmission was not working. Then it would sporadically kick in enough that I put my 4 ways on, got off the interstate (81) and limped that car home because the car would not go more that 20 MPH once it came to a full stop, it couldn't even make it up the very small grade to get onto my driveway. Called KIA roadside and it was towed to the dealer, Fred Beans Mechanicsburg PA. Told it needed a new transmission, got car back a month later 2/25/20. On 4/19/21, car has 14,953 miles and the same exact thing happens, I'm on Interstate 83 and the car starts lunging, going in and out of neutral. Once at a full stop car would limp along till reaching a total MPH of 20. Car was towed to Fred Beans KIA, Mechanicsburg PA and yes the transmission again. Dealer said transmission was replaced , this time it took 2 weeks, got the car back on 5/1/21. I asked why does this keep happening and the dealership refused to provide any information, shrugged their shoulders. The attendant at the service counter just kept saying I just work here and don't know anything about the cars! Very scary situation, I or anyone driving with this problem could cause a terrible accident and even a fatal accident. The first time this happened could have been manufacture defect but the second time creates a question as to the potential harm this vehicle can cause to all drivers. No explanation and no trust in this car's dependability. I am not able to financially unload this car at this time. Worst car I have ever purchased and I have purchased many brand new cars but first and last time for KIA.
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed because the test used to check the piston rings was faulty. The vehicle was remained at the dealer. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
WHEN THE AUTOMATIC START STOP START IS ON WHEN I STOP AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AS IT SHOULD, WHEN I RELEASE THE BRAKE IT MAKES A WHINING NOISE FOR A FEW SECONDS. ALSO HAPPENS WHEN GOING UP MY DRIVEWAY. HAVE READ THAT THIS IS HAPPENING IN A LOT OF PEOPLE'S 2020 KIA SOUL'S AND NOBODY SEEMS TO KNOW OR HAVE A FIX.
ENGINE EXPERIENCED TOTAL FAILURE AT 14,510 MILES. KIA KEPT VEHICLE OVER 60 DAYS AND RETURNED VEHICLE TO ME WITH FURTHER DAMAGE TO BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DANBURY KIA (100A FEDERAL RD, DANBURY, CT 06810, (203) 730-5737) AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ENGINE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,706.
BOUGHT BRAND NEW. AT 32K MILES (4MONTHS AFTER 30KTUNE UP) ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO EARNHARDT KIA IN PHX. WHO INITIALLY STATED THERE WAS 'SOMETHING BROKEN IN THE TRANSMISSION' AFTER A FEW HOURS THEY THEN STATED THE CAR HAD 'INTERNALLY OVERHEATED AND THERE WAS COMBUSTIBLE GASES IN THE RADIATOR. THE THERMOSTAT NEVER INDICATED OVERHEATING. COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS BONE DRY (AFTER FILLING IT THE DAY BEFORE). AFTER 31 DAYS AT KIA A NEW HEAD GASKET WAS PUT ON.. THOUGH I WAS TOLD THE CAR WAS GETTING A NEW ENGINE. I ASKED THE DEALER ON EACH CALL... WHAT ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION WHEREAS I WAS TOLD KOA WOULD MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WOULD BE FIXED BEFORE RETURNED. CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME ON 2/21. ON 4/1 AFTER DRIVING 380(+/-) MILES FROM PHX TO SAN DIEGO TO SEE MY MARINE DEPLOY, THE CAR BEGAN TO SURGE, RPMS SKYROCKETED AND CAR BARELY MADE IT UP HILL. SURGING CONTINUED, UNTIL IT BEGAN TO SLIP AND I PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND INTO A SHOPPING CENTER. CAR TOWED TO ESCONDIDO KIA WHO KINDLY GAVE ME A LOANER. NOW BACK IN AZ, I AM TOLD THAT WHEN IT'S FIXED, TRANSPORT TO ME IS UNLIKELY AND IF APPROVED KIA DOES NOT GUARANTEE AGAINST ANY DAMAGE DURING TRANSPORT. ITS A NEW CAR! DUE TO MEDICAL NEEDS HERE, DRIVING 6.5 HOURS THERE AND THEN BACK JUST ISN'T FEASIBLE. KIA DOESNT CARE. I WILL BE OUT OF THIS CAR ASAP AND YOU CAN BET MY NEXT WILL NOT BE A KILLER KIA!
MY KIA 2020 SOUL, THE PARKING LIGHTS, THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE REAR LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. LIGHTS BULB WERE OUT.
THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY KIA SOUL 2020 HAMMER. I WAS UNABLE TO START THE CAR AS THE STEERING WHEN BECAME STUCK..JAMMED. CALLED A TOWN TRUCK TO TOWED INTO THE KIA DEALER FOR REPAIRS.
THE CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC WHILE I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND THE ENGINE RE-STARTED. THE CAR HAD 6,595 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, AND THE FIRST SERVICE WAS DUE AT 7,500 MILES. AFTER THIS STALLING INCIDENT, IN ORDER TO PREVENT THIS HAPPENING AGAIN, EVERY TIME I HAD TO STOP AFTER THAT, AT A LIGHT OR INTERSECTION, I PUT THE CAR IN PARK. THE NEXT DAY, DRIVING AT 25 MPH ON A CITY STREET, LOUD RATTLING AND METALLIC SOUNDS CAME FROM THE ENGINE. I CHECKED THE OIL. THERE WAS NO TRACE OF OIL ON THE DIPSTICK. I PUT IN 2 QUARTS OF OIL, AND THE DIPSTICK SHOWED THE SUMP WAS NOW FULL. I CHECKED THE TAILPIPE AND FOUND A CARBON DEPOSIT ON THE INSIDE, INDICATING THE BURNING OF OIL. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT - KIRBY KIA IN VENTURA CA - AND THEY DIAGNOSED A SEVERE ENGINE MALFUNCTION WITH EVIDENCE OF METAL SHAVINGS AFTER REMOVING THE VALVE COVER, AND IN THE OIL FILTER. THEY SAID THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THEY PROVIDED ME WITH A COMPLIMENTARY RENTAL CAR FOR 10 DAYS, THEN A LOANER, AND RETURNED MY VEHICLE TO ME AFTER 21 DAYS. IN THE PAPERWORK THEY GAVE ME ON RETURNING MY VEHICLE IT STATES THEY INSTALLED A REMANUFACTURED LONG BLOCK ENGINE AND INTAKE MANIFOLD. AT NO POINT IN THIS WHOLE PROCEDURE WAS I ASKED TO CONSENT TO THE ENGINE BEING REPLACED, AND I SIGNED NO DOCUMENT AUTHORIZING THIS TO BE DONE. AT THE END, I WROTE THAT MY SIGNATURE ONLY INDICATED MY CAR HAD BEEN RETURNED TO ME. NO APOLOGY WAS EXPRESSED TO ME BY KIA FOR THE MAJOR INCONVENIENCE THE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE IN THIS NEW CAR HAD CAUSED ME, EXCEPT WHEN I INFORMED THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP OF THIS FACT, THEY CALLED ME TO EXPRESS REGRET.
THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM A KIA DEALER IN JUNE OF 2020. IN MARCH OF 2021, WITH ABOUT 12,300 MILES THE FOLLOWING HAPPENED. WAS DRIVING THE CAR NOT ON THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. BEFORE THE CAR STOPPED, NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE EVER DISPLAYED. ONCE THE CAR STOPPED, I WAS ABLE TO GET IT RESTARTED AND MOVED IT A VERY SHORT DISTANCE WHERE I PARKED IT. AFTER THE RESTART, THE ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CAR STOPPED AGAIN, WHEN RESTARTED, JUST THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I PARKED THE CAR AND CALLED KIA ROAD ASSISTANCE AND IT WAS TOWED TO A KIA DEALER. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER TODAY THAT THE CAR NEEDED A NEW ENGINE WHICH WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. EXPECTED REPAIR TIME IS AT LEAST THREE WEEKS AS THE ENGINE HAS TO BE SPECIAL ORDERED. I REITERATE THAT NOT ONLY DID NO WARNING LIGHTS EVER CAME ON UNTIL THE INCIDENT I DESCRIBED. KIA'S UVO ALSO SENT ME REGULAR EMAILS TELLING THE THE CARS HEALTH WAS PERFECT! THE WAY THAT THE CAR JUST STOPPED AND DIED WHILE DRIVING COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF I WAS NOT ON A STREET WITH A LOW SPEED LIMIT.
WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE RPMS ON THE VEHICLE STARTED RANDOMLY FLUCTUATING. THE ISSUE GOT WORSE AND THEY BEGAN TO FLUCTUATE BETWEEN 7 AND 8 ALONG WITH ENGINE REVVING. THE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OFF OF AN EXIT AND WAS ABLE TO GRADUALLY COME TO A STOP TO CALL A DEALERSHIP TO ASK IF IT WAS SAFE TO CONTINUE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD THAT AS LONG AS THE MALFUNCTION LIGHT WASN'T FLASHING, I COULD CONTINUE DRIVING. I GOT BACK ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE ISSUE WAS EVEN WORSE, ENGINE REVVING, RPMS FLUCTUATING CHAOTICALLY. I THEN COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. I PUT THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND WAS THANKFULLY ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE BEFORE STOPPING. MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO WHERE I LIVE, 95 MILES AWAY. IT HAS BEEN AT THE GOSSETT KIA DEALERSHIP IN MEMPHIS, TN SINCE SATURDAY AND STILL HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. I AM AFRAID IT WILL BE COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT A MAJOR TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL. VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 5,000 MILES.
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.
PURCHASED A 2020 KIA SOUL JAN 2020. 2/15/21 I CAME TO A STOPLIGHT HIT THE GAS AND REALIZE THERE'S NO POWER. HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART THE ENGINE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. GO TO DEALERSHIP THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON THE WHOLE TIME. THEY TELL ME THE WHOLE OF KIA'S COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARE DOWN AND DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY CAN LOOK AT MY CAR. THEY DIDN'T HAVE A LOANER AND I HAD TO RENT A CAR. TWO DAYS LATER THEY TELL ME THE MECHANIC SCANNED THE CAR AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NO LONGER ON. I'M OUT $125 FOR THE RENTAL CAR. I PICK UP THE CAR. 3/3/21 I'M ABOUT TO DRIVE ONTO THE FREEWAY. I COME TO A STOP BEFORE ENTERING THE SLIP ROAD AND THE ENGINE TURNS OFF. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART THE VEHICLE AND AGAIN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE GUY TELLS ME HE CAN'T LOOK AT IT TILL TOMORROW. I SAID I'M NOT GETTING ANOTHER RENTAL AND THEN HAVE YOU TELL ME THAT THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT TOMORROW, SO HE TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHO HOOKED IT UP.TO A DEVICE. HE CAME BACK AND SAID IT HAD SHOWN THAT IT NEEDS A NEW PCM. I ASKED WHAT THAT WAS AND HE SAID IT'S BASICALLY THE BRAIN OF THE COMPUTER. (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) THE CAR'S BEEN IN THE SHOP SIX DAYS NOW, THE DEALERSHIP IS PAYING FOR THE RENTAL. THE ODOMETER READS 8900 MILES.
I OWN A 2020 KIA SOUL, IT HAS ~2300 MILES AND I HAD IT FOR ABOUT A YEAR. THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, I HAD IT FLOORED AND GOT UP TO MAYBE 50 MPH, LUCKILY IT WAS RUSH HOUR AND TRAFFIC WAS CRAWLING OTHERWISE I WOULD'VE BEEN RUN OVER. L WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. I RAN ERROR CODES AND THERE WERE TWO RELATED TO THE TRANSMISSION. KIA'S HAD THE CAR SINCE MARCH 3RD, THEY PROVIDED A RENTAL WHICH IS NICE. I'M TOLD THERE ARE 4 - 5 OTHER KIA'S THERE THAT NEED NEW TRANSMISSIONS. I WISH I COULD JUST GET OUT OF THE CAR NOW.
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO 'SURGE,' THE RPM VARYING ERRATICALLY BETWEEN 2000-3000 RPM. WE GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPED AT A LIGHT'WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE ENGINE ACCELERATED BUT THE CAR REMAINED STATIONARY. FINALLY, WITH THE RPM AT ABOUT 4000, WE WERE ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE INTO A PARKING LOT. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WE GOT A TOW TO THE NEAREST DEALER. THE SERVICE DEPT ANALYZED THE PROBLEM, AND SAID WE NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE NEW 'SOFT' DATE TO RECEIVE THE TRANSMISSION IS 13 APR, ALMOST SIX WEEKS AFTER THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 2 MAR. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 3000 MILES ON IT.
ON MARCH 2ND. WE WERE DRIVING OUR 2020 KIA SOUL S. WE WERE DRIVING ON I95NORTH. THE RPM'S KEPT PULSING, WE TOOK THE CAR OFF OF CRUISE AND IT SEEMED BETTER FOR A FEW MINUTES. AFTER THE FEW MINUTES THE PULSING RETURNED, GIVING IT THE GAS THE RPM'S WENT UP BUT OUR SPEED WAS SLOWING. WE GOT IN THE INSIDE LANE PLANNING ON GETTING OFF THE NEXT EXIT. THE ENGINE STARTED RACING WITH NO CHANGE IN OUR SPEED. WE GOT OFF AT THE NEXT EXIT STATE ROAD 527 IN SOUTH CAROLINA. WE HAD TO PRACTICALLY FLOOR IT TO GET OFF THE ROAD. WE PULL TO THE SIDE AND CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE CAR AT THIS POINT HAD 8006 MILES ON IT. WE COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR AT ALL AT THIS POINT. IT TOOK A FEW HOURS, BUT THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSET DEALER, IN FLORENCE SC. THE NEXT DAY THE DEALER CHECKED THE CAR AND SAID THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED. AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30 PM, THE DEALER CALLED TO LET US KNOW THAT KIA HAD APPROVED SUBSTITUTE TRANSPORTATION. THE FOLLOWING MORNING THE DEALER PICKED US UP AND DROVE US TO GET A VEHICLE. WE UNLOADED MOST OF OUR BELONGINGS FROM OUR CAR TO THE RENTAL AND CONTINUED OUR DELAYED JOURNEY TO MASSACHUSETTS. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALER TWICE, AND LEFT MESSAGES. AFTER THE SECOND CALL, I DID GET A CALL BACK. I WAS TOLD THAT THE REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION WAS ON BACKORDER AND SHOULD BE DELIVERED MAY 11TH. AFTER READING MANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS ON THIS SITE, THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED CASE AND IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I AM NOW SEEING THAT THE 2020 SOUL HAS AN ENGINE RECALL. OBVIOUSLY THESE VEHICLES HAVE PROBLEMS.
ENGINE BURNT OIL AT 10,000 MILES - DEALERSHIP REPLACED MOTOR, HOWEVER NOW HAVING ISSUES WITH TRANSMISSION
2 TRANSMISSION FAILS IN LESS THAN 12 MONTHS. WHEN RUNNING, IT EFFECTS THE ABILITY TO MANEUVER IN DAILY DRIVING ROUTINE.
MY KIA SOUL 2020, THE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME UP, THE PARKING LIGHTS, THE RIGHT HEADLIGHTS, THE REAR BACK RIGHT SIGNAL LIGHTS, THE FUEL SYSTEM AND THE BREAKS SYSTEM ALL OF THEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS.