10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
14,941 miles

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problem #166

Apr 182025

Soul

  • miles
The engine totally failed while driving without any warning. Zero warning lights came on and the car would not restart. I had it towed to the dealership where they reported that I needed a new engine which is not covered under warranty or recall repair even though its been recalled several times and half the people who own 2020 KIAs seem to have almost the same exact problems. The cars start to consume way too much oil and then the engines seem to fail not soon after so I brought the car back home since its over $8000. to replace just the engine! This vehicle is not paid off so its sitting at my house without being repaired or drivable. The dealership where I had it towed, Ray Skillman NE KIA, in Indianapolis charged me $200 for diagnostics yet never explained what was wrong with the car other than it needs a new engine.

- Bloomington, IN, USA

problem #165

May 042025

Soul

  • miles
My wife had went to the store and came out and went to pull out and the vehicle jerked forward and died. I went to see if it was a dead battery the vehicle would not jump. I called a tow truck and realized that the engine had completely failed. I took it to Parkside Kia in Knoxville Tennessee and they confirm that it was an engine failure there was a recall from Kia referencing SC209 Parkside Kia states that the recall was addressed on this vehicle but the dealership that I purchased the vehicle from had no record of that recall being done and they are stating that they will not goodwill it or repair the recall I understood from my research that even if the vehicle was fixed under that recall that there were some cases of it not being fixed and resulting in needing a complete engine my main concern was the fact that my wife could-??ve been driving down the road and been in and a severe accident thankfully, she was just in a parking lot

- Clinton, TN, USA

problem #164

Jun 222025

Soul

  • miles
Vehicle: 2020 Kia Soul VIN: [XXX] Component: Engine What happened: My 2020 Kia Soul experienced sudden engine failure at around 130k miles. I was driving when the oil light turned on, and within seconds the engine seized and locked up. The check engine light came on afterward. There were no prior warning signs, no check engine light, and the oil level was not dangerously low. This is the second Kia Soul I-??ve owned that experienced this exact failure pattern-?"my previous 2014 Kia Soul also seized without warning. Kia is refusing to assist or escalate, despite the fact this issue closely mirrors Recall SC209 related to the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. I believe this is a serious safety issue and mechanical defect that deserves further investigation and may justify expanding existing recalls. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Caddo Mills , TX, USA

problem #163

Jun 112025

Soul

  • miles
First issue started in February when check engine light came on for camshaft position sensor A circuit. Took to Shawnee Mission Kia and was told that I just needed an oil change. Not even a mile away and the check engine light came back on. Took to where I purchased the vehicle from and they fixed the sensor. 4 months later, almost the exact same thing is happening. Check engine light came on for ignition coils, replaced. Check engine light off for 2 days. Check engine light pops back on, checked oil and there's like none so I added 2 quarts and had the code read. Comes back on for camshaft again. Took to dealer, Bob Sight Kia this time, have been told I need a whole new engine. My third party warranty is covering it, but not the rental. This issue is also pretty much what everyone else is going through with the recall... I just hit over my 5y/60k warranty... I think the recall needs to be broadened and isn't fully covering the issue.

- Independence, MO, USA

problem #162

Jun 132025

Soul

  • 94,815 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the contact pulled over. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was no engine oil in the vehicle. The contact added engine oil, and upon starting the vehicle there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact scanned the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P1327 (Knock Sensor Issue). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (ENGINE) as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,815,

- Bonne Terre, MO, USA

problem #161

Jun 012025

Soul

  • miles
I am submitting this formal complaint regarding Kia-??s failure to honor engine-related recall repairs on my 2020 Kia Soul. Despite these recalls being publicly issued by Kia and clearly applicable to my vehicle, I have encountered significant obstacles in obtaining the necessary repairs. I have made multiple attempts to have the recall issues addressed. However, the required repairs have not been approved or completed. The extended warranty provider has also refused coverage, citing the recall as the manufacturer-??s responsibility. This situation is unacceptable given the known safety risks associated with the affected engine components. The following safety recalls and campaigns have been identified for this vehicle: 1.NHTSA# 21V259 (SC209) Kia Motors America 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. 2.NHTSA# 21V259 (SC209A) This is to advise that the piston-ring noise sensing software is now available for this safety recall campaign, even if you have already been to the dealer to have the recall repair performed. Kia America, Inc. has determined that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain 2020-?"2021 MY Kia Soul vehicles. The defect can cause an engine stall which increases the risk of a crash, and in certain cases, may cause engine oil to leak onto a hot exhaust, thereby increasing the risk of a fire and injury. 3.Campaign# CS2306 (Dated 04/18/2023) Anti-Theft Software & Decal: SK3 Given the severity of these safety-related issues and the legal obligations manufacturers hold under federal recall enforcement, I respectfully request that Kia schedule and perform the necessary recall repairs at no cost and without delay. Please provide a resolution or confirmation within ten (10) business days from the date of this submission. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

- Columbia, SC, USA

problem #160

Jun 222025

Soul

  • miles
Complaint Regarding Mechanical Failure and $315 Service Charge on Recent Vehicle Purchase I-??m writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the recent service experience involving my vehicle purchased on April 12, 2025. A few weeks after purchase, I returned to the dealership with concerns over a check engine light. I was reassured by your service department that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. However, the car recently died while I was driving on the highway, putting me in an unsafe situation and requiring a tow. Now I am being told that spark plugs need to be replaced before further diagnosis can occur, and that I am responsible for a $315 charge. The technician noted that cylinder 2-??s spark plug was loose and melted-?"an issue that clearly could have caused the breakdown. This is not typical wear and tear. It-??s something that either pre-existed at the time of purchase or should have been caught during the initial inspection when I brought the car in with concerns. I haven-??t even made my second car payment, and I-??m already dealing with a major mechanical failure. I feel I was sold a vehicle that was not properly inspected and that now I-??m being asked to cover the cost of repairs that should fall under the responsibility as the seller. I respectfully request that the $315 service fee be waived and that the vehicle be fully inspected and repaired at no cost to me. I purchased this vehicle in good faith, and I expect the dealership to stand by its product.

- Norman , OK, USA

problem #159

Jun 162025

Soul

  • miles
I have a certified pre owned 2020 Kia SOUL. It has roughly 29,000 miles on it. I have had 2 instances where the check engine light starts blinking with no warning and i have had to have the car towed. I have documentation that I keep up with oil changes. Each time it was towed, there was no oil. I have no quantitative evidence to predict when the light will come on. The oil is burning off somewhere and was told to bring it to dealership. The code that the diagnostic showed was P1327. The oil was replaced and the light reset and I made an appt at KIA North Dealership for a diagnostic inspection. Unfortunately since the light was off and the oil was full, I was told they couldnt help me with the issue and I need to drive carefully for the light to come back on. I said that seems unsafe but they claim its the only way to diagnose the issue, which also costs 175$. I have been driving my car minimally as I am petrified I am going to break down and be in a dangerous area or on the highway. This seems like complete disregard for their customer and the publics welfare. I called KIA again after months of driving minimally to ask if there was any alternative as I feel like this should not be occurring with a car that is certified and "backed" bye KIA. The 5yr 60k warranty ends tomorrow 6/20/2025. The extended warranty is supposed to be until 3/21/2030 or 100k. I am not happy with the lack of empathy or their poor advisement. Also, I asked if I would be provided with a loaner car or reimbursed if the car will need work for an extended period. I was told their dealership has minimal loaners and if they don't have one, they dont have one. I asked if I would be reimbursed for the rental or rideshare apps I would need to use to get to work etc and was told there is no guarantee. I am disgusted with this whole situation. This whole policy seems dangerous and also reckless. The car was paid off, so now I am basically stuck with a car that I cant drive far.

- Salem, MA, USA

problem #158

May 302025

Soul

  • miles
While driving, the engine started to knock shortly before stalling. The car was restarted and then stalled again while to safely get it into a driveway. The check engine light did not come on until after the first stall (code P0014). As mentioned, these stalls occurred while driving at speed and on busy roads. The car was towed to a Kia dealership and found to have bad crankshaft bearings, requiring full engine replacement. Kia refuses to include this under a previous recall that admits engine damage could have resulted.

- Fredericktown, OH, USA

problem #157

May 182025

Soul

  • miles
Someone broke my window, and entered my car. Then proceeded to tear apart the entire area of the car that it below the steering wheel including the ignition. The car was not able to be turned off. This left the car unable to be used and unfortunately needed to be towed away. This is the second time this has happened and it is causing a serious safety hazard to my family, my home and my neighborhood. I unfortunately cannot get rid of the car because I am not the title owner and cannot afford to trade it in. I am looking for some assistance and to learn what other options I may have

- Cheltenham, PA, USA

problem #156

Feb 282025

Soul

  • miles
Car stalls constantly. Tires plus inspected and did diagnostic early March. Kia dealership inspected and did diagnostic recently

- Colbert, GA, USA

problem #155

Apr 242025

Soul

  • miles
Rod bearing pop while driving on highway. Car stalls out. Only warning was oil light and battery light appearing. Rough idle and sluggish...sounds like it's going to blow.

- Danville, VA, USA

problem #154

Apr 132021

Soul

  • 0 miles
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.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #153

Apr 102025

Soul

  • miles
Hi, my name is [XXX]. I was driving my car two Thursdays ago. When all of a sudden my engine light came on. I stopped to see an auto place. If it was a problem hHi, my name is [XXX]. I was driving my car two Thursdays ago. When all of a sudden my engine light came on. I stopped to see at an auto place. If it was a problem he told me I could drive it as long as it wasn-??t blinking if it started to blank, bring it immediately to a garage which I did had it towed people were telling me it was my camshaft, blah blah blah they found no oil leak no burning oil then I took it to a Kia dealer which I have paperwork. They worked on the car. They said my battery was at 15% which I didn-??t even get a light to say my battery was low nor did it tell me that there was a engine problem or there was no oil in my car until that one moment it happens so fast it ended up costing me a lot of money, IKEA and I want to know why this happened why my oil lights didn-??t come on or anything and if these cars have problems at 130,000 miles when the dealer sells you this car he should warn you or if they found out later then they should have to send you a letter stating to have a checked, but I-??ve gotten nothing. I just wanna know what I can do about this to make sure that my car is not gonna do it again or who do I contact to talk to about this problem? Thank you [XXX] [XXX] Or you can call me [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Florence, MA, USA

problem #152

Apr 112025

Soul

  • miles
My car randomly started stalling and turned off while I was in the middle of a busy intersection with both my children in the car. I had to turn on my hazards and turn off my car and turn it back on and press on the gas pedal. The car did that four times in less than 30 minutes. I am not the original owner of the vehicle, but the previous owner did have the cars camshaft repaired when I took it to the mechanic on 4/21 that was when I found out about the previous owner having the same issue as I am. I called Kia of America regarding the recall on 2020 Kia souls. They ignored my request and told me there was nothing they can do as my warranty was expired. I then proceeded to call carmax where I bought the car and was never informed that there was mechanical issues and that the car was safe. I did the research and saw there is a recall on 2020 Kia soul for improperly heat treated piston oil rings and that a damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash and that oil may leak into hot exhaust causing a fire.

- Naples, FL, USA

problem #151

Feb 232025

Soul

  • 69,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's daughter noticed an abnormally loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was smoke coming the exhaust and the vehicle was erratically shaking. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's uncle checked the oil pressure, and the engine low was extremely low. The contact arrived on the scene and added oil to the engine. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The contact researched and identified an unrepaired recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine), which the contact stated was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a fuel system failure. The dealer confirmed there were metal shavings in the oil pan. The contact was informed of a fuel system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the dealer did not address the unrepaired recall repair or the failure due to the unrepaired recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact stated that the manufacturer confirmed the unrepaired recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the discrepancy regarding the unrepaired recall repair, which the contact stated had been removed from the NHTSA database. The contact stated he had not received any updates from the manufacturer since the report was made a week prior. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

- Deland, FL, USA

problem #150

Apr 032025

Soul

  • miles
2020 Kia Soul with 55,000 miles on it had the check engine light come on. The car was promptly taken to the dealership where was determined that the combustion chamber had filled with oil which had soaked the spark plugs, causing the pistons to misfire and completely ruin the engine. The car had always been maintained with all maintenance performed at a dealership with receipts for proof but since the car was a second owner and outside the warranty by 7 months, Kia wouldn-??t replace engine despite 187k other Kia souls being recalled for similar issues because this vehicle wasn-??t included in the recall. There is no reason for a car with only 55k Myles that had been properly maintained according to the owners manual to have an engine seals fail and flood it with oil and total the engine

- Goddard, KS, USA

problem #149

Apr 212025

Soul

  • miles
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA

problem #148

Jan 162025

Soul

  • 69,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. The contact stated that there were no visible leaks. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 2,500 RPM. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that a software update was needed. The contact was provided the cost for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

- Deland, FL, USA

problem #147

Apr 012025

Soul

  • miles
2/7/25 went to Dublin CA KIA dealership requested engine diagnostic for engine light and burning oil @76,621 mileage they found code for catalyst efficiency PO42000, upper O2 sensor has failed, verified Cat Comb had no damage and wasn't clogged. inspected cylinder walls and found scoring on cylinder 1due to failed piston, recommended oil combustion test to return in 1000 miles to verify how much oil being burned topped off engine oil. 2/15/25 picked up KIA @76,622 mile drove home @76,637 2/27/25 @77,271 dipstick @ 3 dots -no oil added (634 miles driven) 3/8/25 @77,532 dipstick @ no dots -no oil added( 261 miles driven) drove local 3/10/25 drove to dealership @77,597 I've asked for written estimate ( they say its covered parts/labor free)) to have it writing- they are waiting for parts to replace. I'm a super commuter to San Francisco and will always check my engine oil b/c I could be serious injured or die

- Livermore , CA, USA

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