10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
15,367 miles

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problem #175

Sep 082025

Soul

  • miles
According to Ray Skillman Southside Kia, located in Greenwood, Indiana on [XXX], the -??exhaust engine lock pin-?? broke inside the engine causing metal to shear inside the engine causing engine failure and needing engine replacement. Prior to this diagnosis the car was stalling during running in the middle of traffic potentially causing an accident or collision with other vehicles. This is a known defect in the manufacturers engines, yet there is no recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Whiteland, IN, USA

problem #174

Jul 072025

Soul

  • 12,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 35 MPH and going up a slight hill, the vehicle stalled. The contact's son said multiple unknown warnings illuminated. The son depressed the brake pedal and felt that it was very hard to depress. The son was able to restart the vehicle and continued on to his destination. The contact stated that the engine stalling failure had occurred once, however the failure of the brakes had occurred several times. The contact's son stated that when he was slowing the vehicle, as he was in reverse (R) backing out of a parking spot, he was unable to stop the vehicle using the brake pedal and had to use the emergency brake to stop. The son stated that another brake failure occurred as he was slowing for traffic. The son stated that he depressed the brake pedal and it was stiff and the vehicle was not stopping. The front end of his vehicle crashed into the rear end of the vehicle in front. The son said that when the brake failure occurred the check engine, oil check and the battery warning illuminated. The son stated that he used the emergency brake to stop. The police were called and wrote a report, both of the vehicles were drivable and there were no injuries. The son stated that there were minor dents and scratches on the front bumper and grill of his vehicle and dents and scratches on the rear bumper and trunk of the other vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was determined that there was no mechanical issue with the brakes or the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000. The contact stated that in 2021 the vehicle had an engine failure and the engine had been replaced.

- Decatur, GA, USA

problem #173

Aug 262025

Soul

  • 92,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where an inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the inspection. The mechanic stated that no repairs were needed, and the recall was removed from the VIN. The contact then stated that while driving 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an inspection, and the contact was provided a diagnostic test fee. The contact declined the diagnostic test and took the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic determined that there was a defect with the piston oil rings. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #172

Jun 112025

Soul

  • miles
Check engine light code P1327 According to what I have read on the internet, it says that this code is usually associated with improperly heated rings. This causes excessive oil use and oil leaking and possible fires if the oil leaks on the exhaust. It can also causes shaking or knocking which leads to the engine knock sensor sending a code to the computer.

- Fountain, FL, USA

problem #171

Jun 302025

Soul

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the hood. The contact turned off and attempted to restart the vehicle after arriving at work; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that prior to the failure, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check oil and engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the failure, an oil and filter change was performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and the failure was deemed recall-related; however, due to a lack of oil records, the vehicle was deemed unrepairable by the dealer and manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

- Saint Paul, MN, USA

problem #170

Aug 132025

Soul

  • miles
My engine stalled out as I was heading up a hill after taking a right turn. There were cars coming up behind me and could have had a rear end collision. A day or two before, the check engine light came on but it was not flashing. I was going to have it looked at ASAP. I had it towed to my mechanic who found that there was zero oil in oil tank. They did some research and found a technical service bulletin for excessive oil consumption for Kia Souls through 2021. (I have kept up with all maintenance) They recommend I have it towed to a Kia dealer. I spoke with corporate and they refuse to cover engine repairs which would cost approximately $4,000, even though there is a TSB on this make and model. This is outrageous as my car only has 49,000 miles on it.

- Fitchburg, MA, USA

problem #169

Aug 132025

Soul

  • miles
Was driving home from work and the car started smoking and making nose. Full power loss but was able to safely pull over to side of the ride. Had vehicle towed to mechanic and a piston had blown a hole through the engine. Mechanic estimated the cost of repair $7000 or more to replace the engine.

- Doylestown, OH, USA

problem #168

Jul 072023

Soul

  • miles
So the actual oil piston ring problem started with the 2020 Kia soul, I had a recall and I took it to the Kia dealership, over 3 hours away and they performed their noise test and checked it over, I complained about burning quite a bit of oil and they said they would have to do a oil consumption test, so I agreed and they changed my oil and guess who had to pay for that, yes me, so I drive back home 3 hours and I decided to check my oil in the morning, they purposely over filled the oil, was half an inch over the fill level, but needless to say nothing was done about anything just like the 2021-2023 models, now I'm seeing a bunch of transmissions dieing out with the same model and yes my transmission died out a few weeks ago and nothing is being done about it, we're does it end with these car companies, extremely disappointed in the care and service I received from Kia, hopefully the transmission issue can get taken care of soon and hope that future models don't have to go through the same thing

- Woodland, ME, USA

problem #167

Apr 012024

Soul

  • miles
Piston oil ring failure resulting in needing a complete new engine. Known recall issues on other years same model/engine(2.0L). Car would lose oil pressure and stall while driving at any speed.

- Manitou Beach, MI, USA

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

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