Owners have filed 509 complaints
about the 2020 KIA Soul with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 16 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 54
Against the median year of the KIA Soul. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 29
5.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
76% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
942.9%
Warnings
419.0%
Automatic Transmission
314.3%
Key/Sender
14.8%
Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor
14.8%
Sensors
14.8%
Throttle
14.8%
Adaptive Cruise Control
14.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
219.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
7132.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
5625.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2410.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
125.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
177.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
167.2%
150,000+ miles
41.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2020 Kia Soul SUV FWD
14.7% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2019peak 22Sep 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2020 KIA Soul
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22003Opened 12 Sep 2022Closed 12 Dec 2023ENGINE
Loss of Motive Power
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 complain...
Recalls on the 2020 KIA Soul
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V259000
ENGINE
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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024549647,384 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: These small errors do not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. Kia has corrected the compliance label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202122519,634 units in Canada
Engine
Issue: On certain vehicles, the engine's piston oil rings may be defective. This can cause engine wear that can lead to increased oil consumption. Eventually, this can create abnormal engine noise and the oil pressure warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail. Note: This only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu MPI engine. Safety Risk: A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the engine. The engine will be replaced, if necessary. The dealer will also install a Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software update, to alert the driver of potential damage before an engine failure occurs.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 32,500 milesWest Terre Haute, INCrash1 injured
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at a very low speed, the vehicle's speed increased independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was being parked. The contact noticed an unusual sound, and the engine revved up. The contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle went across the street into the neighbor's yard. The vehicle crashed into the neighbor's rose bush and up onto the patio. The contact stated that the neighbor, who was seated on the patio, had been knocked out of the chair. In addition, the vehicle crashed into a wooden post. The neighbor was transported to the hospital by ambulance. A police report was filed; however, the information was unavailable. The neighbor's injuries were unknown. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,500.
NHTSA complaint #11691596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesDecatur, GACrash
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11684758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesDecatur, GACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11684758 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Martinville, LACrash
ENGINE
When taken for oil changes, no oil is left on stick and motor will lock and cut off. I have to restart the car to get it to turn on.
NHTSA complaint #11627148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Martinville, LACrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
When taken for oil changes, no oil is left on stick and motor will lock and cut off. I have to restart the car to get it to turn on.
NHTSA complaint #11627148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,502 milesElkins, ARFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was driving to work. 12 miles my oil leaked. A state trooper turned around when seeing flames and called the fire department and tow truck. I lost control of the car, nothing was working. I was only ever given one recall notice which I fixed 2 months after buying the car. The car also has issues with security. Only certain insurance companies will cover the car and their prices are higher. We took car to dealership . three months later I contact attorney general. The GM this started attacking us, denying anything happened etc. He should be fired for how he treats people. Reviews of their business show others have had issues. Kia corporate has always told us they r waiting on images yet this GM contacted them, told us to leave, and screamed he would charge us for every day it was on lot. So we had it towed the next day. Insured company will be doing their own I xpection. This isn't about money, its about safety and these cars have slot of issues. It is wrong to blame the consumer for a faulty product. We had to get new car and now upside down in this one. We bought thus Kia be,cause the previous one the engine seized. We expressed our concerns, but got put in another car with issues. Kia corporate has been non talking to us the entire three months, so the only findings can be based on what GM said. They washed the motor. It sat so long the battery died. Someone went through papers in the glove box then left them out. We had medicine in the loaner, which they say is a lie. My daughter drives the car and recently was laid off. So now she can't have her medication..... Although she left it in the car they had no right to do that. There was plenty of other issues along the way.
NHTSA complaint #11606634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
High Point, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
This car was purchased in December of 2025 with 26K miles on it. There are stall issues when using the auto start stop feature. I had to power down the car and restart it up to get the car to move. It also will throw the check engine light code and then after you drive it, it goes away which makes it difficult to take to a service shop for diagnosis. Recently the car is now at 28K (9 mo later) and it has an intermittent stutter when driving; I can only describe it as a push/pull motion and its random, during this time the check engine light came on again. On my way to take it to a service station for diagnosis, it went away. Not sure if this has been reported by other 2020 Kia Soul owners.
NHTSA complaint #11763658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
High Point, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This car was purchased in December of 2025 with 26K miles on it. There are stall issues when using the auto start stop feature. I had to power down the car and restart it up to get the car to move. It also will throw the check engine light code and then after you drive it, it goes away which makes it difficult to take to a service shop for diagnosis. Recently the car is now at 28K (9 mo later) and it has an intermittent stutter when driving; I can only describe it as a push/pull motion and its random, during this time the check engine light came on again. On my way to take it to a service station for diagnosis, it went away. Not sure if this has been reported by other 2020 Kia Soul owners.
NHTSA complaint #11763658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
ENGINE
I own a 2020 Kia Soul with approximately 39,000 miles. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer in connection with an engine safety recall (sc209). During the recall process, the engine failed Kia’s required testing, and I was advised that engine replacement was being submitted for approval. Kia subsequently requested my historical oil-change records and advised the dealer that the PWA case would be closed and denied if additional maintenance records were not provided within five business days. I no longer have complete receipts for oil changes that were performed over the approximately six years I have owned the vehicle. My concern is that the vehicle failed testing performed as part of an acknowledged safety recall, yet the recall remedy may be denied solely because I cannot produce a complete historical set of oil-change receipts. The vehicle has fewer than 40,000 miles. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether conditioning the recall-related engine replacement on complete maintenance documentation is consistent with the required remedy for this safety recall.
NHTSA complaint #11763532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
High Point, NC
ENGINE
This car was purchased in December of 2025 with 26K miles on it. There are stall issues when using the auto start stop feature. I had to power down the car and restart it up to get the car to move. It also will throw the check engine light code and then after you drive it, it goes away which makes it difficult to take to a service shop for diagnosis. Recently the car is now at 28K (9 mo later) and it has an intermittent stutter when driving; I can only describe it as a push/pull motion and its random, during this time the check engine light came on again. On my way to take it to a service station for diagnosis, it went away. Not sure if this has been reported by other 2020 Kia Soul owners.
NHTSA complaint #11763658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winterville, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Last year the left rear driver side door the paint started to peel off. It is now 12 inch area. I brought this up to Bulldawg, Athens, Ga. KIA where the care was purchased and got a so sorry, nothing we can do. No accident, no harsh weather.
NHTSA complaint #11762844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wappingers Falls, NY
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle has experienced intermittent stalling and near-stalling while driving. The problem began after a prior Kia engine replacement related to DTC P1327/P132700. After the engine replacement, the vehicle developed additional drivability and warning-light concerns, including P0420 and communication/CAN faults. An authorized Kia dealer later documented that the vehicle had stalled a few times, identified P0420, reported a clogged catalytic converter, and found 11 additional lost-communication/CAN-related codes. The dealer stated that approximately eight additional diagnostic labor hours would be required to investigate the remaining faults. The vehicle was returned with the intermittent stalling condition unresolved. The stalling presents a safety risk because the vehicle can lose motive power unexpectedly while being driven. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The dealer confirmed the stalling complaint and performed diagnostic testing, but the complete cause has not been determined. Kia previously performed an engine replacement related to the earlier P1327 condition, and the current stalling occurred afterward.
NHTSA complaint #11762208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wappingers Falls, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle has experienced intermittent stalling and near-stalling while driving. The problem began after a prior Kia engine replacement related to DTC P1327/P132700. After the engine replacement, the vehicle developed additional drivability and warning-light concerns, including P0420 and communication/CAN faults. An authorized Kia dealer later documented that the vehicle had stalled a few times, identified P0420, reported a clogged catalytic converter, and found 11 additional lost-communication/CAN-related codes. The dealer stated that approximately eight additional diagnostic labor hours would be required to investigate the remaining faults. The vehicle was returned with the intermittent stalling condition unresolved. The stalling presents a safety risk because the vehicle can lose motive power unexpectedly while being driven. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The dealer confirmed the stalling complaint and performed diagnostic testing, but the complete cause has not been determined. Kia previously performed an engine replacement related to the earlier P1327 condition, and the current stalling occurred afterward.
NHTSA complaint #11762208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wappingers Falls, NY
ENGINE
The vehicle has experienced intermittent stalling and near-stalling while driving. The problem began after a prior Kia engine replacement related to DTC P1327/P132700. After the engine replacement, the vehicle developed additional drivability and warning-light concerns, including P0420 and communication/CAN faults. An authorized Kia dealer later documented that the vehicle had stalled a few times, identified P0420, reported a clogged catalytic converter, and found 11 additional lost-communication/CAN-related codes. The dealer stated that approximately eight additional diagnostic labor hours would be required to investigate the remaining faults. The vehicle was returned with the intermittent stalling condition unresolved. The stalling presents a safety risk because the vehicle can lose motive power unexpectedly while being driven. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The dealer confirmed the stalling complaint and performed diagnostic testing, but the complete cause has not been determined. Kia previously performed an engine replacement related to the earlier P1327 condition, and the current stalling occurred afterward.
NHTSA complaint #11762208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLake City, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs and coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the taillights were inoperative, there was oil leaking from the bottom of the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle returned to normal operation. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and the dealer stated that there was an oil consumption issue with the vehicle; however, cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11761988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hendersonville, NC
ENGINE
Back in 2021 there was a safety recall for the engine burning oil and having a high risk of catching fire. I leased this car from the Kia dealership in Asheville, NC and was guaranteed that the issue was not with this car. Here I am a year later and I have to basically put oil into the car at least every two weeks because the engine is burning the oil so fast and the car is basically running terribly. I have made multiple complaints to a bunch of mechanics including the dealership where they are trying to over charge me for a full engine replace because my vin doesn’t follow with the recall notice.
NHTSA complaint #11759676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mobile, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious paint defect on my Kia in which the exterior paint is peeling off in large sheets. I purchased the vehicle used from Dean McCurry Kia, and the dealership was aware of the paint issue before selling the vehicle to me but failed to properly repair or disclose the condition before the sale. The paint has continued to deteriorate and is now peeling extensively, leaving exposed areas of the vehicle. I have contacted both Dean McCurry Kia and Kia regarding the problem, but both have refused to take responsibility or provide a reasonable solution. I believe this is a pre-existing manufacturing or paint defect that was known to the dealership before the vehicle was resold to me, and I am concerned that Kia and the dealership are refusing to address a potentially widespread safety and quality issue. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this complaint and determine whether this paint defect affects other Kia vehicles and warrants further action.
NHTSA complaint #11758500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redondo Beach, CA
ENGINE
Making a left turn car stalled in middle of turn lane.
NHTSA complaint #11757351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hernando, MS
ENGINE
Engine piston recall defect. Car has been at the dealership 12 days today and has been diagnosed and has been submitted to a Kia corporate case for repair free of charge. Car had no warning lights on and basically blew up on me driving home from my overnight work shift Thursday into Friday, July 31 morning. Every day they tell me they will give me a loaner and every day they lie. I have called until I’m blue in the face and no action has happened. I’m making a report because I’m about to lose my home and the car in the shop being repaired both because I’m stranded at my house as a single woman with a child with no alternate transportation. It is at the Kia dealership in Southhaven Mississippi 745 East Goodman Rd. I maintained this vehicle and paid every single note on time and did nothing wrong. I’m gonna lose everything because of this recall repair needed that I never knew anything about. It wasn’t on my auto report in 2024 when I bought the car somehow or I probably wouldn’t have bought it with any engine issues but I was unaware. The car literally never had any lights on or issues until the morning when it blew up. During this time I thought I was supposed to get alternate transportation and that hasn’t happened. Because I invested in Kia I’m the only one suffering right now about to lose my home and job because they have my car and won’t give me alternate transportation. A free repair is no good if you’re going to lose everything you work hard to maintain while it’s being repaired. I will never buy Kia again and I will never tell anyone else to buy. Absolute horrible experience so far. I’ve already paid out-of-pocket for a tow which can’t be reimbursed until 6 to 8 weeks after the repair is complete from what I read. If I end up homeless over this 6 year old car I thought would last me, I’m not gonna want the car anymore.
NHTSA complaint #11756769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,375 milesPeckville, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and two hubcaps were damaged, and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated that when the vehicle arrived at the residence, there was no oil inside the engine. The contact added oil to the engine, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that an oil change was performed at approximately 54,000. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,375.
NHTSA complaint #11756018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesSan Marcos, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was erratically shaking, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with piston rings failure. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the engine, catalytic converter, the two Oxygen sensors, radiator hoses, heater coil hoses, motor mounts, and the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the engine was replaced in 2022 under an unknown recall. In addition, the contact was informed that the mileage on the vehicle was 108,000, at the time that the recall repair was completed. The contact was informed that the warranty only covered the replacement of the engine. The contact stated that the failure was a consequential failure associated with the engine failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesSan Marcos, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was erratically shaking, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with piston rings failure. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the engine, catalytic converter, the two Oxygen sensors, radiator hoses, heater coil hoses, motor mounts, and the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the engine was replaced in 2022 under an unknown recall. In addition, the contact was informed that the mileage on the vehicle was 108,000, at the time that the recall repair was completed. The contact was informed that the warranty only covered the replacement of the engine. The contact stated that the failure was a consequential failure associated with the engine failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #11755047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
ENGINE
The engine shut down unexpectedly while driving. The dealer confirmed it was due to internal oil consumption. There's a known history of engine failure in these vehicles due to manufacturing defect, including shutting down while driving, noise coming from the engine and even a risk of fire. The warning oil lamp never came up, there was no oil leak spots in my driveway. My safety definitely was at risk, and Kia was sued and lost for these same reason before. I towed the car to Kia City in South Orlando but they wanted to charge me $7500 for fixing the engine under the excuse that the warranty had expired. This is not true, since this vehicle was purchased as a certified pre-owned vehicle with only 3000 miles and still is under the ten year powertrain warranty. I towed the vehicle back home after almost a week in the dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11754589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesapeake, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I want to make a complaint about my 2020 Kia Soul. It is a great car, but the white paint will not stay on the car no matter what I do. It keeps flaking off all over the car. Just recently, it was my right passenger side door. It looks horrible. The car is under a car loan and is loosing paint as I pay off. I want to make Kia aware of this issue. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11753079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesIndian Trail, NC
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning while releasing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle restarted after each failure. The first dealer diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P04100 (Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit); however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Hendrick Kia of Concord (7550 Hendrick Auto Plaza NW, Concord, NC 28027); and the technicians informed the contact that the vehicle was not properly repaired. The vehicle was returned to the first dealer, and the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The dealer dismissed the contact’s concern that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that adding one quart of oil per 1,000 miles was within normal operation of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to Kia recall SC199. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
At 63387 miles my backup camera on my 2020 KIA Soul EX stopped working without warning. It will blink on and off occasionally but is generally just a black screen when placed in reverse. All of the other screens work fine. This is concerning to me as it is an important safety feature. It seems like KIA would repair such an item at no charge. I called my local KIA outside of Dallas about the issue and I was told the repair would cost at least $800. I’ve gotten used to using my mirrors again but it’s concerning I no longer have a backup screen.
NHTSA complaint #11751913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesIndian Trail, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning while releasing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle restarted after each failure. The first dealer diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P04100 (Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit); however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Hendrick Kia of Concord (7550 Hendrick Auto Plaza NW, Concord, NC 28027); and the technicians informed the contact that the vehicle was not properly repaired. The vehicle was returned to the first dealer, and the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The dealer dismissed the contact’s concern that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that adding one quart of oil per 1,000 miles was within normal operation of the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to Kia recall SC199. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
NHTSA complaint #11751776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ypsilanti, MI
ENGINE
Vehicle has 22000 miles and has a major/excessive oil consumption and engine failure. Exhaust camshaft (broken pin) Exhaust CVVT (broken pin) These components breaking caused the vehicle to stall and completely shut the vehicle down while driving 70 MPH on the freeway. The vehicle was inspected by a Kia certified mechanic and mentioned this is a well known concern. The only indicator that there was an issue was an engine light which gave a code representative of a faulty senor, not a major engine concern.
NHTSA complaint #11750779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GA
UNKNOWN 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 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 complaint #11750558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitesboro, TX
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 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 complaint #11750483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GA
ENGINE
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 complaint #11750558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
