4.7

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,360 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2020 Kia Soul fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2020 Kia Soul Owner Comments

problem #7

May 162024

Soul

  • 117,517 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Appropriately April 2024, The engine service light came on at about 115,000 miles, followed by the 2020 Kia Soul X-line engine stopped running. I tried turning off the key and attempting to restart the car however it would start but for only a few seconds. After 5 or 6 tries to restart the car, I finally turned off the car, waited about 3 minutes and then restarted the car in as it continued to run. The check engine light remained on but I noticed that there was a drop in power when I tried to accelerate. Since then I have notice the engine check light go on and off several times. I recently brought my car in to have an oil change only to find out that there was no oil on the dipstick. I signed a form stating this and got the oil change completed. I have had the Software Program installed about 3 months after I heard of the recall, however the Local Kia Dealer will not do the diagnostic unless I pay a diagnostic fee because I have a check engine light on... I am calling KIA at the corporate number tomorrow to ascertain " IF " I will still have to pay for the Recall issues...

- Iowa, LA, USA

problem #6

Aug 022020

Soul

  • miles
I bought my car brand new off the lot 0 miles on it. Recieved a letter in mail Dec. 7th 2021 bout the pistons not being treated properly. And the software being available. I've been putting anywhere from 1 quart to 1.5 quart of oil in weekly. There's no leaks no smoke not sure where oil is going. It stalls when stopped or idling. When in park will stall. After I get gas it won't start I have to put gas pedal all the way to floor and hope it's turns over and when it finally does I have to keep it idle over 2rpms or it sputters til it stalls. I feel these are continued safety issues. Besides my oil issue gas mileage is awful.

- Ethridge, TN, USA

problem #5

Mar 262023

Soul

  • miles
While driving on the highway at 60 mph, the vehicle Started To feel like it was trying to go forward (thrusting) on its own. It then accelerated on its own to over 80 mph. I slammed on the brakes and pulled over and put it in park.the engine was revving in park. After Kia roads on assistance couldn't send a tow truck, I thought I would be okay driving on the emergency lane The 2 miles home from the highway. As I put the car in drive, the engine was revving at 6 On the gauge but the vehicle Wouldn't go over 20 miles an hour. It is at the dealership today. There were no warnings or lights or sounds.It all started with the slight thrusting of the entire car. I could have easily slammed into the back of another vehicle if it had been in front of me.

- Chesterfield, VA, USA

problem #4

Jan 312023

Soul

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the engine started to sputter and shake violently. I couldn't get it to accelerate. I pulled the vehicle to safety and shut it off. I looked under the hood and saw or smelled nothing unusual. I restarted the vehicle and it ran okay. I went immediately to a Kia dealership. I was told that if it was running okay to make an appointment for the next day. I did. The battery was changed out and I was told it was fine. It is not. The same thing happened again, several times. I am being told that if they can't duplicate the problem, they can't fix it. This problem is very unsafe given the entire vehicle slows to an almost stop, even on the highway, at times. I have researched this and it is a common problem with this engine. Many have caught on fire. Kia sent out to the dealerships a Technical Service Bulletin, Number 203, on March, 2019, for Model 2020My Soul(SK3) 1.5T, addressing this problem, yet the local Kia dealer does nothing about it. I was told the recall on this vehicle for the Improperly heat-treated piston oil rings was taken care of but I have to wonder.

- W. Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #3

Jan 032022

Soul

  • miles
For many months car has been randomly stalling. It has never been able to be duplicated at dealership, therefore it hasn't been addressed. In recent weeks the stalling is more often and is now accompanied by a check engine light.

- Slidell, LA, USA

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problem #2

Apr 012021

Soul

  • 34,000 miles
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!

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #1

Jul 102019

Soul

  • 5,000 miles
I bought the car in May 2020. I first reported the problem in July. It has something to do with the idle stop and go feature, as it only happens when this it is being used. When I come to stops at red lights and stop signs. Everything shuts down. When I release my feet off the breaks the car makes a dull quake like noise. I have had the car in the shop at the dealership for 7 days already. They changed the break booster thinking it was the problem, but it was not. I have been trying to schedule someone at the dealership to ride with me for a few minutes to listen to the noise. About a week and half ago I got an reply to an email telling me to hold off on that, because another car has come into the dealership with the same problem. I was told they will contact me when they figure out what it is. This problem had been going on working on 5 months now.

- North Richland Hills, TX, USA

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