2020 KIA SOUL Complaints

Since the first year of ownership, I have noticed that the vehicle burns oil excessively. I reported this issue to the Kia dealership, but I was told that “it is normal to add a quart of oil every other week.” Despite this statement, I believe this is not normal and points to a defective engine design consistent with the piston ring problems known in similar models and engines. In the summer of 2025, the vehicle began having hard-start issues when the engine is hot. Over time, I replaced several components at my own expense through an independent repair shop, including the alternator, starter, PCV valve, MAP sensor, and camshaft sensor. None of these repairs resolved the problem. When I returned to the dealership, they performed a borescope inspection and found scoring and damage on three cylinder walls inside the engine block. Thats whats causing the engine to seize when the engine is hot and make it hard to start and misfire when accelarate.

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.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with rod bearings failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding the handling of my vehicle recall and repair process at Kia Killian Road in Columbia, South Carolina. Vehicle Information: - Year/Make/Model: 2020 Kia Soul - VIN: [XXX] - Registered Owner: [XXX] Timeline of Events: - My vehicle was brought to Kia Killian Road for recall repairs related to recalls 21V259, 21V259A, and CS2306 concerning the engine and starter. - The starter was replaced as part of the recall work. Despite this, the vehicle remained at the dealership for over a month and a half without resolution. - I was then informed I would need to pay approximately $1,200 to replace the ignition, even though there had been no issue with the ignition prior to the recall service. - The ignition was replaced at my cost, but I have since been informed that my vehicle is still not repaired due to an alleged electrical issue. - At the time of this complaint, my vehicle has been at the dealership for more than 2.5 months, and I have been given inconsistent explanations and no resolution. Concerns: - The dealership appears to be tying unrelated repairs to the recall, causing unnecessary costs and delays. - I have been without the use of my vehicle for an extended and unreasonable period of time. - I have not been provided a loaner vehicle or alternative transportation despite the lengthy delay. Requested Resolution: - Immediate completion of the recall repair work at no additional cost to me. - Reimbursement of the $1,200 ignition replacement charge, as the issue arose only after recall work began. - Provision of a loaner vehicle or compensation for transportation expenses incurred during the 2.5 months my vehicle has been out of service. - Written clarification from Kia corporate as to why this delay has occurred and how Kia will ensure resolution. This matter has caused significant hardship, and I am seeking urgent assistance from Kia Consumer Affairs, NHTSA, and INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

Car was purchased used in November 2024. Driven minimally through 2025. July of 2025 engine began stalling at low idle or when pulling into a stop and repeatedly stalling out. Took car to mechanic and replaced crankshaft position sensor, spark plugs, and fuel pump - cost $1,218. Stalling still occurred. Took it to Kia Dealership and they stated, “Cylinder 1 scoring damage, and needed new engine”. This was/is a known problem with various Kia models: “Engine stalling symptom from defect manufacturing of oil rings in cylinder that causes scoring and engine damage.” We bought this car for $12,000 in good faith and it didn’t even last a year!!

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)

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.

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.

Kia initially refused to honor engine-related safety recalls on my vehicle (including Recall No. 21V259). Only after I filed a complaint with higher authorities did Kia agree to replace my engine. After completing this recall repair, Kia suddenly claimed my vehicle’s ignition “needs replacement” and is attempting to charge me $1,200. This is deeply concerning because: •Kia ran multiple diagnostic tests before the recall repair and never reported any ignition issues. •There was no ignition damage when Kia received my vehicle. •I believe this claim is either false or the result of tampering, and may be retaliation for my prior complaint. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of this matter and ensure consumers are protected from false charges and retaliation when exercising their right to safe recall repairs. Thank you for your attention. Please let me know if you need additional documentation.

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.