2020 Kia Soul engine problems
227 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2020 Kia Soul — 62% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Aug 3, 2026
“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…”
filed Jul 16, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine…Campaign 21V259000 · Apr 13, 2021
Engine problems in other Soul years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Soul | 4 | 14% |
| 2023 Soul | 12 | 25% |
| 2022 Soul | 51 | 58% |
| 2021 Soul | 127 | 57% |
| 2019 Soul | 86 | 64% |
| 2018 Soul | 134 | 63% |
| 2017 Soul | 190 | 70% |
| 2016 Soul | 548 | 69% |
| 2015 Soul | 627 | 70% |
| 2014 Soul | 547 | 61% |
| 2013 Soul | 282 | 43% |
| 2012 Soul | 209 | 41% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Kia Soul
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.