VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC199 FL301) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Voluntary Service Campaign to update the software programming on the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) on certain 2020-2021 MY Soul vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Kia Soul electrical problems
critical Owners of the 2020 Kia Soul have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Soul | 50 |
| 2017 Soul | 19 |
| 2018 Soul | 15 |
| 2019 Soul | 11 |
| 2020 Soul (this page) | 21 |
| 2021 Soul | 10 |
| 2022 Soul | 7 |
| 2023 Soul | 9 |
| 2024 Soul | 8 |
1crash
8fatalities
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HORN ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY041) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY041) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the horn assembly on certain 2020-2025MY Soul (SK3) vehicles produced from November 15, 2018 through August 13, 2024, The affected vehicles may experience a distorted or an inoperative horn sound caused by to corrosion and dust inside the horn assembly. The warranty coverage for repairs related to the horn assembly have been extended from
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides instructions to perform an engine vibration inspection using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tablet on certain Kia engine/model vehicles. The piston oil ring(s) in certain Kia engines may, over time, damage the surface of the engine cylinder wall. This may lead to increased oil consumption which will eventually result in abnormal noise from the engine and/or illumination of the oil pressure warning light. The applicable vehicle may or may not have the Piston Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software installed at the time of an engine vibration inspection. The PNSS software may detect engine noise triggering a DTC P132700.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PISTON NOISE SENSING SYSTEM (PNSS) INSPECTION - This bulletin provides instructions to perform an engine vibration inspection using the Kia Diagnostic System (KDS) tablet on certain 2020 - 2023 MY Kia Soul (SK3) 2021 - 2023 MY Seltos (SP2) Kia vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI Engines. The piston oil ring(s) in certain Kia engines may, over time, damage the surface of the engine cylinder wall. This may lead to increased oil consumption which will eventually result in abnormal noise from the engine and/or illumination of the oil pressure warning light. The applicable vehicle may or may not have the Piston Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software installed at the time
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT MODEM RESET (SA611) - This bulletin outlines the procedure for resetting the modem in certain 2016-2025MY Kia vehicles listed on page 3 that are equipped with Kia Connect Services. The affected vehicles may encounter the following issues: remote Start/Climate Control function not working, vehicle Status on the Kia Access App not updating, connected routing not functioning properly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Kia Soul's electrical system and related engine electronics spawn cascading failures that dealerships struggle to diagnose and repair. All-at-once dashboard light illumination is common—owners report every warning lamp lighting up together, then cycling off, making it impossible to trust any alert. Worse, the oil pressure light frequently fails to illuminate even when the oil pan is bone dry, leading to catastrophic engine damage; one owner paid $6,069 for timing chain repair after the light never warned them. Check engine lights come on and stay on regardless of actual engine condition, yet dealerships demand diagnostic fees before investigating recall work. Engine stalling is pervasive and vicious: vehicles stall mid-drive, at stoplights, and during acceleration—sometimes within days of recall service, sometimes after a dealer-installed alternator. One owner had the engine fully replaced only to have the same stalling continue; a DC-to-DC converter was eventually implicated. Transmission issues follow: the engine won't shift gears automatically, or the stop-start system cycles itself without driver input. Brake pedal rigidity, horn failure, wiper intermittency, and keyless entry dropout add injury to insult. The vehicle theft vulnerability is severe and unresolved; Kia promised free immobilizer software in February 2023 but rollout remains glacial, dealerships claim zero knowledge of the fix, and the consumer line doesn't return calls. Multiple owners left vehicles stranded at dealerships for two-plus months while service departments blame unrelated issues and deny warranty coverage.
Same Kia Soul electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Dashboard Warning Light Malfunction
All or multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate intermittently or persistently, including check engine, oil pressure, charging, and collision warning lights. Owners report lights coming on without corresponding engine problems or diagnostic data, and sometimes lights remain on even after recall repairs or electrical panel replacement.
When: Various mileages; one owner at 115,000 miles; one at 15,614 miles; one at 21,632 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All dash lights illuminating simultaneously; Lights cycling on and off intermittently; Check engine light on and off repeatedly; Oil pressure and charging warning lights intermittently illuminated; Forward collision warning lights appearing without corresponding issue; Collision indicator lights failing to function after electrical repair
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Oil pressure warning light, Charging system warning light, Forward collision warning
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had electrical panel replaced at dealership but collision indicator lights still did not work afterward; owner reports dealership unable to duplicate some failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 21V259, 21V259A, CS2306 mentioned for engine and starter; recall 21V259000 for engine; software program installation mentioned but dealership would not perform diagnostics without paying diagnostic fee
Oil Pressure and Oil Level Indication Failure
Oil warning light fails to illuminate when oil level is critically low or depleted, leaving owners unaware of engine oil depletion. Owners discover no oil on dipstick during routine maintenance or after engine damage has already occurred. One owner had oil burn down and suffered timing chain damage because oil light did not warn them.
When: At various mileages; one owner at 130,000 miles; one at 115,000 miles; one after recall work on 8/18/22
Symptoms owners cite: No oil light indication despite completely empty oil pan; Oil burning or depleting without warning light; Discovery of no oil on dipstick during oil change; Engine damage from oil starvation (timing chain failure, piston damage)
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure warning light (fails to illuminate)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner charged $6,069 for timing chain repair after oil light failed to warn; another owner had $250-$800+ in repairs at third-party shops after dealership ignored oil concerns
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership denied warranty coverage on one timing chain repair, claiming improper vehicle maintenance despite owner providing all service records; warranty was voided after recall work per another owner
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power
Vehicle stalls or shuts off while driving, at stops, or during acceleration, with loss of engine power and inability to restart until battery is boosted or vehicle sits idle. Occurs intermittently and persists even after engine replacement, recall work, or alternator replacement. Some owners report stalling upon engaging stop-start system or blind-spot sensors.
When: One owner at ~115,000 miles; one at 26,000 miles; various mileages for others; one immediately after used car purchase; one at 21,632 miles after transmission replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling while driving or stopped at lights; Complete loss of power mid-drive; Engine dies after recall work and continues to stall; Car shaking and vibrating with loss of motive power; Engine failure to properly accelerate after repair; Vehicle turns off when stop-start or blind-spot sensors engaged; Vehicle not restarting without battery boost
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, DC-to-DC converter fault (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had engine completely replaced but stalling persisted; later DC-to-DC converter identified as faulty and needed replacement; alternator was replaced in one case but stalling continued; transmission fluid changed in another case with no resolution; third-party repairs at Goodyear ($800+, $250+) did not resolve stalling
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V259000 performed on one vehicle (engine) but failure reoccurred; recalls SC209 and others performed on 8/18/22 but stalling worsened after recall; dealership refused further work claiming warranty void; corporate Kia unable to get dealership to respond on another case
Engine Shaking, Vibration, and Power Loss
Vehicle shakes and vibrates noticeably during driving, sometimes severe enough that steering wheel shakes. Accompanied by loss of acceleration power or hesitation. Persists despite dealership diagnostics finding no problem and despite engine replacement in one case.
When: One owner within one month of used car purchase; one at 26,000 miles; mileage unknown for another
Symptoms owners cite: Severe shaking and vibrating while driving; Steering wheel shaking; Loss of power or hesitation during acceleration; Drop in power when accelerating; Car takes several minutes to move after stopping at light
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had engine replaced but vibration and acceleration issues persisted; DC-to-DC converter later identified and needed replacement; dealership unable to find problem despite test drive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine replaced under warranty in one case but failure reoccurred; recalls 21V259000 performed but issue persisted
Battery and Charging System Malfunction
Battery loses charge without warning light illumination. One owner reported battery at 15% charge with no low-battery indicator light. Another owner had alternator replaced but battery and oil warning lights still came on, then vehicle stalled.
When: At 130,000 miles (one case); after alternator replacement (another case)
Symptoms owners cite: Battery depleted without warning light; No battery low warning light despite 15% charge; Battery light coming on after alternator replaced
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light (fails to illuminate or comes on after repair)
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced in one case but battery and oil lights continued to malfunction; owner incurred significant repair costs due to lack of warning
Auto Stop-Start System Malfunction
Auto stop-start system engages and disengages intermittently at the system's own discretion rather than driver control. Manual indicates this behavior is defective. System also causes engine hesitation and restart delay. One owner reports vehicle shuts off when stop-start or blind-spot sensors are engaged.
When: At 21,632 miles (after transmission replacement); one owner at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Auto stop-start turns on when it wants to; Auto stop-start turns off when it wants to; Engine hesitates to start when auto stop-start does work; Restart delay caused by system; Vehicle shuts off when stop-start system engaged
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate problem despite owner demonstrating it within 1 mile of leaving service
Ignition and Starter Issues
Ignition failure or difficulty after recall work. One owner was charged $1,200 out-of-pocket for ignition replacement after bringing vehicle in for recalls 21V259, 21V259A, and CS2306, though no pre-existing ignition problem was reported. Another owner's car had ignition torn apart during theft and could not be turned off.
When: After recall work (one case); at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition requiring replacement after recall repairs; Engine and starter recalls performed without resolving underlying issues
Repairs/costs cited: $1,200 ignition replacement charged to owner after recall work, though issue allegedly arose only after recall service began
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 21V259, 21V259A, CS2306 performed; dealership later claimed additional electrical issue unresolved after ignition replacement
Horn and Safety Signal Intermittent Failure
Horn stops working intermittently, including both steering wheel horn button and key fob lock signal. Owner notes horn is a critical safety feature and its failure is dangerous.
When: At 15,614 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Horn intermittently stops working; Steering wheel horn depression fails; Key fob lock signal does not function when horn is out
Windshield Wiper Intermittent Failure
Front windshield wipers fail to work intermittently. Failure persists even after electrical panel replacement in one case.
When: Unspecified mileage; one case after electrical panel replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers fail to operate intermittently; Failure persists despite electrical repair
Repairs/costs cited: Electrical panel was replaced at dealership but wiper failure continued
Brake System Malfunction
Brake pedal became rigid and failed to stop vehicle during reversing. After restarting vehicle, brake pedal operated normally. Additionally, transmission display showed 'shift to park' message while vehicle was already in park, and oil pressure and charging lights flickered intermittently.
When: Mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal rigid and failed to stop vehicle; No warning light illuminated for brake failure; Shift to park message displayed while in park
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership mechanic unable to duplicate failure
Spark Plug Defect and Engine Misfire
Spark plug in cylinder 2 was found loose and melted, causing engine to stall while driving on highway. Issue was not caught during dealership inspection when owner first reported check engine light weeks earlier. Issue not considered typical wear and tear for new (used) purchase.
When: Weeks after purchase; vehicle had only 2-3 car payments remaining
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling on highway; Cylinder 2 spark plug loose and melted
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: $315 charged to owner for spark plug replacement and diagnosis; owner disputes responsibility for pre-existing defect
Remote Keyless Entry Failure
Remote control (key fob) stops working intermittently, forcing owner to manually open door and crank vehicle. Occurs in same vehicle where all dashboard lights were illuminating.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Remote control does not function intermittently; Owner forced to manually open door and crank car
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair noted; occurred alongside electrical panel issues
Transmission and Gear Shifting Issues
Vehicle fails to automatically shift gears; engine no longer shifts on its own. Transmission fluid was changed but did not resolve stalling or shifting issue. One owner had transmission replaced but stalling and vibration issues persisted.
When: After recall work (one case); at 21,632 miles after transmission replacement (one case); at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine no longer shifts gears on its own; Failure to properly accelerate; Stalling associated with transmission malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid changed by dealership; transmission replaced in another vehicle; neither resolved underlying issues
Vehicle Theft Vulnerability and Immobilizer Defect
Multiple owners report vehicle stolen or exposed to theft due to lack of immobilizer or defective theft deterrent system. Criminals have targeted 2020 Kia Souls widely enough to trigger local lawsuits and news coverage (TikTok Kia theft challenge). Kia announced free software fix in February 2023 but rollout has been extremely slow. Dealerships deny having information about recalls; Kia consumer line jammed with no callbacks.
When: Multiple theft incidents; free software announced February 2023 with slow rollout
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle easily stolen by breaking window; No immobilizer or defective immobilizer; Vulnerability to ignition tampering
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had engine replaced but told all updates were made; later found vehicle still vulnerable to theft
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia announced free theft deterrent software for vehicles lacking immobilizer in February 2023 but rollout has been extremely slow; dealerships report no information about fix; Kia consumer line unresponsive
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The vehicle stalls and turns off while stopped. The vehicle turns off quickly with all dash light sensors turned on with a front collision warning. The vehicle can only be restarted when is boosted. The battery was checked and is in good working condition.
Had electrical trouble with your 2020 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2020 Kia Soul?
It's a serious issue. 21 complaints have been filed, including 1 reports involving a crash and 8 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 21 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 45,012 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Kia/Soul.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.