Engine failure while driving, only 51,000 miles on the vehicle. I was driving on the interstate and fortunately was in the right lane so I could pull over immediately and it did not cause an accident. I was driving approximately 45 miles per hour to pull onto the interstate when a loud noise and engine failure occurred.The engine light and oil light came on when I heard the engine stalling. My…
2020 Kia Soul engine problems
moderate 162 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
162
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2crashes
4fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 162 engine complaints filed for the 2020 Kia Soul, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 46% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 162 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2020 Kia Soul engines have documented defects involving piston rings, timing chains, and oil starvation that can cause sudden stalling, oil burning, and catastrophic failure with little or no warning. Owners report difficulty obtaining recall repairs, warranty denials, and repeat engine failures even after replacement—consider this risk carefully if shopping used, and verify any recall work was completed and when.
The 2020 Kia Soul's 2.0L Nu MPI engine shows a consistent pattern of failure across these complaints. The core issue stems from improperly heat-treated piston oil rings (NHTSA recall 21V259), but problems extend beyond that single defect.
Owners describe engines stalling without warning at traffic lights and on highways, often with zero prior warning lights. Oil consumption is extreme—some report needing to add a quart every 500 miles, with completely empty reservoirs showing up between services. Engines produce loud knocking, rattling, and pinging sounds, blue-gray smoke from the exhaust, and metal shavings in the oil pan. Several owners found their oil absolutely bone-dry when the check engine light finally appeared.
Timing chain stretch, camshaft wear, and what appears to be bearing failure or oil starvation damage are documented by dealers. A few narratives describe catastrophic failures: connecting rods breaking through the block, complete engine seizure, and one confirmed fire under the hood. Most striking is that many failures happened with no warning lights illuminated prior to the event.
Owners also report severe complications with the recall itself. Parts are unavailable for weeks or months; some dealers refuse to perform the recall; and VINs have been removed from the recall database even after owners experienced post-recall failures. Extended warranties are routinely denied, and second owners are flatly refused coverage. One owner's vehicle sat at the dealership for over three months waiting for an engine with no resolution. The remedy—engine replacement—is slow and leaves owners stranded without loaners or reliable rental reimbursement.
Same Kia Soul engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Piston ring defect causing oil loss, burning, and engine damage
Improperly heat-treated piston oil rings (per NHTSA 21V259 SC209) lead to excessive oil consumption, burning, sludge buildup, metal shavings in oil, and internal engine damage including loss of compression in cylinders. Oil can leak onto hot exhaust increasing fire risk.
When: Typically 6,500 to 100,000+ miles; some failures under 15,000 miles; some within first 6–12 months of ownership despite initial inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil consumption (quart per 1,000 miles or more; some report needing top-ups every 500 miles); Oil burning visible as blue-gray smoke from exhaust; Check engine light illumination; Engine stalling without warning at stop lights or while driving; Loud knocking, rattling, or pinging sounds from engine at low RPM; Loss of engine power; inability to accelerate beyond 15–25 MPH; Metal shavings in oil pan and oil filter; Engine oil pressure warning light; Abnormal vibration or shuddering; Carbon deposits inside tailpipe
Codes mentioned: P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire), P0014 (Exhaust Cam Timing Over Advanced), P000B00 (Cam Position Slow Response), P1327 (Knock Sensor Issue), P0304, P0014, P000B00 (timing chain/cam diagnostics), P1327
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace timing chain assembly, exhaust and intake camshafts, CVVT units, timing chain tensioners, and in severe cases entire engine (remanufactured long block). Labor 8+ hours for engine replacement; repair timelines 3–4 weeks for engine availability plus 2+ weeks installation. Some owners report multiple engine replacements (up to 3) on same vehicle. Oil changes, gasket replacements, and knock sensor installations performed but often ineffective.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA 21V259 (SC209 and SC209A): Kia to inspect and if necessary replace engine at no cost; install piston-ring noise sensing system software (ECM update). SC209A includes updated software availability even for vehicles already serviced under original campaign. However, many owners report dealers refusing repairs citing recall not applicable, warranty voided due to maintenance records, or parts unavailable; some report recalls marked complete but engine failures recur; extended warranty holders report denial of coverage citing manufacturer responsibility.
Engine stalling and loss of power (timing/cam-related)
Engine stalls suddenly during driving or at stop lights without prior warning; vehicle loses all power and cannot accelerate. Often involves stretched or failed timing chain, worn camshaft, or cam timing issues. No warning lights appear before failure in many cases.
When: Mileage range 6,595 to 130,000+ miles; some within first few months of ownership; failures occur on highways and city streets at speeds of 15–65 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning at traffic lights or while driving; Complete loss of motive power; vehicle coasts to stop; No warning lights illuminated prior to stall (lights appear after stall); Engine fails to restart or requires multiple restart attempts; Abnormal engine knocking or rattling sounds; Check engine light, oil pressure light, and battery light illumination after stall; Vehicle cannot exceed 15 MPH after restart; severe power loss
Codes mentioned: P0304 (Cylinder Misfire), P0014 (Cam Timing), P000B00 (Cam Position Response)
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced timing chain assembly, camshafts (exhaust and intake), CVVT units, timing chain tensioners; spark plugs and coil packs replaced (multiple times in some cases); oil changes performed. Some engines required full replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SC209/SC209A applicable; however, owners report dealers unable or unwilling to complete recall due to parts unavailability (estimated 1–2+ months wait), VIN not included in recall database despite matching symptoms, or recall marked complete on vehicle history despite failure recurrence. Extended warranty denial common.
Catastrophic engine failure (connecting rod, crankshaft, engine seizure)
Sudden mechanical failure of internal engine components including connecting rod breakage (rod holes through block), crankshaft failure, or complete engine seizure without prior warning. Causes instantaneous loss of power and vehicle immobility.
When: Typically 6,595 to 130,000 miles; some as early as first months of ownership with low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine seizure or lockup; No warning lights or symptoms prior to failure; Complete loss of engine power; Vehicle stalls instantly on highway or city street; Oil light may appear after failure but not before; Engine unable to restart; Physical damage to engine block visible on inspection (rod holes, metal damage)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; dealers diagnose as non-repairable and order replacement engine. Long block remanufactured units installed; labor 8+ hours. Some owners report engines on back-order 3–4+ weeks with no ETA. Out-of-warranty second owners typically denied coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners report Kia declining assistance citing second-owner status or expired warranty; no goodwill repairs offered. Dealers unable to expedite parts. No investigation into defect patterns offered.
Auto-stop/start system malfunction
Auto-stop feature causes engine to shut off and fail to restart when shifting from Park or at traffic lights. High-pitched noise and error messages appear. Vehicle can roll on inclines/declines when auto-stop fails to restart.
When: Mileage varies; failures reported while stopped at lights or in park
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off with auto-stop feature activated; Engine fails to restart when shifting from Park to Drive/Neutral/Reverse; Green auto-stop light stays lit on dashboard; Error message: 'Auto Stop is Off. Shift to P or N to start engine'; High-pitched noise from vehicle; Complete electrical loss (radio, dashboard lights go black); Vehicle can roll on inclines when stuck in auto-stop
Repairs/costs cited: Workaround reported: turn key off and back on to restart engine; not formally diagnosed or repaired by dealers in narratives
Excessive oil consumption without visible leaks
Engine burns or consumes oil at abnormally high rate (quart per 1,000 miles or more) with no external leaks detected. Owners report near-empty or completely empty oil reservoirs between services. Related to piston ring defect.
When: Reported from 2,100 miles onward; some within first 500 miles of oil change
Symptoms owners cite: Oil dipstick shows little to no oil within 500–1,000 miles of oil change; No external oil leaks visible; Blue-gray smoke from exhaust indicating oil burning; Check engine light; Engine knock sensor code or misfire codes
Codes mentioned: P1327 (Knock Sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil consumption tests ordered by dealers (1,000-mile test intervals); some owners report dealers refusing to check oil during test period. Owners cite cost of oil changes and inconvenience of multiple test cycles. Dealers initially dismiss as normal ('quart per 1,000 miles acceptable') then identify piston ring damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SC209 inspection may result in 'passed' result despite ongoing burning; owners report misleading initial inspection results. Extended warranty claimed defect is normal wear.
Recall repair complications and parts unavailability
Owners unable to obtain recall repairs due to parts backlogs, dealers refusing to perform recall, VINs removed from recall database after initial inspection despite subsequent failures, and uncertainty about whether recalls were actually completed. Some recalls completed but ineffective.
When: Recall 21V259 issued; owners report delays from 2021 onward; parts unavailable for extended periods (weeks to months)
Symptoms owners cite: Dealer states parts unavailable for recall repair; Recall marked complete on VIN but engine failures occur post-recall; VIN removed from NHTSA database after initial inspection despite owner concerns; Dealers refuse to perform recall stating VIN not included; Only partial recall completion (software update only, no inspection/replacement); No recall documentation or clear communication on completion
Repairs/costs cited: Owners wait 1–2+ months for parts; some report over 1 month at dealership with vehicle immobilized. Extended warranty denial common; manufacturer advises owner to pay for diagnostic or rental costs while waiting.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA 21V259 (SC209/SC209A) issued; remedy: inspect and replace engine if necessary; install noise sensing software. However, dealers cite part unavailability; owners report manufacturer exceeding reasonable repair timelines; no firm delivery dates provided; manufacturer may reimburse rental costs but not always guaranteed.
Engine fire or overheating (safety risk)
Vehicle catches fire under hood or engine overheats to point of fire hazard. One case confirmed engine fire; multiple cases of near-miss with profuse smoking under hood.
When: Reported at low mileage (3 years, 29,000 miles) and high mileage (71,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Profuse smoke under hood; Engine fire breaking out under hood; Overheating warning lights coming on repeatedly; Engine seized or unable to turn on after fire/overheating event
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle deemed totaled after fire. Dealers deleted error codes before fire, preventing diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SC209 mentions risk of oil leaking onto hot exhaust causing fire/injury; however, owners report that recalled vehicles with fire incidents were denied assistance or had codes deleted before failure, preventing post-incident investigation.
Synthesized from 162 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
I had transmission changed out in May of 23 and then in November the check engine lights starts blinking and now I need a new engine, prior to needing a new engine the car would cut off it was loud and it wasn’t taking off like it should.
Recall not being fixed
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was discovered that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test to determine the cause of the oil consumption. The manufacturer was notified of the failure,…
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost…
The car is frying my battery. I had a Duralast Platinum that should last approx 4 years. It killed one at 26 months. I replaced it, free of charge per the warranty, and 6 months later the brand new one is testing low again. Also, at 127k miles a flashing check engine light came on, I took it for a pre-check at a local shop and the tech identified that there was 0 oil in the reservoir. I had him…
The engine when it heats up drives so rough. Then the car completely shuts off. This creates such a dangerous situation when on the freeway. The motor needs to be replaced. I bought car from a used dealership and have only had 2 months and the motor is gone. Recall on certain motors is garbage because this motor is suffering from the same problem as the GDIs. I have an MDI. $15,000 down the…
The dealership installed the knock sensor in my car in November 2022 due to recall. Yesterday 12/12/22 when I left work, my car knocked so loudly the whole car was shaking. The car slowed and the check engine light came on. The car slowed while I was in process of accelerating to get up to speed on a busy urban street. There were several cars and I was afraid I was going to get hit due to the…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2020 Kia Soul?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 162 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 57 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 14,750 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 53,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,750; a quarter make it past 92,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.