2020 Kia Soul electrical problems

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NY

The vehicle has experienced intermittent stalling and near-stalling while driving. The problem began after a prior Kia engine replacement related to DTC P1327/P132700. After the engine replacement, the vehicle developed additional drivability and warning-light concerns, including P0420 and communication/CAN faults. An authorized Kia dealer later documented that the vehicle had stalled a few times, identified P0420, reported a clogged catalytic converter, and found 11 additional lost-communication/CAN-related codes. The dealer stated that approximately eight additional diagnostic labor hours would be required to investigate the remaining faults. The vehicle was returned with the intermittent stalling condition unresolved. The stalling presents a safety risk because the vehicle can lose motive power unexpectedly while being driven. The vehicle remains available for inspection. The dealer confirmed the stalling complaint and performed diagnostic testing, but the complete cause has not been determined. Kia previously performed an engine replacement related to the earlier P1327 condition, and the current stalling occurred afterward.

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MN

Engine shut off while making a turn. Took car to mechanic and he stated that the car did not display any error messages. The car also over heated while driving in freeway.

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

My Car would shut off in the middle of the road after I stopped to make a turn or even stop at a stop light. Also the engine is burning oil. Mechanic says the the engine needs to be replace. Something with the oil piston and the exhaust is burning oil. I am not sure

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · 90,924 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The automatic start warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. Additionally, the error message indicated that the automatic start feature was disabled; however, the contact stated that the automatic start feature was enabled. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The contact disabled the automatic start feature. The contact stated that while the vehicle was decelerating, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The contact stated that the diagnostic test was incomplete. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,924.

Filed Oct 14, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · GA

Second engine installed in the car ceases to fire. Condition does not change with new sensors for camshaft nor crankshaft. Engine turns freely cranks but will not restart. Unreliable driving conditions. Mathew’s Kia wants $1400 upfront to start exam in blind faith to see if a properly serviced car has a common warranty claim

Filed Sep 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · SC

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, the federal safety agency, and INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

Filed Jun 24, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OK

Complaint Regarding Mechanical Failure and $315 Service Charge on Recent Vehicle Purchase I’m writing to formally express my concern and disappointment regarding the recent service experience involving my vehicle purchased on April 12, 2025. A few weeks after purchase, I returned to the dealership with concerns over a check engine light. I was reassured by your service department that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. However, the car recently died while I was driving on the highway, putting me in an unsafe situation and requiring a tow. Now I am being told that spark plugs need to be replaced before further diagnosis can occur, and that I am responsible for a $315 charge. The technician noted that cylinder 2’s spark plug was loose and melted—an issue that clearly could have caused the breakdown. This is not typical wear and tear. It’s something that either pre-existed at the time of purchase or should have been caught during the initial inspection when I brought the car in with concerns. I haven’t even made my second car payment, and I’m already dealing with a major mechanical failure. I feel I was sold a vehicle that was not properly inspected and that now I’m being asked to cover the cost of repairs that should fall under the responsibility as the seller. I respectfully request that the $315 service fee be waived and that the vehicle be fully inspected and repaired at no cost to me. I purchased this vehicle in good faith, and I expect the dealership to stand by its product.

Filed Jun 7, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · PA

Someone broke my window, and entered my car. Then proceeded to tear apart the entire area of the car that it below the steering wheel including the ignition. The car was not able to be turned off. This left the car unable to be used and unfortunately needed to be towed away. This is the second time this has happened and it is causing a serious safety hazard to my family, my home and my neighborhood. I unfortunately cannot get rid of the car because I am not the title owner and cannot afford to trade it in. I am looking for some assistance and to learn what other options I may have

Filed Apr 28, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MA

Hi, my name is [XXX] . I was driving my car two Thursdays ago. When all of a sudden my engine light came on. I stopped to see an auto place. If it was a problem hHi, my name is [XXX] . I was driving my car two Thursdays ago. When all of a sudden my engine light came on. I stopped to see at an auto place. If it was a problem he told me I could drive it as long as it wasn’t blinking if it started to blank, bring it immediately to a garage which I did had it towed people were telling me it was my camshaft, blah blah blah they found no oil leak no burning oil then I took it to a Kia dealer which I have paperwork. They worked on the car. They said my battery was at 15% which I didn’t even get a light to say my battery was low nor did it tell me that there was a engine problem or there was no oil in my car until that one moment it happens so fast it ended up costing me a lot of money, IKEA and I want to know why this happened why my oil lights didn’t come on or anything and if these cars have problems at 130,000 miles when the dealer sells you this car he should warn you or if they found out later then they should have to send you a letter stating to have a checked, but I’ve gotten nothing. I just wanna know what I can do about this to make sure that my car is not gonna do it again or who do I contact to talk to about this problem? Thank you [XXX] [XXX] Or you can call me [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 26, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · AL

Our vehicle experienced every dash light on the board coming on intermittently. At time, we could not use the remote control and had to open the door and crank the car manually. Windshield Wipers and headlamps did not work, nor did any of the safety features on the car or indicator lights. When all illuminated, we took the vehicle to local Kia dealership and eventually they replaced the electrical panel. The side and rear collision indicators never worked again even after repairs were done. The car continued to display every light on the dash after the electrical panel was replaced and local dealership could not fix it. None of the indicator lights showed problems with the engine and regular maintenance to the vehicle was maintained on schedule. Four years into the life of the vehicle, the car started burning all the oil in the engine and oil indicator light did not come on. The oil life was within the schedule to be changed. Oil ran low on car and caused the oil control valve to not operate properly. Local dealership requests we play $6,069 (approximately a third of the vehicle's original cost) to repair the timing chain. All maintenance records were produced for the dealership service department and we were denied that the engine would be repaired while still under warranty because we were told we did not maintain the vehicle properly. This, of course, was not true because we had all the receipts to prove it. The vehicle failed to indicate a problem and as a result --- permanent engine damage occured to the vehicle.