2020 Kia Soul: engine overheating

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Engine · TN

A service campaign/safety recall was issued, necessitating an engine replacement. Bramlett Kia in [XXX], performed this service in late May/early June of 2025. It took them an entire six weeks to do the work. Upon completion of the job, my husband attempted to drive it off their lot, only for the transmission to go out immediately. Kia also replaced the transmission. After this was done, my husband drove the car back to our house in [XXX]. It sat in our garage from June until two weeks ago. My brother has been driving the car between [XXX], and [XXX]. Two nights ago, as he was leaving work, the vehicle started, ran for 30 seconds and made a rumbling sound before breaking down. He restarted the car and started driving it, but the car quickly overheated. As an emergency measure, he drove it to a service shop in [XXX], where it was discovered that the AC compressor and serpentine belt had come loose. This was because the bolts securing the engine were overtightened during the engine replacement in [XXX], and two of them had broken off while the vehicle was in motion, thus allowing the compressor and serpentine belt to loosen. We had the car towed to Cavenaugh Kia in [XXX]. They will not perform the work and say that the vehicle should go back to the dealership in [XXX]. The Alabama dealership says it is not their problem. Kia Customer Affairs also says that because the work was performed just over a year ago, it is no longer covered under warranty. Furthermore, they will not pay to have it towed. I called Gossett Kia in [XXX], where the car was purchased, and they are not sure they will be able to do the work either. I feel so stuck and without recourse in this situation. We are stuck with a [XXX]old car that is undrivable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 19, 2025 · Engine · NJ

Component that failed: The engine (2.0L Nu MPI) suffered a sudden internal mechanical failure. A connecting rod broke and punctured through the engine block. The failure was catastrophic and occurred without any warning lights, oil pressure warnings, overheating messages, or performance symptoms beforehand. Safety risk: The vehicle stalled instantly and lost all power while I was driving, which put my safety at risk. A sudden engine failure at speed can cause loss of control, a crash, or the inability to move the vehicle off the roadway. This type of failure is a serious safety hazard. Inspection and confirmation: The failure was confirmed by Kia of Riverdale on November 13, 2025. Their mechanic documented that the engine rod blew through the block due to internal damage. The dealer stated the vehicle is no longer drivable and needs a full engine replacement. Manufacturer response: Kia declined assistance because I am the second owner and the warranty has expired, even though this type of failure is consistent with known engine defects in Kia’s 2.0L engines involving connecting rods, oil starvation, and internal bearing failures. Kia did not inspect the vehicle beyond the dealership diagnosis and did not offer goodwill repair. Warning signs before failure: None. No warning lamps, noises, or messages appeared prior to the incident. The engine failed suddenly without any advance symptoms. Best assessment of cause: Based on the dealer inspection and Kia’s documented history of engine defects, the failure appears related to the same connecting rod and internal lubrication issues affecting similar Kia engines from nearby model years. Although my VIN is not currently included in an active recall, the mechanical failure matches the defect patterns described in existing Kia engine recalls. The vehicle remains unsafe and completely inoperable.

Filed Nov 16, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · SC · fire · 1 injury

Unresolved Recall. The vehicle was under recall in 2019 and should not have been sold by JTs Kia in Columbia, SC. The piston oil rings were affected in the 2019 recall and also caused an issue for the 2020 Kia Souls. The car was sold under recall. Once the revised recall came out in 2021 JTs Kia did not properly resolved the issue and later the car engine overheated and caught fire. JTs Kia Never took responsibility and told the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs that the Kia Corporation will not honor any repairs. The car was no longer able to turn on and JTs KIA is still selling these dangerous cars that has had piston oil ring issues since 2010

Filed Sep 22, 2023 · Engine · SC · fire

My husband was driving down the street in our 2020 Kia soul when under the hood of the car started to smoke profusely and a fire broke out under the hood of the car the engine was affected the car no longer turns on or turns over there was a recall for the engine overheating however we took it into a Kia location and June and they said nothing was wrong we took it in in May for recalls they said nothing was wrong they deleted all of the codes in the vehicle and one month later this happened in the car is no longer operable. Kia refused to help us at JT's Kia claiming that the car experienced wear and tear however the car was only 3 years old and there was no wear and tear. When we took the vehicle into address the recall we were told on two different occasions that there was nothing wrong with the car even though the overheating light kept coming on to deal with this they deleted all of the codes and denied anything was wrong with the car one month later my husband's life was almost taken by this vehicle catching on fire/overheated

Filed Jan 4, 2023 · Engine · 57,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started overheating. Additionally, the piston rod had gone through the engine block. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Filed Apr 6, 2021 · Fuel system, Transmission · 34,000 miles · AZ

Bought brand new. At 32k miles (4months after 30ktune up) engine light came on. Took to earnhardt kia in phx. Who initially stated there was 'something broken in the transmission' after a few hours they then stated the car had 'internally overheated and there was combustible gases in the radiator. The thermostat never indicated overheating. Coolant reservoir was bone dry (after filling it the day before). After 31 days at kia a new head gasket was put on.. Though I was told the car was getting a new engine. I asked the dealer on each call... What about the transmission whereas I was told koa would make sure everything would be fixed before returned. Car was returned to me on 2/21. On 4/1 after driving 380(+/-) miles from phx to san diego to see my marine deploy, the car began to surge, rpms skyrocketed and car barely made it up hill. Surging continued, until it began to slip and I pulled off the road and into a shopping center. Car towed to escondido kia who kindly gave me a loaner. Now back in az, I am told that when it's fixed, transport to me is unlikely and if approved kia does not guarantee against any damage during transport. Its a new car! Due to medical needs here, driving 6.5 hours there and then back just isn't feasible. Kia doesnt care. I will be out of this car asap and you can bet my next will not be a killer kia!