2020 Kia Soul electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 4, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11762208 · source
2. Filed Apr 20, 2026MNElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11732298 · source
3. Filed Apr 17, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngine

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11731747 · source
4. Filed Mar 6, 202690,924 miCAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11722581 · source
5. Filed Oct 14, 2025GAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11693476 · source
6. Filed Sep 20, 2025SCElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11688580 · source
7. Filed Jun 24, 2025OKElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11668826 · source
8. Filed Jun 7, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11665493 · source
9. Filed Apr 28, 2025MAElectrical SystemEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11657181 · source
10. Filed Nov 26, 2024ALDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11627552 · source
11. Filed Oct 15, 2024INElectrical SystemEngine

    While driving vehicle; stalling, sputtering, failure to shift gears, engine knocking/shaking car. Altinator was replaced and stopped sputtering. Following day I was going 55 mph and car completely stalled out on a busy road and almost got rear ended and car lost power car was towed to Kia Dealership for further diagnostics test. Failures of systems have been on going but always started back up after leaving dealership where purchased. After altinator was replaced batter…

    NHTSA complaint #11619947 · source
12. Filed Oct 11, 2024NYElectrical System

    Upon releasing the break, all warning lights appear (like when initially starting the vehicle). Then they usually all turn off again. From time to time, specific lights come on but disappear upon turning the engine off and then on again. In effect, it's hard to tell if there really is a maintenance issue or not.

    NHTSA complaint #11619262 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology