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Kia · Known Issues

2020 Kia Soul Problems: 4 Known Issues

2020 model year · 134+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 134+ owner reports, the 2020 Kia Soul has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption, 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure ($300-$6,000 repair) and Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering ($500-$1,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV) with 134 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Soul Engine1
  • Soul Transmission1
  • Soul Exterior1
  • Soul Drivetrain1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Transmission1
  • Exterior1
  • Drivetrain1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ

All 4 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010

On the 2020-2023 Kia Soul 2.0L Nu MPI, nHTSA recall 21V259000 (Kia SC209) covers certain 2020-2021 Soul vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines whose piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Kia communication 11017169/SST082 indexes a later PNSS vibration-inspection process to certain 2020-2023 Soul vehicles and describes ring-related cylinder-wall damage, increased oil consumption, abnormal noise, oil-pressure warning and P1327. That later bulletin does not make every 2022-2023 vehicle part of recall 21V259.

This issue also affects: Hyundai Excel, Hyundai Scoupe, Hyundai Sonata

Common Symptoms

  • Increasing oil consumption
  • Abnormal engine noise or P1327
  • Oil-pressure warning light

How to Fix

Check the VIN for SC209 or the current Kia PNSS program and monitor the oil level using the owner-manual procedure. A Kia dealer uses the VIN-driven KDS inspection; eligible recall vehicles receive inspection, PNSS software and engine replacement when necessary. Do not promise a one-quart-per-1,000-mile threshold, apply recall coverage to every 2022-2023 Soul, infer P0420/P0171/P0174 or buy oil and filters as a remedy for damaged rings.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Aug 2026

On the 2017-2020 Kia Soul 1.6L Gamma T-GDI (Turbo), souls with the 1.6L Turbo-GDI and 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission exhibit low-speed clutch judder (a body shake accelerating from a stop, worst on cold/humid mornings), harsh engagement, and hesitation. The dry clutches glaze/wear during stop-and-go creeping. Kia's diagnosis is a creep-driving test: if the body vibrates without steering-wheel shudder, it is clutch judder. TSB TRA083 first applies a TCU anti-judder logic update, then replaces the dual-clutch assembly if hardware is glazed/worn.

This issue also affects: Kia Forte

Common Symptoms

  • Shudder/judder accelerating from a stop
  • Harsh or delayed shifting
  • Hesitation and slipping in traffic
  • Morning shudder after rain

How to Fix

Kia creep-test diagnosis; first step is a TCU/software anti-judder logic update via KDS, then dual-clutch assembly replacement per TSB TRA083 if judder persists.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $6,000

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026

On the 2014-2020 Kia Soul, the optional panoramic glass sunroof can spontaneously shatter without impact, often at speed, showering occupants with glass and accompanied by a loud bang. NHTSA opened an investigation into Hyundai/Kia panoramic sunroof shattering in 2013 (expanded 2014) but closed it without finding a safety-related defect, citing possible road-debris contribution. A long-running class action alleged a manufacturing/tempering defect; after roughly a decade it was ultimately dismissed in Kia's favor.

This issue also affects: Kia Forte, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Elantra

Common Symptoms

  • Loud bang/pop from roof
  • Sunroof glass shatters into small pieces
  • Occurs without impact, often at speed
  • Glass falls into cabin

How to Fix

No recall; sunroof glass is replaced out of pocket or via insurance/goodwill. Aftermarket ceramic film is sometimes applied to help contain fragments if it shatters again.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,500

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jul 2026
Community reported
134 owners

On the 2015-2020 Kia Soul Electric, the Soul EV (2015-2020) can develop a whining or grinding noise from the electric drive motor due to bearing wear. The front motor bearing deteriorates prematurely, particularly in cold climates. The noise is most noticeable at low speeds when other road noise is minimal. Kia has replaced drive motors under warranty for some owners.

This issue also affects: Kia Niro, Genesis GV60, Genesis GV70

Common Symptoms

  • Whining noise from front of vehicle at low speeds
  • Grinding sound during acceleration
  • Noise increases with speed but masked by road noise above 30 mph
  • Vibration felt through floor

How to Fix

Have dealer inspect electric drive motor bearings. If worn, the drive motor assembly is replaced under powertrain warranty. Aftermarket repair involves pressing new bearings into the motor housing ($400-800 at an EV specialist). OEM motor replacement is $2,000-4,000 if out of warranty.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipHave the dealer document the noise on the work order even if not yet severe enough for replacement. This creates a warranty claim trail if it worsens
Typical repair cost:$400 - $4,000

Research This Issue

Based on 134 owner reports

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerified134 owner reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2024Reviewed Feb 2026
NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

Campaign #25V09900017/02/2025

ENGINE

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.

Campaign #21V25900013/04/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen.  The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.  As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

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Other Kia Models

Kia Forte31Kia Telluride28Kia Carnival26Kia Sportage25Kia K523Kia EV621

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Soul problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 134+ owner reports, the 2020 Kia Soul has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption, 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure, Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

The 2020 Kia Soul has 4 known issues documented across 134+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption and 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure and Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Soul problems?

Repair costs for known Kia Soul issues range from $300 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2020-2023 Kia Soul Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption?

NHTSA recall 21V259000 (Kia SC209) covers certain 2020-2021 Soul vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines whose piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Kia communication 11017169/SST082 indexes a later PNSS vibration-inspection process to certain 2020-2023 Soul vehicle… Severity: high.

What is the 2017-2020 Kia Soul 7-Speed Dual-Clutch (DCT) Judder and Premature Clutch Failure?

Souls with the 1.6L Turbo-GDI and 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission exhibit low-speed clutch judder (a body shake accelerating from a stop, worst on cold/humid mornings), harsh engagement, and hesitation. The dry clutches glaze/wear during stop-and-go creeping. Kia's diagnosis… Repairs typically run $300-$6,000. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 134+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #23V298000
26/04/2023

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.

Campaign #23V53100031/07/2023

AIR BAGS

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.

Campaign #23V83000022/12/2023

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2014-2020 Kia Soul Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering?

The optional panoramic glass sunroof can spontaneously shatter without impact, often at speed, showering occupants with glass and accompanied by a loud bang. NHTSA opened an investigation into Hyundai/Kia panoramic sunroof shattering in 2013 (expanded 2014) but closed it without… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2020 Kia Soul Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV)?

The Soul EV (2015-2020) can develop a whining or grinding noise from the electric drive motor due to bearing wear. The front motor bearing deteriorates prematurely, particularly in cold climates. The noise is most noticeable at low speeds when other road noise is minimal. Kia has… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: medium.