According to Au7o's analysis of 479+ owner reports, the 2020 Kia Soul has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption ($0-$5,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption with 345 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $400 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2020-2023 Kia Soul 2.0L Nu MPI, the 2.0L Nu MPI engine in 2020-2023 Souls may have incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings that do not properly scrape oil from the cylinder walls. This causes excessive oil consumption, potential oil starvation, and eventual engine damage. NHTSA recall covers approximately 137,000 Soul and Seltos vehicles. Kia dealers install PNSS (Piston-ring Noise Sensing System) software and replace the engine if damage is found.
Rough idle or misfires due to oil fouled spark plugs
How to Fix
Check VIN for recall eligibility at owners.kia.com. Dealer will install PNSS software to detect abnormal engine noise from piston ring wear. If oil consumption exceeds 1 quart per 1,000 miles or engine noise is detected, the engine is replaced free of charge. Monitor oil level weekly between changes.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 345+ owners who fixed this issue
TipCheck oil level at every fuel fill-up. Do not wait for the warning light - by then significant engine damage may have already occurred
TipKeep all oil purchase receipts and document oil level with dated photos at each check. Kia may require proof of maintenance for warranty claims
High ConfidenceVerified345 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2025Reviewed Feb 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.
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.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 134+ owners who fixed this issue
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
Medium ConfidenceVerified134 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
AIR BAGS
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
Campaign #22V03100025/01/2022
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."
Campaign #23V29800026/04/2023
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.
According to Au7o's analysis of 479+ owner reports, the 2020-2020 Kia Soul has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption, Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Kia Soul reliable?
The 2020-2020 Kia Soul has 2 known issues documented across 479+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption. 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 $0 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $0-$5,500 to 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?
The 2.0L Nu MPI engine in 2020-2023 Souls may have incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings that do not properly scrape oil from the cylinder walls. This causes excessive oil consumption, potential oil starvation, and eventual engine damage. NHTSA recall covers approximately 137… Repairs typically run $0-$5,500. 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.
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.
