What are the most common Kia Soul problems?

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.

2020 Kia Soul Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2020 model year · 479+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

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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 $0 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

345 owners

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.

This issue also affects: Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Audi Q5, Audi Q7

Common Symptoms

Oil level drops rapidly between changes
Blue or gray smoke from exhaust
Engine knocking or ticking noise
Low oil pressure warning light
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
UpgradeHigh-quality synthetic oil helps reduce consumption and protect worn engines (Mobil 1 Extended Performance Full Synthetic Motor Oil)
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UpgradePremium oil filter ensures proper filtration with high-mileage engines (Wix Oil Filter)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $5,500

Research This Issue

345+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

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.

This issue also affects: Audi Q8 e-tron, Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro

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.

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
UpgradeMobil 1 75W-90 synthetic gear oil for differential and transfer case (Mobil 1 Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90)
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UpgradeFel-Pro gasket kit for drivetrain service (Fel-Pro Gasket Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$400 - $4,000

Research This Issue

134+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium ConfidenceVerified134 reportsLast reported by owners Aug 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

2020 Kia Soul Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2020-2023 Kia Soul: Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2015-2020 Kia Soul: Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Kia Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Soul problems?

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

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

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

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