The 2020 Kia Soul, renowned for its unique design and practicality, has unfortunately garnered attention due to a series of engine problems reported by owners. In this article, we delve into the common engine issues faced by 2020 Kia Soul owners, explore the root causes behind these problems, and propose solutions to address them.
1. Excessive Oil Consumption
One prevalent issue reported by 2020 Kia Soul owners is excessive oil consumption. This problem, evidenced by the need for frequent top-ups between oil changes, can lead to engine complications.
2020 Kia Soul owners noted:
Cynthia C. from Victorville, US: “I change my own oil religiously in this car. The oil gets dirty very fast… The car does have over 70,000 miles now, though… How does oil disappear, and the oil light not come on either?”
Corrie C. from Victorville, US: “Great car, but every 2 weeks I'm topping off the oil (about a half a quart).”
2. Engine Knocking
Engine knocking, a concerning noise that indicates internal stress, has been voiced by Kia Soul owners.
2020 Kia Soul owners shared their experience, stating:
Marion H. from New Smyrna Beach, FL: “When the light turned green, I hit the gas and my car does not accelerate, my lights on the dashboard are out. The engine had totally closed down and did not kick back in.”
Nathan B. from O'Fallon, MO, US: “Driving, normal conditions, engine would stall with no lights, no chimes like auto start/stop except I had to put in park and restart.”
islandgirl69 from Elyria, US: “The car has been back 4 times for the same issue. They cannot figure out what is going on or what is wrong.”
3. Engine Failure
The most severe concern involves complete engine failure, resulting in stalls and unexpected shutdowns.
2020 Kia Soul owners recounted their ordeal:
Robert P. from New Smyrna Beach, US: “Took it back in after the second oil change due to a tapping noise… 2 weeks later the motor blows up.”
Frank N Dottie S. from Irving, TX, US: “Purchased this 2020 KIA SOUL in Feb. and have issues with the thing shutting off when I come to a stoplight. Have to put back in park and try a few times to get it to restart.”
MJ F. from Perryville, MD, US: “Engine failure – Kia and the dealer took five weeks to ship a remanufactured engine (someone else's junk) that delivers lower fuel economy.”
Recall and Investigation into 2020 Kia Soul Engine Problems
In response to widespread complaints, Kia Motors America issued a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000) for specific 2020-2021 Kia Soul models. This recall addressed concerns related to improperly heat-treated piston oil rings in vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. Owners of the affected 147,249 units were urged to contact Kia for a free inspection and potential engine replacement, with the recall beginning on June 11, 2021.
However, it's essential to note that not all owners experiencing 2020 Kia Soul 2.0 engine problems received a recall notification, and even for those who did, some reported a recurrence of the problem after the purported fixes.
Simultaneously, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation (NHTSA Action Number: DP22003) on September 12, 2022, in response to a petition. The petition raised issues about oil drain pan assembly failures in various Hyundai and Kia vehicles, including the 2020 Kia Soul. Despite petitioners' claims, the NHTSA found no evidence supporting a formal investigation into oil drain pan assemblies, concluding that incidents were often linked to improper servicing procedures during oil changes.
Your Legal Opportunities
Unsure how to address your vehicle's issues? Consider potential claims, such as:
- Lemon Law Claim: If your vehicle has significant defects that impair its use, safety, or value, lemon laws may provide relief.
- Breach of Express Warranty Claim: Manufacturers must uphold the promises made in their warranties. If they fail to do so, you may have grounds for this claim.
- Magnuson-Moss Claim: Federal law safeguards consumers who purchase products with warranties, ensuring fairness and remedies for defects.
- Deceptive Practices Claim: Misleading or deceptive actions by the manufacturer or dealer could entitle you to compensation under deceptive practices laws.
- Breach of Implied Warranty Claim: Your vehicle should meet certain expectations of quality and performance, and if it doesn't, you may have a case under this claim.
If you are grappling with ongoing issues related to your 2020 Kia Soul, reach out at (973) 598-1980 for a free consultation to explore potential compensation or vehicle replacement options. Our experts are here to guide you through the legal complexities surrounding lemon law and warranty claims.
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