2020 Kia Soul
The 2020 Kia Soul is a compact hatchback known for its distinctive boxy design, spacious interior, and value proposition. It offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 generating 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0L engine was primarily paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the 1.6L turbo came exclusively with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Owners appreciate the Soul’s unique styling, practical cargo space, and user-friendly technology. Common criticisms include the base engine’s lackluster performance and the DCT’s sometimes jerky behavior at low speeds.
Engine
2.0L Nu MPI I4 (CVT)
- Engine Hesitation/Stalling
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported hesitation upon acceleration, particularly from a stop, and in some cases, engine stalling. This can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose.
- Solution: In some cases, a software update to the ECU (Engine Control Unit) has resolved the issue. In other cases, replacing the mass air flow sensor or throttle body has fixed the problem. A fuel injection system cleaning may also help.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some 2.0L owners have reported consuming excessive amounts of engine oil, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can lead to engine damage if not monitored and addressed.
- Solution: In severe cases, a piston ring replacement may be necessary. Dealers often perform an oil consumption test to determine the severity of the issue.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
1.6L Turbo GDI I4 (7-Speed DCT)
- Engine Knocking/Pinging
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported engine knocking or pinging, especially under load or during acceleration. This can be related to fuel quality or carbon buildup.
- Solution: Using premium fuel (higher octane) may reduce or eliminate the knocking. A carbon cleaning service to remove deposits from the intake valves can also help. In some cases, a faulty knock sensor may be the cause and require replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) - 2.0L Engine
- CVT Shudder/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported shuddering or hesitation during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds. This can feel like the transmission is slipping.
- Solution: A transmission fluid flush and replacement may resolve the issue. In some cases, a software update to the TCU (Transmission Control Unit) can improve CVT performance. If the issue persists, CVT replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $5,000+
- Recalls: None Found
7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) - 1.6L Turbo Engine
- DCT Jerky Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported jerky or abrupt shifting, especially at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic. Hesitation when accelerating from a stop is also common.
- Solution: A software update to the TCU (Transmission Control Unit) can improve DCT behavior. In some cases, clutch replacement or DCT replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $6,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Shock Absorber Noise
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported clunking or rattling noises coming from the rear suspension, particularly when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces. This is often attributed to the rear shock absorbers.
- Solution: Replacing the rear shock absorbers typically resolves the noise issue.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (specifically units with navigation) can freeze, crash, or become unresponsive. This can affect navigation, audio, and other functions.
- Solution: A software update to the infotainment system may resolve the issue. In some cases, replacing the infotainment unit is necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Backup Camera Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the backup camera. The screen may display a black image, distorted video, or no video at all.
- Solution: Check the wiring connections to the camera and the infotainment unit. Replacing the backup camera is often required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Blind Spot Monitoring System Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: The Blind Spot Monitoring System (BSM) may intermittently fail to function, displaying an error message on the dashboard. The system may falsely alert the driver to a vehicle in the blind spot, or fail to alert them when a vehicle is present.
- Solution: The sensors may need to be recalibrated or replaced. Check the wiring connections for damage or corrosion.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Tail Light Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Condensation buildup inside the tail light housings. This can be unsightly and potentially damage the light bulbs or electrical components.
- Solution: Some owners have drilled small drain holes in the bottom of the tail light housings to allow moisture to escape. Replacing the tail light housings is another option.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Rattling Noises from Dashboard/Trim
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling or buzzing noises emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or other interior trim pieces. This can be caused by loose clips, vibrations, or poor fitment.
- Solution: Identifying the source of the rattle and securing the loose components with foam padding or new clips.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2020 Kia Soul, while generally a reliable vehicle, has some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine hesitation and stalling are potential concerns with the 2.0L engine, while the DCT in the 1.6L turbo model can exhibit jerky shifting. Electrical glitches like infotainment system freezes and backup camera failures are also reported. Suspension noises and interior rattles can be annoying but are typically not major mechanical problems. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but addressing them can range from relatively inexpensive fixes to potentially costly repairs, especially those involving the transmission or engine components.