2020 Kia Soul Heads Up Display: Fixing a Stuck Screen or Jammed Mechanism
A complete guide to diagnosing, replacing, and buying a used Heads Up Display (HUD) assembly for the 2020 Kia Soul.
- The most common failure is mechanical, where the pop-up screen gets stuck or makes a grinding noise.
- Never place objects on the dash over the HUD; they can fall in and jam the mechanism, causing costly damage.
- A new OEM replacement unit is extremely expensive, making a warrantied used OEM part the most economical solution.
- There are no specific recalls for the HUD, but check for the major engine recall (NHTSA 21V-259) on 2.0L models.
Is Your Heads Up Display Actually Broken?
Before assuming the HUD assembly has failed, check for common issues that can prevent the display from being visible. Many of these can be resolved without any tools.
- Display is Turned Off: The HUD can be turned on or off via a button on the dashboard, typically to the left of the steering wheel, or through the vehicle settings menu in the infotainment system. Ensure the feature is enabled.
- Polarized Sunglasses: The light from the HUD is polarized. Wearing polarized sunglasses will often make the display completely invisible. Take them off to check if the display reappears.
- Incorrect Settings: The display's height, rotation, and brightness can be adjusted in the instrument cluster's user settings menu. It's possible the brightness is turned all the way down or the height is adjusted outside your line of sight.
- Obstructed View: The owner's manual notes that poor sitting posture, glare from outside light, or reflections from a wet road can make the display difficult to see.
Symptoms of a Failing Heads Up Display
If you've ruled out the simple fixes above, the assembly itself may be failing. The most common reported issues for the 2020 Soul are mechanical rather than electronic.
1. Unit Makes Noise But Screen Does Not Rise or Retract
You may hear a grinding or clicking noise from the dashboard when you start the car or press the HUD button, but the transparent screen fails to move. This indicates a problem with the electric motor or plastic gears that operate the pop-up mechanism. The unit may be stuck open, stuck closed, or partially deployed.
Warning: Never place any items on the dashboard directly over the HUD assembly. Small objects like key fobs, coins, or parking passes can fall into the opening as the cover retracts, jamming the mechanism and causing permanent damage. This is a known issue reported by owners.
2. Blank or Fading Display
The screen may rise as normal, but the projected image is completely dark, dim, or flickers. In some cases, this can be temperature-related, with the display cutting out on hot days after the car has been parked in the sun. This points to a failure of the internal LCD projector or its related electronics.
3. Distorted or Partial Image
The display may show incomplete numbers, strange rings, or what looks like bubbles in the image. This is often caused by the degradation of the internal LCD projector. Another cause for a "doubled" or blurry image is an incorrect replacement windshield. Vehicles with a HUD require a specific type of windshield to prevent image distortion.
Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
As of late 2024, there are no Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or safety recalls issued by Kia or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) specifically for the Heads Up Display assembly on the 2020 Kia Soul.
However, the 2020 Kia Soul is affected by a significant engine recall. NHTSA Recall 21V-259 (Kia SC209) was issued for improperly heat-treated piston oil rings in the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, which could lead to increased oil consumption, engine damage, stalling, and in rare cases, fire. While unrelated to the HUD, it is a critical issue for owners to be aware of.
Pro Tip: You can check if your specific vehicle is affected by any open recalls by entering your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website.
Buying a Used 2020 Soul Heads Up Display
Given the extremely high cost of a new OEM HUD assembly, a used unit from a reputable recycler is the most practical option for most owners. Here’s what to look for:
- Verify the Part Number: Ensure the part you are buying is OEM number 94310-K0400. While other part numbers may look similar, they may not be compatible.
- Inspect the Assembly: Carefully examine photos of the unit. Look for cracks in the black plastic housing, deep scratches on the transparent combiner screen, and any damage to the electrical connector pins.
- Check the Mechanism: Ask the seller if the unit was tested. If you can inspect it in person, gently try to move the combiner screen by hand. It should be firmly in place; excessive looseness could indicate broken internal gears.
- Ask About the Donor Vehicle: Inquire about the mileage of the vehicle the part came from. A lower-mileage part is always preferable for electronic components.
- Warranty and Seller Reputation: Only buy from established sellers who offer a warranty. This protects you in case the unit is dead on arrival or fails shortly after installation.
Cost Comparison
The price difference between new and used is significant for this part, making a used OEM unit a compelling value.
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM | $2,000 - $2,900 |
| New Aftermarket | Not Available |
| Used OEM | $250 - $500 |
| Shop Labor | $200 - $400 |
Replacement Overview
Replacing the HUD assembly is a moderately difficult job that requires careful removal of dashboard components. While a confident DIYer can perform the replacement, it may be best left to a professional if you are not comfortable working with interior trim.
- Difficulty: 3 out of 5
- Estimated Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
- Tools Needed: Basic hand tools, plastic trim removal tools.
The general process involves disconnecting the battery, prying off the speaker grille and surrounding dashboard trim panels to gain access to the HUD's mounting bolts, disconnecting the electrical harness, and removing the unit. Installation is the reverse of removal. No programming or calibration is typically required after replacement; the display settings are adjusted through the car's menu.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I fix a HUD that is stuck or making a grinding noise?
It is unlikely. The noise is usually from stripped or broken plastic gears inside the sealed unit. Disassembling the unit to repair the mechanism is complex and replacement parts for the internal components are not sold separately. The most effective solution is to replace the entire assembly.
Why is my HUD image blurry or doubled?
A double image is almost always caused by having the wrong windshield installed. HUD-equipped vehicles use a special windshield with a laminated wedge layer that reflects the projection as a single, clear image. A standard windshield will create a double image. If your windshield was recently replaced, this is the likely cause.
Does a replacement Heads Up Display need to be programmed?
No, there is no evidence to suggest that the HUD assembly needs to be programmed or coded to the vehicle. It is a plug-and-play component. All user adjustments for height, rotation, and content are done through the existing instrument cluster menus.
Can I install a HUD in my 2020 Soul if it didn't come from the factory with one?
This is not a practical or cost-effective upgrade. It would require replacing the dashboard top panel, installing the HUD unit, and adding the necessary wiring harness, which may not be present in a base model vehicle. The cost and complexity would be prohibitive.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 94310-K0400 94310K0400
Combiner-type pop-up display unit. Adjustable for height, rotation, and brightness via instrument cluster menu.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Kia Soul:
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Is Your Heads Up Display Actually Broken?
- Symptoms of a Failing Heads Up Display
- 1. Unit Makes Noise But Screen Does Not Rise or Retract
- 2. Blank or Fading Display
- 3. Distorted or Partial Image
- Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls
- Buying a Used 2020 Soul Heads Up Display
- Cost Comparison
- Replacement Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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