VehicleVerdict

2020 Kia Soul problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 480 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Soul year — the 2020 model ranks #6 of 16 Soul years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 16 deaths and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 48% of all reports (228 of 480), far ahead of transmission at 87. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

480

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

7

Injuries

16

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Soul years?

Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted1,215 complaints2010: 193 complaints2011: 270 complaints2012: 670 complaints2013: 862 complaints2014: 1,215 complaints2015: 1,215 complaints2016: 1,135 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 284 complaints2019: 189 complaints2020: 480 complaints2021: 297 complaints2022: 132 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 18 complaints
Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Soul years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Kia Soul problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine22848%
Transmission8718%
Other4710%
Electrical System296%
Steering163%
Fuel System163%
Speed Control133%
Brakes112%
Body & Structure82%
Lighting61%
Driver Assistance61%
Airbags31%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Seat Belts20%
Seats20%
Suspension10%
Tires & Wheels10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2020 Kia Soul have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V259000EngineApril 13, 2021 · 147,249 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“On August 15, 2023 my 2020 Kia Soul's engine over heated causing a fire under the hood. There after the car smoked and would not turn back on or turn over. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 14, 2023 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STOPPING, THE VEHICLE SHIFTER WAS SWITCHED FROM REVERSE TO THE PARK POSITION. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS EXITING, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY DROVE FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE CARPORT POLL. DURING THE INCIDENT THE CONTACT WAS INJURED WHILE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 4, 2020 · crash

“WHEN THE ISG (AUTOMATIC STOP/START) COMES OUT (LIFT FOOT OFF OF BREAK PEDAL), THE CAR MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE. IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN COMING OUT OF ISG. OTHER KIA SOUL OWNERS HAVE FOUND SAME THING. THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHEN COMING OUT OF A FULL STOP, AFTER THE ISG ENGAGES, THEN DISENGAGES (THIS IS WHERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 22, 2020

“Car subject to theft SEE NHSTA press release Feb. 14, 2003 The press release announced a fix had already been achieved (EMPHASIS ADDED): Hyundai and Kia HAVE developed theft deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will provide it FREE of charge to vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 19, 2023 · crash

“When taken for oil changes, no oil is left on stick and motor will lock and cut off. I have to restart the car to get it to turn on. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 1, 2024 · crash

2020 Kia Soul — common questions

Is the 2020 Kia Soul reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 480 complaints put the 2020 model at #6 of 16 Soul years. It is one of the Soul years to avoid.

What are the most common 2020 Soul problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (228 complaints), transmission (87 complaints), other (47 complaints).

Does the 2020 Kia Soul have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 Kia Soul under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Soul years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Soul years to avoid are 2015, 2014, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2020, 2011. The cleanest record among Soul years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2020 Kia Soul?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Kia Soul earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.