2020 KIA SOUL Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Soul. This model year has 342 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2020 Kia Soul Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Considering a 2020 Kia Soul?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2020 Kia Soul. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 217 | 3 | 6 | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 86 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 46 | 1 | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 27 | 1 | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 14 | 1 | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Brake System | 11 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | β | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 2 | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Tether | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle) | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Child Seat | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 342 most recent complaints
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under Kia Recall: SC209; however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware of a n excessive oil consumption. No waβ¦
Engine shut off while making a turn. Took car to mechanic and he stated that the car did not display any error messages. The car also over heated while driving in freeway.
My Car would shut off in the middle of the road after I stopped to make a turn or even stop at a stop light. Also the engine is burning oil. Mechanic says the the engine needs to be replace. Something with the oil piston and the exhaust is burning oil. I am not sure
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the engine started knocking on the passenger side of the vehicle underneath the hood. The contact accelerated to 45 MPH and continued driving. After refueling, while continuing to drive β¦
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle was driving sluggishly, and the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated before stalling. The vehicle was towed to the local Service Center and was diagnosed with piston rings failure. The β¦
The engine burnt through all the oil in it, many miles before an oil change was needed for it.I have taken it to the dealership and the dealership submitted an extended warranty claim for it and despite the fact that the issue is mechanical and covered by the extented owarranty, β¦
The engine seems to be stalling, more than likely being caused by the piston rings being defective. With the piston rings being defective, this can cause oil to be lost, and then in turn causing damage to the vehicle. This can put others at risk as this will stall the vehicle, aβ¦
Owner of 2020 Kia soul experiencing engine failure symptoms including stalling and oil consumption vehicl is associated with engine fire risk safety recall vehicle is currently disabled at mechanic and unsafe to drive I requested kia arrange a tow to authorized dealership for recβ¦
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The automatic start warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. Additionally, the error message indicated that the automatic start feature was disabled; howβ¦
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at undisclosed speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal, fluttery sound detected before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an indeβ¦
This issue is a significant safety concern. The vehicle intermittently loses propulsion, causing a sudden forward lurch, and then abruptly regains power, pushing me back into the seat. This unexpected deceleration and surge can create a dangerous situation in traffic and may leadβ¦
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. Additionally, the engine was leaking oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previouslβ¦
I believe my car has been burning oil. The oil was empty at our last oil change only about 60,000 miles on car and we have had to keep adding oil to the car since then. I got extra concerned also when I saw alot of kia souls same year have gotten recalled for oil consumption, yetβ¦
My car suddenly cut off while I'm driving putting me and others at risk in traffic and then my mechanic confirmed that its due to a defect in the engine with the piston. When I looked it up there is a recall for this on my type of car but not for my specific car VIN
My car is burning oil and showing signs of blow-by. I suspect it is due to the faulty piston rings that prompted your engine recall SC209. I brought the vehicle into the dealership in 2020 at 2,100 miles for the recall and they said it "passed." I recently became aware that thiβ¦
I purchased my 2020 Kia Soul GT-Line brand new in October 2019. The vehicle was later subject to a Kia oil piston ring recall, which was performed by an authorized Kia dealership in July 2021. Rick Case Kia - Duluth, Georgia Despite the recall being marked as completed, the enβ¦
Immediately after purchase, the Passenger Airbag warning light illuminated. An authorized Kia dealer confirmed that the airbag system is defective and requires repair under warranty. Despite this confirmation, more than five (5) months have passed without repair, citing parts unβ¦
My 2020 Kia Soul is suffering catastrophic engine failure from a known safety recall defect involving the piston oil rings. I received a safety recall notice from Kia on July 5, 2021 warning that defective piston oil rings could cause engine damage and engine fires. I brought thβ¦
Mapping system will not update. Vehicle is dangerous.
My 2020 Kia Soul has around 135,000 miles on it. When accelerating it sounded like a rod or piston was coming through the engine wall. Then began the chugging and loud knocking noises along with engine shutting off. Glad we were not on a railroad track or something like that. We β¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Kia Soul.
Recalls for 2020 Kia Soul
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Kia Soul. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2020 Kia Soul β FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2020 Kia Soul reliable?βΎ
Notable Issues. The 2020 Kia Soul has 342 NHTSA owner complaints, 9 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (217 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Soul?βΎ
#1: Engine Problems (217 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (86 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (46 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Kia Soul?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Kia Soul?βΎ
The 2020 Kia Soul has 9 crash-related complaints and 6 fire reports out of 342 total NHTSA complaints. 6 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Kia Soul have any recalls?βΎ
Yes β 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2020 Kia Soul. The largest issue: ENGINE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2020 Kia Soul?βΎ
The 2020 Kia Soul has notable issues β review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2020 Kia Soul
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.