2020 Kia Soul: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2020 Kia Soul? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 342 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2020 Kia Soul Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2020 Kia Soul. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2020 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 Kia Soul has 342 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Soul
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 342
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 30
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 27 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 243
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2020 Kia Soul Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2020 Kia Soul?
The 2020 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2020 Kia Soul
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records to check for prior engine or transmission repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records to check for prior engine or transmission repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical systems.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Kia Soul, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2020 Kia Soul are heavily concentrated in engine problems, with over 200 reports. Transmission and drivetrain issues also appear frequently. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the reports mean these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Engine problems account for the majority of complaints, with 217 reports.
- Transmission and drivetrain issues are the second most common, with 86 complaints.
- There is 1 recall for this model year, which may address some reported issues.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
All 2020 Kia Soul Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Soul. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
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.
2020 Kia Soul Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Kia Soul. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2020 Kia Soul Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Kia Soul reliable?βΎ
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 342 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2020 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Kia Soul, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 342 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Kia Soul have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2020 Kia Soul. A major recall area is ENGINE. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Kia Soul?βΎ
The 2020 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2020 Kia Soul based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.