Home · 2020 · Kia
2020 Kia Soul
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
357 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why caution?
15 complaints involve a crash, fire, injury, or death — read them before deciding.
Engine problems dominate (62% of complaints, typically reported near 28k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2020 Kia Soul, plotted where owners report it happening.
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
62%222 complaints · typically near 28k mi · 102 in the last 2 years
“I recently bought this 2020 Kia soul the 2 L engine and I’ve noticed every 700 miles 1 quart of oil in this concerns me because how do I not affect it would’ve ran dry…”
Transmission & drivetrain
24%87 complaints · typically near 9k mi · 10 in the last 2 years
“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 free…”
Electrical system
8%27 complaints · typically near 68k mi · 11 in the last 2 years
“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 free…”
Fuel system
4%16 complaints · typically near 115k mi · 8 in the last 2 years
“The problems with the KIa Sol began with the "check engine" light continuously coming on in January of 2025. Took it to the dealership twice and numerous repairs were …”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Engine · 21V259000
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2020 Kia SOUL beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2020? See how every Soul model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2020 Kia Soul against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.