MYRModel Year Report

2020 Kia Soul

◆ Worse than typical
2020 Kia Soul
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Soul Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2020 highlighted. 2010: 134 complaints 2010 2011: 193 complaints 2012: 512 complaints 2012 2013: 657 complaints 2014: 888 complaints 2014 2015: 891 complaints 2016: 793 complaints 2016 2017: 268 complaints 2018: 209 complaints 2018 2019: 131 complaints 2020: 357 complaints 2020 2021: 220 complaints 2022: 87 complaints 2022 2023: 48 complaints 2024: 26 complaints 2024 2025: 11 complaints 2025
2020: 357 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2010134
2011193
2012512
2013657
2014888
2015891
2016793
2017268
2018209
2019131
2020357
2021220
202287
202348
202426
202511

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 62%

62% of complaints: engine — 222 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Unresolved Recall. The vehicle was under recall in 2019 and should not have been sold by JTs Kia in Columbia, SC. The piston oil rings were affected in the 2019 recall and also caused an issue for the 2020 Kia Souls. The car was sold under recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231116

My husband was driving down the street in our 2020 Kia soul when under the hood of the car started to smoke profusely and a fire broke out under the hood of the car the engine was affected the car no longer turns on or turns over there was a recall...

NHTSA ODI report, 20230922

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230913

POWER TRAIN 24%

24% of complaints: power train — 84 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file.

CRASH DEATH
STEERING 4%

4% of complaints: steering — 16 distinct reports on file.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 4%

4% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2020 — complaint volume: 357
R 20210611 — engine

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.

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.

Campaign 21V259000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2020 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (222 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (84 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (27 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V259000 (engine) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2022 ▲ 2019

WORST YEARS

■ 2015 ■ 2014 ■ 2016

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2020 Kia Soul reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Kia Soul is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Soul?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Soul have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.