2020 Kia Soul: common problems and reliability

The 2020 Kia Soul has 357 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag catastrophic engine failure (knocking, stalling, seizure) often preceded by excessive oil consumption — very frequent across 2010-2020 models. linked to recalls and extended warranty programs.

Safety record for the 2020 model year

357
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
9
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Kia Soul vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
222
power train
87
electrical system
27
steering
16
fuel/propulsion system
15

Recalls affecting the 2020 Soul

engine

Campaign 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.

What owners say across generations

Mixed to negative sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and engine. The vehicle is consistently praised for its practicality, including exceptional interior roominess, good fuel economy, easy maneuverability, and overall value as a basic, economical trans

  • Catastrophic engine failure (knocking, stalling, seizure) often preceded by excessive oil consumption — very frequent across 2010-2020 models. Linked to recalls and extended warranty programs.
  • Excessive oil consumption/burning — recurrent, noted as a common precursor to major engine issues.
  • Transmission problems — includes laggy acceleration, harsh clunking between gears (particularly 2nd to 3rd), "searching" for gears, and general lack of refinement. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Intermittent starting issues — strong crank but failure to start, or stalling immediately after starting, not consistently linked to battery or starter. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Theft/Break-in attempts — particularly for models without factory immobilizers (pre-2022), leading to smashed windows and attempted theft. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Soul.

Typical used price

Used Soul listings typically run $11,800–$19,709 across 2014 to 2025 model years.

Other Soul model years

2022 Soul2019 Soul2017 Soul2016 Soul2014 Soul
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