Kia Soul 2020 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Kia Soul 2020 and 384 complaints filed by owners. It has 70% more complaints than the average Kia Soul from 2016–2025 (226 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Kia Soul 2020? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Kia Soul 2020
Engine
NHTSA campaign 21V259000 · 2021-04-13
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
384 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
9 with a crash · 6 with a fire · 6 injuries · 8 deaths
Most reported problems on the Kia Soul 2020
- Engine: 241 (63% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 91 (24% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 28 (7% of complaints)
- Steering: 16 (4% of complaints)
- Fuel and propulsion: 15 (4% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Kia Soul 2020
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Kia Soul recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 823 complaints
- 2017 : 1 recalls · 272 complaints
- 2018 : 1 recalls · 218 complaints
- 2019 : 1 recalls · 136 complaints
- 2020 : 1 recalls · 384 complaints
- 2021 : 2 recalls · 237 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recalls · 92 complaints
- 2023 : 4 recalls · 54 complaints
- 2024 : 0 recalls · 30 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 12 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kia Soul 2020 have?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Kia Soul 2020. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Soul 2020?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (241 of 384 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 14, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).