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Kia · NHTSA safety record

2020 Kia Soul

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

Owners have filed 381 safety complaints about the 2020 Kia Soul with the US government. Of those, 9 describe a crash, 6 mention a fire, 6 people were injured and 8 deaths are recorded. One recall campaign is open against it, covering the engine.

The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 238 complaints, 62% of the total. The typical failure was reported at 13,450 miles, the median across the 162 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

Compiled from NHTSA's complaint, recall and investigation files · Covers June 2019 to September 2026 · How this is counted

What is on file

381 complaints on file

381

Complaints

9

Describe a crash

6

Mention fire

6

People injured

8

Deaths

A complaint is an unverified account by the person who filed it, not a finding of fault. One complaint is one ODI number, which is how NHTSA counts them.

Complaints rose 39% year on year: 75 in the twelve months to 2026-Q2, against 54 in the twelve before.

A recall is the manufacturer conceding a defect, and the repair is free. Whether one covers your particular car is a question only its VIN can answer, because a campaign covers a production range rather than a model year.

Which system owners named

Complaints naming each system
ENGINE 238 · 62%
POWER TRAIN 89 · 23%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 52 · 14%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 28 · 7%
STEERING 16 · 4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 15 · 4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 14 · 4%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11 · 3%
SERVICE BRAKES 10 · 3%
STRUCTURE 10 · 3%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6 · 2%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 5 · 1%
0 96 192

Red marks a system with a recall campaign against it. One complaint can name several systems, so these add up to more than 381.

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2025 at 72.

76 57 38 19
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

This is the year the complaint was filed, not the year the failure happened. The range runs from 2019 to 2026, the last of them a part year, which is why its column is drawn faint.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program

NHTSA crashes a car into a barrier and a pole and measures what happens to the dummies inside. This is what it awarded the 2020 Kia SOUL, and it is a separate question from what owners report going wrong later.

Test SUV FWD
Overall
Frontal crash
Frontal, driver
Frontal, passenger
Side crash
Side barrier
Side pole
Rollover
Chance of rollover 14.7%
Stability control standard Forward collision warning standard Lane departure warning standard

A dash means NHTSA did not rate that test for this vehicle.

Recall campaigns

1 on file

ENGINE

21V259000 · April 13, 2021

The defect
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Kia Motors America · up to 147,249 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations

1 on file

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Loss of Motive Power

DP22003

Closed defect petition · opened September 12, 2022 · closed December 12, 2023

the engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

In owners’ own words

Quoted from the complaint file

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 deaths · crash

Car subject to theft SEE NHSTA press release Feb. 14, 2003 The press release announced a fix had already been achieved (EMPHASIS ADDED): Hyundai and Kia HAVE developed theft deterrent software for millions of their vehicles that lack an immobilizer and will provide it FREE of charge to vehicle owners Unless your PIO totally muffed, this has been an EXTREMELY SLOW ROLLOUT. Two local dealers deny having any information about by vehicle from Kia. The Kia consumer line is jammed and I have not received any callbacks. Now I have gotten a a threatening letter from my insurer. Get on Kia's ass. This is a safety issue. See "Eight fatalities" Feb. 14 2023

NHTSA complaint 11517894. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 26,000 miles

I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I IMPACTED THE SECOND VEHICLE IN THEIR SIDE PASSENGER DOOR AT ABOUT 45-50 MPH. THIS HAPPENED ON US HWY 27 N IN CLERMONT, FLORIDA. BOTH MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE ER. I WAS DRIVING A 2020 KIA SOUL.

NHTSA complaint 11394554. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

1 injured · fire

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 complaint 11544347. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

1 injured · fire

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. Once the revised recall came out in 2021 JTs Kia did not properly resolved the issue and later the car engine overheated and caught fire. JTs Kia Never took responsibility and told the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs that the Kia Corporation will not honor any repairs. The car was no longer able to turn on and JTs KIA is still selling these dangerous cars that has had piston oil ring issues since 2010

NHTSA complaint 11555530. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
My 2020 Kia Soul 2.0L has developed serious engine problems. The vehicle initially had diagnostic trouble code P0014 and later P000B. The vehicle has also experienced significant oil consumption. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that the engine has sustained damage related to oil consumption and that the engine requires complete replacement. I was previously advised that the issue could involve the camshaft timing/variable valve timing system or cam phaser, but the engine itself needs to be replaced. The vehicle has approximately 113751 miles. I have maintained the vehicle and have documentation showing that I performed regular oil changes in accordance to the user manual. I

NHTSA complaint 11766145, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

154,937 miles

The contact owned a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while attempting to operate the vehicle, the engine seized and the vehicle failed to start. When attempting to start the vehicle, a knock turnover was present, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); as the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, and the dealer confirmed the total engine failure was directly associated with the recall. However, the dealer refused to perform the repair, claiming that the vehicle had exceeded the extended warranty, despite a federal safety recall not being bound by warranty expiration rules. The

NHTSA complaint 11765243, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

182,000 miles

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and added oil to the engine before continuing to drive. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis, and the contact was informed that the engine and catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 182,000.

NHTSA complaint 11764952. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
I’m having trouble with my pearl white paint peeling off my car. I am available for an inspection. The car has not inspected by anyone at this time. Waiting on instructions. This started last year July and just keeps getting worse every day.

NHTSA complaint 11764790. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
I own a 2020 Kia Soul with approximately 39,000 miles. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer in connection with an engine safety recall (sc209). During the recall process, the engine failed Kia’s required testing, and I was advised that engine replacement was being submitted for approval. Kia subsequently requested my historical oil-change records and advised the dealer that the PWA case would be closed and denied if additional maintenance records were not provided within five business days. I no longer have complete receipts for oil changes that were performed over the approximately six years I have owned the vehicle. My concern is that the vehicle failed testing performed as

NHTSA complaint 11763532, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
This car was purchased in December of 2025 with 26K miles on it. There are stall issues when using the auto start stop feature. I had to power down the car and restart it up to get the car to move. It also will throw the check engine light code and then after you drive it, it goes away which makes it difficult to take to a service shop for diagnosis. Recently the car is now at 28K (9 mo later) and it has an intermittent stutter when driving; I can only describe it as a push/pull motion and its random, during this time the check engine light came on again. On my way to take it to a service station for diagnosis, it went away. Not sure if this has been reported by other 2020 Kia Soul owners.

NHTSA complaint 11763658. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Kia Soul

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2023 52 4 1
2022 88 1 3
2021 234 2 —
2019 136 1 —
2018 218 1 1
2017 272 1 —
2016 815 2 —
2015 898 4 1
2014 901 5 1
2013 662 3 —
2012 514 3 2
2011 194 3 1
2010 135 3 —

Other 2020 Kia models

Telluride 764 Sportage 161 Optima 146 Sorento 136 Forte 76 Niro 39 RIO 27 Sedona 20

Complaints on file, same model year.

Every Kia on this site — 181 vehicles.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. How many repair attempts it takes, and how long you have to file, is set by the state you bought in and by nothing on this page.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst