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NHTSA Vehicle Research

2020 Kia Soul Research

Free safety data straight from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Recalls, consumer complaints, and crash test ratings — everything you need before you buy.

1 Recalls
352 Complaints
4★ Safety Rating
FREE Gov Data

🛡️ NCAP Crash Test Safety Ratings

Year Overall Front Crash Side Crash Rollover
2020

⚠️ NHTSA Recalls (1)

The following safety recalls have been issued by NHTSA for the Kia Soul. If you own this vehicle, check your VIN at our VIN lookup tool or NHTSA.gov to see if your vehicle is affected.

2020 Model Year (1 recall)

Campaign #21V259000 13/04/2021
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.

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.

💬 Consumer Complaints (352)

Real complaints filed with NHTSA by Kia Soul owners. These reports help identify common issues and potential safety concerns.

Most Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE 149
POWER TRAIN 48
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 27
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 18
STEERING 10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 6
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 5
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE 4
2020 model • ENGINE • 05/22/2026

I was driving when the vehicle stalled while slowing down. It stalled several more times at a stop light, and then when slowing down or accelerating slowly. I then noticed the engine started making a noise. I have parked it and not been able to drive it since. No safety indicators popped up during the stalling. When the engine started…

2020 model • ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM • 03/25/2026

There was a recall-SC209A for a faulty piston ring. This vehicle “passed” prior to my purchase. I was unaware that my vehicle was part of the recall- when the VIN is entered in the NTSB website, no active recalls show. Starting in 10/24, the vehicle began having problems accelerating, and when I brought to my local mechanic it was found…

2020 model • ENGINE • 06/02/2026

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The contact stated that he was a mechanic, and the contact had retrieved a diagnostic code indicating a vibration in the pistons. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,704.

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