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    GREEN CHOICE

    Kia Soul

    EPA MPG: 30 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2020 Soul is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2020 Kia Soul has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2020 Kia Soul owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "Camshaft keyway broke"

    Anonymous, MD (2020 Kia Soul LX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Losing compression on cylinders one and two"

    Anonymous, TN (2020 Kia Soul GT-Line 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Would lose power, chugging, then kick in. Kia replaced engine but still same problemsdangerous. They dont know whats wrong. Nothing reads out in diagnostic check."

    Anonymous, CA (2020 Kia Soul Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other major engine problem

    "Started at about 58000? 57000? Recently. Engine light came on. Car ran OK, but would occasionally die at stops. Dealer said pin connecting crankshaft to variable valve unit broke, requiring replacement of crankshaft. They said that usually that break is due to low oil, but there are no signs of an oil leak and the oils been changed on schedule by the dealer since we bought the car. It was repaired under warranty in 3-4 business days. Car runs fine now."

    Anonymous, (2020 Kia Soul Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    ""I've done regular maintenance on this car. A month after the last oil change, it started driving oddly. Took it straight to the mechanic. They diagnosed it with a problem KNOWN TO KIA - unusually high oil consumption. There was so little oil that it didn't show on the lipstick. Mechanic highly recommended that it not be be driven any more, as the engine could seize up at any time, even after they performed another oil change and filled it back up with the required amount of oil. I was told there is no way to know if & when the engine would completely seize up and leave me stranded, possible while driving on the freeway.""

    Anonymous, AZ (2020 Kia Soul LX Unsure)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Automatic climate control

    "Would not cool unless turned up to the maximum setting"

    Anonymous, AZ (2020 Kia Soul Unsure 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Condenser

    "It dripped from October 2024 to Feb 2025"

    Anonymous, FL (2020 Kia Soul S 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "Complete CVT failure, entire transmission needed to be replaced for $5,000"

    Anonymous A., IL (2020 Kia Soul EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "I first noticed problems in November of 2024. Acceleration was sluggish and the vehicle was stalling. Eventually I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. The replacement of the transmission was covered under a recall, however, I was required to approve $1200 in maintenance work before they would considered honouring the recall."

    Anonymous, ON (2020 Kia Soul Unsure Unsure)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    ""Not long after purchase, Apple CarPlay wouldnt always connect to the vehicle. I purchased new USB cords I changed them out. I turned the phone off and on. During the break, Change and Oil Change they checked the port and said that a fuse had blown. That worked for a very short time and then Apple CarPlay would randomly connect or not connect With the car and phone when I went back for my next oil change. I had them check it again and found that they needed to do a whole new USB port for the Apple CarPlay that resulted an over $400 bill which I thought was to me more expensive. Since its replacement, it is stopped and cut out on me one time and I turned off the phone turned off my Bluetooth and then it connected to the USB Apple CarPlay. I have a iPhone 15+ so its not an old phone. It seems to be working fine now though I guess my only frustration was I bought this used and its supposed to go through an inspection? I would think they wouldve replaced the brake pads if they needed it then and took care of the Apple CarPlay.""

    Anonymous, NC (2020 Kia Soul EX Unsure)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Other electrical system problem

    ""Drivers side master control unit and various individual power window switches intermittently not operating. Was in dealer shop 11 times (!) in 18 months: each fix lasted c. 3 mo; replaced master control unit 3 times (all under warranty); Finally, KIA national engineering confirmed previous units were bad mfg batch -- replaced with 'good' one now -- we'll see -- fingers crossed.""

    Anonymous, CA (2020 Kia Soul EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Locks and latches

    "Hatch latch cover ripped"

    Anonymous, TX (2020 Kia Soul S 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Slipping transmission

    "It was covered under warranty. The problem had to do with an electronic"

    Anonymous, FL (2020 Kia Soul S 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Theft because ignition could be easily broken using a USB cord..Found on Tik Tok"

    Anonymous, LA (2020 Kia Soul S 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    2020 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ENGINE
    Apr 13, 2021
    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.
    Summary:
    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 should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V259000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 147249
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