2020 Kia Soul Safety Report
2020 Kia Soul: Strong crash ratings, but significant engine failure and fire risks linked to recall.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Kia Soul
Reliability Score
The 2020 Kia Soul receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2020 Kia Soul
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Kia Soul:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Failure/Stalling Due To Piston Oil Rings Improperly heat-treated piston oil rings can lead to excessive oil consumption, engine damage, sudden stalling, and potential engine fires. Numerous complaints describe complete engine seizure and loss of motive power, even after recall attempts. |
High | Common | 20000-135000 miles |
| Excessive Oil Consumption Vehicles are burning through entire oil reservoirs between scheduled changes, leading to low oil levels, engine damage, and potential stalling. This is directly linked to the piston ring defect. |
High | Common | 20000-60000 miles |
| Transmission Slipping/Failure Reports of the transaxle slipping, preventing the vehicle from exceeding certain speeds (e.g., 40mph), indicating potential power train issues beyond the engine. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Battery Drain/Electrical Issues One complaint details rapid battery failure, suggesting an underlying electrical system issue draining the battery prematurely. |
Medium | Rare | 26000-127000 miles |
| Passenger Airbag Warning Light/Defect A report of the passenger airbag warning light illuminating immediately after purchase, confirmed as defective by a dealer, with parts unavailability delaying repair. |
High | Rare | new miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Kia Soul:
The most prevalent issue, with 138 complaints, involves engine stalling, excessive oil consumption, knocking noises, and complete engine failure, often linked to the piston oil ring recall.
48 complaints relate to power train issues, including transmission slipping and general loss of motive power, sometimes in conjunction with engine problems.
27 complaints fall under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER', indicating various unspecified problems or issues not fitting other categories.
18 complaints specifically cite issues affecting both the power train and engine simultaneously, highlighting their interconnected failures.
10 complaints are related to steering, though specific patterns are not detailed in the provided data.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Kia Soul
Is the 2020 Kia Soul safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Kia Soul received strong crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side), indicating good occupant protection in collisions. However, it has a significant safety concern related to its engine. There are 337 total complaints, including 9 crashes, 6 fires, and 6 injuries. A recall (21V259000) addresses defective piston oil rings that can cause engine stalling and fire risk. This recall directly correlates with 138 engine-related complaints, making engine reliability a major safety drawback despite good crash performance.
What are common problems with the 2020 Kia Soul?
The most reported issues for the 2020 Kia Soul are overwhelmingly related to the ENGINE, accounting for 138 out of 337 complaints. Common problems include engine stalling, excessive oil consumption, knocking noises, and complete engine failure, often linked to the piston oil ring defect and associated recall. POWER TRAIN issues are also significant, with 48 complaints, sometimes involving transmission slipping or loss of acceleration.
Has the 2020 Kia Soul been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 Kia Soul has had one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V259000). This recall addresses certain 2020-2021 Soul vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines where improperly heat-treated piston oil rings may lead to engine damage, stalling, and an increased risk of fire due to oil leaks onto hot exhaust components.
What are the risks associated with the 2020 Kia Soul's engine problems?
The risks associated with the 2020 Kia Soul's engine problems are severe. The defective piston oil rings can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly while driving, significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, oil leaks onto hot exhaust components can lead to an engine fire. There are 6 reported fires and 8 deaths associated with the 337 total complaints, highlighting the serious nature of these engine-related failures.
How does the 2020 Kia Soul perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Kia Soul performs well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving an overall 4-star safety rating. Specifically, it earned 4 stars for frontal crash protection, an excellent 5 stars for side crash protection, and 4 stars for rollover resistance. These ratings suggest good structural integrity and occupant protection in various collision scenarios.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2020 Kia Soul offers good crash protection, potential buyers should be highly cautious due to the widespread and severe engine issues, including stalling and fire risks, directly linked to a recall; ensure any recall work has been completed and consider an extended warranty for the engine.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Kia Soul
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Kia Soul. The data includes 337 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 6 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and 8 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Kia Soul an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.