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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

    We expect the 2025 Soul will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models and the Kia brand score.

    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.

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Car has been broken into 7 times because of KIA Boyz never stolen just broken into EX has an automatic immobilizer"

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

    "The car was recalled because thieves were able to easily start the car and steal it. This problem got a lot of press."

    Anonymous, IL (2020 Kia Soul S)

    "Car is easily stolen due to ignition system. Thieves destroyed steering column. Kia dealership with terrible customer service took 6 weeks to repair the damage."

    Anonymous A., TN (2020 Kia Soul S)

    "In the last 2 months, there have been 10 instances where the car simply would not start and needed a battery boost - 12 volt battery warning came on and then car immediately died."

    Anonymous, ON (2020 Kia Soul EV)

    Climate System

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

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "A/c stopped working in the hottest time of the year. It was causes by a faulty installment of the compressor so was covered by warranty."

    Anonymous, BC (2020 Kia Soul Unsure)
    Automatic climate control

    "Controls simply do not allow certain selections that other cars do, e.g., putting AC on with outside air intake. This has never worked, and I have no idea why, but its a source of irritation."

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

    Transmission Major

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

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "The car would shake and rattle before the trans completely failed. I got a recall notice and had the car sent to the dealer. Kia replaced the transmission."

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

    "Recall and replaced by dealer"

    Anonymous, OH (2020 Kia Soul Unsure)

    In-car Electronics

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

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    "When stopped in traffic, screen would freeze, go blank and the car would totally shut down and restart. I took in at least twice, showed them a video I made of it occurring but they couldn't fix it. It hasn't occurred since I got a new battery 6 months ago."

    Anonymous, TX (2020 Kia Soul X-Line 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "The display would go blank intermittently and didn't seem to have a cause or reason. The dealership replaced the entire unit because they couldn't figure it out."

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

    Engine Major

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

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "Engine would stall while driving"

    Anonymous, OH (2020 Kia Soul GT-Line 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other major engine problem

    "oil consumption problem known to Kia and covered at Kia expense"

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Coil

    "Engine missfire caused by coil pack, dealer shuffled the coil packs and the probe dissappeared"

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

    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

    Warning lights

    ""Check Engine" light came on. Service technician found a plug that jolted loose from its jack. Tech plugged it back in and the light went off. Have not experienced the problem again."

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

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "This car has required brake servicing way sooner than any other Kia I have owned. Normally I would expect front brakes at 60000 KM. I have now had to have front and brakes replaced twice by 60,000 KM. Rear brakes once and almost ready to replace again."

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

    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.

    Transmission Minor

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

    Steering And Suspension

    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.

    Noises And Leaks

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

    Paint And Trim

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    Engine Minor

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

    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.

    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.

    2020 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
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    09
    10*
    11
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    14*
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    20*
    21
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 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. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    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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