2020 Kia Soul Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~52.3 complaints per year on the road — ranking 4 of 15 Kia Soul years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2020 Kia Soul, cited in 227 of 366 filed complaints (62%).
Power Train is next (88 complaints, 24%), followed by Electrical System (27), Steering (16), Fuel/Propulsion System (15).
Across all complaints, 9 report a crash, 6 report a fire, 6 report injuries, 8 report a death.
The most safety-critical cluster is Electrical System: 1 crash, 8 death report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Soul, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 366.
Engine 227 3 crash 6 fire 3 injury
“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 sellin…”
NHTSA complaint #11555530, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“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, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at a very low speed, the vehicle's speed increased independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was being parked. The contact noticed an unusual sound, and the engine revved up. The contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle went across the street into the neighbor's yard. The vehicle crashed into the neighbor's rose bush and up onto the patio. The contact stated that the neighbor, who was seated on the patio, had been knocked out of…”
NHTSA complaint #11691596, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Power Train 88 1 crash 1 fire 2 injury
“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 sellin…”
NHTSA complaint #11555530, 2023 · fire · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STOPPING, THE VEHICLE SHIFTER WAS SWITCHED FROM REVERSE TO THE PARK POSITION. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS EXITING, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY DROVE FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE CARPORT POLL. DURING THE INCIDENT THE CONTACT WAS INJURED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REENTER THE VEHICLE AND SUSTAINED BRUISING TO THE BODY AND A RIGHT ARM INJURY WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE WAS REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE LOCAL DEALER KIA OF SANDUSKY LOCATION 7515 MILAN RD, SANDUSKY, OH 44870 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…”
NHTSA complaint #11373020, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“While driving on the interstate at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of forward motive power. The engine revved, but the vehicle completely ceased forward acceleration and could not maintain highway speeds. This created an immediate safety hazard, forcing me to navigate across active lanes of highway traffic without power to reach the shoulder, narrowly avoiding a rear-end collision. Once stopped, the vehicle completely refused to engage any forward gears (Drive). However, the transmission will still engage and move backward in Reverse. This is the second t…”
NHTSA complaint #11747549, 2026
Unknown Or Other 50 1 crash
“GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK WE RAN THROUGH THE END OF THE HOUSE. THIS HAPPEN WHILE TURNING IN OUR DRIVEWAY”
NHTSA complaint #11306573, 2019 · crash
“I want to make a complaint about my 2020 Kia Soul. It is a great car, but the white paint will not stay on the car no matter what I do. It keeps flaking off all over the car. Just recently, it was my right passenger side door. It looks horrible. The car is under a car loan and is loosing paint as I pay off. I want to make Kia aware of this issue. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11753079, 2026
“Jeff Smith Kia in Perry was doing the maintenance they went out of business Kia Hutchinson I told several employees more than once that I was having problems the car would slowly shut down and cut off start then stop on the hey I had to call tow trucks have rentals there was a chainsaw sound underneath had to constantly place oil in the car Kia Never contacted me about a recall the dealerships never communicated recalls on the engine and oil burning they placed me and my grandchildren at risk and say I have to pay $110000 for a new engine. A belt. Cadillac converter and I simply do not have t…”
NHTSA complaint #11750558, 2026
Electrical System 27 1 crash 8 death
“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11517894, 2023 · crash · 8 death(s)
“Engine shut off while making a turn. Took car to mechanic and he stated that the car did not display any error messages. The car also over heated while driving in freeway.”
NHTSA complaint #11732298, 2026
“My Car would shut off in the middle of the road after I stopped to make a turn or even stop at a stop light. Also the engine is burning oil. Mechanic says the the engine needs to be replace. Something with the oil piston and the exhaust is burning oil. I am not sure”
NHTSA complaint #11731747, 2026
Steering 16
“The contact’s wife owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel failed to return to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the steering rack, and pinion plugs were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 232,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11656289, 2024
“The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2020 Kia SOUL LX. The contact stated that they had began to notice that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel the steering would remain turned and would not return to its original position, no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the steering rack and pinion plugs were faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 232,…”
NHTSA complaint #11656290, 2024
“Motor driven power steering failed, dealer (Hyman Bros Kia Midlothian VA) replaced the flexible coupling in the power steering assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #11508475, 2023
Fuel/Propulsion System 15 1 crash
“When taken for oil changes, no oil is left on stick and motor will lock and cut off. I have to restart the car to get it to turn on.”
NHTSA complaint #11627148, 2024 · crash
“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 to be nearly empty on oil despite a recent oil change. I have since experienced continuing issues with low oil and oil consumption. The latest incident was in XXX on a trip to [XXX] . The car seized in the highway, and was brought to a local Kia dealer. They…”
NHTSA complaint #11741488, 2026
“The problems with the KIa Sol began with the "check engine" light continuously coming on in January of 2025. Took it to the dealership twice and numerous repairs were made and the vehicle continues to malfunction. It sputters and has created a dangerous condition to drive. For example, my 21 year old son was on the freeway and the car started sputtering. Thank God that the truck behind him moved lanes when he saw the car was struggling or it could have ended tragically. That was incredibly scary. I took it to the dealership again. They kept for two weeks trying to find the root of the pro…”
NHTSA complaint #11707385, 2025
Vehicle Speed Control 13 1 crash 1 fire
“I was driving to work. 12 miles my oil leaked. A state trooper turned around when seeing flames and called the fire department and tow truck. I lost control of the car, nothing was working. I was only ever given one recall notice which I fixed 2 months after buying the car. The car also has issues with security. Only certain insurance companies will cover the car and their prices are higher. We took car to dealership . three months later I contact attorney general. The GM this started attacking us, denying anything happened etc. He should be fired for how he treats people. Reviews of their bus…”
NHTSA complaint #11606634, 2024 · fire
“WHILE PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY AND COMING TO A STOP AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF . I LET MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THE CAR TOOK OFF LIKE A ROCKET AND HIT A PARKED CAR IN OUR DRIVEWAY . IT PUSHED THE PARKED VEHICLE FORWARD ABOUT 2 FEET UNTIL THE CAR STOPPED . THIS IS A DIRT DRIVEWAY. I GUESS WHAT HAPPENED IS THIS CARS START AND STOP FEATURE WHICH TURNS THE MOTOR OFF WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP AND STARTS BACK UP WHEN YOU LET YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKE . SOME KIA FEATURE THAT WENT HAYWIRE AND CAUSED THE ACCIDENT . YOU CAN DISENGAGE THIS FEATURE BUT IT MUST BE DONE EVERY TIME YOU STOP AND TURN OFF HE VEHICLE…”
NHTSA complaint #11355620, 2020 · crash
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. After several attempts, the vehicle was restarted, and the contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. After waiting for a while the contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving slowly; however, the failure recurred. The contact had to turn off and restart the vehicle several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle had failed and needed to be replaced.…”
NHTSA complaint #11639429, 2024
Service Brakes 11 1 crash 1 fire
“I was driving to work. 12 miles my oil leaked. A state trooper turned around when seeing flames and called the fire department and tow truck. I lost control of the car, nothing was working. I was only ever given one recall notice which I fixed 2 months after buying the car. The car also has issues with security. Only certain insurance companies will cover the car and their prices are higher. We took car to dealership . three months later I contact attorney general. The GM this started attacking us, denying anything happened etc. He should be fired for how he treats people. Reviews of their bus…”
NHTSA complaint #11606634, 2024 · fire
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 35 MPH and going up a slight hill, the vehicle stalled. The contact's son said multiple unknown warnings illuminated. The son depressed the brake pedal and felt that it was very hard to depress. The son was able to restart the vehicle and continued on to his destination. The contact stated that the engine stalling failure had occurred once, however the failure of the brakes had occurred several times. The contact's son stated that when he was slowing the vehicle, as he was in reverse (R) backin…”
NHTSA complaint #11684758, 2025 · crash
“Owner of 2020 Kia soul experiencing engine failure symptoms including stalling and oil consumption vehicl is associated with engine fire risk safety recall vehicle is currently disabled at mechanic and unsafe to drive I requested kia arrange a tow to authorized dealership for recall diagnosis but kia customer service refused to cover tow bc this involves potential engine fire hazard I believe manufacturers should arrange safe transport for inspection under the recall”
NHTSA complaint #11724192, 2026
Engine And Engine Cooling 9
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at undisclosed speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal, fluttery sound detected before the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was due to the crankshaft and camshaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 135,864.”
NHTSA complaint #11720859, 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle indicated that the oil level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the dipstick was dry. The contact was concerned because oil had been added to the vehicle four months earlier, in October 2025. The dealer was not able to determine the cause of the failure. The oil level was topped off. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,637.”
NHTSA complaint #11709854, 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under Kia Recall: SC209; however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware of a n excessive oil consumption. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11733534, 2025
Structure 8
“There are hundreds of on-line complaints regarding 2020 Kia Soul with paint flaking and peeling off. This is especially true for cars painted white. This is happen to the Soul I purchased a few years ago. I can no longer use a car wash. Please see pictures. The exposed areas will lead to rust and corrosion. If the metal supporting the engine, cabin, or bumpers flakes off or has holes, the vehicle loses its ability to protect occupants during a collision. A rusty car can be highly dangerous if the corrosion has spread to critical structural or mechanical components. Rust on surface are…”
NHTSA complaint #11744019, 2024
“The pearl white paint is pealing. And chipping”
NHTSA complaint #11664837, 2024
“My 2020 Kia Soul is not even five years old yet and under 20k miles and I noticed that the paint has started to lift and this should not happen. I have heard that other Kia models with the same paint, Snow White Pearl, have had the same reported issue over the past few years. The paint started bubbling/lifting on the side of the back passenger door.”
NHTSA complaint #11628767, 2024
Exterior Lighting 6
“MY KIA SOUL 2020, THE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME UP, THE PARKING LIGHTS, THE RIGHT HEADLIGHTS, THE REAR BACK RIGHT SIGNAL LIGHTS, THE FUEL SYSTEM AND THE BREAKS SYSTEM ALL OF THEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS.”
NHTSA complaint #11405292, 2021
“MY KIA 2020 SOUL, THE PARKING LIGHTS, THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE REAR LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. LIGHTS BULB WERE OUT.”
NHTSA complaint #11405293, 2021
“BRAND NEW CAR WITH 6K MILES AND WHEN IT RAINS THE HEADLIGHTS FILL UP WITH SO MUCH MOISTURE IT'S BLOCKING OUTPUT FROM THE LIGHT AND CAUSING FLICKERING WITH THE BULB INTERMINABLY. THIS IS CAUSING ME TO PULL OF THE ROAD DURING RAINFALL AND AT NIGHT AND I WAS INFORMED THIS IS NORMAL FOR KIA FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER AT WESLEY CHAPEL KIA IN WESLEY CHAPEL FL. KIA REFUSED TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER PLATINUM WARRANTY ON A NEW CAR WHEN THEY HAVE A TSB OUT ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE”
NHTSA complaint #11351547, 2020
Forward Collision Avoidance 5
“The car has rebooted (like a computer) three times in the last month as I am driving the car. Not in Park, not just starting the car. I am in drive and the car just reboots. Today, I received a warning about my forward collision system and all the lights on the dashboard lit up.”
NHTSA complaint #11506715, 2023
“The vehicle stalls and turns off while stopped. The vehicle turns off quickly with all dash light sensors turned on with a front collision warning. The vehicle can only be restarted when is boosted. The battery was checked and is in good working condition.”
NHTSA complaint #11497870, 2022
“WE PURCHASED A 2020 KIA SOUL IN JANUARY 2020, WITH 11 MILES ON IT. EVERYTHING WAS FINE FOR THE FIRST FEW MONTHS, UNTIL ONE DAY MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 40 MILES AN HOUR AND WAS SLOWING DOWN TO TAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND SHE ALMOST WRECKED, THANKFULLY SHE JERKED THE WHEEL HARD ENOUGH TO BREAK IT LOOSE, BUT IN DOING SO THE SPEEDO CLUSTER GLAD SHATTERED. IT WAS FIXED BUT THE DEALERSHIP TRIED TO BLAME US SAYING SOMEONE HAD TO OF PUNCHED IT. BUT WHEN LOOKING AT THE GLASS CLUSTER IT'S OBVIOUS THAT NOT EVEN A BABY'S HAND COULD FIT DOWN INTO THE CLUSTER TO HIT THE GLASS. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11414903, 2021
Air Bags 3 2 crash 2 injury
“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, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“Car hit guardrail at highway speed. There is significant damage to the front end. The drivers and passengers airbags failed to deploy. The driver side air bag did deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11440772, 2021 · crash
“Immediately after purchase, the Passenger Airbag warning light illuminated. An authorized Kia dealer confirmed that the airbag system is defective and requires repair under warranty. Despite this confirmation, more than five (5) months have passed without repair, citing parts unavailability. I am operating a vehicle with a known airbag malfunction. This defect involves a federally regulated safety system and poses a safety risk.”
NHTSA complaint #11713543, 2025
Visibility/Wiper 3
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was rigid and failed to stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the brake pedal operated as needed. The contact stated while the vehicle was in park(P), the message to shift to park(P) was displayed. Additionally, the oil pressure and charging warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The contact stated…”
NHTSA complaint #11501020, 2020
“BRAND NEW CAR WITH 6K MILES AND WHEN IT RAINS THE HEADLIGHTS FILL UP WITH SO MUCH MOISTURE IT'S BLOCKING OUTPUT FROM THE LIGHT AND CAUSING FLICKERING WITH THE BULB INTERMINABLY. THIS IS CAUSING ME TO PULL OF THE ROAD DURING RAINFALL AND AT NIGHT AND I WAS INFORMED THIS IS NORMAL FOR KIA FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER AT WESLEY CHAPEL KIA IN WESLEY CHAPEL FL. KIA REFUSED TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER PLATINUM WARRANTY ON A NEW CAR WHEN THEY HAVE A TSB OUT ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE”
NHTSA complaint #11351547, 2020
“1-13-2020 DRIVING WHEN A LITTLE ROCK MADE A CHIP IN MY WINDSHIELD AND WITHIN SECONDS A CRACK ABOUT 8 INCHES LONG APPEARED AND NOW THE CRACK IS A FOOT LONG. WHEN WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WE WERE TOLD OUR WARRANTY WOULD COVER EVERYTHING, BUT WHEN WE TOOK IT IN THEY INFORMED US WE ONLY GOT BUMPER TO BUMPER MECHANICAL. THE PERSON WE GOT IT FROM LIED TO US ABOUT WHAT WE WERE GETTING AND WE THOUGHT WE COULD TRUST HIM. WE HAD TO RESET THE RADIO BECAUSE SOMETIMES IT WOULD WORK SOMETIMES IT WOULDN'T, THEN MY BACKUP CAM WOULDN'T WORK IF THE RADIO WAS ON THE FRITZ. STARTING 1-17-2020 MY KIA STARTED SURGING…”
NHTSA complaint #11301378, 2020
Seat Belts 2
“Seat belt extenders are not made available at Kia Dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11583016, 2024
“Faulty design of rear right hand passenger seatbelt buckle prevents use while the left side of the split seat is folded down for cargo.”
NHTSA complaint #11530232, 2023
Seats 2
“Faulty design of rear right hand passenger seatbelt buckle prevents use while the left side of the split seat is folded down for cargo.”
NHTSA complaint #11530232, 2023
“I PURCHASED A 2020 KIA SOUL BARELY 3 WEEKS AGO. FIRST ISSUE IS THE FRONT LIGHTS. THEY ARE CONSTANTLY FOGGY AND WITH HUMIDITY. TOOK CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS INITIALLY TOLD THAT IT WOULD CLEAR UP ONCE HIGH BEAMS ARE TURNED ON FOR 30 MINUTES WHICH IS UNREALISTIC AS YOU CAN'T HAVE YOUR HIGH BEAMS ON WHEN THERE ARE CARS IN FRONT OF YOU. WAS THEN TOLD THEY SUBMITTED A TICKET TO KIA AS THIS IS THE SECOND UNIT THEY HAD WITH SAME ISSUE. SECOND ISSUE IS THE FRONT SEAT HEADRESTS. THEY PUSH THE HEAD TO FAR FORWARD AND CAUSES CONSTANT HEADACHE AND NECKACHE. THIS CAN'T BE ADJUSTED.”
NHTSA complaint #11297198, 2019
Child Seat 1
“THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT LATCHES ARE INACCESSIBLE AS THEY ARE BURIED IN TIGHT UPHOLSTERY. I CAN'T ALWAYS SUCCESSFULLY LATCH THE CAR SEATS INTO THE CAR AND WHEN I SUCCEED IT IS ONLY WITH THE HELP OF SOMEONE VERY EXPERIENCED AND TAKES UPWARDS OF HALF AN HOUR. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO KIA AND WAS ADVISED THEY WILL TAKE NO ACTION UNTIL THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. SIMILAR INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY PROFESSIONAL REVIEWERS: HTTPS://WWW.CARS.COM/ARTICLES/HOW-DO-CAR-SEATS-FIT-IN-A-2020-KIA-SOUL-GT-403604. "SOME MUSCLE" IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO US FOUR TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS ALW…”
NHTSA complaint #11289946, 2019
Fuel System 1
“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the fuel injectors were replaced; however, the failure later reoccurred while refueling the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer Gunther Kia (1900 S State Rd 7, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317) on four different occasions where the spark plugs were replaced and the fuel tank was drained; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the N…”
NHTSA complaint #11485980, 2022
Lane Departure 1
“Our vehicle experienced every dash light on the board coming on intermittently. At time, we could not use the remote control and had to open the door and crank the car manually. Windshield Wipers and headlamps did not work, nor did any of the safety features on the car or indicator lights. When all illuminated, we took the vehicle to local Kia dealership and eventually they replaced the electrical panel. The side and rear collision indicators never worked again even after repairs were done. The car continued to display every light on the dash after the electrical panel was replaced and lo…”
NHTSA complaint #11627552, 2022
Suspension 1
“WHEN PARKED (BUT WITH THE POWER SET TO "RUN" OR THE ENGINE FULLY ON), IF YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, TYPICALLY TO ITS FULLEST EXTENT, THERE IS A LOUD "CLUNK" OR "CLANK" NOISE COMING FROM THE BASE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. AFTER TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY ONLY TOLD ME THE STEERING WAS "BROKE" AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING SYSTEM UNDER WARRANTY. THE ISSUE STARTED AROUND 2300 MILES. I HAVE TAKEN SEVERAL VIDEOS SINCE THE ISSUE BEGAN. THE CAR HAS TO BE STATIONARY OR IN MOTION (FORWARD OR REVERSE) BUT UNDER 5MPH (ROUGHLY). AFTER WATCHING A FEW YOU…”
NHTSA complaint #11360097, 2020
Tether 1
“The tether buckles appear to be too small to clip into the vehicle tether anchors. When clipped in and an audible click is heard, the tether buckles release with a very light tug. I have tried tethering only one buckle as deep as the buckle allows and until I hear the click, but it still pops loose with a gentle tug.”
NHTSA complaint #11530966, 2023
Wheels 1
“PULLS TO THE RIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEED - APPROX 45MPH. SEVERE ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY DID HAVE A NEW-ENOUGH MACHINE TO ALIGN THE CAR. HOW CAN KIA OF IRVINE, NOT HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT TO FIX THE CARS THEY SELL? INSIDE REAR COWLING THAT GOES AROUND THE SMALL PORTAL WINDOW ON THE RIGHT WAS WARPED FROM THE FACTORY. CAR WAS NOT MOVING. GOT A REPLACEMENT PART; HOWEVER, IT WAS A POOR INSTALL JOB AND THE FRONT PART OF THE COWLING DOES NOT ALIGN WELL WITH ITS LOWER CONNECT PIECE. RIGHT FRONT TIRE IS BECOMING SEVERELY WORN BECAUSE OF ALIGNMENT ISSUE THAT CAN'T BE FIXED. EXTERIO…”
NHTSA complaint #11230612, 2019
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2020 Kia Soul draws about 52.3 complaints per year on the road, ranking 4 of 15 among the Kia Soul model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.