CarRecallDB

2020 Kia Soul recalls and problems

1 recall and 388 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Kia Soul.

1
recalls
388
owner complaints
9
complaints mentioning a crash
6
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2020 Kia Soul recalls

Engine

NHTSA campaign 21V259000 · reported April 13, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 147,249 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 22, 2026 · Engine

Reason for Dispute & Desired Resolution: I am filing an executive escalation regarding a catastrophic engine failure on my 2020 Kia Soul, which is actively included in the Piston Oil Ring Safety Recall (Campaign SC209). The engine suffered a total structural failure where a rod broke and punctured a hole directly…

Oct 19, 2026 · Engine

The car stalled at red light. After a few minutes cranked back up.

Oct 15, 2026 · Engine

On […], my 2020 Kia Soul (2.0L Nu MPI, VIN […], approximately 102,420 miles) suffered total engine failure: complete loss of motive power, stalled and would not restart. This is the exact defect covered by federal recall 21V259000 / Kia SC209 (piston oil rings causing engine damage and stalling). The SC209 recall…

Oct 14, 2026 · Engine

On … my 2020 Kia Soul while on the freeway, would not accelerate and silently stalled. The check engine, oil, and battery light all came on. Putting it into Park and then Drive again, the vehicle began shifting backwards. The vehicle could not be safely driven and was towed to Kearny Mesa Kia in […]. The dealer…

Oct 8, 2026 · Engine

2nd failed motor due to code P1327, was replaced last year for same issue, less than a year later and same issue again.

Soul model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2017 12721714
2018 12201414
2019 1137118
2020 138896
2021 2239123
2022 19541
2023 45461

Across all years, the 2014 Soul has the most complaints (903). All Kia Soul years →

Questions

Does the 2020 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Kia Soul, the most recent reported on April 13, 2021 (Engine). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Soul?
Owners have filed 388 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (245 complaints), followed by power train (91).
How many 2020 Kia Soul complaints mention a crash or fire?
9 of 388 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 6 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 22, 2026.