2020 Kia Soul Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 388 owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Soul. The EPA rates it 27 to 31 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 1
- Owner complaints
- 388
- Crashes / fires reported
- 9 / 6
- EPA combined
- 27–31 MPG
2020 Kia Soul recalls
EngineApr 13, 2021 · NHTSA 21V259000+
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.
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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2020 Kia Soul problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Engine245
- Power Train91
- Unknown or Other52
- Electrical System28
- Steering16
- Fuel/Propulsion System15
- Vehicle Speed Control14
- Engine and Engine Cooling11
2020 Kia Soul gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul Eco dynamics | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 29 | 35 | 31 | $2,050 |
| Soul | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 33 | 30 | $2,150 |
| Soul | 1.6 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AM-S7) | 27 | 32 | 29 | $2,200 |
| Soul | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 25 | 31 | 27 | $2,400 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2020 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Kia Soul, most recently for the engine (Apr 13, 2021). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 Kia Soul problems?
Owners filed 388 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are engine (245), power train (91), unknown or other (52).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia Soul get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Kia Soul at 27 to 31 MPG combined (best version: 29 city / 35 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.