2020 Kia Soul: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Gen-3 launch year with the most engine and powertrain complaints of the generation; affordable and well-rated overall but the weakest gen-3 year. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2020 Kia Soul ranged from $17,490 to $27,490 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Gen-3 launch year with the most engine and powertrain complaints of the generation; affordable and well-rated overall but the weakest gen-3 year.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/soul
- nitalemonlaw.comhttps://www.nitalemonlaw.com/kia-soul-recall/
Known issues
-
Gen-3 2.0L engine complaints: owners report excessive oil consumption, engine noise and in some cases stalling or failure, concentrated in the 2020 and 2021 launch years.
commonly reported · 150 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT/CVT) complaints: hesitation, shuddering and reduced power reported on early gen-3 cars.
occasional · 48 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Easy to drive and park, with good outward visibility and nimble city manners.
- Strong reliability rating and low repair costs, backed by Kia 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
- Boxy body maximizes interior and cargo space for a subcompact, with a roomy rear seat and a large, square cargo hold.
- Excellent value: one of the few new SUVs to start near twenty thousand dollars, with generous standard features.
Cons
- No all-wheel-drive option, limiting bad-weather and light off-road capability.
- Noisy at highway speeds: wind and road noise intrude on long drives.
- Base engine is modestly powered; acceleration is adequate rather than quick.
- Early gen-3 cars (2020-2021) drew elevated engine and transmission complaints.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $17,490 | $20,490 | — | — |
| S | $20,290 | $22,990 | — | — |
| GT-Line | $20,590 | $24,090 | — | — |
| X-Line | $21,490 | discontinued | — | — |
| EX | $22,690 | $24,790 | — | — |
| GT-Line Turbo | $27,490 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-kia-soul-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-soul-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($17,490). Higher trims started higher (up to $27,490), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2020 loses roughly another 23% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-soul/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $400–450/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,000–2,100/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~175k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/soul
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/kia-soul-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2020 Kia Soul have?
Documented issue patterns include: Gen-3 2.0L engine complaints: owners report excessive oil consumption, engine noise and in some cases stalling or failure, concentrated in the 2020 and 2021 launch years; Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT/CVT) complaints: hesitation, shuddering and reduced power reported on early gen-3 cars. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2020 Kia Soul reliable?
Gen-3 launch year with the most engine and powertrain complaints of the generation; affordable and well-rated overall but the weakest gen-3 year.
How much did the 2020 Kia Soul cost new?
Between $17,490 and $27,490 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Kia Soul expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.
Checking a listing right now?
The CarVitals extension runs this report automatically on any CarMax listing you open, with the listing's exact price, mileage, and trim filled in for you.
Add to Chrome · FreeNo account needed for the check. It runs on the car's details.
Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.