Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2020 Kia Soul
The 2020 Kia Soul has significant issues with the engine, as evidenced by 245 complaints and a recall related to potential engine damage due to improperly heat-treated piston oil rings. There are also notable powertrain complaints. While there is only one recall, prospective buyers should approach with caution.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2020 Kia Soul has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 388 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V259000 Improperly Heat-Treated Piston Oil Rings NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 245 complaints
- Power Train 91 complaints
- Unknown or Other 52 complaints
- Electrical System 28 complaints
- Steering 16 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 15 complaints
Of the 388 complaints on file, 9 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 388 complaints, owners report 6 injuries and 8 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Potential engine damage
How to check: Listen for unusual noises or vibrations from the engine.
Powertrain issues
How to check: Check for smooth gear shifts during the test drive.
Electrical system failures
How to check: Verify all electrical components, such as lights and windows, are functioning.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for abnormal engine noise.
Red flag: Loud knocking or clattering sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for a rough idle.
Red flag: Engine struggles or stalls
- 03
City driving
What to check: Observe smoothness of gear changes.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifting
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure acceleration is smooth.
Red flag: Hesitation or loss of power
- 05
Deceleration
What to check: Listen for any whining or grinding noises.
Red flag: Unusual noises during deceleration
- 06
Steering test
What to check: Evaluate steering response and effort.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive
- 07
Electrical check
What to check: Test all lights and electrical features.
Red flag: Any electrical components not working
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine recall been addressed?
- Have there been any transmission repairs?
- Are there any persistent electrical issues?
- What maintenance records are available?
- Has the vehicle been in any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion report
- Repair and maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2020 Kia Soul at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2020 Kia Soul? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.