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Fuel systemPart report

2020 Kia Soul Fuel system Problems

Complaints
16about this part
Share
4%of 388 total for the year
Median mileage
19,500miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the fuel system of the 2020 Kia Soul, 4% of the 388 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Appropriately April 2024, The engine service light came on at about 115,000 miles, followed by the 2020 Kia Soul X-line engine stopped running. I tried turning off the key and attempting to restart the car however it would start but for only a few seconds. After 5 or 6 tries to restart the car, I finally turned off the car, waited about 3 minutes and then restarted the car in as it continued to run. The check engine light remained on but I noticed that there was a drop in power when I tried to accelerate. Since then I have notice the engine check light go on and off several times. …”

NHTSA complaint #11589014, filed 2024-05, 117,517 miles

“Bought brand new. At 32k miles (4months after 30ktune up) engine light came on. Took to earnhardt Kia in phx. Who initially stated there was 'something broken in the transmission' after a few hours they then stated the car had 'internally overheated and there was combustible gases in the radiator. The thermostat never indicated overheating. Coolant reservoir was bone dry (after filling it the day before). After 31 days at Kia a new head gasket was put on.. Though I was told the car was getting a new engine. I asked the dealer on each call... …”

NHTSA complaint #11406779, filed 2021-04, 34,000 miles

“I bought the car in may 2020. I first reported the problem in july. It has something to do with the idle stop and go feature, as it only happens when this it is being used. When I come to stops at red lights and stop signs. Everything shuts down. When I release my feet off the breaks the car makes a dull quake like noise. I have had the car in the shop at the dealership for 7 days already. They changed the break booster thinking it was the problem, but it was not. I have been trying to schedule someone at the dealership to ride with me for a few minutes to listen to the noise. …”

NHTSA complaint #11276852, filed 2019-10, 5,000 miles

“The car is frying my battery. I had a Duralast Platinum that should last approx 4 years. It killed one at 26 months. I replaced it, free of charge per the warranty, and 6 months later the brand new one is testing low again. Also, at 127k miles a flashing check engine light came on, I took it for a pre-check at a local shop and the tech identified that there was 0 oil in the reservoir. I had him change the oil just so I could get it out of there and took it into the dealership a day later. …”

NHTSA complaint #11704926, filed 2025-12

“While driving on the highway at 60 mph, the vehicle Started To feel like it was trying to go forward (thrusting) on its own. It then accelerated on its own to over 80 mph. I slammed on the brakes and pulled over and put it in park.the engine was revving in park. After Kia roads on assistance couldn't send a tow truck,I thought I would be okay driving on the emergency lane The 2 miles home from the highway. As I put the car in drive, the engine was revving at 6 On the gauge but the vehicle Wouldn't go over 20 miles an hour. It is at the dealership today. …”

NHTSA complaint #11513944, filed 2023-03

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202324%
202277%
2021115%
2020164%
20191511%
2018115%
2017197%
20168410%
2015799%
2014576%
2013304%
2012234%
201195%
201054%

Other parts of the 2020 Kia Soul

Engine
245 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
91 complaints
Other or unknown
54 complaints
Electrical system
28 complaints
Steering
16 complaints
Vehicle speed control
14 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Engine cooling
11 complaints
Body and structure
10 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
5 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Kia Soul

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology