NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2020 Kia Soul Electric Safety Record
The 2020 Kia Soul Electric has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 1 recall and 354 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
The 2020 Kia Soul Electric has not undergone NHTSA crash testing, leaving its safety profile incomplete. Without star ratings or a computed Safety Index, direct assessment of its crashworthiness is not possible. The federal record shows one recall for this model year, and owner complaints place it in a Moderate burden band. This data offers some insight into post-purchase issues, but the absence of crash-test results precludes a full evaluation of the vehicle's structural and occupant protection performance.
The 2020 Kia Soul Electric was not crash-tested by NHTSA, carries one federal recall, and falls in a Moderate recall and complaint burden band according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA crash test | Not crash-tested |
|---|---|
| Recall and complaint burden | Moderate |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 354 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Kia Soul Electric?
The 2020 Kia Soul Electric carries a Moderate burden classification in its federal safety record, a designation driven primarily by its volume of owner complaints. A single recall addresses the 2.0L Nu MPI engine's piston oil ring, a issue that aligns with the 220 engine-related complaints out of 354 total unverified allegations. While unverified, the complaint record notes alleged crashes, fires, injuries, and deaths. Additionally, the Electrical System and Fuel/Propulsion System complaint clusters warrant attention, given the vehicle's electric powertrain. No crash-test data is available for the 2020 model or any directly related sibling year.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Kia Soul Electric have any recalls?
The 2020 Kia Soul Electric is covered by one recall campaign. It targets vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, citing a concern with the piston oil ring. The recall also covers certain 2020-2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos models sharing that engine. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is listed in the data provided, but owners should verify current remedy status through the NHTSA VIN lookup.
ENGINE21V259000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-04-13
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Kia Soul Electric?
NHTSA has logged 354 unverified owner allegations for this model year. The top reported components are Engine (220 allegations), Power Train (86), Unknown or Other (46), Electrical System (27), Steering (16), and Fuel/Propulsion System (15). These are consumer-submitted reports and have not been independently verified as established facts.
354 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Kia Soul Electric?
A significant concern for the 2020 Kia Soul Electric involves an engine recall, necessitating that any prospective buyer verify the VIN on nhtsa.gov. This check confirms whether the recall has been addressed or if it remains open on the specific unit, as open recalls transfer with ownership.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2020 Kia Soul Electric, meaning no star ratings or Safety Index exist for this specific model year.
- One recall covers certain 2020 Kia Soul models equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine, targeting a piston oil ring concern; owners should verify remedy status by VIN at nhtsa.gov.
- Of the 354 unverified consumer complaints on file, 220 name the Engine as the affected component, the single largest concentration in this model year's complaint record.
- The complaint record includes alleged crashes, fires, injuries, and deaths; these are unverified consumer allegations reported to NHTSA and have not been established as facts.
FAQ2020 Kia Soul Electric safety questions
Was the 2020 Kia Soul Electric crash-tested by NHTSA?
No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 1 recall and 354 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Soul Electric have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Kia Soul Electric. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Kia Soul Electric?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 354 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Kia Soul Electric. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Soul Electric 2020.
- SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.