NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
The 2020 Kia Soul scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 354 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Kia Soul earns a Strong rating with an 80/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. This score indicates solid crash-test performance. Its modest avoidance-technology score and defect record reduced the index by five points from the 2019 model year.
The 2020 Kia Soul earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Kia Soul ranks 75 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 354 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 75 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Kia Soul?
The 2020 Kia Soul registers a Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, but marking a five-point decrease from the 2019 model's 85. This decline is largely attributable to the defect record, which contributed only 13 of a possible 20 points. The primary concern is an engine recall, specifically tied to the 2.0L Nu MPI piston oil ring, a defect also identified in the 2021 Seltos. In terms of crashworthiness, the Soul presents a more favorable picture. A 5-star side-crash result stands as the strongest data point for this model year. Furthermore, the vehicle achieved a no-tip outcome in the dynamic rollover test, a noteworthy result for a small SUV. However, its active safety suite is less robust. Avoidance technology scores only 6 out of 10, as both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional. This means base trim purchasers lack these protective features unless specifically added. The 354 unverified owner complaints, predominantly citing engine issues, further underscore the need for scrutiny of the 2.0L powertrain in any used 2020 Soul. Strong passive crash protection in this model year coexists with a defect record and complaint volume that significantly influenced its final safety index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Kia Soul perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Kia Soul’s standout safety performance is its perfect 5 out of 5 stars in side-crash protection. This strong result contributes to an overall NHTSA rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash and rollover safety each earned 4 stars. The rollover risk was measured at 15 percent, with the dynamic tip test completed without a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14121
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Kia Soul have any recalls?
The 2020 Kia Soul carries one NHTSA recall campaign. It covers vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine and centers on a piston oil ring defect, a concern shared with the 2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
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?
NHTSA has received 354 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Soul. Alleged problem areas are led heavily by the Engine at 220 reports, followed by Power Train at 86. Electrical System, Steering, and Fuel/Propulsion System also appear in the unverified complaint record.
354 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Kia Soul?
For any shopper considering a used 2020 Kia Soul, running the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool is a concrete safety checkpoint, not a minor formality. This is particularly critical to confirm whether the 2.0L Nu MPI engine recall remedy has been completed, as an unresolved recall on a six-year-old vehicle demands immediate attention.
- The 2020 Soul's Safety Index fell five points from the 2019 model's 85 to 80, driven largely by a defect record score of 13 out of 20 tied to the 2.0L Nu MPI engine recall campaign.
- NHTSA's crash tests produced a perfect 5-star side-crash result for this model year, the strongest single rating in the 2020 Soul's test profile, alongside a no-tip dynamic rollover outcome.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were both optional on the 2020 Soul, meaning used examples without those packages score lower on avoidance technology than equipped trims.
- NHTSA's unverified complaint database shows 220 of 354 total reported complaints for this model year are alleged engine-related issues, a concentration that aligns directly with the recalled 2.0L Nu MPI piston oil ring defect.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Kia Soul places
The 2020 Kia Soul qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Kia Soul safety questions
Was the 2020 Kia Soul crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Kia Soul, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Kia Soul crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Kia Soul earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Soul have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Kia Soul. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Kia Soul?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 354 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Kia Soul. 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.
Other Soul years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14121), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Soul 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 75 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.