2020 Kia Soul
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2020 Kia Soul maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Kia Soul.
For oil changes, the 2020 Kia Soul takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.2 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Phosphate-based Green/Blue, and transmission fluid is SP-IV-M (ATF). Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Kia Soul, torque the lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2020 Kia Soul have reported 5 common issues including "Piston Oil Ring Defect — Engine Damage and Fire Risk", "IVT Transmission Failure" and "Anti-Theft Vulnerability (Kia Boys Exploit)". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There is 1 NHTSA safety recall on file for the 2020 Kia Soul. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2020 Kia Soul uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.2 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 79-94 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2020 Kia Soul. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2020 Kia Soul.
Common problems reported by 2020 Kia Soul owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Piston Oil Ring Defect — Engine Damage and Fire Risk
The piston oil control rings on the 2.0L Nu engine may have been manufactured incorrectly, causing excessive oil consumption that can result in engine seizure, stalling, or fire. Some Soul owners report the engine failing catastrophically at very low mileage. Vehicles built after April 19, 2022 use rings from a different supplier.
Kia issued a recall for 2021-2023 Soul models with the 2.0L engine built before April 19, 2022. Dealers will perform an engine inspection and oil consumption test. Engines with excessive consumption will receive a short block replacement free of charge.
Est. Cost: Covered under recallIVT Transmission Failure
The Intelligent Variable Transmission (Kia's CVT) can fail catastrophically, with owners reporting RPM fluctuations followed by complete loss of power on the highway. Some owners have experienced multiple IVT replacements. One owner reported the replacement transmission failing after just 1,300 miles.
Kia released TSB SC199 addressing decreased or delayed acceleration in the IVT. In severe cases, the entire IVT assembly needs replacement. The IVT is covered under the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $3,500 - $5,500 for IVT replacement out of warrantyAnti-Theft Vulnerability (Kia Boys Exploit)
The 2022 Soul with traditional key ignition lacks an engine immobilizer, making it one of the most frequently stolen vehicles using the USB cable bypass technique. The Soul was one of the original models targeted in the viral social media theft trend.
Kia provides a free anti-theft software update and a complimentary steering wheel lock. The software extends alarm duration and adds ignition security. Visit owners.kia.com/us/en/recalls.html or call 1-800-333-4542.
Est. Cost: $0 (free software update and steering wheel lock)Brake System Failure
Some 2022 Soul owners report serious brake issues including soft or spongy brake pedal feel, extended stopping distances, and in rare cases near-complete brake failure. One documented case involved a Soul spending 112 days in the shop for recurring brake problems.
Have the dealer inspect the brake system including the master cylinder, brake booster, brake lines, and ABS module. Document all brake complaints and dealer visits. If the issue persists after multiple repair attempts, consult a lemon law attorney.
Est. Cost: $200 - $800 for brake repair; $1,000 - $2,500 for master cylinder or ABS moduleAirbag System Malfunction
Some owners report the airbag warning light illuminating on the dashboard, indicating a potential malfunction in the airbag system. In extreme cases, this could mean airbags may not deploy properly in a collision.
Have the dealer scan for airbag system diagnostic trouble codes. The most common cause is a faulty clock spring in the steering column or a seat-mounted occupant sensor. Repairs are covered under the supplemental restraint system warranty.
Est. Cost: $0 under warranty; $300 - $800 for clock spring; $200 - $500 for sensor1 NHTSA safety recall for the 2020 Kia Soul. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
ENGINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
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.
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.