2020 Kia Soul · symptom sheet
Transmission fails or needs replacement
- 36owner reports
- 9,200median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jun 30, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
89 of the 381 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 36 of those describe transmission failure.
Tick what matches of 36 reports
Transmission failure on other Soul years
No other Soul model year has enough reports of transmission failure for a sheet of its own. See every Soul year.
What this problem usually is
This is the end of the road for a transmission: the car stops moving under its own power, or a shop says the unit has to be replaced or rebuilt. Half of the owners here mention a warning light or message, and a quarter mention it happening again or to a second unit.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (36 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2020 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 3,800 and 15,000 miles, from the 31 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Transmission completely cut out. Had to tow to dealership and get an entire new transmission. 30k miles.”
Filed Jan 23, 2023 · 30,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 36 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 125 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 86 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 79 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 41 reports