Kia Soul problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 4,058 owner complaints and 15 recalls on file for the Kia Soul (2010–2025). The 2015 Soul has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
4,058
Recalls
15
Model years
16
Worst year
2015

Complaints by model year

2320107220112742012431201355020146702015698201623820171882018125201936720202362021912022532023302024122025
NHTSA complaints per Kia Soul model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Kia Soul years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2015 Kia Soul — 670 complaints, 13 crashes, 52 fires; top problem: Engine
  2. 2016 Kia Soul — 698 complaints, 16 crashes, 27 fires; top problem: Engine
  3. 2014 Kia Soul — 550 complaints, 10 crashes, 41 fires; top problem: Engine
  4. 2013 Kia Soul — 431 complaints, 7 crashes, 33 fires; top problem: Engine
  5. 2020 Kia Soul — 367 complaints, 9 crashes, 5 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2010 (23 complaints).

Every Kia Soul model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2025 Soul122010Lighting
2024 Soul300100Electrical System
2023 Soul5361154Engine
2022 Soul914181Engine
2021 Soul23612352Engine
2020 Soul3679561Engine
2019 Soul125108121Engine
2018 Soul18861151Engine
2017 Soul238914111Engine
2016 Soul6981627162Engine
2015 Soul6701352144Engine
2014 Soul550104185Engine
2013 Soul43173363Engine
2012 Soul27441443Engine
2011 Soul724153Brakes
2010 Soul232223Electrical System

Most common Kia Soul problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    2,851 complaints
  • Electrical System
    344 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    334 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    292 complaints
  • Brakes
    276 complaints
  • Steering
    265 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    119 complaints
  • Lighting
    111 complaints
  • Airbags
    104 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    63 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the Kia Soul received by NHTSA each month.

Kia Soul recalls

  • Recall 25V099000Feb 17, 2025137,256 vehiclesModel years 2021–2023

    Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

  • Recall 23V830000Dec 22, 20232,967 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.

  • Recall 23V652000Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesModel years 2011–2013

    Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

  • Recall 23V531000Jul 31, 202339,765 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

  • Recall 23V298000Apr 26, 2023108,936 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V096000Feb 18, 2022128,280 vehiclesModel years 2014

    Risk: Front air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 22V031000Jan 25, 2022410,619 vehiclesModel years 2017–2019

    Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 21V259000Apr 13, 2021147,249 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021

    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.

  • Recall 20V750000Dec 2, 2020294,756 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

  • Recall 19V120000Feb 22, 2019378,967 vehiclesModel years 2012–2016

    Risk: Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.

  • Recall 17V608000Sep 29, 2017342,381 vehiclesModel years 2014–2016

    Risk: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 15V123000Mar 2, 2015208,858 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015

    Risk: If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 14V822000Dec 29, 201495,314 vehiclesModel years 2010–2013

    Risk: A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.

  • Recall 13V114000Apr 1, 2013980,377 vehiclesModel years 2010–2011

    Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 10V388000Aug 31, 201035,185 vehiclesModel years 2010

    Risk: When the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur that can result in a fire.

Other Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology