Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | −52% | — | Headlight | Good |
| 2024 | 30 | −38% | — | Electrical | Average |
| 2023 | 54 | −21% | 4 | Engine | Average |
| 2022 | 94 | typical | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2021 | 238 | 1.7× | 2 | Engine | Caution |
| 2020 | 387 | 2.2× | 1 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2019 | 137 | −38% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2018 | 219 | −31% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2017 | 272 | −32% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2016 | 816 | 2.3× | 2 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2015 | 902 | 2.6× | 4 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2014 | 902 | 2.5× | 5 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2013 | 667 | 1.3× | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2012 | 514 | −22% | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2011 | 194 | −68% | 3 | Brake | Good |
| 2010 | 135 | −72% | 3 | Electrical | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Soul year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Soul problems
Latest Kia Soul recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025.
Air bags
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Pump
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Soul should you avoid?
2015, 2014, 2016, 2020 and 2021 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Soul years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2015.
What is the best year for the Kia Soul?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other Soul years at the same age, followed by 2011 and 2025. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Kia Soul problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (3,404), electrical system (520) and steering (520). Engine complaints peak in the 2015 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Soul had?
15 recalls across 2010–2025. The model year with the most is 2014. See all Kia Soul recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.