Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 33% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 7% | 5,000 miles |
| 2023 | 4 | 7% | — |
| 2021 | 6 | 3% | 1,000 miles |
| 2020 | 6 | 2% | 6,000 miles |
| 2019 | 5 | 4% | 50,000 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 2% | 55,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% | 63,000 miles |
| 2016 | 18 | 2% | 52,000 miles |
| 2015 | 36 | 4% | 82,000 miles |
| 2014 | 130 | 14% | 67,000 miles |
| 2013 | 10 | 1% | 80,000 miles |
| 2012 | 10 | 2% | 17,000 miles |
| 2011 | 13 | 7% | 106,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 5% | 20,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
2 incidents driving in a not familiar area...Almost drove off the road in very dark conditions at a light because I couldn't see that my road had ended .I was almost side swiped trying to get back on the road the last second.Iwas not taking any meds abd Don't drink Also drive at night on well lit highways.Also the lights are so dim that my road assist features did not activate on dark rainy roads where it could not see road markings
Last night was the first time I drove it in the dark while it was raining. The headlights absolutely SUCK!!! I've had daytime running lights that were brighter! I've had 6 volt headlights that were brighter! I probably have flashlights that are brighter! It's seriously dangerous, in my humble opinion. There were times where the painted road stripes were worn down, no street lights, and I was literally driving blind. I was worried about driving off the road, or into oncoming traffic, as I could not see the road ahead of me. I will not drive this vehicle at night again. It's not safe. No one from the dealership or manufacturer has inspected my car. I assume all of the 2023 Soul trim levels are the same. The headlight system is a new design for the 2023 model year.
2023 Kia soul purchased brand new. Vehicle does not display speedometer, blinkers don't work, reverse camera doesn't work, nothing displays on dash, continuous alarm sound while vehicle is on. Having no indication of speed traveling or ability to signal turns is a safety concern. failure at approximately 1 year after purchase. Has been in the dealership for repair multiple times without success. Currently been at the dealership for 10 months with no offer of a loaner vehicle and refusal to buy back vehicle or replace vehicle. Dealer is unable to repair and claims it doesn't qualify for lemon law.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, he became aware that the headlamps were not functioning properly. The exterior lighting warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that a short in the electrical system resulted in exterior lights burning out and identified burned wiring. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 13,000.
Less than 24 hours after being purchased as a Kia factory certified pre-owned vehicle my daughter was driving. While driving headlights, wipers, and dash lights went out including infotainment/CarPlay map display on a rainy day. California requires headlights be on when wipers are used. Occurred while doing approximately 25 mph after going over a speed bump. When stopped and key was turned to ACC, they came back on. Issue did not return when vehicle was started again. Dealer has said they can find not fault. We have located threads for this issue with other Kia models on [redacted] . One common factor is they are key start, not push start models.
My issue is regarding the inadequate lighting supplied by the halogen lighting in my 2020 Kia Soul s. The vehicle doesn't light the road far enough ahead to give the driver time to react if need be. I find myself driving with my brights on in order to see while driving at night. I contacted the Kia dealer who told me that they have had the same complaint from numerous owners but there is no fix at this time. He believes Kia is working on a remedy though. I attempted to replace the stock halogen bulbs with a better quality, brighter aftermarket bulb but none were available for this vehicle as yet.
I purchased a 2020 Kia Soul barely 3 weeks ago. First issue is the front lights. They are constantly foggy and with humidity. Took car to the dealer and was initially told that it would clear up once high beams are turned on for 30 minutes which is unrealistic as you can't have your high beams on when there are cars in front of you. Was then told they submitted a ticket to Kia as this is the second unit they had with same issue. Second issue is the front seat headrests. They push the head to far forward and causes constant headache and neckache. This can't be adjusted.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side rear brake lights malfunctioned and were replaced on several occasions. While replacing the brake light bulbs, the contact discovered that the light bulb sockets were charred and melted. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles.
Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Soul years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (130), 2015 (36), 2016 (18), 2011 (13) and 2012 (10) model years. Headlight complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Kia Soul headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 13V-114 (switch, Apr 1, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Soul headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (13 mentions), followed by the brake lights (1).
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.