Complaints by model year
Distinct federal complaints filed against each model year of the Kia Soul, to date. Hover a bar for the count. Older years have had longer to accumulate filings; the rankings below correct for that.
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
Highest totals within an 8-year windowAll other years
Model years compared
Ranked from the same federal record on an equal exposure window. Click any year for its full file.
Highest complaint totals
- 2015 Kia Soul - 748 complaints in its first 8 years (900 to date)
- 2014 Kia Soul - 717 complaints in its first 8 years (902 to date)
- 2016 Kia Soul - 670 complaints in its first 8 years (816 to date)
Ranked on distinct complaints filed within eight years of the model year, so old and new years get the same exposure window. Not adjusted for sales volume; a best-selling year files more complaints at the same failure rate.
Lowest totals among mature years
- 2010 Kia Soul - 105 complaints in its first 8 years (135 to date)
- 2011 Kia Soul - 122 complaints in its first 8 years (194 to date)
- 2018 Kia Soul - 218 complaints in its first 8 years (218 to date)
Same eight-year window, among model years old enough to have completed it and with at least 25 complaints in it. Model years before 1990 are excluded because the federal file begins in 1995. A low total is not proof of reliability.
What owners report, all years combined
Every model year
| Model year | Complaints to date | Within 8 years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Kia Soul | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2024 Kia Soul | 30 | 30 | 0 |
| 2023 Kia Soul | 53 | 53 | 4 |
| 2022 Kia Soul | 91 | 91 | 1 |
| 2021 Kia Soul | 236 | 236 | 2 |
| 2020 Kia Soul | 384 | 384 | 1 |
| 2019 Kia Soul | 136 | 136 | 1 |
| 2018 Kia Soul | 218 | 218 | 1 |
| 2017 Kia Soul | 272 | 252 | 1 |
| 2016 Kia Soul | 816 | 670 | 2 |
| 2015 Kia Soul | 900 | 748 | 4 |
| 2014 Kia Soul | 902 | 717 | 5 |
| 2013 Kia Soul | 665 | 363 | 3 |
| 2012 Kia Soul | 514 | 283 | 3 |
| 2011 Kia Soul | 194 | 122 | 3 |
| 2010 Kia Soul | 135 | 105 | 3 |
Recall campaigns, all years
Every campaign filed against this model, with the model years it covers. Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN.
| Campaign | Years | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25V099000 | 2021-2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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. |
| 23V830000 | 2023 | 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. |
| 23V652000 | 2011-2013 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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... |
| 23V531000 | 2023 | Power Train | Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. |
| 23V298000 | 2023 | Electrical System | 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... |
| 22V096000 | 2014 | Air Bags | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014 Soul vehicles. The front air bags may not deploy during a crash if the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) loses communication with the... |
| 22V031000 | 2017-2019 | Air Bags | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. |
| 21V259000 | 2020-2021 | Engine | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. |
| 20V750000 | 2014-2015 | Engine | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. |
| 19V120000 | 2012-2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. |
| 17V608000 | 2014-2016 | Steering | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly. |
| 15V123000 | 2014-2015 | Vehicle Speed Control | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Soul and Soul electric vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, to January 8, 2015. |
| 14V822000 | 2010-2013 | Structure | Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. |
| 13V114000 | 2010-2011 | Exterior Lighting | 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... |
| 10V388000 | 2010 | Electrical System | KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SOUL AND MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010. |