Head-to-head reliability
KIA Optima vs KIA SOUL
How the KIA Optima and KIA SOUL compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA Optima vs KIA SOUL: The Optima averages 609 complaints per year, while the Soul averages 225, indicating fewer reported issues for the Soul. Both suffer engine problems, but the Optima has more electrical and steering complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Optima or KIA SOUL more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Optima
The Kia Optima is a mid-size sedan that, based on owner complaints, can be a mixed bag in terms of long-term reliability. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 609 complaints per year, with the engine being the most common problem area by far. Many owners report serious issues like excessive oil consumption, engine failure, and transmission problems, which can lead to expensive repairs. While not every Optima will have these issues, the volume of complaints suggests that buyers should be cautious and thoroughly inspect any used model.
KIA SOUL
The Kia Soul is a compact hatchback that has also generated a significant number of owner complaints, though fewer per year than the Optima. With about 225 complaints per year, the most frequent issues involve the engine, including stalling, oil consumption, and internal mechanical failures. Some complaints reference a specific recall for engine problems in certain models. Overall, the Soul's reliability picture shows a pattern of engine-related troubles that potential buyers should be aware of.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Optima | KIA SOUL |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 6,092 | 2,245 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 13 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 214 | 103 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 609.2 | 224.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 191 | 103 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 9 Better | 13 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
KIA Optima
- 01ENGINE3,081
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER788
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM723
- 04STEERING720
- 05SERVICE BRAKES455
Owners frequently report excessive oil consumption, often with no visible leaks, leading to engine damage or failure. Complaints also include loss of power and check engine lights, which can indicate serious internal problems.
Electrical issues are common, with reports of oil level sensors malfunctioning and other electronic components failing. These can cause warning lights and drivability problems.
Some owners experience steering problems, such as difficulty steering or unusual noises, which can affect vehicle control and safety.
Brake-related complaints include premature wear, reduced braking performance, and unusual noises, which are critical for safe stopping.
“Out of town July 12th 2025 my 2020 Kia Optima engine started having problems. I tried to get to my hotel but it was obvious I was not going to make it. I pulled into the nearest station and was told my car had no oil. There were no signs of leaking oil and no…”
“I have kept up on regular oil changes and maintenance on my Kia which I bought new 5 years ago. My issues started when my car's orange check engine light came on, I experienced loss of power such as difficulty accelerating even at low speeds, especially up hi…”
KIA SOUL
- 01ENGINE1,420
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER321
- 03POWER TRAIN255
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING208
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM185
Many owners report stalling, shutting off while driving, and excessive oil consumption. Some complaints reference a recall for engine defects that can cause fire risk, and others describe internal mechanical failures.
Power train issues include transmission problems, rough shifting, and loss of power. Owners have reported smoke from the engine and unresponsive throttle, which can be dangerous.
Complaints involve abnormal engine noises, overheating, and stalling. These issues often require costly repairs and can leave the vehicle undrivable.
Electrical problems include instrument cluster failures and other electronic glitches. These can cause misleading warnings and inconvenience.
“I am writing to formally report a concern regarding my 2022 Kia Soul, which is exhibiting symptoms identical to those described in NHTSA Recall 25V099000 (engine recall for excessive oil consumption and potential fire risk in 2.0L Nu MPI engines). Vehicle Inf…”
“Weeks before the vehicle completely shut down, my car began stalling and shutting off in traffic without warning while driving. I was usually able to turn the vehicle off and restart it, and it would come back on temporarily. At red lights and stop signs, the…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
KIA Optima — 41 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.
The risk: Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC179.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
The risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Ow…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Moto…
The risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pi…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
KIA SOUL — 13 recalls
The defect: 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.
The risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: 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. Owners may contact…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
The 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.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia c…
The defect: 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.
The risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: 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. Owners may contact…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air b…
The risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-8…
Buyer analysis
KIA Optima or KIA SOUL: which should you buy?
The Kia Soul has fewer complaints per year (about 225) compared to the Kia Optima (about 609), suggesting it may have a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have notable engine-related problems, so the difference in complaint volume doesn't guarantee better reliability. In practice, a used Soul might have fewer overall problems, but buyers should still prioritize a thorough inspection.
Key differences
- The Optima has more than double the annual complaint rate of the Soul, with engine issues dominating both.
- Optima owners frequently report oil consumption and engine failure, while Soul owners report stalling and engine shutdowns.
- The Soul has fewer recalls (13) compared to the Optima (41), but both have engine-related recalls.
- Transmission problems appear in both, but the Optima has more electrical and steering complaints, while the Soul has more power train complaints.
- Check the oil level and look for signs of excessive consumption or leaks, as many owners report oil loss without visible leaks.
- Test drive and listen for transmission hard shifts or hesitation, especially after recent software updates.
- Listen for abnormal engine noises and check for stalling during idle or while driving, as these are common complaints.
- Inspect for signs of oil consumption and ensure the engine recall (if applicable) has been addressed.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially engine-related ones.
- Have a mechanic perform a compression test and check for oil consumption issues.
- Test drive extensively, including highway and stop-and-go traffic, to detect transmission or stalling problems.
- Ask for maintenance records to verify regular oil changes and other services.
- Check the electrical system, including all lights, sensors, and infotainment features, for proper operation.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | KIA Optima | KIA SOUL |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 148 | 381 |
| 2019 | 210 | 136 |
| 2018 | 232 | 218 |
| 2017 | 256 | 272 |
| 2016 | 756 | 822 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific KIA Optima or KIA SOUL in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Optima vs KIA SOUL
- KIA Optima total complaints
- 6,092
- KIA SOUL total complaints
- 2,245
- KIA Optima total recalls
- 41
- KIA SOUL total recalls
- 13
- KIA Optima avg complaints/year
- 609.2
- KIA SOUL avg complaints/year
- 224.5
- More reliable overall
- KIA SOUL
- KIA Optima top complaint area
- ENGINE
- KIA SOUL top complaint area
- ENGINE