Vehicle 1

KIA SOUL

1,338 complaints · 11 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Honda Accord

2,232 complaints · 35 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

KIA SOUL vs Honda Accord: The Soul averages 133.8 complaints per year vs Accord's 223.2. Soul has 807 engine complaints, while Accord has 592 engine and 441 forward collision avoidance complaints. Accord has 35 recalls, Soul 11. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
KIA SOUL
wins all 4 categories
0
Honda Accord
no category wins
CategoryKIA SOULHonda Accord
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,338
✓ lower
2,232
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
11
✓ lower
35
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
74
✓ lower
83
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
133.8
✓ lower
223.2

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

KIA SOUL

1. ENGINE807
2. POWER TRAIN182
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER178
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM121
5. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING92

Honda Accord

1. ENGINE592
2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM449
3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE441
4. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM343
5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER340
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Kia Soul has fewer complaints per year (133.8) than the Honda Accord (223.2), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues on average. However, the Soul's complaints are heavily concentrated on engine problems, which could be a significant concern for buyers.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize lower overall complaint rates and are willing to check for engine issues, the Kia Soul may be a better choice. If you prefer a vehicle with fewer engine complaints and can accept higher overall complaint numbers, the Honda Accord might be more suitable, but watch for electrical and forward collision avoidance problems.

Key Differences
  • Kia Soul has 133.8 complaints per year vs Honda Accord's 223.2.
  • Kia Soul has 11 recalls; Honda Accord has 35.
  • Kia Soul's top issue is ENGINE (807 complaints); Honda Accord's top is ENGINE (592) but also has 441 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE complaints.
  • Honda Accord has more crash complaints (83) than Kia Soul (74).
⚠ Watch on KIA SOUL
  • High number of engine complaints (807) – check for engine stalling or failure.
  • Power train issues (182 complaints) – inspect transmission and drivetrain.
⚠ Watch on Honda Accord
  • Forward collision avoidance complaints (441) – test the system for false activations or failures.
  • Electrical system issues (449) – check for battery, alternator, or wiring problems.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check the vehicle's recall status and ensure all recalls are performed.
  • For Kia Soul: request service records for engine repairs or replacements.
  • For Honda Accord: test the forward collision avoidance system on a safe road.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the engine and transmission for both vehicles.
  • Review NHTSA complaint summaries for the specific model year you are considering.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

KIA SOULHonda Accord
2026
0
1
2025
11
0
2024
25
0
2023
48
0
2022
86
200
2021
213
201
2020
353
330
2019
129
500
2018
205
500
2017
268
500
KIA SOUL vs Honda Accord — comparison facts
Comparison
KIA SOUL vs Honda Accord
KIA SOUL total complaints
1,338
Honda Accord total complaints
2,232
KIA SOUL total recalls
11
Honda Accord total recalls
35
KIA SOUL avg complaints/year
133.8
Honda Accord avg complaints/year
223.2
More reliable overall
KIA SOUL
KIA SOUL top complaint area
ENGINE
Honda Accord top complaint area
ENGINE
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

KIA SOUL Reliability & Problems

1,338 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Honda Accord Reliability & Problems

2,232 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific KIA SOUL or Honda Accord?

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