Vehicle 1

KIA SOUL

1,333 complaints · 11 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

2,003 complaints · 27 recalls

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

KIA SOUL vs Toyota Camry: The Soul averages 133.3 complaints per year with 11 recalls, while the Camry averages 200.3 complaints and 27 recalls. The Soul's main concern is engine issues (803 complaints), whereas the Camry's top issues are powertrain (365) and brakes (284). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

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

4
KIA SOUL
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryKIA SOULToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
1,333
✓ lower
2,003
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
11
✓ lower
27
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
74
✓ lower
174
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
133.3
✓ lower
200.3

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

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

KIA SOUL

1. ENGINE803
2. POWER TRAIN181
3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER178
4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM119
5. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING92

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN365
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER316
3. ENGINE305
4. SERVICE BRAKES284
5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM222
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Kia Soul has fewer complaints per year (133.3 vs 200.3) and fewer recalls (11 vs 27), suggesting a lower overall problem rate. However, the Soul's complaints are heavily concentrated on engine issues, which may be a significant concern for buyers.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer overall complaints and recalls, the Kia Soul may be a better choice, but be aware of its high engine-related complaint count. If you prefer a model with more balanced issue distribution and are willing to accept higher complaint numbers, the Toyota Camry could be more reliable in non-engine areas.

Key Differences
  • Kia Soul has 133.3 complaints per year vs Camry's 200.3.
  • Kia Soul has 11 recalls; Camry has 27.
  • Kia Soul's top issue is ENGINE (803 complaints); Camry's top is POWER TRAIN (365).
  • Camry has more crash complaints (174) than Soul (74).
⚠ Watch on KIA SOUL
  • Watch for engine problems, as 803 of 1333 complaints are engine-related.
  • Check for any open recalls, especially those affecting the engine or powertrain.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Be aware of powertrain issues, with 365 complaints, and service brake problems (284).
  • The Camry has a higher number of crash complaints (174), so inspect for accident history.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles.
  • For Kia Soul, request engine service records and check for oil consumption issues.
  • For Toyota Camry, test brakes and transmission for smooth operation.
  • Obtain a vehicle history report to check for accidents or previous complaints.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

KIA SOULToyota Camry
2026
0
68
2025
11
126
2024
25
44
2023
48
56
2022
85
55
2021
212
151
2020
352
260
2019
128
374
2018
205
721
2017
267
148
KIA SOUL vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
KIA SOUL vs Toyota Camry
KIA SOUL total complaints
1,333
Toyota Camry total complaints
2,003
KIA SOUL total recalls
11
Toyota Camry total recalls
27
KIA SOUL avg complaints/year
133.3
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
200.3
More reliable overall
KIA SOUL
KIA SOUL top complaint area
ENGINE
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

KIA SOUL Reliability & Problems

1,333 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota Camry Reliability & Problems

2,003 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

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