Head-to-head reliability
KIA Sportage vs KIA SOUL
How the KIA Sportage 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 Sportage vs KIA SOUL: The Sportage averages 124.6 complaints per year, while the Soul averages 224.5, with the Soul also reporting 13 deaths and 103 crash-related complaints. Both suffer engine issues, but the Soul's are more frequent and severe. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Sportage or KIA SOUL more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Sportage
The KIA Sportage is a compact SUV that, based on NHTSA data, has a moderate complaint rate of about 125 per year over the past decade. The most common owner-reported problem is engine trouble, often involving excessive oil consumption and warning lights, with some cases leading to engine replacement under recall. Electrical and brake issues also appear, including reports of sudden brake lockup and airbag deployment. Overall, it's a vehicle that may require attentive maintenance, especially to the engine.
KIA SOUL
The KIA SOUL is a small, boxy hatchback with a much higher complaint rate—roughly 225 per year—and a notably higher number of crash-related reports and fatalities in the data. Engine problems dominate, with many owners describing stalling, oil consumption, and engine failure, sometimes linked to a specific recall for 2.0L engines. Power train and electrical issues add to the list, making it a vehicle that demands careful scrutiny before purchase. The volume of complaints suggests a pattern of serious, recurring problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Sportage | KIA SOUL |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,246 Better | 2,245 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 25 | 13 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 84 Better | 103 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 124.6 Better | 224.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 73 Better | 103 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 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 Sportage
- 01ENGINE522
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER250
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM216
- 04SERVICE BRAKES112
- 05POWER TRAIN107
Owners frequently report excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs, and warning codes like P2196 or P0290. Some vehicles enter limp mode or need short-block engine replacement under recall, which can be costly if not covered.
Complaints include stalling after refueling, difficulty restarting, and sudden loss of headlights, signals, and hazard lights while driving. These issues can leave you stranded or create dangerous situations.
There are reports of brakes locking up unexpectedly, sometimes causing airbag deployment, and recalls for ABS control module and trailer hitch issues. Owners also note denied recall repairs, so verify all safety recalls are completed.
Some owners experience transmission-related problems, though less frequently than engine issues. Symptoms may include rough shifting or loss of power, which can affect drivability and safety.
“Vehicle was throwing codes P2196 O2 sensor stuck rich, P0290 post catalyst fuel trim lean, P01720 system too rich, P016B closed loop air/fuel ratio control at limit. Brought to local dealership where they did an inspection and could not find any major issue t…”
“The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle required 6 quarts of oil every 1,900 miles. The vehicle was recently taken to Valvoline, where an oil cha…”
KIA SOUL
- 01ENGINE1,420
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER321
- 03POWER TRAIN255
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING208
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM185
The most common complaint is engine failure, often with stalling, shutting off in traffic, and excessive oil consumption. Many reports reference recall 25V099 for 2.0L engines, but owners say repairs are only done after failure, leaving risk.
Owners describe loss of power, rough idle, unresponsive throttle, and smoke from the engine, sometimes progressing to complete shutdown. These symptoms can occur while driving, posing a serious hazard.
Complaints include abnormal engine noises, stalling while idling, and diagnostic trouble codes like P1C28. These often indicate internal engine damage and may require costly repairs.
Some owners report instrument cluster issues and other electrical glitches, though less frequently than engine problems. These can affect warning lights and vehicle operation.
“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 Sportage — 25 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
The risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an elect…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification lett…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to co…
The risk: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tow hitch harness control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2026. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC359. Vehicle…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris a…
The risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification lett…
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 Sportage or KIA SOUL: which should you buy?
The KIA Sportage has far fewer complaints per year (about 125) compared to the KIA SOUL (about 225), and the Soul also has more crash-related reports and fatalities in the data. In practice, the Sportage appears to have a lower overall rate of reported problems, but both suffer from significant engine issues that require vigilance.
Key differences
- The Soul has nearly double the annual complaint rate of the Sportage, with engine problems being far more prevalent.
- The Soul's data includes 13 deaths and 103 crash-related complaints, while the Sportage has 0 deaths and 84 crash-related complaints.
- Sportage owners report more brake and electrical issues, while Soul owners report more engine and power train failures.
- The Soul is subject to a specific engine recall (25V099) for oil consumption and fire risk, which owners say only covers repair after failure.
- Check for excessive oil consumption by asking for maintenance records and inspecting oil level; listen for engine knocking or ticking.
- Test all electrical components, especially lights and starting after refueling, and verify that all brake-related recalls have been performed.
- Look for any signs of engine stalling or rough idle during a test drive, and check for recall 25V099 completion; ask if the engine has been replaced.
- Inspect for smoke from the exhaust, unusual engine noises, and ensure the check engine light is not illuminated.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all safety recalls are repaired, especially engine and brake recalls.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on engine compression, oil consumption, and electrical systems.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any stalling, hesitation, or warning lights, and test all electrical features.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly oil change intervals and any engine-related repairs.
- For the Soul, specifically verify that recall 25V099 has been addressed and check for any signs of engine replacement.
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 Sportage | KIA SOUL |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 52 | 12 |
| 2024 | 71 | 30 |
| 2023 | 191 | 52 |
| 2022 | 46 | 88 |
| 2021 | 53 | 234 |
| 2020 | 161 | 381 |
| 2019 | 70 | 136 |
| 2018 | 164 | 218 |
| 2017 | 401 | 272 |
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 Sportage or KIA SOUL in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Sportage vs KIA SOUL
- KIA Sportage total complaints
- 1,246
- KIA SOUL total complaints
- 2,245
- KIA Sportage total recalls
- 25
- KIA SOUL total recalls
- 13
- KIA Sportage avg complaints/year
- 124.6
- KIA SOUL avg complaints/year
- 224.5
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sportage
- KIA Sportage top complaint area
- ENGINE
- KIA SOUL top complaint area
- ENGINE