KIA SOUL Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used KIA SOUL options? We analyzed 10 model years (2016–2025) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the KIA SOUL has 2,245 owner complaints and 13 safety recalls across model years 2016–2025. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2016 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- KIA
- Model
- SOUL
- Model years analyzed
- 2016–2025 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 2,245
- Safety recall campaigns
- 13
- Crash-related complaints
- 103
- Fire-related complaints
- 83
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2016 (822 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (12 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
KIA SOUL: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe KIA SOUL has 2,245 NHTSA complaints and 13 recalls on record. 103 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 2,245 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 13 federal recall campaigns
- 103 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
13 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
ENGINE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
AIR BAGS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP
AIR BAGS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
AIR BAGS
AIR BAGS
ENGINE
ENGINE
STEERING
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2016–2025. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 2,245 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
2,245 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH uphill, there was an abnormal knocking sound from the rod bearings inside the engine. The contact stated that the rod bearings had gone through the engine block, and there was black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle became inoperable after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The diagnostic test and repair were pending. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Backup camera intermittently glitches and cuts to a black screen. Display will also occasionally appear darker than normal. Concern began suddenly with no known cause. It first occurred after vehicle was parked for 10-11 hours.
• a theft attempt caused by the widely reported Kia software vulnerability (documented in my police report) • a display failure that Kia refused to repair • a recall that Kia refused to perform because the display was broken • repeated defects lighting, battery warning indicators never come on when the oil is beinf consumed • and now a complete engine failure on a 2022 vehicle
03/17/26: Kia Soul 2022 was brought into the dealership to have the safety recall (NHTSA: 25V099; Kia: SC336) addressed. There is a description of the service that says, “Piston Oil Ring.” Dealership stated everything was "good to go" upon completion of this service. Per dealership document, causal part says “Ring Set-Piston”, Issue number SC336. Issue Type: Safety Recall; Description: Piston Oil Ring. 04/20/2026: While driving, the engine light turned red/blinking. The car was immediately pulled over to the side of the road. It was towed to the aforementioned Kia dealership via AAA. The engine needed to be replaced. Regarding the engine: Issue number SC336Y1; Issue Type: Service Campaign; Description: DTC P1327 Engine R&R. 05/05/2026: While using the car, it would not move with attempt to accelerate from a 4-way stop. The oil light and battery light were red; the engine light was orange. A message on screen displayed: “Battery discharge warning. Please use the system after starting the vehicle.” When attempting to turn the key, the engine did not make any sound. Approximately 10-12 minutes later, I went through the same steps and the car turned on. Kia dealership was notified. Upon arrival to the dealership, I was told "these things happen," "it is likely the battery," and, "The fuel saving start-stop function that cars like the Soul have can lead to this kind of thing." It was also stated that the "battery was good, but the charge was low." Finally, I was told "the car should be fine to drive, since it made its way to the dealership" without issues. I verbalized the significant safety risk and stated I needed it assessed. The car remains at the dealership, as there is no root cause and this is a major safety hazard that, notably, occurred 6 days after the engine replacement. The dealership maintains that "there is nothing that can be done." This has been escalated to Kia Corporate. No issues with car prior to engine light turning red on 04/20/26.
The check engine light came on. I took the jar to Kia and also requested for the piston recall to be repaired. I was denied due to an expired warranty. The engine stalled and stopped suddenly while driving in the street. Soon the care was no longer drivable.
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 vehicle would power down, stall, jerk forward, and then begin moving again when I pressed the accelerator. On 05/01/2026, while stopped at a red light on my way to get gas, I noticed the vehicle vibrating unusually. I made it to the gas station, filled up, and drove away. However, as I entered a heavily traveled highway, the vehicle began shaking uncontrollably and completely shut off in traffic. I was unable to restart the vehicle and had to have it towed, and later towed again to a Kia dealership/service center. The diagnostic codes identified were: * P0014:00 – Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced/System Performance (Bank 1) * P0017:00 – Crankshaft Position/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B – Exhaust) * P0303:00 – Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected I am extremely concerned because the vehicle is only about four years old, and I purchased it a little over a year ago. I have previously taken the vehicle to Kia for recalls, including recalls related to engine issues. Based on my research and the symptoms of my vehicle, I believe the recall involving the piston oil rings may be related to the camshaft and crankshaft issues now occurring. I am concerned this may represent an additional safety-related defect or recall issue that has not yet been fully recognized by Kia. I am submitting this complaint to bring awareness to this issue and request that a proper investigation be conducted before more drivers experience a dangerous failure in traffic. I would also like to request direct follow-up regarding my specific vehicle and this incident. Due to the seriousness of the failure and the safety risk of the vehicle shutting down in active traffic, I believe my vehicle should be reviewed as part o
Read 14 more owner reports
My 2022 Kia Soul with a 2.0 Litre Engine is consuming lots of oil, I'm having to ad a quart every day. I have check engine lights for the catalytic converter and engine missfires. The car has always consumed oil between oil changes since I bought it new in 2022, and its gotten progressively worse. I've maintained the car as required by the manufacturer and have topped up the oil when low. I had the dealer perform an oil consumption test in June 0f 2025 at 60,275 miles. After 1000 miles the Dealer determined the car was consuming 8/10ths of a quart of oil after 1000. The dealer informed mt that Kia only considered 1 quart of oil or more after 1000 miles to be a problem. So I continued to change oil and top it off as necessary. The car continued to consume more and more oil, and I contacted Kia Customer Service In June, November, December of 2025 regarding the increasing oil consumption problem. In April I contacted Kia Customer service again stating the oil consumption had gotten much worse. The took my information an said someone woul call me. I called them again 5 days later and told them I had a check engine light regarding an engis miss and Catalytic convert code, and asked the expedite the call back. I've spoken with the expedited service person three times since the 25th of april and informed the that I'm having to add 1 gt of oil daily. The expedited serviec person informed me that Kia would not provide me with a loaner car or rental reimbursement until it was determined by Kia that there is a problem with the engine. She also said I should drop the car off and leave it with the Dealer, and call her back when I've done so. My car has 77731 miles on it, I've never missed and oil change, and I've always kept it topped off. I'm concerned the catalytic converter will plug up and leave me stranded, or worse, result in an engine fire!
My car stalled with no precursors. The engine and oil was maintain but the engined stall with out smoke or mixed oil. This error falls directly under the recall for pistion rings that cause engine failure. I brought my vehicle to Archer Kia and after two-three months of waited for the recall repair they stated that they could not repair the failed engine under the recall that causes failed engines.
Safety recall letter dated 4/4/25 states the piston rings may have been manufactured incorrectly causing oil consumption resulting in loss of drive power and/or fire. Kia performed two 1000 mile oil level checks which indicated it was 2 quarts low both times!!! I have asked for a written document stating they are not going to fix the problem and why (because he did not have all his oil change records ) but they will not send one not will they answer my emails or phone calls!
My [XXX] daughter was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a crash in which the vehicle struck a tree and a fire was present. She was unable to exit the vehicle and did not receive medical attention in time. Public records indicate the vehicle had an open federal safety recall at the time, listed as incomplete. I am submitting this information for awareness and review. I am not making any conclusions regarding causation. However, I believe it is important that incidents involving vehicle fires and open recalls are documented and evaluated to help protect other families. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power and stalled, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and needed to be towed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that a used engine was installed as a replacement in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
Update – April 1, 2026 (NHTSA Complaint #XXX) Today, April 1, 2026, at XXX I was informed that the engine replacement will not proceed because “the 3 years or 36,000 miles have passed.” This is incorrect. My Kia Soul 2022, VIN [XXX] , currently has 44,649 miles and was purchased in 2021. Kia’s Powertrain warranty is 10 years / 100,000 miles for the original owner and covers the engine. The basic 5-year/60,000-mile warranty does not apply in this case. On February 2, 2026, the technician documented stuck oil control rings allowing oil to enter the compression area, causing excessive oil consumption. A PWA was requested for full engine replacement. I have three failed oil consumption tests (more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles) and low compression on piston 3 (145 PSI). This would be the second major engine intervention in less than one year. The dealer is proposing only a partial repair of pieces, which does not solve the root cause and represents a safety risk (engine damage, possible fire, or loss of power), as warned in the official Kia letter I received. I request that NHTSA review this unjustified denial of warranty repair and require Kia to honor the Powertrain coverage. Attached: Technician notes from February 2, 2026, the three oil consumption tests, official Kia Puerto Rico letter, full repair history, and denial communication from April 1, 2026. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Urgent Escalation – Case CAS-XXX – Kia Soul 2022 VIN [XXX] – Excessive Oil Consumption Confirmed in 3 Tests – Partial Repair Unacceptable After Multiple Failures and Second Engine Intervention in Less Than six months INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact's daughter owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 40 MPH, the engine froze for two minutes. The oil light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was undriveable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the recall repair was declined because maintenance receipts were not available. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Friendship Kia, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a bent camshaft and spark plugs failure. The spark plugs were replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
When I drive in alloys mode the system jerky and engine makes noise or hangs and I have to turn it off and on to start it back up to drive. When I drive without alloys on it thugs sporadically as if it is going to drive backward. Per the dealer the engine oil is slugs even thought it had oil change. But this vehicle is scary, I need it but scare of driving it.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). After retrieving the vehicle, there was an audible tinging sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer for an extensive overhaul, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The oil level was approximately ¾ of a quart low. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer suggested driving the vehicle for 1,000 miles and having an oil consumption test performed. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2022 Kia Soul LX with approximately 97,500 miles. The vehicle has experienced sudden and excessive oil consumption despite regular maintenance and a recent oil change about 1,500 miles prior to failure. While driving in normal traffic conditions, the vehicle suddenly began running rough, lost power, and entered limp mode. Shortly after, the engine stalled while I was actively driving, creating a dangerous situation and safety concern for myself and other drivers. A mechanic inspection found diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft timing issues and determined that the timing chain tensioner likely failed due to oil starvation. The mechanic also found internal engine damage including piston ring failure caused by abnormal oil consumption. I was advised the engine is not repairable and requires replacement. I understand there have been widespread reports, recalls, and class action litigation involving Kia engines experiencing similar oil consumption and catastrophic failure issues. However, I was informed my specific VIN is not currently included. Because this failure caused a sudden stall while driving and poses a significant safety risk, I am requesting that this complaint be investigated. I believe this defect could affect additional vehicles beyond those currently included in recalls or service campaigns. This vehicle was properly maintained and the failure occurred unexpectedly and prematurely for a modern engine. Before the stall that happened going at least 35 mph with my [XXX] daughter In the rear seat, there was no prior warning oil lights or engine lights. Causing severe safety concerns for myself and child. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle is only 4 years old. Engine light came on. I used my Fixd code reader to diagnose. It mentioned several sensors which I replace cam shaft sensor. Intake sensor. Crank shay sensor. All were replaced, engine light came back on after each replacement. I took it to dealership for service and diagnosis. They indicated engine replacement due to timing being out of line; sheared king pin. Vehicle has been serviced regularly. Never anticipated having to replace an engine on a four year old vehicle. Still making payments and now $9,000 repair is Absurd! Additionally, these symptoms are consistent with similar symptoms listed in other kia soul recalls. This is my second Kia but probably will be my last if the manufacturer does not rectify this problem. Codes: P0017, P000B, P0068, P0014
The car stopped several times and had to be towed! One day the car just wouldn't start! My brother took it to the dealership and they said it needed a new engine!
My 2022 Kia Soul experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalling while driving, creating a high risk for a rear-end collision in traffic. An authorized Kia dealership (Mike Miller Kia) performed a major timing repair in March 2025 [XXX] ) to address these safety issues. However, the exact same failure occurred again in January 2026. The dealership now documents that the engine was 4 quarts low on oil, nearly empty, despite proper maintenance. This indicates a severe oil consumption defect that leads to timing failure and unpredictable engine stalls. I believe this vehicle poses an unreasonable safety risk due to this recurring stalling condition, which matches the defect described in NHTSA Recall 25V099 (SC336), though my VIN is currently excluded. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Showing 20 of 2,245 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact KIA SOUL
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used KIA SOUL, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The KIA SOUL has 2,245 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The KIA SOUL has 13 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 103 of the KIA SOUL's 2,245 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all KIA SOUL vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two KIA SOUL vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The KIA SOUL has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used KIA SOUL.
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KIA SOUL reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the KIA SOUL reliable?
Poor. The KIA SOUL has 2,245 NHTSA owner complaints and 13 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which KIA SOUL years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2016 (822 complaints), 2020 (381 complaints), 2017 (272 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common KIA SOUL problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (1,420 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (321 complaints); POWER TRAIN (255 complaints).
Does the KIA SOUL have recalls?
Yes — 13 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the KIA SOUL. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.