Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Kia Soul
Crossover · Gas · 10 versions · owner report
Ranked #1 of 15 used subcompact SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (196 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2025
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed to negative sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and engine.
8 problems reported (5 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentTransmission problems
Includes laggy acceleration, harsh clunking between gears (particularly 2nd to 3rd), "searching" for gears, and general lack of refinement.
- RecurrentIntermittent starting issues
Strong crank but failure to start, or stalling immediately after starting, not consistently linked to battery or starter.
- RecurrentTheft/Break-in attempts
Particularly for models without factory immobilizers (pre-2022), leading to smashed windows and attempted theft.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentVarious electrical and accessory failures
Including malfunctioning power windows, faulty temperature control actuators, and issues with auto start/stop systems.
- RecurrentPoor dealership service experiences
Reports of misdiagnosis, high costs, long repair times, and difficulty getting warranty claims honored.
- IsolatedClogged catalytic converter
Often a secondary result of oil consumption and burning.
- Catastrophic engine failure (knocking, stalling, seizure) often preceded by excessive oil consumption
Very frequent across 2010-2020 models. Linked to recalls and extended warranty programs.
- Excessive oil consumption/burning
Recurrent, noted as a common precursor to major engine issues.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a single "best" version. Positive long-term reliability is anecdotally reported for the 2011 model year and for the 2020+ models with the 2.0L engine (non-turbo), provided they avoid the major engine failure issues. The EX trim is mentioned favorably for its feature content. There is no consensus on a preferred model year or powertrain due to the pervasive nature of the engine problems across many years.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Fit, Chevrolet Trax, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V and Kia Sportage.
Is the Soul right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Mixed to negative sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and engine. The vehicle is consistently praised for its practicality, including exceptional interior roominess, good fuel economy, easy maneuverability, and overall value as a basic, economical transportation appliance. Long-term owners of specific years (e.g., 2011, 2020) report high satisfaction with minimal repairs and reliable service. However, a very strong and recurring consensus centers on catastrophic engine failures and oil consumption issues affecting models from approximately 2010 through 2020, particularly those with the 2.0L and 1.6L Gamma engines. These problems are described as widespread, leading to stalling, knocking, complete engine seizure, and costly repairs, often exacerbated by complex warranty claims and dealership experiences. Additional common complaints include transmission problems (lag, searching for gears, clunking), various electrical gremlins, and for older models without immobilizers, a high risk of theft or break-in attempts. The sentiment is that the Soul is a good "beater" or basic car when it works, but ownership is often marred by anxiety over major, expensive failures.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more spacious and practical alternative to subcompact hatches like the Honda Fit, with owners noting superior cabin room. Compared to newer subcompact SUVs like the Chevrolet Trax and Toyota Corolla Cross, the Soul is often viewed as less refined, with older models criticized for reliability and performance. The Chevrolet Trax, in particular, was noted by an owner as feeling more spacious and less "scrunchy" inside. Against mainstream compact SUVs (CR-V, Sportage, Outback), the Soul is seen as a cheaper, less capable, and less reliable budget option. Within the Kia lineup, owners suggest moving to newer models like the Sportage, Telluride, or K5 for better quality and reliability, describing the Soul as a "throwaway car" in comparison.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient specific configuration data from owners. General advice inferred from discussions includes: opting for a model year 2022 or newer to avoid older engine issues and include updated anti-theft hardware; choosing a trim with an immobilizer; and securing an extended warranty if purchasing a model within the problematic engine years (pre-2021). Manual transmission models are mentioned in passing but not explicitly recommended.
General recommendations
Suitable for budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum interior space in a small, economical package for city driving. Potentially a good choice if purchasing new or very recent (2022+) with a full factory warranty. NOT recommended for purchasing used models from the 2010-2020 model years without extensive due diligence on engine recall and repair history. If considering a used model from the problematic era, verify the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update has been performed, obtain complete maintenance records to prove regular oil changes, and confirm the vehicle's eligibility for the extended engine warranty (up to 15 years/150,000 miles). Be prepared for potential high oil consumption; check oil level frequently. Consider third-party extended warranty providers for peace of mind. Park vehicles without immobilizers in secure areas or use a steering wheel lock to deter theft. Test drive thoroughly, checking for transmission behavior, engine knocks, and any warning lights.
Remarks
The dominant narrative in owner discussions is the widespread engine failure issue tied to specific Theta II and Gamma engine families. The manufacturer's response, including the KSDS software update and extended warranty, is a central point of contention, with owners reporting mixed results in getting repairs covered. The problem is described as so prevalent that for certain model years (e.g., 2016), engine failure is considered a matter of "when, not if." This severely impacts long-term ownership satisfaction and resale value. Newer models (2024+) are noted to have updated security systems to prevent theft, but feedback on their mechanical reliability is limited in the provided data. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and reports.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2015. Years to avoid: 2016, 2015, 2014Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Kia Soul years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 0 | exterior lighting |
| 2024 | 29 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2023 | 51 | 4 | engine |
| 2022 | 88 | 1 | engine |
| 2021 | 233 | 2 | engine |
| 2020 | 381 | 1 | engine |
| 2019 | 275 | 3 | engine |
| 2018 | 439 | 3 | engine |
| 2017 | 290 | 3 | engine |
| 2016 | 1,638 | 5 | engine |
| 2015 | 1,808 | 7 | engine |
| 2014 | 902 | 5 | engine |
| 2013 | 662 | 3 | engine |
| 2012 | 514 | 3 | engine |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices46 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2023 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 23V298000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
2023 · power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pumpcampaign 23V531000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
2023 · air bagscampaign 23V830000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
2023 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V099000
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.
2022 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V099000
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.
2021 · enginecampaign 21V259000
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.
2021 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V099000
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.
2020 · enginecampaign 21V259000
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.
2019 · air bagscampaign 22V031000
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 bags that will not deploy in a crash.
2019 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 23V218000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
2019 · power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)campaign 23V724000
Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.
2018 · air bagscampaign 22V031000
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 bags that will not deploy in a crash.
2018 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 23V218000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
2018 · power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)campaign 23V724000
Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.
2017 · air bagscampaign 22V031000
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 bags that will not deploy in a crash.
31 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
2.0 MPI i-VT
2.0L 4-cylinder · 147 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2022–2026