Avoid: 2016, 2015, 2014 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2022
14 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 16 model years, the Kia Soul has 7,651 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 46 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. 2015 drew the most complaints (1,808), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (51).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Kia Soul vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $13,383–$20,275.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2023 | 51 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2021 | 233 |
| 2020 | 381 |
| 2019 | 275 |
| 2018 | 439 |
| 2017 | 290 |
| 2016 | 1,638 |
| 2015 | 1,808 |
| 2014 | 902 |
| 2013 | 662 |
| 2012 | 514 |
| 2011 | 194 |
| 2010 | 135 |
Highest: 2015 (1,808 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (51).
Mixed to negative sentiment, heavily dependent on model year and engine.
Includes laggy acceleration, harsh clunking between gears (particularly 2nd to 3rd), "searching" for gears, and general lack of refinement.
Strong crank but failure to start, or stalling immediately after starting, not consistently linked to battery or starter.
Particularly for models without factory immobilizers (pre-2022), leading to smashed windows and attempted theft.
Including malfunctioning power windows, faulty temperature control actuators, and issues with auto start/stop systems.
Reports of misdiagnosis, high costs, long repair times, and difficulty getting warranty claims honored.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Soul. Individual model years are broken down above.
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