NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Soul

Data refreshed July 24, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Soul.

Complaints

5,448

Active records

Recalls

15

Active records

TSBs

481

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

18

Injuries

259

Crashes

265

Fires

319

Top reported issues — Kia Soul

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

1,703

Reporting mechanism

1,468

Noise

1,414

Engine behavior

1,346

Condition issue

1,269

Fluid issue

1,187

Performance issue

1,133

Thermal issue

703

Vibration/harshness

356

Lighting behavior

331

Steering behavior

268

Safety restraint issue

239

Electrical issue

208

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

207

Starting behavior

182

Safety restraint behavior

179

Braking behavior

168

Smell

158

Driver assistance issue

155

Powering on/off behavior

112

Recent change

104

Access/entry issue

66

Ride/handling behavior

56

Infotainment behavior

44

HVAC behavior

23

Wiper/washer behavior

12

Electrified system issue

10

Communication/network issue

7

Charging behavior

3

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2018 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 21, 2026


My 2018 Kia Soul has failed on oil consumption test and needs and engine replacement. Kia knows of these issues with these cars but will not cover the engine replacement cost bc the class action suit does not cover oil consumption failure only rod bearings. This will be an issue sooner or later with the oil problem. Kia has several recalls on other vehicles for the exact same thing.

2020 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 21, 2026


At 63387 miles my backup camera on my 2020 KIA Soul EX stopped working without warning. It will blink on and off occasionally but is generally just a black screen when placed in reverse. All of the other screens work fine. This is concerning to me as it is an important safety feature. It seems like KIA would repair such an item at no charge. I called my local KIA outside of Dallas about the issue and I was told the repair would cost at least $800. I’ve gotten used to using my mirrors again but…

2021 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 20, 2026


Took my vehicle in a year ago for the oil piston recall to the Kia dealer in North Huntington, Pa. I was told they corrected the recall during other servicing. My vehicle just broke down and is unable to be driven due to this unresolved issue.

2016 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 19, 2026


Check engine light came on and car was out of oil even though an oil change was done about a month ago. Catalytic converter was replaced once already. Per mechanic excess heat caused out to leak catalytic converter needs replacing again and now engine is damaged as all engine oil leaks out where it cannot be detected on ground. Danger of fire according to recall sc176 and mechanic. Car was smoking so it has been parked for safety to avoid fire

2013 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 17, 2026


The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, there was a popping and knocking sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

2022 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 17, 2026


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…

2014 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 17, 2026


1 injured
Fire

The contact owned a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the contact became aware of a burning rubber odor and observed grey and brown smoke coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that a fire had started underneath the front of the vehicle. The local Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was not filed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. While exiting the vehicle,…

2013 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 16, 2026


The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

2021 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 16, 2026


Noise while driving and over bumps and steering

2020 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 16, 2026


Vehicle has 22000 miles and has a major/excessive oil consumption and engine failure. Exhaust camshaft (broken pin) Exhaust CVVT (broken pin) These components breaking caused the vehicle to stall and completely shut the vehicle down while driving 70 MPH on the freeway. The vehicle was inspected by a Kia certified mechanic and mentioned this is a well known concern. The only indicator that there was an issue was an engine light which gave a code representative of a faulty senor, not a major…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated July 24, 2026. Refreshed nightly.