NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Soul

Data refreshed May 30, 2026

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

Complaints

5,365

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

258

Crashes

265

Fires

317

Top reported issues — Kia Soul

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

1,683

Reporting mechanism

1,454

Noise

1,403

Engine behavior

1,322

Condition issue

1,251

Fluid issue

1,156

Performance issue

1,115

Thermal issue

695

Vibration/harshness

353

Lighting behavior

330

Steering behavior

266

Safety restraint issue

238

Electrical issue

208

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

204

Starting behavior

181

Safety restraint behavior

179

Braking behavior

164

Smell

158

Driver assistance issue

152

Powering on/off behavior

112

Recent change

101

Access/entry issue

63

Ride/handling behavior

56

Infotainment behavior

43

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.

2014 KIA SOUL

Filed May 28, 2026


COMPONENT FAILURE: The engine, power train, and speed control systems failed due to the known Nu 2.0L GDI connecting rod bearing defect. SAFETY RISK: My [XXX] daughter was driving in heavy rush-hour traffic when the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and entered a 20 MPH limp mode. This sudden deceleration created an immediate and severe risk of a rear-end collision, endangering my daughter and surrounding motorists. DEALER CONFIRMATION: The failure was officially confirmed by Flow Kia of…

2021 KIA SOUL

Filed May 28, 2026


2021 Kia Soul | VIN: [XXX] | Recall SC336 (NHTSA 25V099) | Kia America Case No. XXX DEALER: Team Kia of El Cajon, 541 N. Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020 SYMPTOMS: Rapid oil consumption, abnormal engine noise, overheating, vehicle stalling at complete stops, difficulty restarting. All symptoms are explicitly documented in SC336 TSB (Rev 6, 10/21/2025) as consequences of defective piston oil rings. DEALER CONDUCT ISSUES: 1. CHARGED $280 DIAGNOSTIC FEE TO PERFORM A RECALL. Owner confirmed open…

2015 KIA SOUL

Filed May 27, 2026


The vehicle exhibited a severe mechanical engine knock, significant magnetic iron debris in the engine oil, and subsequently triggered diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Bearing Wear Limit Exceeded). This indicates imminent connecting rod bearing failure, which is a known defect subject to lifetime warranty extensions and safety recalls under the Hyundai/Kia Engine Litigation. This defect poses a severe safety risk, as it can cause sudden engine seizure, catastrophic loss of motive power at highway…

2020 KIA SOUL

Filed May 27, 2026


The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly’s where it was diagnosed with a failed engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle as not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In…

2016 KIA SOUL

Filed May 27, 2026


The vehicle is burning oil. It creates residue in my engine which may make it dangerous to drive and ruin the catalytic converter, among other issues. I was first notified of this problem during my second oil change in 01/2026 at a Kwik Kar Lube & Tune, about 6 months after purchasing the vehicle in 06/2025. As of 05/2026, an oil warning lamp began to appear on the vehicle dashboard to notify me that the oil was low. I checked the oil stick, and there was burnt oil, albeit very little of it. I…

2023 KIA SOUL

Filed May 26, 2026


1 injured
Crash

Before the accident which my car was totaled, I would take it in with issues. Electrical lights coming on the car would stop .my transmission locking up . I would tell them that there was something wrong with the car . I had videos to show pannel lights coming on at 70 on freeway and car locking up and would just stop . That's what happened to son driving. My car was totaled. Why should I loose and now I don't have a vehicle .

2021 KIA SOUL

Filed May 26, 2026


Cv joint and axle causing car to stall when turunning

2020 KIA SOUL

Filed May 21, 2026


The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the lack of specialize mechanical technician. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

2023 KIA SOUL

Filed May 21, 2026


On may 20 2026 car died out multiple times when driving but would start back up. Today may 21 2026 car was lacking power and engine making noise while driving. Then the check engine light came on also the oil light flashed then turned off. Checked the code it said p00114. Then checked oil it was about 1 1/2 quart low after we did complete oil change a month ago. I then found this engine has the same exact problems we are experiencing and have a recall to replace engine, but when we enter our…

2015 KIA SOUL

Filed May 21, 2026


On the highway, not reaching speed at expected RPM, try increasing power and RPM stops climbing at 3500, and speed decreases suddenly, car starts bucking, check engine light flashing. I pull over, stop, and keep going after several minutes idling with no apparent issue continuing. I take the car to get a computer check of the engine light code, P0420 for catalytic converter efficiency. Take car to dealer, they diagnose the converter as being both melted and clogged, quote me $4200 to replace…

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

Updated May 30, 2026. Refreshed nightly.