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
Reporting mechanism
Noise
Engine behavior
Condition issue
Fluid issue
Performance issue
Thermal issue
Vibration/harshness
Lighting behavior
Steering behavior
Safety restraint issue
Electrical issue
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Starting behavior
Safety restraint behavior
Braking behavior
Smell
Driver assistance issue
Powering on/off behavior
Recent change
Access/entry issue
Ride/handling behavior
Infotainment behavior
HVAC behavior
Wiper/washer behavior
Electrified system issue
Communication/network issue
Charging behavior
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
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…