Kia Soul years to avoid and best years
Newer Kia Soul years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones. 2020 has the most complaints per year, at 55 (381 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 6 (from 88 complaints), 2019 at 8 (from 136 complaints), and 2024 at 10 (from 29 complaints). The 2025 Kia Soul is too early to compare, at 6 per year so far, from 12 complaints. On the 2020 Kia Soul, 164 of 381 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2022
2019
2024
2025
Kia Soul reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Kia Soul. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 → Too early | 6 | 12 | 0 | Exterior lighting | 30.5 |
| 2024 → Fewest | 10 | 29 | 0 | Electrical system | 30.5 |
| 2023 → | 14 | 51 | 4 | Engine | 30.5 |
| 2022 → Fewest | 6 | 88 | 1 | Engine | 30 |
| 2021 → | 18 | 233 | 2 | Engine | 29.3 |
| 2020 → Most | 55 | 381 | 1 | Engine | 46.2 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 8 | 136 | 1 | Engine | 43.6 |
| 2018 → | 15 | 218 | 1 | Engine | 43.4 |
| 2017 → | 11 | 272 | 1 | Engine | 42.8 |
| 2016 → | 13 | 819 | 2 | Engine | 42 |
| 2015 → | 22 | 904 | 4 | Engine | 41.8 |
| 2014 → | 24 | 902 | 5 | Engine | 26 |
| 2013 → | 18 | 662 | 3 | Engine | 26.5 |
| 2012 → | 16 | 514 | 3 | Steering | 26.5 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Hatchback
- Oil
- 5W-20 or 0W-20 (1.6L and 2.0L) · 4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/60R16 to 215/45R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 19V120000. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure. Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
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- Body styles
- Hatchback
- Oil
- 0W-20 (2.0L and 1.6L turbo where equipped) · 4 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/60R16 to 235/45R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 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. A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Soul years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2022 at 6 (from 88 complaints), 2019 at 8 (from 136 complaints), and 2024 at 10 (from 29 complaints).
Which Kia Soul year has the most owner complaints?
2020 has the most complaints per year, at 55 (381 complaints). On the 2020 Kia Soul, 164 of 381 complaints name Engine.
How do Kia Soul owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Kia Soul years have about the same owner complaints per year as the older ones.
Which Kia Soul years are too early to compare?
The 2025 Kia Soul is too early to compare, at 6 per year so far, from 12 complaints.
What oil does a Soul take?
5W-20 or 0W-20 (1.6L and 2.0L)
What does NHTSA recall 19V-120 cover on the Kia Soul?
NHTSA campaign 19V120000.
What generation is the 2013 Kia Soul?
2nd generation (PS) (2012-2019).