NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 54 owner complaints for the 2023 Kia Soul. Most complaints involve engine (14) and electrical system (14). The EPA rates it 30–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Soul model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 194 |
| 2012 | 515 |
| 2013 | 667 |
| 2014 | 905 |
| 2015 | 908 |
| 2016 | 823 |
| 2017 | 290 |
| 2018 | 223 |
| 2019 | 140 |
| 2020 | 388 |
| 2021 | 239 |
| 2022 | 95 |
| 2023 | 54 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 12 |
“While driving the engine started shaking and smoke blew out from the tailpipe and then the vehicle stalled. I brought it in and the same thing happened on the way home from the dealership after it was supposedly fixed.”
“2023 Kia soul purchased brand new. Vehicle does not display speedometer, blinkers don't work, reverse camera doesn't work, nothing displays on dash, continuous alarm sound while vehicle is on. Having no indication of speed traveling or ability to signal turns is a safety concern. failure at approximately 1 year after purchase. Has been in the dealership for repair multiple times without success. Currently been at the dealership for 10 months with no offer of a loaner vehicle and refusal to buy back vehicle or replace vehicle. Dealer is unable to repair and claims it doesn't qualify for lemon law.”
“My brakes failed to stop my car I was driving down [XXX]. I went to brake because I was going to slow down cause I was just over the speed limit and my brakes went all the way to the floor and I I could not stop the car with the brakes , so I pulled over to the side and slowly came to a halt. I was so shook up. I do not know if I put it in neutral or put it in a lower gear or if I just coasted to a stop. I ended up hitting a guard rail and that slowed me down, but I still went down the guard rail it basically cut a lot of the right side of my car. See the photos below for damages. I’d been trying to start the car as I would have been able to drive to work. I tried to start the car, but it would not because the gas-pedal went all the way to the floor i found out that there is a break interlock system that prevents it from starting when there is no brakes,then got my cell phone, called the police and had them write out a report. I then called a tow truck and they tow it to caliber collision in [XXX]. They told me they moved it three times but they didn’t tell me how they moved it, but I can’t believe they could’ve started it so they must’ve had it pulled to a…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul Eco dynamics Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 35 | 31 | $2,050 | 287 |
| Soul Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 33 | 30 | $2,150 | 301 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (14), electrical system (14), service brakes (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Kia Soul at 30–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Kia Soul 4 out of 5 stars overall.