Research · Small Station Wagons
2025 Kia SoulRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2025 Kia Soul. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (4) and lane departure (2). The EPA rates it 30–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
30–31mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
12
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$2,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2025 Kia Soul as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
12 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2025 – Aug 2026
- Exterior lighting4
- Lane departure2
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Service brakes2
- Power train1
- Engine1
- Back over prevention1
- Air bags1
- Visibility/wiper1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Soul model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| 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 |
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Exterior lighting
4 reports
“Low beam headlights so dim is impossible to drive at night.”
Lane departure
2 reports
“When pulling out of a parking spot all of collision responses started to flash. This included front collision, side collision and rear collision. The power steering no longer worked. I bought the car new in 11/05/2025. I only have 1,311 miles on the car. I did have an oil change done by the dealer about a week prior and the report showed no problems. I am now very concerned about driving it even after the car would be repaired. I will say that KIA America arranged for the tow back to the dealership and I was given a loaner car to use. I honestly feel this is a safety hazard. Regards, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX]”
Forward collision avoidance
2 reports1 crash
“Hit a deer. Airbag did not deploy or emergency braking system didn't come on. Police took pictures of car. The car is at the repair shop now. Insurance company hasn't stated if it will be totaled. There were no other problems prior to incident.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Station Wagons
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| 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 | 27 | 33 | 30 | $2,150 | 302 |
- 31mpg comb.
- 30mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Kia Soul SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 3 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 14.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 20717
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2025 Soul questions
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Soul have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 27, 2026.
What are the most common 2025 Kia Soul problems?
Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (4), lane departure (2), forward collision avoidance (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2025 Kia Soul get?
The EPA rates the 2025 Kia Soul at 30–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2025 Kia Soul?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2025 Kia Soul 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026