2023 Kia Soul

▲ Better than typical

2023 Kia Soul
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:22:55.113Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2023: 48 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2010	134
2011	193
2012	512
2013	657
2014	888
2015	891
2016	793
2017	268
2018	209
2019	131
2020	357
2021	220
2022	87
2023	48
2024	26
2025	11

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 25%

25% of complaints: engine — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

Air bag new

NHTSA ODI report, 20230909

On 8/15/23 I received my car back from the dealership after almost a month of repairs, trying to fix the issue where it would turn itself on and where it shut down while driving 45 miles an hour; at various points I was told it was the crankshaft,...

NHTSA ODI report, 20230816

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 23%

23% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

STEERING 17%

17% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the lane assist feature malfunctioned and the steering wheel inadvertently turned sharply to the left and seized.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230526

SERVICE BRAKES 15%

15% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.

INJURY

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

Air bag new

NHTSA ODI report, 20230909

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20230526 — electrical system

Kia America, Inc.

Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.

Campaign 23V298000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20230928 — power train

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.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge.

Campaign 23V531000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240131 — air bags

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.

Campaign 23V830000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20250404 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025.

Campaign 25V099000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20250806 — AQ (closed 20251218)

Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness