2023 Kia Soul
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.
- Complaints
- 54
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2023
Opened by NHTSA
26% of complaints
Complaints per year
2023: 54 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 516 |
| 2013 | 665 |
| 2014 | 901 |
| 2015 | 901 |
| 2016 | 817 |
| 2017 | 272 |
| 2018 | 220 |
| 2019 | 139 |
| 2020 | 385 |
| 2021 | 239 |
| 2022 | 93 |
| 2023 | 54 |
| 2024 | 31 |
| 2025 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
26% · 14 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Air bag new
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-09
Also filed under Air bags and power train
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, 2023-08-16
Electrical system
26% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
It appears to get really hot and then it starts to smoke abundantly. And then the car struggles to drive forward. And something about instrument…
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-29
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-24
Also filed under Lane departure and exterior lighting
Steering
15% · 8 reportsShow 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, 2023-05-26
Also filed under Lane departure
Service brakes
15% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My brakes failed to stop my car I was driving down [XXX].
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-02
Lane departure
15% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing warning and assist.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2023-05-26Electrical system23V298000 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.
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2023-09-28Power train23V531000 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.
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2024-01-31Air bags23V830000 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.
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2025-04-04Engine and engine cooling25V099000 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.
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2025-08-06Audit queryClosed 2025-12-18 Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
Buy-smart checklist
2023 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V298000 · Electrical system
- Recall 23V531000 · Power train
- Recall 23V830000 · Air bags
- Recall 25V099000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2023 Kia Soul reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Kia Soul is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Soul?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Soul have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.