MotorDeets

Kia Soul problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Soul from 2010 to 2025: 5,558 owner complaints and 34 recalls across 16 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (902), 2015 (900), 2016 (816). Best fuel economy: 30 mpg combined (2025).

Kia Soul
Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine3138
Other / unknown644
Electrical520
Steering519
Transmission & drivetrain432
Engine & cooling407
Fuel & propulsion346
Exterior lights252

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2010313528
2011319428
2012351427
2013366527
2014590226
2015490026
2016281627
2017127228
2018121828
2019113628
2020138430
2021223630
202219130
202345330
202403030
202501230

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Kia Soul.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Kia Soul?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2014 (902), 2015 (900), 2016 (816).

How many recalls has the Kia Soul had?

Across 2010–2025, NHTSA lists 34 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).