Is the Kia Soul Reliable?
2010–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other suvs — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Kia Soul? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Open NHTSA Investigation
hyundai and kia abs module fires
Component: service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
⚠ Historically, 3% of AQ investigations became recalls.
An open investigation is NHTSA reviewing a potential defect — the earliest warning a recall may be coming. It is not a defect finding. See all vehicles under investigation →
Kia Soul Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | — | Not enough data | |
| 2025 | 0 | 13 | 2 | — | 81 | Good |
| 2024 | 0 | 26 | — | — | 81 | Good |
| 2023 | 4 | 50 | 37 | 3 | 73 | Good |
| 2022 | 1 | 76 | 3 | 3 | 79 | Good |
| 2021 | 2 | 161 | 2 | — | 71 | Good |
| 2020 | 1 | 243 | 1 | 16 | 56 | Fair |
| 2019 | 0 | 105 | 9 | — | 77 | Good |
| 2018 | 0 | 133 | 11 | — | 73 | Good |
| 2017 | 0 | 202 | 7 | — | 66 | Good |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the Soul Compares to Similar Vehicles
The Soul scores 2 points above the average suv — a strong result.
Known Kia Soul Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 1009 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kia Soul reliable?+
The Kia Soul scores 71/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 8 recall campaigns and 1009 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year Soul is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2025 Soul achieved the highest reliability score of 81/100 with 0 recalls and 13 complaints.
How many miles does a Soul last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Kia Soul owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used Soul will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Kia Soul Research
Check a Specific Kia Soul VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
Run a Free VIN Report →