NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Soul

Data refreshed August 8, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Soul.

Complaints

5,463

Active records

Recalls

15

Active records

TSBs

534

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

18

Injuries

259

Crashes

265

Fires

320

Top reported issues — Kia Soul

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

1,709

Reporting mechanism

1,469

Noise

1,416

Engine behavior

1,351

Condition issue

1,273

Fluid issue

1,193

Performance issue

1,136

Thermal issue

705

Vibration/harshness

356

Lighting behavior

331

Steering behavior

268

Safety restraint issue

240

Electrical issue

209

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

207

Starting behavior

182

Safety restraint behavior

180

Braking behavior

169

Smell

159

Driver assistance issue

155

Powering on/off behavior

112

Recent change

105

Access/entry issue

66

Ride/handling behavior

56

Infotainment behavior

44

HVAC behavior

23

Wiper/washer behavior

12

Electrified system issue

10

Communication/network issue

7

Charging behavior

3

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2016 KIA SOUL

Filed Aug 5, 2026


My 2016 Kia Soul is a 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection engine. 1 prior recall for Kia Souls have occurred, which is seemingly identical to my issue. Recall SC176 addresses Kia Souls with the 1.6L engine, and it just so happens my issue is the same. Kia also issued a response to knock issues with the Soul 2.0L MPI engine, the KSDS Campaign, where Kia rolled out the Knock Sensor Detection System software update (Campaign SC200) to monitor for connecting rod bearing. I have the GDI so this was…

2015 KIA SOUL

Filed Aug 4, 2026


Dealer refusing to honor open recall remedy for SC200 / NHTSA 20V750000 on 2015 Kia Soul VIN [XXX], approx 100k miles. Recall shows no unrepaired recall found on NHTSA VIN lookup, but KSDS update and engine bearing test were never performed. Kia of Cheyenne states: 1) must pay for recall because update not done, 2) must pay for unrelated repairs first, 3) must provide all oil receipts, 4) will not perform free remedy. Second dealer Fort Collins Kia service phone rings no voicemail. Request…

2020 KIA SOUL

Filed Aug 3, 2026


The engine shut down unexpectedly while driving. The dealer confirmed it was due to internal oil consumption. There's a known history of engine failure in these vehicles due to manufacturing defect, including shutting down while driving, noise coming from the engine and even a risk of fire. The warning oil lamp never came up, there was no oil leak spots in my driveway. My safety definitely was at risk, and Kia was sued and lost for these same reason before. I towed the car to Kia City in South…

2015 KIA SOUL

Filed Aug 2, 2026


Please see attached documents. I have also put them in the US mail. One to KIA: Kia Customer Care Center, Kia Motors America, Inc., P.O. Box 52410, Irvine, CA, 92619-2410 and one to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E., Washing, DC 20590.

2019 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 28, 2026


The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a burning odor and smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact pulled over and checked the engine oil level, and the dipstick indicated that the engine oil level was extremely low. The contact stated that engine oil was added to the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it failed the oil consumption…

2015 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 27, 2026


The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had passed the inspection and no repairs were needed. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on a slightly inclined road, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer,…

2020 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 27, 2026


I want to make a complaint about my 2020 Kia Soul. It is a great car, but the white paint will not stay on the car no matter what I do. It keeps flaking off all over the car. Just recently, it was my right passenger side door. It looks horrible. The car is under a car loan and is loosing paint as I pay off. I want to make Kia aware of this issue. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2014 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 27, 2026


I own a 2014 Kia Soul 2.0L GDI that consumes approximately one quart of engine oil every 1,500 miles. The engine oil became dangerously low between oil changes without any warning indicator. The vehicle has also experienced reduced engine performance, declining fuel economy, and previously displayed a P0420 catalytic converter efficiency fault code. Replacing the PCV valve did not improve the condition. An overnight piston soak temporarily reduced the oil consumption, but the problem returned,…

2014 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 26, 2026


On Saturday June 18th, I was in a 4 car pile up accident. My kia soul was totaled, and the airbag did not deploy. Following the event, I am seeking medical attention for follow up. Research on the cause for failure to deploy has shown me there was a recall on these car for air bag issues. Please advise if there is a claim to file regarding this recall and accident.

2018 KIA SOUL

Filed Jul 25, 2026


The vehicle is suffering from an extreme internal engine oil consumption defect, burning approximately 3 quarts of engine oil every 500 to 600 miles with no external leaks. The internal oil burning heavily fouled the vehicle's ignition system (spark plugs and coil packs), causing severe engine misfires and a sudden vehicle stall while operating in motion on public highways. This unexpected loss of motive power creates an extreme safety hazard. The local dealership, Paramount Kia of Hickory,…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated August 8, 2026. Refreshed nightly.