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Best & Worst Years for the Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is known to be one of the most reliable SUVs on the market. But are all Kia Souls created equal?

Key Points

• The Kia Soul ranks third overall on Repair Pal's top-vii compact SUV list.
• The 2012-2016 Kia Souls tend to exist the least reliable, with engine failure at under 100k miles being common.
• The best years for the Soul are 2017 to 2020, which saw Kia correcting class, with a dramatic decline in severe problems.

Kia Soul'southward Low Maintenance Cost and High-reliability Rankings Make the Compact Machine Worth Considering

If you're ownership a Kia, odds are that you're buying something that's a picayune better than the price tag suggests.

The Hyundai subsidiary doesn't produce the prettiest, fastest, or toughest cars on the market, simply they produce prettier, faster, and tougher cars than y'all wait for under $25,000 new, and their flagship SUV, the iconic Kia Soul, is a perfect case of that design ethos.

The Kia Soul is one of the more than reliable SUVs in its course right at present, ranking in third place out of vii on Repair Pal'southward list of subcompact SUVs.

They give the machine a rating of four.5 stars out of a possible five, a whole one-half-point amend than boilerplate for its form.

On average, Repair Pal estimates an annual maintenance cost of $437 for the Soul, which comes out to less than ten dollars a calendar week.

But nosotros're talking averages here. There are always going to be outliers and exceptions.

So, which Kia Souls bring that average downwardly, and which ones bring that boilerplate upward?

Mid-2000s Kia Souls Faced Severe Issues Like Engine Failure, Making them Amidst the Worst Model Years

Picking an absolute worst year for the Kia Soul may be a matter of some debate.

Car Complaints notes that the 2014 has the most complaints overall, simply they ultimately settle on the 2015 as the worst Kia Soul, attributable to complicating factors like the severity of the complaints, and the fact that they tend to happen at a lower mileage than with the 2014.

Ranking in at number one on their list of worst Kia Soul issues: engine failure in the 2015.

And co-ordinate to Machine Complaints' data, this tends to happen at an boilerplate mileage of merely 77,200, years before you should await to have the engine drop out on yous.

Car Complaints study 16 complaints, averaging a repair toll of effectually $iii,840.

In the 2nd place, the 2016 has a trend to accident its engine at just 82,000 miles. The website only reports four complaints total for this i, just the severity and the average price of 4 g for repairs may be enough to justify crossing any 2016 Souls off your perchance list.

In third, seven drivers reported a ticking noise at around 101,400 miles, usually pointing to, you guessed it, engine failure, costing $4,100 to set up.

2015 Kia Soul's Engine Impairment Issue is Most Concerning of Five Recalls

Checking in with the National Highway Traffic Safe Administration, the think, complaint, and investigation numbers would seem to support Car Complaints' determination that the 2015 is the worst model year to buy.

The 2015 has been recalled five times, beginning for cleaved accelerator pedals in March 2015, so for the steering gear separating in September 2017, an overheated catalytic converter in February 2019, a faulty park machinery in July 2020, and finally, engine damage potentially causing fires in December 2020.

Almost all of these recalls affected more than than 200,000 Hyundais and Kias in total (the July 2020 call up just affected 3,714).

Add to that, the automobile has been investigated twice for random vehicle fires, first in 2018, and so in 2019. And the 2019 investigation is even so ongoing.

The 2015 has 493 NHTSA complaints on file, which isn't a huge number for a six-year-former car that sells in the low six figures, just the fact that 334 of those complaints indicate to engine problems, it'south a fleck worrying.

Then, our takeaway: stay away from the 2015 Kia Soul.

Actually, avoid the 2012-2016 models entirely for that affair, as these Souls take a rate of engine failure much college than average for the nameplate.

2017 to 2020 Kia Souls Had Notable Drop in Recalls from Previous Years

A dandy thing virtually buying Certified Pre-Endemic over brand-new: the older model years take already been field-tested. This year'southward Kia Souls expect great, but nosotros don't know what's incorrect with them just all the same.

So even if a fresh-off-the-lot Soul is inside your budget, you might wind upwards getting a lot more than miles out of a CPO than you would a brand-new SUV.

Just, that's simply if you do your research. Or meliorate yet, permit us do your research for you, and figure out which model twelvemonth y'all can actually count on to go the distance.

As mentioned in a higher place, 2012-2016 were rough years for the nameplate, with frequent engine failures and some scary recalls. Fortunately, Kia realized they were dropping the brawl, and corrected course pretty quick.

For the 2017 Kia Soul, Car Complaints reports just three complaints total. Downwards from 22 the previous year.

We tin safely say that if you buy whatever car from 2017 to 2020, you lot're going to buy a safe, reliable SUV, and it'll even have a flake of that new-car smell leftover from the day it rolled off the lot.

2019 Kia Soul's Zero Recalls Add it to List of All-time Model Years

But permit's narrow it down a chip further. Which model year is the very best used Kia Soul on the marketplace today?

Based on the data we accept bachelor to us right now, we're gonna take to go with the 2019.

At present, the 2019 Kia Soul has nada recalls and zero investigations on file with the NHTSA, and just 22 complaints. And those complaints are pretty disparate, with zero actually being common plenty to suggest a blueprint.

The 2019 was as well the year Kia added a five-inch touchscreen and rearview camera as standard features on the base of operations trim level. And then, amongst the Souls that have been on the road long enough that we can collect some meaningful reliability data, the 2019 is the one that feels well-nigh mod.

All of that being said, the 2019 just beats out the 2017 past a olfactory organ, and the 2017 goes for around three grand less than the 2019 on average, with Certified Pre-Endemic Souls starting in the $15k and $19k range, respectively.

You Can't Go Wrong With a Kia Soul (Or Tin You?)

Although the 2015 Kia Soul has a higher-than-boilerplate charge per unit of engine failure, the visitor sold 147,133 units that year, and Car Complaints reports 29 incidents. You could triple that number, and it still wouldn't corporeality to one in a chiliad. So to say that the 2015 Soul is a lemon would be a stretch.

Sure, if you tin can help it, you don't desire to be that ane driver in five thousand whose odometer never had a chance of reaching 100k.

So shop effectually for a 2017 or a 2019 if you accept the option. But fifty-fifty the worst model year for the Kia Soul is going to be ane of the safest, most undecayed SUVs on the road.

Photos: Kia

Oft Asked Questions

Apr 26, 2022

Do Kia Souls take a lot of issues?

The Kia Soul is built to be an affordable compact vehicle, and Kia has worked very well to limit the number of problems that these cars have. In general, there have not been a lot of problems reported about the Soul over the years, with the most common problem being that the stereo does non play. This is acquired past a software problem and if y'all hard restart your stereo by disconnecting the battery information technology will come up back on and work fine.

Another common trouble that has been reported is a problem with the Soul'due south manual transmission not shifting into first gear easily. This is ordinarily acquired past a trouble with the vehicle'due south lower shifter brim getting in the way. Kia revised the part over the years and for under $100 you can install a new skirt and it should work fine.

The 2014 and 2015 Kia Soul models have been involved in lawsuits and recalls related to their engines declining, merely this has not been an extremely widespread upshot. Kia has acknowledged that some engines have issues with piston oil rings, only it does non seem to exist very common among owners.

Does a Kia Soul concord its value?

The Kia Soul is expected to depreciate well-nigh 37% over a five year catamenia which is exceptionally good for a compact vehicle. Unremarkably, these are the types of depreciation numbers that you would expect to see for a truck or large SUV.

The main reason that the Soul holds its value very well is that they kickoff off every bit very affordable vehicles and in that location is non a lot of room for them to motility downwardly. With a starting price of nether $twenty,000, the Soul is already competitively priced as a new vehicle. The Soul is also known to be a reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle that is more versatile than most other vehicles offered at this toll point.

Overall if you are in the market for a compact car and do not want to lose a lot of value then a Soul is a adept car to look at. The low depreciation charge per unit makes this an excellent choice for people looking to have a low total price of ownership.

How long practise Kia Souls usually terminal?

A Kia Soul should have no problem lasting over 200,000 miles equally long equally you take intendance of information technology and do not push information technology too hard. If you are regularly accelerating hard in your Soul then that will cause extra wear and tear on the engine components which will ultimately cause things to clothing down faster in the motor.

The engines on these cars are known for existence very reliable. In that location are a few reports of problems with the engines over the years, only these seem to exist more isolated incidents than what the news initially reported most failed engines. If you want your Soul to last a long time and then the best affair you tin can do is care for information technology.

Simple things such as changing your oil and getting your vehicle inspected regularly do aid it last a long time. These simple services tin can reduce wear and tear on the engine, and also give mechanics a chance to take a expect at your vehicle and gear up any small problems earlier they become more serious.

Possessor Reviews

Write a Review

Larry W. on January 29, 2022

2016 Kia Soul ! (Exclaim)

I purchased my 2016 Kia Soul Exclaim brand new in Oct 2016. Overall it's been a cracking auto. It has all the fancy features such as Leather seats, heated and cooled ventilation seats, heated steering cycle, navigation, and panoramic glass roof. The roof has had the tracks replaced in 2019. The sunroof wouldnt close. I did notice information technology used oil. About 1qt every 2500 miles when it was new. Now v years 3 months subsequently, currently at 62,083 miles, it uses 1qt of oil every 1000 miles. Its gradually gotten worse as time and miles take passed. I am at present in the middle of a Oil consumption exam with the dealer, due to take it in on Monday 1/31/22. Most likely they volition proceed information technology over night for a piston ring cleaning/soaking, then send me on my fashion for another 1000 miles to run across if improves. If not, they volition be replacing my engine brusque block. So I'm told. Don't become me wrong, overall it's been a dandy and comfy car, very dependable all bated from constantly monitoring my oil levels. It'south never failed me, always dependable. I'd buy another i if were in the market for a new motorcar. It'southward my open to get another x years out of this 1 before replacing it 1 mean solar day. For now I want to bask a paid off vehicle with no payment. I hope my review helps. You read, you decide

A.Pacana on January 31, 2022

Mixed feelings

Love my Kia Soul hate tge dealership. Everytime I take information technology for a gratis oil change they observe something bocus wrong with it. One fourth dimension it was my bombardment which was new not bought from tbwm had my nephew check it and it registered 100%. Td me I needed my rotor pads sanded again had my nephew cheque.the forepart were like new and the back had 2000-3000 miles befire I fifty-fifty had to think about it. Now my engine light is blinkibg and they have had information technology about 3 weeks and have not been able to pin indicate the problems. REALLY!and it took me a week to finally go a loaner. I called Tue of last week and left a message for an update and now information technology is Mon and I have heard Nix!!!This is the o ly existent problem wehave had and this is our 2nd Soul. Beloved the auto hate the sevice dept atthe dealership!

Shelley Chiodini on November 26, 2021

2013 Kia Soul ! Worst car ever

I first got this machine in 2017 used at 60,000 miles. It was dead in the driveway the next week because the bolts around the battery were also loose and wouldn't connect if it was beneath 32 F. Fixed that and thrown it was ever something else. I've replaced 3 alternators, wiring to the bombardment was too loose and couldn't be tightened anymore, so got that replaced, when bombardment wouldn't connect, the steering wheel stopped moving, no identify for steering wheel fluid either. It was i thing afterwards the next. Multiple windshield replacements, also as windshield wipers. Bug with air blowers not doing an even amount betwixt height and feet areas, horrible lumbar support.

Becca on Feb 17, 2022

2017 Soul

Bought off a dealer lot at about 34k miles. First twenty-four hours I bought information technology the serpentine belt slipped,it was repaired and then needed to exist replaced and tightened two more than times within a calendar month. After that I thought my troubles were over but nope. Was driving home one mean solar day and all my spark plugs and something else blew near causing an blow and and then it took almost iii weeks to go my automobile back from a dealer. Ownership a kia soul was a terrible decision and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless y'all want a car that will repeatedly exist broken.

Thomas Mangan on March xviii, 2022

Fiestatom27@gmail.com

2013 Soul 2.0...110k...bought used at 35k...always did routine maintenence..sometimes even more and then pro actively as I tend to keep upwardly on maintenence..have 110 yard on information technology ...only real necessity repairs beyond routine wear of brakes , tires, etc ...was tie rod ends and stabilizer linkages at 100K...No complaints whatsoever...neat automobile for what information technology is...Do your routine maintenence..and should terminal a reasonable amount of miles....I'm planning on running mine till at least 160k earlier I retire information technology

Kathleen Major on Feb ii, 2022

2021 possessor

I bought my car new with 47 mi on information technology. At 523 mi the transmission died. Now at 5600 mi the new one has besides died!!! Am I getting the same manual once more??? How many miles can I look to get from this 1??? Is information technology the SAME role that I've already had had twice? Or have they FINALLY figured out what the heck is wrong? I leased 3 different Kia souls over a period of 9 years…NEVER A PROBLEM…. 2012,2015,2018- finally bought in 2021-what was I thinking?

Barry Dawson on January 27, 2022

2015 soul

Bought this car new March of 2015,it'southward had 4 recalls all taken intendance of at our local Kia dealer. Merely price I take had is new front brakes and a new tires it's been a great car for us.I go the oil changed every iv-five thousand miles as told by my Kia dealer which all I can say is top notch in my book.Nosotros have 3 Kia souls in my family unit a,2012 with 79,000 miles a 2015 with xxx,500 miles and a 2020 soul with 5000 miles and we love them all.

Haley Southward on September 26, 2021

Hate the 2014 Soul. Also many mechanical problems in just the first year of owning it alone.

The gas mileage is awful. There was a retrieve on the car due to something existence wrong with the wiring on the headlights where something was getting likewise hot and melting the wires. Inside 5 months of having it the catalytic converter needed work on it. Some other 5-half-dozen months later information technology already needed new spark plugs and coil packs. Information technology was brand new when we bought information technology and information technology had entirely likewise many problems too presently after it was purchased.

Marie T on October 23, 2021

2016 Kia soul- not for families.

The Kia soul is a very compact car, it is non ideal for families with young children. I had to buy a special car seat for my baby because a standard car seat will not fit. It is not the platonic size for long vacations either because it does not hold much baggage. The dorsum seat is not comfortable. The ac does not reach the back seat so information technology gets really hot in the back just really common cold upwards front.

Sandra B on November 2, 2021

2017 Soul drives great, comfortable and have plans to go on for 10 years.

Likewise the standard engine level, I have eco and sports levels. This gives you extra rpm when needed or lower when traveling on apartment straight road. It is very comfortable and has lots of room to haul items. Slap-up audio system with XM radio selection. All controls are within easy reach. Love my ability to connect my iPhone via Bluetooth through my sound system. The car drive squeamish and gets 24-29 mpg.

Robin H on September 27, 2021

2019 Soul + combines great driving with swell engineering

2019 Kia Soul + has great features similar the various drive modes: eco, standard, and sport. The amusement organization integrates seamlessly with your smartphone and offers Sirius Satellite extras such as gas price information and weather updates. The Soul + likewise offers a comfortable cabin infinite and is fun and responsive to drive. Controls are like shooting fish in a barrel to use and conveniently located.

Henry Penna on January 27, 2022

2010/11 Kia Souls?

Not even 1 mention of the 1st gen Souls? My 2010 Soul has well over 240,000 miles on information technology. It has the Betta 2, 2.0L engine which had been around a long while before Kia even created the first Soul and it had not bad reliability. Don't get me incorrect, at over 200,000 miles things start to wear out but the engine just keeps on going every bit long as you do regular maintenance.

Lauren B on October 8, 2021

The 2020 Kia Soul EX is a fantastic auto.

It rides very smooth, and it has not bad safe features. Plus, information technology is super comfy inside. There'southward plenty of room up front also every bit in the backseat. The back seats fold downwardly for more trunk space. I have no problems getting everything I need into it. In addition, it'due south super affordable for a young upstart professional person like me. I definitely recommend this machine.

Melanie C on Oct 3, 2021

2019 Kia Soul: comfortable and practical

One of the thing I love nigh about my automobile is that it's not too large and not too small. The back seat comfortable and the seats go down to be able to load bigger items into the automobile. The 2019 version has a back upwards camera and no longer has a CD player in information technology. Mine is a 6 speed and don't have many issues in the winter. Overall very comfy and affordable.

Iris Harpe on March 23, 2022

2020 EX Kia Soul Luv information technology BUT

This is my 3rd KIA Soul, past the style, same Sunroof Problem with 2016 model. My current 2020 problems Rattling /Squeaks on Windshield, Sqeaks below Stereo. Service tin't gear up it. Getting actually annoying. Cup holders should be relocated. Meliorate gas Mileage. Occasional Unexpected gas acceleration when stopped. Other than that Groovy little Auto.

Brenda B on August 29, 2021

2017 Kia Soul is swell for people who drive for a living.

The Kia Soul has been a very reliable and economical car. I have had no issues with it and am extremely happy with miles per gallon that I get. I get approximately 35 mpg in metropolis and 41 on the highway. I drive for a living and its amazingly comfy. The seat adjustment is pretty skilful though I could wish at that place was a ameliorate lumbar support.

Bianca Due west on October 1, 2021

2012 Soul - Recalls, replacements and repairs.

I have replaced simply about everything on my motorcar after merely 2 years of owning it; new brakes, new tires, multiple sets of windshield wipers. And the list could continue. At that place is besides a recall on my vehicle as it is. I have not been notified of what actions I have later on this recall which states that the engine has a high chance of catching fire.

Sarah Thousand on September 11, 2021

2020 gt- line soul everything yous want in a cost efficient vehicle.

My 2020 gt-line soul is amazing. It has skillful get upwards and get, and a sport style when you need an extra push, I accept used it but never needed it the motorcar has a plenty power on its own. It is packed with safety features which actually lowered my machine insurance. Large media screen, apple play. Backup photographic camera with night vision.

Alexa J on September xiii, 2021

My 2017 Kia soul which I beloved

I have had my Kia soul for a few years now and I take had zero bug with it. It is great at holding gas for long periods of time so I do not have to frequent the gas station. Information technology is also great on both the streets and the highway when it comes to office and miles per gallon. It is spacious and modern.

Linds M on Oct 16, 2021

2012 Soul 6 speed transmissions failed.

Transmission started having bug on day 1. I took the vehicle back several times throughout the time I had the vehicle and they continually stated that there was naught wrong with it. By the end I had to drive the vehicle in transmission because it would not shift up or downward when it was supposed to.

Katy B. on January 28, 2022

Lt Col, USAF, Retired

I bought my 2010 Kia Soul new and dear it! It has been trouble gratis. Routine maintenance is all I've done. I'm on the 3rd bombardment and 3rd set up of tires. Everything works. It's roomy and fun to bulldoze. It'due south a Plus model automatic. I'll keep information technology forever! 145k miles. Doesn't burn down oil, reliable!

Uva C on September 10, 2021

The 2019 Kia soul is good on technology. It is a good compact car.

It is very good on gas. It is very efficient and a adept car for its toll. At that place is a plenty room. It seats 5 people. Information technology is pretty comfortable. The interior is very nice. The air-conditioning works well. I would've recommend buying this car. Information technology has not had many issues. The drive is very smooth.

Kim R on September ix, 2021

The 2018 Kia soul is just astonishing.

Pretty high tech and cool. I experience prophylactic within of it. Have had it for a few days, not bug so far. Loving everything about it. I especially love the rear view photographic camera and the cruise setting. If I am on the highway I merely put it on prowl and permit it exercise information technology is matter. Amazing.

Eleanor Yard on September 21, 2021

Kia soul 2016 review rated 3.

Compact car the drives smoothly and has a lot of room when seats are folded down. Handles very well in snow. However in that location is no power when you are trying to advance from a stopped position. In that location is no oomph. Too the car has no CD actor and I have always wondered why.

Christina C on October 10, 2021

Touch screen radio, Bluetooth, 2018 Soul

I have had no problems with it. Has all the new technology and y'all cannot help but to love everything about information technology. Has touchscreen radio, SiriusXM, cool air conditioning, the heater volition run yous out. The auto has then much room and it is and then comfortable for long drives. I love my car!

David Z on September 11, 2021

2012 Soul has poor mpg and rough ride

The gas mileage on the vehicle was improperly displayed upon purchasing. The gas mileage was not besides bad but I feel every bit though information technology could have been more than. The ride was non smooth at all in the auto. I did not feel safe while driving in the vehicle.

gary A on November 8, 2021

Long listing of problems with my 2015 Soul

My car has been back to the dealership 6 times since I bought it new in 2015 its had 3 new engines, 3 exhaust manifolds a new exhaust system, new fuel injectors and 5 catalytic converters.

Kenise W on Nov 2, 2021

In that location is no spare tire purchase ane before ownership a 2014 Soul

When I received my make new Kia the tire sensor had issues the my tires were faulty after a calendar month replaced all 4 and Kia had to pay for it. The gas is not saver and the drive is crude.

Jason W on October 26, 2021

Kia Soul 2015: engine problems

The engine seems to experience a lot of trouble every couple of months, and can be impossible to start on certain days. The stereo is not the all-time either.

Jim S on September 11, 2021

2013 Kia Soul uncomfortable seats.

2013 Kia soul has the worst seats always. They are across uncomfortable. The pause organization leaves a lot to be desired also. Very rough riding.

Larry O Williams on March 13, 2022

Usmartial66@gmail.com

I boughts2014 Kia soul in August I had to replace the gas sensor other than that I've had know issues with information technology thank the expert Lord

Destiny D on October 25, 2021

Transmission is biggest result with my 2014 Soul

Bad transmission. Broken thermostat. Having to open the door by rolling my window downwardly and opening it from the exterior.

Sandra on January 31, 2022

2014 soul

My car was running peachy until they fixed the "gas combustion" now I need a catalytic converter and engine

Rosalie G on September 26, 2021

2014 Soul having electronic issues

The gas sensor is messing up, where the gas monitor will tell you it has no gas when it does.

Caitlin G on October 29, 2021

Also many issue with 2012 Soul

Lots of issues. Once i thing goes incorrect on the automobile multiple issue ascend.

Kailan Baker on February xvi, 2022

2020

We have a 2020 Kia Soul S, and the piston rings failed at 8,200 miles.

Kailan B on February 16, 2022

2020

Nosotros have a 2020 Kia Soul South and the piston rings failed at 8,200 miles.

Deborah C on November 7, 2021

Seems cheaply made to me - 2012 Soul

Kias are cheaply made. Burns oil, can plough over hands.

R A on Oct xvi, 2021

My 2015 Soul engine died

Engine failed at 72k miles.

Gilbert Smith

Gilbert Smith is a New Mexico-based automotive journalist who enjoys writing about cars, trucks, and SUVs. He is a longtime contributor to Vehicle History and a member of the site's original content team when it launched.

Source: https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/best-worst-years-for-the-kia-soul

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