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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2010–2025

Kia Soul recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns and 5,532 owner complaints for the Kia Soul, covering model years 2010 to 2025. The 2014 model year drew the most complaints (899), and Engine is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Kia Soul VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 15 recall campaigns on file
  • 5,532 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 16 model years with data (2010–2025)
  • most complaints: 2014 (899 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine (3,118 complaints)
  • latest recall 25V099000 (reported Feb 17, 2025)
  • 266 complaints reporting a crash (4.8%)
  • 323 complaints reporting a fire (5.8%)
  • 187 complaints reporting an injury (3.4%)
  • 8 complaints reporting a death (0.1%)

Kia Soul complaints by model year

16 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2014 model year has the most complaints: 899 of 5,532, or 16.3%. Next come 2015 (898) and 2016 (811). The fewest are for 2025, with 12 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Kia Soul owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2010–2025Column chart of 5,532 complaints across 16 model years. The highest is 2014 with 899. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2010: 135 complaints13520102011: 194 complaints19420112012: 514 complaints51420122013: 662 complaints66220132014: 899 complaints89920142015: 898 complaints89820152016: 811 complaints81120162017: 272 complaints27220172018: 218 complaints21820182019: 136 complaints13620192020: 381 complaints38120202021: 232 complaints23220212022: 88 complaints8820222023: 51 complaints5120232024: 29 complaints2920242025: 12 complaints122025
Show the figures for all 16 model years
Kia Soul complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Kia Soul complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
20101352315180
2011194275231
20125142523141
20136622245180
20148993369241
20158983483231
20168112835170
20172721714130
20182181414101
201913611870
20203819651
202123212340
2022884141
2023515161
2024290100
2025122010
All model years5,5322663231878

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Kia Soul components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine is the component named most often, in 3,118 complaints (56.4% of all 5,532), followed by Electrical System (519) and Steering (518).

Components named most often in Kia Soul complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Kia Soul complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine3,11856.4%
Unknown or Other63711.5%
Electrical System5199.4%
Steering5189.4%
Power Train4287.7%
Engine and Engine Cooling4067.3%
Fuel/Propulsion System3446.2%
Exterior Lighting2524.6%
Air Bags2033.7%
Service Brakes2003.6%
Vehicle Speed Control1803.3%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1532.8%
Structure1382.5%
Visibility/Wiper601.1%
Suspension581.0%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Kia Soul recalls

15 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Soul, newest first. The 15 campaigns cover model years 2010 to 2023. The 2014 model year appears in the most campaigns (5).

  • 15 recall campaigns
  • 2 “Park Outside” advisories
Kia Soul recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2010: 3 campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 3 campaigns2013: 3 campaigns2014: 5 campaigns2015: 4 campaigns2016: 2 campaigns2017: 1 campaign2018: 1 campaign2019: 1 campaign
2020: 1 campaign2021: 2 campaigns2022: 1 campaign2023: 4 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 25V099000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical

    Model years 2021–2023

    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.

    Consequence:
    Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
    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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 23V830000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model year 2023

    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.

    Consequence:
    An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
    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. Kia's number for this recall is SC289.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 23V652000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module

    Model years 2011–2013

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

    Consequence:
    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 23V531000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid/Lubricant › Pump

    Model year 2023

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    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.

    Consequence:
    An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
    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. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 23V298000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel

    Model year 2023

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

    Consequence:
    A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 22V096000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module › Software; Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 2014

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014 Soul vehicles. The front air bags may not deploy during a crash if the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) loses communication with the front impact sensors.

    Consequence:
    Front air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will update the ACU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC229.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 22V031000

    Reported

    Air Bags

    Model years 2017–2019

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.

    Consequence:
    Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 21V259000

    Reported

    Engine

    Model years 2020–2021

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.

    Consequence:
    A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 20V750000

    Reported

    Engine

    Model years 2014–2015

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

    Consequence:
    An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 19V120000

    Reported

    Engine; Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor

    Model years 2012–2016

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.

    Consequence:
    Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

Show 5 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 17V608000

    Reported

    Steering

    Model years 2014–2016

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.

    Consequence:
    If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 15V123000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal

    Model years 2014–2015

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Soul and Soul electric vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, to January 8, 2015. A section of the accelerator pedal may bend and fracture.

    Consequence:
    If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will add a supporting rubber underneath the pedal stopper, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC116.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 14V822000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars

    Model years 2010–2013

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.

    Consequence:
    A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 13V114000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

    Model years 2010–2011

    Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

    Consequence:
    Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 10V388000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring

    Model year 2010

    Kia is recalling certain model year 2010 soul and model year 2011 sorento vehicles manufactured from September 7, 2009 through July 30, 2010. A limited number of wiring harnesses supplied by jci and used for the lighting in the Kia Soul vehicle's advanced lighting speakers, located in the front door trim panels, and the Kia Sorento vehicle's interior accent illumination, located in the front and rear door trim panels, may have been improperly soldered.

    Consequence:
    When the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur that can result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the wiring harnesses for the lights in the Kia Soul vehicle's advanced lighting speakers, and the wiring harness for the Kia Sorento vehicle's interior accent illumination. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on September 13, 2010. Owners may contact Kia consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Kia Soul questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Kia Soul have?

NHTSA lists 15 vehicle recall campaigns for the Kia Soul, covering model years 2010 to 2025. The most recent, 25V099000, was reported on February 17, 2025 and is filed under “Engine and engine cooling”. The 2014 model year is covered by the most campaigns (5).

Which Kia Soul model year has the most complaints?

The 2014 model year, with 899 of the 5,532 complaints in NHTSA’s file (16.3%). The next are 2015 (898) and 2016 (811). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Kia Soul complaint?

Engine is the component named most often: 3,118 complaints, or 56.4% of all 5,532. Electrical System (519) and Steering (518) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Kia Soul?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Kia dealer.

How many Kia Soul complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 5,532 complaints, 266 report a crash, 323 a fire, 187 at least one injury and 8 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Kia models

8 models · most complaints first

The Kia models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Kia VIN decoder with every Kia model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Kia Sorento 2003–2026 · 40 recalls · 10,159 complaints
  • Kia Optima 2001–2020 · 22 recalls · 7,499 complaints
  • Kia Sportage 1995–2026 · 36 recalls · 4,687 complaints
  • Kia Forte 2009–2024 · 18 recalls · 2,539 complaints
  • Kia Sedona 2002–2021 · 23 recalls · 2,406 complaints
  • Kia Telluride 2020–2027 · 19 recalls · 2,009 complaints
  • Kia Sephia 1995–2003 · 7 recalls · 1,687 complaints
  • Kia Rio 2000–2023 · 11 recalls · 1,290 complaints

All Kia models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.