Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards.
Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.
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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the
Kia Soul. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.
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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data.
Always check your specific VIN on
NHTSA.gov
for vehicle-specific recall information.
Key Takeaways
A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Kia Soul,
based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.
Coverage spans model years 2010–2025 with 34 recall campaigns and 6964 complaints in NHTSA data.
Years with the most recall activity: 2014 (5), 2023 (4), and 2015 (4).
Years with the most complaint volume: 2014 (1184), 2015 (1170), and 2016 (1067).
Top recall themes: Engine and cooling, Airbags, and Brakes.
Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Engine, Steering, Electrical system.
Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).
Recall Themes
Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas.
Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.
Engine and cooling
4 campaigns · Years: 2012–2016, 2020–2023
These campaigns relate to engine or cooling components where failures can lead to stalling or overheating risk.
Official notices (evidence):
25V099000
· Engine and engine cooling: Hard parts internal/mechanical
Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the
Kia Soul in NHTSA complaint data are
Engine, Steering, Electrical system.
Jump to Model Year
Year-by-Year Overview
Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer
complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and
complaints, not risk predictions.
Model Year
Recalls
Complaints
Details
2025
0
5
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Vehicle speed control.
2024
0
29
Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Back over prevention: warnings.
2023
4
74
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Engine, Service brakes.
2022
1
97
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Power train.
2021
2
212
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Power train.
2020
1
428
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Power train, Electrical system.
2019
1
168
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system.
2018
1
251
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Power train, Electrical system.
2017
1
327
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system.
2016
2
1067
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Engine and engine cooling.
2015
4
1170
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Electrical system.
2014
5
1184
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Exterior lighting, Electrical system.
2013
3
840
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Steering, Electrical system.
2012
3
652
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Steering, Electrical system.
2011
3
268
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic, Electrical system, Air bags.
2010
3
192
Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system, Air bags, Structure.
What to Do Next
Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.
A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model.
The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.
Most common areas involved:
Engine
, Air bags
and Structure
Show recall evidence by year
2023
Electrical system: Instrument cluster/panel:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 informati
Power train: Pump:
Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Air bags:
Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine and engine cooling: Hard parts internal/mechanical:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2022
Engine and engine cooling: Hard parts internal/mechanical:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2021
Engine:
Safety recall involving the engine area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine and engine cooling: Hard parts internal/mechanical:
Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2020
Engine:
Safety recall involving the engine area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2019
Air bags:
Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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
2018
Air bags:
Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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
2017
Air bags:
Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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
2016
Steering:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine:
Safety recall involving the engine area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 piston
2015
Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Steering:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine:
Safety recall involving the engine area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 piston
Engine:
Safety recall involving the engine area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2014
Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal:
Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Steering:
Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine:
Safety recall involving the engine area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 piston
Engine:
Safety recall involving the engine area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Air bags: Software:
Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
2013
Structure: Roof and pillars:
Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine:
Safety recall involving the engine area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 piston
Service brakes, hydraulic: Control unit/module:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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) m
2012
Structure: Roof and pillars:
Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Engine:
Safety recall involving the engine area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 piston
Service brakes, hydraulic: Control unit/module:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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) m
2011
Exterior lighting: Switch:
Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 2
Structure: Roof and pillars:
Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Control unit/module:
Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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) m
2010
Electrical system: Wiring:
Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 d
Exterior lighting: Switch:
Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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 2
Structure: Roof and pillars:
Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
Summary: 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.
Other Kia Models
Explore recall and complaint data for other Kia models.
Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data.
This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be
treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.
For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official
NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.
