Last updated: 2026-04-20
KIA Soul Reliability by Year
The KIA Soul averages 77/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
KIA Soul Reliability Overview
The Kia Soul, spanning model years 2018 to 2025, holds an average reliability score of 77/100, categorized as "Good" according to Auto Reliability Index standards. Data indicates common issues with engine performance, particularly in earlier models, with a notable improvement in complaint rates by 2025, reaching a low of 1.8 complaints per 10,000 sold. With an estimated annual repair cost of $437, which is below the subcompact SUV average, the Kia Soul presents a cost-effective option for buyers prioritizing lower maintenance expenses, though prospective owners should consider specific model year concerns.
Current generation: 3rd gen (2020–present), facelifted 2023.
Best & Worst KIA Soul Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best KIA Soul Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best KIA Soul year is 2024 with a reliability score of 86/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (85/100) and 2022 (78/100).
KIA Soul Years to Avoid
The worst KIA Soul year is 2020 with a score of 70/100, primarily due to engine (144) issues. Also avoid 2021 (72/100).
KIA Soul Reliability Score Trend
KIA Soul reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 82/100 compared to 73/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 86/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 85/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2025 KIA Soul
0 recalls · 9 complaints
The 2025 KIA Soul has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 9 owner complaints on file for the 2025 KIA Soul. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Exterior Lighting (4), Air Bags (1), Visibility Wiper (1).
2024 KIA Soul
0 recalls · 23 complaints
The 2024 KIA Soul has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file for the 2024 KIA Soul. Severity signals include 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (6), Unknown Or Other (5), Exterior Lighting (2).
2023 KIA Soul
4 recalls · 45 complaints
The 2023 KIA Soul has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 45 owner complaints on file for the 2023 KIA Soul. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (9), Steering (7), Unknown Or Other (7).
2022 KIA Soul
1 recalls · 78 complaints
The 2022 KIA Soul has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 78 owner complaints on file for the 2022 KIA Soul. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (25), Engine And Engine Cooling (19), Power Train (10).
2021 KIA Soul
2 recalls · 190 complaints
The 2021 KIA Soul has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 190 owner complaints on file for the 2021 KIA Soul. Severity signals include 12 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (85), Engine And Engine Cooling (36), Power Train (16).
2020 KIA Soul
1 recalls · 338 complaints
The 2020 KIA Soul has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 338 owner complaints on file for the 2020 KIA Soul. Severity signals include 9 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (144), Power Train (85), Unknown Or Other (37).
2019 KIA Soul
1 recalls · 123 complaints
The 2019 KIA Soul has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 123 owner complaints on file for the 2019 KIA Soul. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (56), Unknown Or Other (14), Air Bags (11).
2018 KIA Soul
1 recalls · 199 complaints
The 2018 KIA Soul has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 199 owner complaints on file for the 2018 KIA Soul. Severity signals include 14 crash-related complaints and 13 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (93), Power Train (28), Unknown Or Other (18).
Found Your KIA Soul? Check Its History
Every KIA Soul has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
KIA Soul Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$437
Repair Frequency
0.2/yr
Major Repair Risk
9%
$29 below the subcompact SUVs average of $466/yr.
Ranked #3 of 7 among subcompact SUVs.
KIA Soul Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable KIA Models
Compare all KIA models by reliability
Compare KIA Soul With Similar SUVs
The KIA Soul competes with other compact suvs such as Hyundai Kona, Nissan Kicks, and Chevrolet Trax.
Hyundai Kona reliability
9 years tracked · 790 complaints
Nissan Kicks reliability
9 years tracked · 439 complaints
Chevrolet Trax reliability
8 years tracked · 509 complaints
Mazda CX-30 reliability
7 years tracked · 218 complaints
Honda HR-V reliability
9 years tracked · 1309 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the KIA Soul reliable?
- The KIA Soul has good reliability with an average score of 77/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the KIA Soul?
- The best year for the KIA Soul is 2024 with a reliability score of 86/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 23 owner complaints on record. See full 2024 KIA Soulanalysis →
- What are the KIA Soul years to avoid?
- The KIA Soul years to avoid include 2020 (70/100), 2021 (72/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a KIA Soul?
- The KIA Soul has an estimated annual repair cost of $437, which is $29 below the subcompact SUVs average of $466. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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