Last updated: 2026-04-20

2025 KIA Soul Reliability Report
The 2025 KIA Soul scores 85/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 9 owner complaints.
Recalls
0
Complaints
9
Complaint Rate
1.8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$437
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,950–$2,000
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues to Watch
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)
- AIR BAGS (1)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2025 is 2 years after the third facelift (2023) refresh.
- Year 6 in the Third generation (SK3) (2020–present).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 3rd generation Soul (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2020: Third generation (SK3) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2025: This Model Year
2025 is 2 years after the third facelift (2023) refresh.
Should You Buy the 2025 KIA Soul?
The 2025 KIA Soul earns an Excellent 85/100 reliability score. 2025 is 2 years after the third facelift (2023) refresh.
At 1.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.
See also the 2024 KIA Soul for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +$29 cheaper to maintain than avg subcompact SUVs
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (9%)
- +No recalls issued
Cons
- −EXTERIOR LIGHTING: Significant issues with the 2025 KIA Soul's exterior lighting, particularly... (4 complaints)
- −Tire and brake issues reported at 8,500–10,000 miles
Compare 2025 KIA Soul With

2025 Hyundai Kona
Reliability: 74/100

2025 Nissan Kicks
Reliability: 78/100

2025 Chevrolet Trax
Reliability: 85/100

2025 Mazda CX-30
Reliability: 68/100

2025 Honda HR-V
Reliability: 88/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
HIGH RISK- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (4)
- AIR BAGS (1)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2025 KIA Soul — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1.8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 4.1
Safety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2025 KIA Soul? Check its history first
Every 2025 KIA Soul has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2025 KIA Soul NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
Safety Technologies
KIA SoulRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$437
vs $466 avg for subcompact SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
9%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
30–31 MPG
Running cost: $2,400–$2,450/yr
Fuel + repair
27–29 city / 33–35 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul Eco dynamics 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 29 | 35 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Soul 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 33 | 30 | $2,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 KIA Soul.
Inspect tire tread for abnormal wear
Test brakes for grinding noises during application
Check low beam headlights for adequate brightness
Inspect headlight housing for moisture or humidity
Verify functionality of airbag and collision avoidance systems
Test vehicle speed control for unexpected acceleration
2025 KIA Soul Common Problems by Component
9 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4 complaintsOwners report significant issues with the 2025 KIA Soul's exterior lighting, particularly with the low beam headlights. Complaints frequently mention that the low beams are so dim they make night driving nearly impossible, with one owner describing near-misses with road obstacles and animals due to inadequate visibility. Additionally, one owner notes that humidity inside the headlights further diminishes their effectiveness, exacerbating visibility problems. These issues have led to dangerous driving situations, including almost driving off the road and narrowly avoiding collisions. While the complaints do not specify mileage ranges, the described incidents indicate a potential safety risk, particularly in dark or unfamiliar areas.
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedHit a deer. Airbag did not deploy or emergency braking system didn't come on. Police took pictures of car. The car is at the repair shop now. Insurance company hasn't stated if it will be totaled. There were no other problems prior to incident.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintHeadlight housing kept falling out of the bracket Driving at night impossable. Fixed one light still dim lights maKES DRIVING AT night dangerous. Second dealer instructed me to not sue the suto light setting because it dims the headlights. It appears that the front bumper design blocks the light to the roadway. In my view the 4 seperte visits to the Family dealership in Saint Augestein Fl suggest ther is nothing more he can do to improve the light problem. What am I supposd to do to have this 2025 new KIA soul problem corrected that I so I can drive at night
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintI am submitting this complaint to report serious concerns regarding the quality, safety, and reliability of my new Kia Soul, as well as the financial burden caused by defects that should not occur on a vehicle with such low mileage. At approximately **8,500 miles**, one of the original tires failed prematurely. I was forced to purchase a used tire to keep the vehicle safely drivable. I had the front alignment inspected, and I was informed that it was within normal specifications, yet the tire issue persisted. Now at **10,000 miles**, I am still experiencing abnormal tire wear. Additionally, at **10,000 miles**, the vehicle began making **grinding noises when applying the brakes**, which is extremely concerning for a car that is still essentially new. These issues raise questions about the vehicle’s manufacturing quality and whether it meets reasonable consumer expectations for safety and durability. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that it would be reliable and free from major defects. Instead, I am facing unexpected expenses, safety concerns, and ongoing problems that should be covered under warranty. I am now questioning whether I should continue making payments on a vehicle that is already showing signs of significant defects. I am requesting that the FTC review this matter as a potential issue involving product quality, warranty compliance, and consumer protection. I am seeking assistance in ensuring that Kia addresses these defects appropriately and that my rights as a consumer are upheld. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintSafety-relatedWhile driving, the vehicle began accelerating (forced acceleration) without driver input. When driver attempted to stop or slow the vehicle down, the brakes were unresponsive due to the brake override system failure. Because the vehicle could not be stopped or slowed down, and to avoid hitting or harming others, driver veered off the road which caused the vehicle to flip multiple times and finally stop, landing on the roof. It was noted that the engine was still running at that time. The safety of the driver and others was in immediate risk, as the vehicle could not be controlled. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint2025 Kia Soul LX Headlights. Totally inadequate standard headlights. Higher end models get LED headlights but this standard light system on the LX is dangerous on anything but well lit streets. Safety should not be an option. I would have upgraded to a model that has adequate headlights but was unaware of how bad the standard headlights were until after purchase. These standard headlights should never have been approved by the DOT. There are many reports online about this issue and I'm hoping it will be addressed soon.
When Do 2025 KIA Soul Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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).
2024
2025
(Current Model)
2022
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
KIA Soul Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 KIA Soul reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 KIA Soul?
How many recalls does the 2025 KIA Soul have?
Is the 2025 KIA Soul expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 KIA Soul without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the KIA Soul.
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