Last updated: 2026-04-20

KIA Soul

2 KIA Soul Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the KIA Soul average of 77/100

The KIA Soul years to avoid are 2020, 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2020 with a reliability score of 70/100. The best KIA Soul year to buy is 2024 86/100.

Verdict

The 2020, 2021 KIA Soul score significantly below the model average of 77/100. The weakest year is 2020 with a score of 70/100 due to engine (144) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2022 78/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

KIA Soul Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the KIA Soul average of 77/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202070/100Good1338Engine (144)
2202172/100Good2190Engine (85)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

2020 KIA Soul

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).

1 recalls338 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (144), Power Train (85), Unknown Or Other (37), Electrical System (20), Steering (16), Engine And Engine Cooling (6)

View full 2020reliability report →
72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2021 KIA Soul

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).

2 recalls190 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (85), Engine And Engine Cooling (36), Power Train (16), Unknown Or Other (14), Electrical System (10), Steering (9)

View full 2021reliability report →

What Are Common KIA Soul Problems?

Top reported issues across all KIA Soul model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

410 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

152 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

104 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

75 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

73 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

44 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best KIA Soul Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2022 KIA Soul

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).

Score: 78/100 (Good)1 recalls78 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best KIA Soul year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All KIA Soul Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

KIA Soul Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What KIA Soul years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following KIA Soul years: 2020 (score: 70/100), 2021 (score: 72/100). These model years score significantly below the KIA Soul average of 77/100.
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 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 23 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the KIA Soul have?
Across all years in our database, the KIA Soul has a total of 10 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used KIA Soul worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 86/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 77/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common KIA Soul problems?
The most common KIA Soul problems are engine (410 complaints), power train (152 complaints), unknown or other (104 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the KIA Soul reliable long-term?
The KIA Soul has an average reliability score of 77/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which KIA Soul generation is most reliable?
The most reliable KIA Soul generation is the Third generation (SK3) with an average score of 78/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a KIA Soul?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the KIA Soul is $437 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2024 KIA Soul a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 KIA Soul is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 86/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 23 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue