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Hatchback · Gas

Kia Soul 2014–2019 (PS)

Kia Soul
Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Price
$15,200–$33,000
MPG
28
  • Strength: Excellent safety
  • Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
  • Watch-out: Poor reliability
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How it scores for you10 scores
A crash-safe box with excellent headroom, but tight cargo, no towing, and a troubling engine-complaint history undercut it.
Reliability12

Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 4 of its 8 recalls were serious. About 10% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -8 points for its wider reputation.

Safety100

5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).

Running costs59

About $2,400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 59% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility9

18.8 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 9% of other hatchbacks we track.

Passenger space58

Boxy shape yields excellent headroom and easy entry for a subcompact; 18.8/49.5 cu ft cargo is generous, though rear legroom stays segment-typical.

Driving fun45

Boxy FWD hatch with modest 161 hp; the EV version offers instant torque and peppy low-speed feel, but neither tuning nor handling targets enthusiasts. Roughly segment-typical.

Tech48

Standard infotainment and available features are competitive for its era, but this generation predates modern driver-assist suites and larger touchscreens now common.

Comfort55

Tall roof, upright seating and a smooth EV ride give good comfort for the class; still a small hatch with basic amenities and modest noise isolation.

Value retention35

EVs have typically lost value the fastest.

Capability0

No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.

Safety & recalls21 recalls
Overall 5/5
Frontal 5/5
Side 5/5
Rollover 4/5

21 recalls · 7 common complaint areas across 2015–2019

  • Engine — 472 complaints (2015)
  • Recall — Airbags (2019)
  • Engine — 376 complaints (2016)

2019

  • RecallAirbags22V031000

    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

  • RecallElectrical: propulsion system: traction battery23V218000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.

  • RecallElectrical: software; power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)23V724000

    Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.

  • Complaint clusterEngine64 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    I was driving through a busy intersection when the vehicle stopped accelerating causing risk to myself and other drivers. I was able to get the vehicle through the intersection and pulled over. I turned the vehicle off and it would not restart. I had the vehicle towed to my local independent service

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other15 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    started smelling burning oil intermittently shortly after purchase as new vehicle. When checked by service at Kia, could not find anything. Then vehicle started to stall on multiple occasions while on the road. Spent $1500 at Kia to try and fix it. Service folks couldn't find the problem. Vehicle

  • Complaint clusterElectrical12 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    My 2019 Kia Soul has been professionally diagnosed with DTC B162000, “Internal Fault – Replace SRSCM,” involving the Supplemental Restraint System/Airbag Control Module. My repair shop documented this diagnosis on August 24, 2026. Kia Safety Recall SC226 / NHTSA Recall 22V-031 addresses an Airbag Co

  • Complaint clusterAirbags11 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    This vehicle was seriously damaged in a crash. No airbags deployed. The vehicle was totaled. Another vehicle went through red light and crashed into my car.

  • Complaint clusterBrakes8 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    The contact owned a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, another vehicle stopped in front of the contact’s vehicle and the brake pedal was depressed to attempt to avoid a crash; however, the vehicle skidded and crashed into the rear of the other vehicle. There w

2018

  • RecallAirbags22V031000

    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

  • RecallElectrical: propulsion system: traction battery23V218000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.

  • RecallElectrical: software; power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)23V724000

    Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.

  • Complaint clusterEngine104 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    This Kia has an oil consumption issue I need to add oil every 3 to 4 hundred miles also my oil gets black at least 1 week after an oil change.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain31 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and jerked while accelerating and experienced severe jerking while decelerating. The failure had occurred on several occasions. On June 18, 2024, the vehicle failed to accelerate or shift properly.

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other21 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    My car has very high oil consumption. I regularly take it for oil changes and have never missed an oil change. In between oil changes I need to put anywhere between 2-3 bottles of oil in. I have taken it in to the dealership for a couple of oil consumption tests that both failed step one so they kep

  • Complaint clusterElectrical18 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The vehicle is suffering from an extreme internal engine oil consumption defect, burning approximately 3 quarts of engine oil every 500 to 600 miles with no external leaks. The internal oil burning heavily fouled the vehicle's ignition system (spark plugs and coil packs), causing severe engine misfi

  • Complaint clusterAirbags10 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    I am submitting this complaint regarding failure to complete a federally mandated safety recall and the subsequent release of my vehicle in an unsafe condition after prolonged dealer custody. Vehicle Information provided above Safety Recall Information Recall Type: Federal airbag safety recall Recal

2017

  • RecallAirbags22V031000

    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

  • RecallElectrical: propulsion system: traction battery23V218000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.

  • RecallElectrical: software; power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)23V724000

    Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.

  • Complaint clusterEngine152 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    One day I noticed my oil light flashed on and off about three times during a drive down the road, simultaneously a loud knocking started in my engine. Although I had gotten my oil changed just a couple months prior and always practiced appropriate maintenance I decided to pull over and check my oil,

  • Complaint clusterElectrical31 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    I reported the issue yesterday, but we have additional information. Here is a timeline of the incident as recorded by the doorbell camera: 2026-05-03 085400 Car parked 101423 Car is already trying to start by itself 101713 Car still starting, starter slowing do

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other24 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    The paint is continuing to peel off and its getting worse. When I called Kia they said it is not covered. Apparently this is a manufacturing defect. I would really like this to be corrected if possible. T;hank you, Gail LeBrun

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain21 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The engine has structural manufacturer defect causing extreme internal engine oil consumption with zero external leaks, creating a severe risk of sudden oil starvation catastrophic mechanical engine failure. The severe oil consumption problem was confirmed by a certified national corporate service c

  • Complaint clusterAirbags14 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    The contact owns a 2017 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V031000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time fo

2016

  • RecallSteering17V608000

    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.

  • RecallEngine; engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor19V120000

    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

  • RecallElectrical: software; power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)20V389000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) vehicles. The parking mechanism may become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into Park 'P' before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If the parking mechanism is damaged, unintended vehicle movem

  • RecallElectrical: propulsion system: traction battery23V218000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.

  • RecallElectrical: software; power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)23V724000

    Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.

  • Complaint clusterEngine376 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    I am filing a formal safety compliance complaint regarding my 2016 Kia Soul (1.6L GDI engine) and a structural failure of the exhaust/catalytic converter system related to NHTSA Campaign 19V120000 / Recall SC176. The vehicle has thrown a persistent P0420 Check Engine Code (Catalyst System Efficien

  • Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling101 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    The contact's grandmother owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his grandmother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that due to the failure and the outside temperatures, his grandmother was stuck inside the

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other94 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I own a 2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI with approximately 108,956 miles. The vehicle is consuming approximately 1/2 quart of engine oil every 1,000 miles. There is no obvious external oil leak. I am concerned about excessive oil consumption and possible internal engine damage. The vehicle also produces a

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain62 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle is a 2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI with approximately 83,000 miles. The vehicle experienced engine performance issues, loss of power, and stalling. A Kia dealership diagnosed a failed/melted cata

  • Complaint clusterElectrical50 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    I can not gain speed. The dealership says it’s the catalytic converter and there is an active recall for this on Kia souls. They previously did recall work to my car but now the catalytic converters not showing as a recall

2015

  • RecallCruise control: accelerator pedal15V123000

    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.

  • RecallSteering17V608000

    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.

  • RecallEngine; engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor19V120000

    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

  • RecallElectrical: software; power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)20V389000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) vehicles. The parking mechanism may become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into Park 'P' before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If the parking mechanism is damaged, unintended vehicle movem

  • RecallEngine20V750000

    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.

  • RecallElectrical: propulsion system: traction battery23V218000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.

  • RecallElectrical: software; power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl)23V724000

    Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.

  • Complaint clusterEngine472 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    The contact owned a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was smoke coming from the exhaust, with an abnormally loud popping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the contact exited the vehicle and became aw

  • Complaint clusterUnknown or other90 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    Dealer refusing to honor open recall remedy for SC200 / NHTSA 20V750000 on 2015 Kia Soul VIN [XXX], approx 100k miles. Recall shows "no unrepaired recall found" on NHTSA VIN lookup, but KSDS update and engine bearing test were never performed. Kia of Cheyenne states: 1) must pay for recall because u

  • Complaint clusterElectrical66 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    Headlamp Multi-Function Switch Service Campaign Hazwewdiouse may cause colition or vision impairment. from ongoing traffic and or insufficient illumination While driving lights will flicker, causing drivers to high beam you, it does not matter if the high beams are on or not, the light will randoml

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain59 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The vehicle is a 2015 Kia Soul with the 1.6L GDI engine. The check engine light came on solid, and a dealer later confirmed diagnostic trouble code P0420, indicating the catalyst system efficiency is below threshold on bank 1. The catalytic converter and engine are still on the vehicle and available

  • Complaint clusterEngine and engine cooling55 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had passed the inspection and no repairs were needed. The contac

Cost to own$17,000 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$15,200–$33,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2019$11,000–$12,900
2018$8,900–$10,400
2017$7,000–$8,200
2016$5,300–$6,200
2015$3,800–$4,500

$2,400/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $15,200–$33,000
Efficiency28 MPG
Seats5
DrivetrainFWD
PowertrainGas

City MPG

26

Highway MPG

31

Combined MPG

28

Electric range

111 mi

Horsepower

161 hp

Doors

4

Length

163.0 in

Width

70.9 in

Height

63.0 in

Wheelbase

101.2 in

Curb weight

3,289 lb

Cargo volume

18.8 cu ft

Cargo (seats folded)

49.5 cu ft

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