2023 Kia Soul Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2023 Kia Soul has a Caution verdict, but not because of its complaint index alone. It carries 51 complaints and an index of 27, ranking 12th worst among 16 model years, yet it's capped to Caution because of a Park Outside recall.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 27/100
- #12 of 16 Soul years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 51
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 15
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30.5
- 28.5 city / 34 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 15 / 1
Top 2023 Kia Soul problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine17 (33%)
- Electrical System16 (31%)
- Other12 (24%)
- Steering8 (16%)
- Brakes7 (14%)
- Lane Departure7 (14%)
- Airbags5 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (10%)
- Fuel System2 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel suddenly turns sharply or locks up on its own, sometimes tied to a lane-assist malfunction.
- Engine goes into limp mode and stalls at highway speeds, in one case with headlights failing at the same time.
- Electrical faults show up as dashboard warnings, instrument cluster blackouts, or transmission-like lockups while driving.
- Headlights described as too dim to see the road safely in rain or darkness.
- 12-volt and engine oil issues appeared within days of purchase on a nearly new vehicle.
- Unexpected acceleration reported while backing up despite the driver's foot on the brake.
2023 Kia Soul recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V099000Feb 17, 2025Engine137,256 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.
- NHTSA 23V830000Dec 22, 2023Airbags2,967 vehicles
Air bags
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.
Risk: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC289.
- NHTSA 23V531000Jul 31, 2023Transmission & Powertrain39,765 vehiclesPark Outside
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pump
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.
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
2023 Kia Soul fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28.5 MPG
- Highway
- 34 MPG
- Combined
- 30.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,125
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2023 compared with other Soul years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Kia Soul reliable?
- NHTSA lists 51 complaints for the 2023 Soul, giving it a complaint index of 27, which ranks 12th worst out of 16 model years. Its verdict is Caution, driven mainly by a recall rather than complaint volume alone.
- Why is the 2023 Kia Soul rated Caution instead of Good?
- Its complaint index of 27 would normally suggest a better verdict, but it's capped to Caution because of a Park Outside recall covering the Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller.
- What are the main problem areas for the 2023 Kia Soul?
- Engine complaints lead at 17 (33% of complaints), with a median failure mileage of 14,436 miles, followed by Electrical System issues at 16 complaints (31%) with a median mileage of 45,000.
- Does the 2023 Kia Soul have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls: engine piston oil rings, side curtain airbags that may deploy unexpectedly, an Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller requiring owners to park outside, and an instrument cluster software update.
- How does the 2023 Kia Soul compare to other Soul model years?
- The 2023 Soul's complaint index of 27 is far lower than the worst years like 2015 (index 100, Avoid) but higher than 2019 and 2024, which score as Best with indexes of 13 and 0.