2023 Kia Soul Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
33/100
#11 most-complained of 16 Soul years
The 2023 Kia Soul ranks 11th worst out of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 33 and a 'Good' verdict relative to other Soul years. It has 51 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and its top problem area is the engine, involved in 33% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 51
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 15 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30.5
- 28.5 city / 34 hwy
Top 2023 Kia Soul problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the lane assist feature suddenly jerking the steering wheel sharply to one side and seizing while driving around 30 MPH, in one case causing a crash.
- Some drivers describe the vehicle unexpectedly accelerating while backing up or shifting into drive, even with the brake pedal depressed.
- Owners report dashboard electrical lights coming on randomly along with the transmission locking up while driving at highway speeds.
- A recurring complaint involves the vehicle entering limp mode and stalling around 45 MPH, sometimes with vibration from the accelerator pedal and failed headlights.
- Owners describe the instrument cluster losing all vital displays, including the speedometer, tachometer, and odometer, requiring recalibration.
- Some drivers report the steering wheel suddenly pulling in the opposite direction and becoming difficult to move, paired with static and shutdown of the radio.
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?
- Compared to other Soul model years, the 2023 ranks 11th worst out of 16 years tracked, with a complaint index of 33 and a 'Good' verdict. It has 51 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2023 Kia Soul?
- The engine is the top problem area, accounting for 33% of complaints, followed by the electrical system at 31% and steering at 16%.
- Does the 2023 Kia Soul have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering the engine (piston oil rings that can cause engine damage), airbags (side curtain airbags may deploy unexpectedly), transmission/powertrain (Idle Stop & Go controller issue requiring owners to park outside), and the electrical system (instrument cluster software update).
- How does the 2023 Kia Soul compare to other years?
- The 2023 Soul has a complaint index of 33, far lower than the worst years like 2015 (100) and 2014 (93), placing it among the better-performing Soul model years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Kia Soul?
- The 2023 Kia Soul gets an EPA-rated 30.5 MPG combined (28.5 city / 34 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,125.