Used Kia Soul: Inspection checklist
Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 1,005 complaints across these 8 years; the 2020 drew the most.
Choose a model year
2025
Most reported: exterior lights
9 complaints0 recallsOpen checklist
2024
Fewest complaintsMost reported: electrical
23 complaints0 recallsOpen checklist
2023
Most reported: electrical
45 complaints4 recallsOpen checklist
2022
Most reported: engine
78 complaints1 recallOpen checklist
2021
Most reported: engine
190 complaints2 recallsOpen checklist
2020
Most complaintsMost reported: engine
338 complaints1 recallOpen checklist
2019
Most reported: engine
123 complaints3 recallsOpen checklist
2018
Most reported: engine
199 complaints3 recallsOpen checklist
Problems that follow the Soul from year to year
Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.
| Area | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 16 | 9 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 75 | |
| Engine | 102 | 59 | 150 | 121 | 44 | 5 | 2 | 483 | |
| Transmission | 29 | 6 | 85 | 16 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 152 | |
| Exterior lights | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 12 |
Soul generations and updates
First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.
Third generation
2020–now
2023 update: Revised headlights and taillights; New color combinations
Second generation
2014–2019
2017 update: Minor body trim changes; New headlight options
Mileages where Soul problems start
From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.
| Typical mileage | Problem | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2,300–8,960 miles | Steering column or assembly fault | 2020 |
| 3,000–20,000 miles | Transmission failure, no acceleration | 2020 |
| 3,000–19,000 miles | Stop-start groan or restart failure | 2020 |
| 3,400–3,500 miles | Engine revs, car won't accelerate | 2021 |
| 4,300–10,734 miles | IVT transmission failure | 2022 |
| 25,600–30,000 miles | Excessive oil consumption | 2021 |
| 29,000–135,000 miles | Oil burning and engine failure | 2020 |
| 34,130–37,500 miles | Transmission failure, loss of drive | 2021 |
| 57,000–72,000 miles | Engine stalling and knocking | 2021 |
| 65,000–94,000 miles | Rod knock and engine failure | 2018 |
| 80,000–108,000 miles | Catalytic converter failure | 2019 |
| 84,000–98,000 miles | Oil burning, catalytic converter failure | 2018 |
| 92,000–97,500 miles | Timing failure and stalling | 2022 |
| 93,000–117,000 miles | Excessive engine oil consumption | 2019 |
Every Soul recall to confirm
8 recalls cover the Soulyears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 5 campaigns span more than one model year. One told owners not to drive or to park outside until repaired.
