Kia Soul years to avoid
The Kia Soul years to avoid are 2015, 2014, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2020, 2011 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2025 is the cleanest year on record.
7,435
Total complaints
15
Recall campaigns
2010–2025
Years covered
7
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Soul years to avoid
Every Soul year
Common questions
What are the worst Kia Soul years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Soul years to avoid are 2015, 2014, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2020, 2011. The cleanest year on record is 2025.
What is the best year for the Kia Soul?
By complaint volume, 2025 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Soul years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Kia Soul have?
Across all model years, the Soul has 15 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 7,435 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.