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
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | High complaint rate | 1,215 | |
| 2014 | High complaint rate | 1,215 | |
| 2016 | High complaint rate | 1,135 | |
| 2013 | High complaints + open investigation | 862 | |
| 2012 | High complaints + open investigation | 670 | |
| 2020 | High complaint rate | 480 | |
| 2011 | Open safety investigation | 270 |
Every Soul year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 18 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 38 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 86 | 4 | |
| 2022 | 132 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 297 | 2 | |
| 2020avoid | 480 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 189 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 284 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 351 | 1 | |
| 2016avoid | 1,135 | 2 | |
| 2015avoid | 1,215 | 4 | |
| 2014avoid | 1,215 | 5 | |
| 2013avoid | 862 | 3 | |
| 2012avoid | 670 | 3 | |
| 2011avoid | 270 | 3 | |
| 2010 | 193 | 3 |
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 5, 2026.