2025 Kia Soul Problems
Compared with other Kia Soul years
Too new to compare
- Model years are compared once their first three years of complaints are in; the 2025 can be compared from 2028.
- Most reported part: Exterior lighting (4 complaints).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2022
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 12filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 31 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 29 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2025 Kia Soul (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 2025 Kia Soul. The part named most often is exterior lighting, with 4 complaints (33% of the total), followed by other or unknown (3) and brakes (2). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 13 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Exterior lighting4 33%
- Other or unknown3 25%
- Brakes2 17%
- Lane departure2 17%
- Air bags1 8.3%
- Engine1 8.3%
- Suspension1 8.3%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Exterior lighting: “2 incidents driving in a not familiar area...Almost drove off the road in very dark conditions at a light because I couldn't see that my road had ended .I was almost side swiped trying to get back on the road the last second.Iwas not taking any meds abd Don't drink Also drive at night on well lit highways.Also the lights are so dim that my road assist features did not activate on dark rainy roads where it could not see road markings”
NHTSA complaint #11707067, filed 2025-12Other or unknown: “I purchased a used 2025 Kia Soul with approximately 12,930 miles on the odometer in July 2026. Prior to Friday, August 1, 2026, I had not experienced any warning lights, warning messages, drivability issues, or other symptoms. The vehicle appeared to operate normally. On August 1, 2026, as I pulled out of the parking lot, the car surged or lurched forward while pushing on the gas. I pulled over, and the engine RPM still would increase on its own while the vehicle was in park, and and while stopped with the brake pedal applied. …”
NHTSA complaint #11755282, filed 2026-08Brakes: “I am submitting this complaint to report serious concerns regarding the quality, safety, and reliability of my new Kia Soul, as well as the financial burden caused by defects that should not occur on a vehicle with such low mileage. At approximately **8,500 miles**, one of the original tires failed prematurely. I was forced to purchase a used tire to keep the vehicle safely drivable. I had the front alignment inspected, and I was informed that it was within normal specifications, yet the tire issue persisted. Now at **10,000 miles**, I am still experiencing abnormal tire wear. …”
NHTSA complaint #11714991, filed 2026-02Forward collision avoidance: “When pulling out of a parking spot all of collision responses started to flash. This included front collision, side collision and rear collision. The power steering no longer worked. I bought the car new in 11/05/2025. I only have 1,311 miles on the car. I did have an oil change done by the dealer about a week prior and the report showed no problems. I am now very concerned about driving it even after the car would be repaired. I will say that KIA America arranged for the tow back to the dealership and I was given a loaner car to use. I honestly feel this is a safety hazard. …”
NHTSA complaint #11740949, filed 2026-05Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2025 Kia Soul. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 · 14.7% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2025 model year: forward collision warning standard on some versions, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard on some versions.
Neighbouring years: 2024: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2025 Kia Soul version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 27 | 33 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Soul Eco dynamics FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 29 | 35 | 31 | $2,150 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2025 Kia Soul in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 13 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11036390Aug 19, 2026Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: AVN GEN 5.0 WIDE SOFTWARE UPDATE - This bulletin provides information on the Audio Video Navigation (AVN) system software update for certain vehicles equipped with AVN5W…
- 11033217May 28, 2026Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM - This bulletin provides information and service procedures for updating the infotainment systems on applicable…
- 11026698Dec 9, 2025Back-over prevention (rear camera). PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The…
- 11023109Sep 11, 2025Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HORN ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY041) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a…
- 11021118Jul 25, 2025Steering, Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: MDPS CONNECTOR LOCKING INSERT INSPECTION (SA623) - This bulletin provides information to inspect the steering MDPS connector on certain 2025MY Soul (SK3)…
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black…
- 11015973Mar 20, 2025Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: KIA CONNECT MODEM RESET (SA611) - This bulletin outlines the procedure for resetting the modem in certain 2016-2025MY Kia vehicles listed on page 3 that…
- 11016481Mar 13, 2025Electrical system, Body and structure. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY041) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for…
- 11015458Mar 13, 2025Electrical system. WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: REIMBURSEMENT FORM (WTY041) - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid…
- 11015812Mar 12, 2025Electrical system. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: WARRANTY EXTENSION CAMPAIGN: HORN ASSEMBLY INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (WTY041) - This bulletin provides information associated with the ‘Warranty Extension Program’ (WTY041)…
Other model years of the Kia Soul
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | — | 0 | 4 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 31 | 6,000 | 0 | 4 | 31 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 54 | 18,500 | 4 | 4 | 31 | 40 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 95 | 62,000 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 239 | 65,000 | 2 | 4 | 30 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 388 | 13,450 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 87 · More | Stable |
| 2019 | 138 | 50,000 | 1 | 5 | 28 | 6 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 220 | 54,100 | 1 | 5 | 27 | 25 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2017 | 272 | 74,000 | 1 | 5 | 27 | 21 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 817 | 82,000 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2015 | 902 | 87,596 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 903 | 88,000 | 5 | 5 | 26 | 82 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 667 | 91,000 | 3 | 4 | 27 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2012 | 515 | 87,000 | 3 | 4 | 27 | 55 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 194 | 52,500 | 3 | 4 | 27 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2010 | 135 | 20,000 | 3 | — | 28 | 68 · More | Falling |
All Kia Soul model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2025 Kia Soul have?
NHTSA recorded 12 consumer complaints for the 2025 Kia Soul as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2025 Kia Soul is reported most often?
Exterior lighting is named most often, in 4 complaints (33% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 3.
Has the 2025 Kia Soul been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2025 Kia Soul do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Kia Soul 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Kia Soul get?
The EPA rates the 2025 Kia Soul (Soul Eco dynamics, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 31 mpg combined, 29 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,150 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.