The Kia Soul has a dependability rating of 70.95, which is very reliable. The exact rankings of this car in relation to various other cars are shown in the chart below, however as a point of reference, the average overall rating is 57.
This information is based on a combination of looking at the cost and frequency of maintenance, warranty coverage, and long-term reliability by looking at how long these vehicles are normally kept on the road. Remember that not just compact or subcompact cars in the same class as the Kia Soul are included in this comparison; all automobiles are.
You may notice that these numbers differ significantly from those in J.D. Power or Consumer Reports. Most publications look at complaints made to the dealership within the first few months of ownership (like JD Power) or solicit biased feedback from owners regarding longer-term cycles of their new cars. Instead, this study examines data from wholesale auctions and repair businesses on actual repair prices and frequency.
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Do Kia Souls have many issues?
The Kia Soul dominated the market for more than ten years with its boxy appearance, which people either love or detest, good safety ratings, and a long list of standard amenities. Today, the Soul is among Kia’s best-selling vehicles and is still a serious competitor in the subcompact crossover SUV market.
Despite being a reliable small SUV, there have been several problems, complaints, and recalls across a number of model years. There are some Kia Soul years to stay away from when purchasing used.
The worst Kia Soul years to steer clear of due to reliability difficulties are listed below, along with the safest years for used purchasing.
Which Kia Soul Years to Avoid?
If at all possible, stay away from buying a secondhand Kia Soul from one of the following model years:
- Kia Soul 2012
- Kia Soul (2013)
- Kia Soul (2014)
- Kia Soul 2015
- Kia Soul 2016
Kia Soul
The 2012 Kia Soul should be avoided at all costs, according to the people from Car Reports, who cite 470 NHTSA complaints. Body integrity issues and flawed safety features were its principal shortcomings.
Clunking noises when turning are this Soul year’s most prevalent problem. Owners have mentioned hearing a clunking or popping sound when rotating the steering wheel. Additionally, some owners have heard loud rattles when driving on roads or hitting small bumps. Owners are perplexed that there hasn’t been a recall because this body integrity issue is so prevalent.
The 2012 Soul’s unlatched hood while driving is another potential issue. Although this is a rare problem, it poses a serious safety risk, particularly on roads or freeways.
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Kia Soul
Several owners of the 2013 Soul have suffered engine failure, which has been known to occur at roughly 85,000 miles or more. Some users reported hearing a banging sound emanating from the engine, while others just experienced an engine failure. The expected fix for this issue is to replace the engine, which will set you back a whooping $5,000.
A few owners reported that their Soul’s engine had started to make a ticking noise, which is less serious. The ticking noise, which may be anywhere from mildly bothersome to frighteningly loud, compels owners to visit their nearby Kia dealership. With an average repair cost of $4,100, we cannot recommend the Soul model year.
Kia Soul
The 2014 Kia Soul is the greatest loser in terms of complaints. The 2014 Soul is unquestionably one of the worst Kia Soul years to stay away from, receiving more than 900 complaints. Similar to the 2013 Kia Soul, the 2014 model similarly receives a pitiful 1 out of 5 stars from Consumer Reports.
One of the 2014 Soul’s most serious problems, according to a number of Consumer Reports owners, is engine failure. This issue appears to be connected to the oil pump in the Soul, which results in higher-than-normal oil consumption by the engine. One owner said that the car began requiring a quart of oil every 300 miles.
The 2014 Soul has a terrible comeback of the engine’s annoying ticking/knocking noise. The initial diagnosis by technicians is that this occurs at about 105k miles and is caused by low oil. However, the owners who are meticulous and keep up with their oil changes are the ones who complain the most.
Kia Soul
The 2015 Kia Soul is another vehicle you ought to stay away from, with more than 700 NHTSA complaints and four recalls to its name. The 2015 model of the Soul has numerous engine problems, just like the other problematic Souls on our list.
Engine failure is the issue that needs to be addressed first. Around 80k miles is the typical mileage at which this problem appears. Many customers have noted that the engine initially made knocking or ticking noises or began to burn more oil. The Soul’s engine finally just stopped working. You will be responsible for paying the estimated $4,620 cost of the engine rebuild or replacement if this occurs.
Excessive oil use is another area of concern. It seems that the engine guzzles oil like it’s nobody’s business when it’s not breaking down.
Check out our list of the top 10 most dependable used sedans available if you’re ready to start looking for a used automobile and reliability is important to you.
Kia Soul
The number one issue with the 2016 Soul, as measured by the severity scale, is a blown engine. According to several accounts, the 2016 Soul’s engine is prone to blowing up, particularly after 90k miles. This is not only dangerous, but an engine replacement will cost you almost $7,000 as well.
Additionally, Kia Soul owners complained that their car simply won’t start. Although there are indications that there may be a battery issue, most concerns are unrelated to this.
Common Kia Soul Problems
Although the Kia Soul is extremely reliable in every way, there are a few persistent issues that impact cars from a few years ago. Here are a few examples:
- spike in cruise control There are rumors that some Soul models have a surgey cruise control technology. Owners reported that when the SUV was in cruise control mode, it would suddenly accelerate and then slow down to a crawl. As of the time of writing, Kia has not yet addressed this potentially deadly problem.
- a ticking clock
- Although it’s not the most typical of Soul models, 2013 Soul owners find it extremely annoying. Hearing loud knocking or ticking noises emanating from the engine is not enjoyable. The Kia Soul has yet another problem with its engine.
- spinning while clicking
- The 2012 Soul’s clunking sounds when turning were a problem for owners. This is unquestionably a body integrity issue that Kia overlooked.
This question’s solution is more complex than you might think. Let’s examine the distinctions between gasoline and diesel engines as well as the precise number of spark plugs that a diesel engine truly has.
Kia Soul
One of the most dependable Kia Soul generations was the second one ever produced. A adaptable, reasonably priced, and all-around useful compact SUV is the 2011 Soul. Car Complaints awarded the 2011 Soul a “Pretty Good” Seal of Approval for dependability, stating that it is “pleasant to drive, roomy, and trustworthy.”
Kia Soul
The 2018 Soul features a huge luggage area, a roomy interior, a nimble turbocharged engine, and top-notch reliability ratings. In fact, the 2018 Soul received a fantastic Quality & Reliability score from J.D. Power of 84 out of 100.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul made a victorious comeback the following year with its 2019 year model. The 2019 Kia Soul received praise for its smooth ride, great utility, and respectable fuel efficiency. You may put your reliability concerns to rest because the 2019 Kia Soul received a reliability rating of 4 out of 5.
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How long do Kia Souls last?
Like any car, the Kia Soul needs regular maintenance. Your Kia Soul could last up to 200,000 miles with regular oil changes and dealership maintenance.
This means you should routinely change your oil and have your SUV inspected for fluid leaks and other problems. The right tires must fit properly.
Some of the Soul’s safety measures ought to keep your Kia running smoothly. Airbags, anti-lock brakes, brake assistance, and electronic stability control are a few of these.
The user-friendly technology in the Soul also makes long drives more comfortable. Although it may not handle as well as some vehicles of a comparable class, it will securely get you from point A to point B.
The Soul was ranked third among subcompact SUVs by U.S. News, fifteenth among crossover SUVs, and eleventh among SUVs with two rows. Additionally, it was named the finest subcompact SUV for the money in 2021.
What drawbacks does the Kia Soul have?
There are a few automobiles that are genuinely distinctive, even though each one delivers something slightly different. One of options is the 2021 Kia Soul, which has a boxy appearance and a distinctive spirit that would make it difficult for anyone to mistake it for another vehicle. The Soul is advertised as an SUV, but because to its low seating position and relatively small interior, it may appear to certain drivers more like a hatchback. The adaptability that many contemporary consumers need is present. It includes a number of technology features that customers will undoubtedly enjoy, just like in many other Kias.
Kia hasn’t made many significant changes to the Soul for the 2021 model year compared to what was seen in 2020. Rear occupant alert is one of the new features. When it appears that passengers have been left alone in the car, this system can warn the driver. The X-Line and GT-Line trims of the Soul have one additional feature. More high-end shock valves are added to these trims to improve handling. Select trims of the 2021 Kia Soul now have remote start buttons on their key fobs, which is another enhancement.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Kia SoulThe Pros
1. A Little Bit of Everything
With the Soul, Kia decided to provide six trim levels rather than restricting people’s selections. Starting with the LX, which costs less than $18,000, and going all the way up to the Turbo, which costs little more than $27,500, this range of cars is available. The S, GT-Line, X-Line, and EX trims fall in between. Each trim has its own benefits, and buyers may choose the mix of features that appeals to them the most and the price range that fits within their means.
2. Modern Cabin
A sizable touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard on every Kia Soul. This makes the car more appealing to people who enjoy staying in touch with others and need ongoing access to particular smartphone applications. The touchscreen is seven inches on the first four levels. The 10.25-inch touchscreens that come with HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and integrated navigation are only available on the top two models. Turn-by-turn directions are provided by the navigation program, which can also account for current traffic conditions.
3. There Are 2 Engines Available
The majority of individuals researching the Soul and its rivals would be content with the power that the base engine offers. With the exception of the Turbo, all Soul grades are powered by a 2.0-liter engine that produces 147 horsepower. Either a six-speed manual transmission or an intelligent variable transmission can be used with this engine.
Some drivers might prefer the Turbo trim since it has more capability. Although its turbocharged 1.6-liter engine is smaller than the normal one, it still features a V6. HP is increased by this to 201. The 1.6-liter engine produces 195 pound-feet more torque than the 2.0-liter engine does. The Turbo’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission allows for a more thrilling ride.
4. Excellent Mileage
People can drive far in a 2021 Kia Soul on just one tank of gas. The car’s 2.0-liter engine may achieve up to 35 highway miles per gallon. Fuel efficiency for city driving is 29 miles per gallon. With up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway and 27 miles per gallon in the city, the turbocharged Soul isn’t far behind. It should be noted that the Soul with the manual transmission has an estimated efficiency of 25/31 (city/highway) miles per gallon, which is slightly lower than that of its competitors.
5. High-Quality Safety Parts
Numerous driver-assist systems are included in almost all Kia Soul grades. The vehicle has forward collision avoidance aid as standard equipment starting with the S trim, which enables it to alert drivers to potential issues and apply the brakes if it appears that a collision is going to occur. Blind spot monitoring and lane change assist work together to keep drivers from colliding with vehicles on either side of them, while lane keeping assist might be helpful when the driver isn’t centered in a lane. Additionally, there is a rear cross-traffic collision aid feature that may apply the brakes to prevent an accident, as well as a driver attentiveness alert system.
6. Cabin Has a Big Feeling
The passengers have access to more than 100 cubic feet of space in total. When viewing the Soul from the outside, the back seat may not appear to be very roomy, but it is. The Soul offers more rear seat legroom than comparable SUVs, with 38.8 inches available. The cargo space in the back has a volume of roughly 24 cubic feet. Folding the back seats increases the cargo space to around 62 cubic feet.
7. A Particular Look
The Soul is highly cubic in shape and stands upright. Many individuals find it more appealing because it isn’t extremely long or wide, especially those who live in cities and regularly have to park in small spaces. The C-pillar has an angular appearance and is inscribed with the word “Soul.” The tailgate has an intriguing combination of curves and angles in the back, while the grille and thin headlights up front provide a futuristic appearance. The Soul is noticeable from any angle.
It’s no longer necessary to physically insert a key into the ignition and turn the key in order to turn things on because the industry has advanced significantly. A Smart Key is included with the EX and Turbo grades. It enables the driver to start the engine by merely pressing a button. Even better, there is a remote start button on the key fob. The temperature control system can be turned on and the engine started from the convenience of one’s home or from a location close to the car. The days of getting into a very chilly or hot automobile and waiting a few minutes for the temperature to rise to a more comfortable level are long gone.
9. High-End Interior Components
Many Kia Soul grades have tastefully furnished interiors. Power moonroof, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and synthetic leather seats are among the options that are offered. All of these elements have the potential to improve the cabin’s ambience and make things more comfortable.
10. Athletic Accents
The Kia Soul has a lot of flair in a variety of ways. First, the X-Line can have a two-tone appearance. The roof can be painted black if an outside paint color of red or blue is chosen. The X-Line also includes bright silver roof rails, cladding around the fenders, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The side sills of the GT-Line have red accents, a unique front grille, and a silver skid plate, among other minor differences. The steering wheels on the Turbo and GT-Line are D-shaped. These steering wheels resemble steering wheels found in race cars because of their ergonomic cuts.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Kia SoulThe Cons
1. Unimpressive Performance
The Soul has two available engines, as was previously noted. Although it’s fantastic that Kia made that choice, 201 horsepower isn’t all that outstanding. A more thrilling driving experience would result from having more power, perhaps closer to 250.
2. The back seats are not flat.
A significant factor in the popularity of SUVs and hatchbacks is the availability of fold-flat rear seats. The Kia Soul has these kinds of seats, and its back seat is set up as a 60/40 split bench to give the interior some flexibility. Unfortunately, the seatbacks don’t fold all the way flat. Heavy or bulky objects may be a little more difficult to load and unload as a result. A few inches can make a big difference in this situation.
3. Not Enough Upscale
Although the Kia Soul isn’t meant to be a luxury car, shoppers may be put off by its lack of posh features. It does offer some luxuries, such as heated front seats and seats with synthetic leather, but what it lacks might be more obvious. The Soul lacks a number of features, like fully leather upholstery, rear air vents, ventilated front seats, and back seat charging outlets.
4. There is no all-wheel drive option.
If toughness and durability are the standards for SUVs, the Kia Soul doesn’t quite measure up. It is less enticing to drivers who may frequently deal with icy and slippery weather because all-wheel drive is not an option.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition:
The HR-V belongs to the same class as the Kia Soul as a small SUV. Due to the Soul’s lower beginning price, it might not be as enticing. It’s noteworthy that the lower model lacks a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto while costing more money. Its cabin is a little bit smaller than the Soul’s cabin, which might be a big deal to some customers.
Undoubtedly more durable than the Kia Soul, the Crosstrek. The Soul, however, excels in many areas where this rival falls short. The Crosstrek costs more than the Kia Soul, just like the HR-V. Additionally, it has a smaller trunk than the Soul and less room for back passengers’ legs. It can occasionally be less useful than the Soul in specific circumstances.
The Kia Soul is undoubtedly entertaining and unique compared to most other available options. Anyone on a budget would make a wise choice in this vehicle because of its extremely reasonable price. With its extensive entertainment and safety packages, it can satiate people, and it has enough room for five passengers and their goods.