Owners have filed 86 complaints
about the 2023 KIA Soul with NHTSA between 2022 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 16 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 9
Against the median year of the KIA Soul. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
37.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
91% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
327.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
19.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
327.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
436.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2022peak 10May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2023 KIA Soul
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
AQ25001Opened 6 Aug 2025Closed 18 Dec 2025ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
On August 6, 2025, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened Audit Query (AQ) 25001 to assess the implementation of Kia America, Inc.’s (Kia) remedy program for Safety Recall 25V099, involving incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings which may damage the engine causing a loss of motive power or fire. This AQ was opened in response to consumer complaints alleging of an ineffective remedy, inconsistent inspection results to determine whether an engine replacement was needed, and the unavailability of recall remedies. On August 11, 2025, an Information Request (IR) was issued to Kia reques...
Recalls on the 2023 KIA Soul
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024549647,384 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" appear in English only, when they should be listed as "Tires/Pneus", "Rims/Jantes", "Front/Avant" and "Rear/Arriere". Canadian regulations require this information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: These small errors do not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. Kia has corrected the compliance label for all new vehicles.
Recall 2023652415 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the side curtain airbag(s) may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the side curtain airbag(s) could inflate without a crash. Safety Risk: A side curtain airbag that inflates suddenly without a crash could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the left and/or right-side curtain airbag module(s).
Recall 202342110,758 units in Canada
Powertrain
Issue: On certain vehicles, the circuit board in the electric oil pump assembly for the transmission may be damaged. As a result, the circuit board could short circuit and overheat. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the transmission electric oil pump assembly, and replace it as necessary. Kia recommends parking your vehicle outside and away from other vehicles or buildings until the recall repairs are completed.
Recall 20232517,090 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster screen could remain blank when the vehicle is started. If this happens, you may not be able to see certain information about the vehicle, including the odometer, warnings, and malfunction tell-tale graphics. Safety Risk: Warnings and malfunction tell-tale information that doesn't display could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the instrument cluster software.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Corpus Christi, TXCrash1 injured
STEERING
Before the accident which my car was totaled, I would take it in with issues. Electrical lights coming on the car would stop .my transmission locking up . I would tell them that there was something wrong with the car . I had videos to show pannel lights coming on at 70 on freeway and car locking up and would just stop . That's what happened to son driving. My car was totaled. Why should I loose and now I don't have a vehicle .
NHTSA complaint #11740264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TXCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Before the accident which my car was totaled, I would take it in with issues. Electrical lights coming on the car would stop .my transmission locking up . I would tell them that there was something wrong with the car . I had videos to show pannel lights coming on at 70 on freeway and car locking up and would just stop . That's what happened to son driving. My car was totaled. Why should I loose and now I don't have a vehicle .
NHTSA complaint #11740264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TXCrash1 injured
ENGINE
Before the accident which my car was totaled, I would take it in with issues. Electrical lights coming on the car would stop .my transmission locking up . I would tell them that there was something wrong with the car . I had videos to show pannel lights coming on at 70 on freeway and car locking up and would just stop . That's what happened to son driving. My car was totaled. Why should I loose and now I don't have a vehicle .
NHTSA complaint #11740264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NYCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was backing up into my parking place in an alley way. I was turning slightly to the right to fit in and the car started to accelerate. I hit the back wall with the rear of my car. I put the car into drive not realizing it was still accelerating. I had my right foot on the brake. When I put the car into drive it accelerate very quickly even with my foot on the brake and I crashed into a door garage, wrecking my car, the garage door and the vehicle parked inside the garage. The automatic emergency braking system never activated either.
NHTSA complaint #11598272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooklyn, NYCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was backing up into my parking place in an alley way. I was turning slightly to the right to fit in and the car started to accelerate. I hit the back wall with the rear of my car. I put the car into drive not realizing it was still accelerating. I had my right foot on the brake. When I put the car into drive it accelerate very quickly even with my foot on the brake and I crashed into a door garage, wrecking my car, the garage door and the vehicle parked inside the garage. The automatic emergency braking system never activated either.
NHTSA complaint #11598272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was backing up into my parking place in an alley way. I was turning slightly to the right to fit in and the car started to accelerate. I hit the back wall with the rear of my car. I put the car into drive not realizing it was still accelerating. I had my right foot on the brake. When I put the car into drive it accelerate very quickly even with my foot on the brake and I crashed into a door garage, wrecking my car, the garage door and the vehicle parked inside the garage. The automatic emergency braking system never activated either.
NHTSA complaint #11598272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Corpus Christi, TXCrash1 injured
STEERING
Before the accident which my car was totaled, I would take it in with issues. Electrical lights coming on the car would stop .my transmission locking up . I would tell them that there was something wrong with the car . I had videos to show pannel lights coming on at 70 on freeway and car locking up and would just stop . That's what happened to son driving. My car was totaled. Why should I loose and now I don't have a vehicle .
NHTSA complaint #11740264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TXCrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Before the accident which my car was totaled, I would take it in with issues. Electrical lights coming on the car would stop .my transmission locking up . I would tell them that there was something wrong with the car . I had videos to show pannel lights coming on at 70 on freeway and car locking up and would just stop . That's what happened to son driving. My car was totaled. Why should I loose and now I don't have a vehicle .
NHTSA complaint #11740264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corpus Christi, TXCrash1 injured
ENGINE
Before the accident which my car was totaled, I would take it in with issues. Electrical lights coming on the car would stop .my transmission locking up . I would tell them that there was something wrong with the car . I had videos to show pannel lights coming on at 70 on freeway and car locking up and would just stop . That's what happened to son driving. My car was totaled. Why should I loose and now I don't have a vehicle .
NHTSA complaint #11740264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waianae, HI
ENGINE
On may 20 2026 car died out multiple times when driving but would start back up. Today may 21 2026 car was lacking power and engine making noise while driving. Then the check engine light came on also the oil light flashed then turned off. Checked the code it said p00114. Then checked oil it was about 1 1/2 quart low after we did complete oil change a month ago. I then found this engine has the same exact problems we are experiencing and have a recall to replace engine, but when we enter our vin it doesn't show for our vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11739415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerfield, FL
TIRES
205/60R16 Noticed that all 4 of my tires the rubber is peeling went to tire place they said they were chunking and they should not be having 23500 miles on my 2023 Kia soul tires have been rotated every 5000 or so miles
NHTSA complaint #11736602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesLas Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The instrument panel went blank while operating the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #11725778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yardley, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11723841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tustin, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3/6/26 5:50 am unintended acceleration w such force pulling car toward right side n unable to stop, jumped over side walk, then stopped, it happened very fast, very scary accident, I was in shock and shaking so bad. Wknd disrupted, couldn't sleep n reliving bad experience over n over. Bringing it to the dealer 3/9/26. no damage to anybody or third party, unknown under car damage. Didn't file a report to the Police or DMV. no warning of any kind at all. Afraid to drive the car n how to proceed
NHTSA complaint #11722861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tustin, CA
STEERING
3/6/26 5:50 am unintended acceleration w such force pulling car toward right side n unable to stop, jumped over side walk, then stopped, it happened very fast, very scary accident, I was in shock and shaking so bad. Wknd disrupted, couldn't sleep n reliving bad experience over n over. Bringing it to the dealer 3/9/26. no damage to anybody or third party, unknown under car damage. Didn't file a report to the Police or DMV. no warning of any kind at all. Afraid to drive the car n how to proceed
NHTSA complaint #11722861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tustin, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
3/6/26 5:50 am unintended acceleration w such force pulling car toward right side n unable to stop, jumped over side walk, then stopped, it happened very fast, very scary accident, I was in shock and shaking so bad. Wknd disrupted, couldn't sleep n reliving bad experience over n over. Bringing it to the dealer 3/9/26. no damage to anybody or third party, unknown under car damage. Didn't file a report to the Police or DMV. no warning of any kind at all. Afraid to drive the car n how to proceed
NHTSA complaint #11722861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
AIR BAGS
The airbag in this 2023 Kia Soul vehicle had a faulty airbag deployment. The steering wheel airbag exploded upon a minor impact of under 20 mph and no other airbags deployed. The steering wheel airbag never fully deployed or made driver contact, it just simply exploded. The dealership was notified, but declined to research the car immediately following the impact and said that was not part of their repairs and to take the vehicle to a body shop. So, no investigation was done by the dealership to identify the airbag's faulty deployment. Then, the manufacturer refused investigation when a case was filed and waited several weeks after pictures and a full report was filed to say they were dropping the case. Insurance did not declare the claim as a total loss and $7000 of work was performed. There was no assurance that the work performed at the body shop was secure as Kia never reviewed the case. Also, there was no safety camera detection or warning of impact. This model had recalls for the side airbags, but Kia neglected to follow up on this particular faulty airbag from the steering wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11718259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olympia, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Honking function no longer works, this is a consistent problem noticed first on the beginning of December 2025, when I needed to notify another driver of a potential safety hazard. There is no honking sound available at any speed or at any time. Have an appointment with dealership this week.
NHTSA complaint #11707260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
SERVICE BRAKES
When driving my vehicle under normal conditions, the car will unexpectedly slow down on its own, and the system brake lights and hazard lights will activate as if I am about to be in a collision, even though no accident is occurring. I have noticed this issue most frequently when I am stopped at a traffic light and begin to accelerate again. Once I turn the car off and restart it, the warning lights go away, but the issue continues to reoccur.
NHTSA complaint #11690015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
When driving my vehicle under normal conditions, the car will unexpectedly slow down on its own, and the system brake lights and hazard lights will activate as if I am about to be in a collision, even though no accident is occurring. I have noticed this issue most frequently when I am stopped at a traffic light and begin to accelerate again. Once I turn the car off and restart it, the warning lights go away, but the issue continues to reoccur.
NHTSA complaint #11690015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving my vehicle under normal conditions, the car will unexpectedly slow down on its own, and the system brake lights and hazard lights will activate as if I am about to be in a collision, even though no accident is occurring. I have noticed this issue most frequently when I am stopped at a traffic light and begin to accelerate again. Once I turn the car off and restart it, the warning lights go away, but the issue continues to reoccur.
NHTSA complaint #11690015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSan Antonio, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the battery discharge and Auto START/STOP warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (Power Train), for which the dealer replaced the electric oil pump controller as the remedy. After the repair, the cruise control was unintendedly activated. The Lane Keep Assist feature was intermittently activated independently. While refueling, the fuel gauge was half full and took approximately 30-40 minutes before quickly displaying a full tank. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall repair was completed; however, the vehicle was not taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11689643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSan Antonio, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the battery discharge and Auto START/STOP warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (Power Train), for which the dealer replaced the electric oil pump controller as the remedy. After the repair, the cruise control was unintendedly activated. The Lane Keep Assist feature was intermittently activated independently. While refueling, the fuel gauge was half full and took approximately 30-40 minutes before quickly displaying a full tank. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall repair was completed; however, the vehicle was not taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11689643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSan Antonio, TX
LANE DEPARTURE: LANE KEEP: STEERING ASSIST
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the battery discharge and Auto START/STOP warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (Power Train), for which the dealer replaced the electric oil pump controller as the remedy. After the repair, the cruise control was unintendedly activated. The Lane Keep Assist feature was intermittently activated independently. While refueling, the fuel gauge was half full and took approximately 30-40 minutes before quickly displaying a full tank. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall repair was completed; however, the vehicle was not taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11689643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Debary, FL
STEERING
Since I purchased the car the steering wheel will jerk, when im on a 2 lane road. It always jerks towards on-coming traffic, and it only does this when there is a car coming in the opposite lane and is just about to pass me. I have to fight with the steering wheel to get it back to go straight. Because of this whenever I am on a 2 lane road like this I always drive slow. This is the first car I've owned with this feature so I wasn't sure if that was just a glitch in the feature and just dealt with it. Which ni do realize now that was stupid on my part. Also in the past few days the drivers side door speaker sometimes works fine other times it gets all static and I have to turn all the sound to the passenger side. With that 3 other things have happened in the same time frame, im not sure if they are all connected but they seemed to have happened all at the same time. The passenger side window will go down from the driver's side door control but only sometimes goes back up. The horn stopped working last night along with the beep when you hit lock on the key fob twice. Im not sure if these are just minor things due to my lack of vehicle knowledge or if they are a real concern, so that is why I wanted to bring it to attention, in case anyone else has experienced any of these issues. The car only has 12000 miles, I only travel locally so im not sure if thats problematic or not. But as I said id rather be safe and let these issues be known.
NHTSA complaint #11689118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Debary, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Since I purchased the car the steering wheel will jerk, when im on a 2 lane road. It always jerks towards on-coming traffic, and it only does this when there is a car coming in the opposite lane and is just about to pass me. I have to fight with the steering wheel to get it back to go straight. Because of this whenever I am on a 2 lane road like this I always drive slow. This is the first car I've owned with this feature so I wasn't sure if that was just a glitch in the feature and just dealt with it. Which ni do realize now that was stupid on my part. Also in the past few days the drivers side door speaker sometimes works fine other times it gets all static and I have to turn all the sound to the passenger side. With that 3 other things have happened in the same time frame, im not sure if they are all connected but they seemed to have happened all at the same time. The passenger side window will go down from the driver's side door control but only sometimes goes back up. The horn stopped working last night along with the beep when you hit lock on the key fob twice. Im not sure if these are just minor things due to my lack of vehicle knowledge or if they are a real concern, so that is why I wanted to bring it to attention, in case anyone else has experienced any of these issues. The car only has 12000 miles, I only travel locally so im not sure if thats problematic or not. But as I said id rather be safe and let these issues be known.
NHTSA complaint #11689118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Debary, FL
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Since I purchased the car the steering wheel will jerk, when im on a 2 lane road. It always jerks towards on-coming traffic, and it only does this when there is a car coming in the opposite lane and is just about to pass me. I have to fight with the steering wheel to get it back to go straight. Because of this whenever I am on a 2 lane road like this I always drive slow. This is the first car I've owned with this feature so I wasn't sure if that was just a glitch in the feature and just dealt with it. Which ni do realize now that was stupid on my part. Also in the past few days the drivers side door speaker sometimes works fine other times it gets all static and I have to turn all the sound to the passenger side. With that 3 other things have happened in the same time frame, im not sure if they are all connected but they seemed to have happened all at the same time. The passenger side window will go down from the driver's side door control but only sometimes goes back up. The horn stopped working last night along with the beep when you hit lock on the key fob twice. Im not sure if these are just minor things due to my lack of vehicle knowledge or if they are a real concern, so that is why I wanted to bring it to attention, in case anyone else has experienced any of these issues. The car only has 12000 miles, I only travel locally so im not sure if thats problematic or not. But as I said id rather be safe and let these issues be known.
NHTSA complaint #11689118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wimauma, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am reporting a recurring safety issue with my Kia vehicle that began around Labor Day 2025. The vehicle has abruptly shut down multiple times while I was driving on public roads in Hillsborough County, Florida. These shutdowns occurred without any dashboard warning lights, including while stopped at red lights and while in motion, creating dangerous traffic situations. Despite having a scheduled service appointment on September 5, 2025, I took the vehicle to the dealership a day earlier—on September 4—due to the increasing frequency and severity of the issue. Upon reviewing my service history (dating back to 2022), I found no documentation that the battery had ever been tested, despite regular multi-point inspections performed at the dealership. A battery test performed during the September 4, 2025, visit revealed that the battery was failing. I was required to replace it at a cost of nearly $400. The service team confirmed that the battery was draining and likely the cause of the vehicle shutting down. This issue could have resulted in a serious accident. I believe the failure to identify the battery problem earlier represents a potential safety oversight.
NHTSA complaint #11686327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
First I get a safety issue warning with the front camera then I get a safety issue warning with a back camera well those warnings go off and I'm left with an ABS signal on my dashboard orange triangle with a exclamation point in it skid something with the car it shows it's weaving and I'm not sure what the fourth one was. But this has been going on going issue with this dashboard because when it starts flashing everything the car goes into limp mode. Usually if I shut the car off wouldn't turn it back on about 10 minutes later I don't get any flashing lights and the car is no longer limp mode. The problem has ever been found or corrected. the car is not sitting in my driveway waiting for a tow truck to take it to Kia soul over there in perryville Rockford Illinois but they don't provide tow service for the vehicles either. Even when it's a safety issue. I would never buy from this company again it's been one thing after another. This is only a 2 year old car has been driven 2500 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11679044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
First I get a safety issue warning with the front camera then I get a safety issue warning with a back camera well those warnings go off and I'm left with an ABS signal on my dashboard orange triangle with a exclamation point in it skid something with the car it shows it's weaving and I'm not sure what the fourth one was. But this has been going on going issue with this dashboard because when it starts flashing everything the car goes into limp mode. Usually if I shut the car off wouldn't turn it back on about 10 minutes later I don't get any flashing lights and the car is no longer limp mode. The problem has ever been found or corrected. the car is not sitting in my driveway waiting for a tow truck to take it to Kia soul over there in perryville Rockford Illinois but they don't provide tow service for the vehicles either. Even when it's a safety issue. I would never buy from this company again it's been one thing after another. This is only a 2 year old car has been driven 2500 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11679044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockford, IL
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
First I get a safety issue warning with the front camera then I get a safety issue warning with a back camera well those warnings go off and I'm left with an ABS signal on my dashboard orange triangle with a exclamation point in it skid something with the car it shows it's weaving and I'm not sure what the fourth one was. But this has been going on going issue with this dashboard because when it starts flashing everything the car goes into limp mode. Usually if I shut the car off wouldn't turn it back on about 10 minutes later I don't get any flashing lights and the car is no longer limp mode. The problem has ever been found or corrected. the car is not sitting in my driveway waiting for a tow truck to take it to Kia soul over there in perryville Rockford Illinois but they don't provide tow service for the vehicles either. Even when it's a safety issue. I would never buy from this company again it's been one thing after another. This is only a 2 year old car has been driven 2500 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11679044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.