Here Are The 5 Kia Soul Years to Avoid

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: May 10, 2023

Are you considering purchasing a Kia Soul? Before you do, it's important to know the years to avoid. The Kia Soul has had its fair share of issues, from steering problems to electrical system failures. In this post, we'll dive into the specific years and problems to watch out for, so you can make an informed decision.

Worst Years of Kia Soul by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

2014 326 2012 224 2013 219 2015 206 2011 120

What are the Biggest Problems with Kia Soul?

2012 Kia Soul

STEERING 88 ENGINE 60 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21 POWER TRAIN 14 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 13

The Kia Soul has been plagued with a variety of issues, ranging from steering problems to electrical system failures. Many owners have reported difficulty with the powertrain and engine, leading to costly repairs and frustrating breakdowns. Additionally, there have been a number of recalls related to these issues, indicating that these problems are widespread and serious. While the Kia Soul is a stylish and fun-to-drive vehicle, these problems can be a major headache for owners. Overall, it's important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and consider them carefully before making a purchase.

2011 Kia Soul

AIR BAGS 20 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 15 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12 POWER TRAIN 10 ENGINE 10

As someone who has been around cars for quite some time, I have to say that the Kia Soul has had its fair share of problems. One of the biggest issues that I've heard of is with the airbags. Apparently, there have been reports of them not deploying properly in the event of an accident. That's a major safety concern that needs to be addressed. On top of that, there have been some unknown or other electrical system problems that have left drivers scratching their heads. The powertrain and engine have also been known to cause issues. All in all, it seems like the Kia Soul has some work to do in terms of reliability.

2010 Kia Soul

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18 AIR BAGS 13 STRUCTURE 12 STEERING 9 VISIBILITY 9

Well, let me tell you folks, the 2010 Kia Soul is a real gem of a car. But like any gem, it's got its flaws. When it comes to the electrical system, you gotta watch out for those pesky shorts that can really mess things up. And don't even get me started on the air bags - you want those things to work properly in case of an accident, trust me. The structure is solid, but keep an eye on the steering - you don't want to be drifting all over the road. And last but not least, visibility is key. Make sure those windows are clean and clear, or you'll be driving blind. That's my two cents, folks.

2013 Kia Soul

ENGINE 68 STEERING 64 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 21 SERVICE BRAKES 16 AIR BAGS 13

Now, the 2013 Kia Soul is a fine little car, but it's not without its flaws. The engine can be a bit underpowered and the steering can feel vague at times. The electrical system and service brakes have also been known to cause some headaches. But, on the bright side, the Soul does offer a unique and stylish design, as well as a spacious interior for its size. Plus, with available features like air bags, it's a safe choice for any driver.

2014 Kia Soul

ENGINE 135 EXTERIOR LIGHTING 87 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 57 STEERING 43 POWER TRAIN 20

Hello guys, today we're checking out the 2014 Kia Soul. This funky-looking car is definitely eye-catching and perfect for those who want to stand out on the road. However, it's not without its problems. The electrical system and exterior lighting can be a bit finicky, and some drivers have reported issues with the powertrain and steering. Despite these issues, the Kia Soul is still a fun and unique car that's worth considering.

Common Issues with Kia Soul

ENGINE 453 STEERING 245 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 168 EXTERIOR LIGHTING 126 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 122 AIR BAGS 93 POWER TRAIN 92 SERVICE BRAKES 66 FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 61 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 55

Source

Conclusion

The Kia Soul has had a range of issues across multiple years. Some of the most common problems include steering, engine, electrical system, power train, air bags, and unknown or other issues. In particular, the 2012 and 2013 models have experienced issues with steering and electrical systems, while the 2014 model has had problems with the engine, exterior lighting, and power train. Kia has issued recalls for some of these issues, but owners should still be aware of potential problems.