Now, it would be a good time to compile a more comprehensive list of the common faults found in Kia Souls. So far, we’ve understood what the Kia soul is, and the general overview of some of the issues that it faced. What Are The Kia Soul Problems That You Should Be Aware Of? However, have instead named the 2015 Soul as the worst offender, with 15 out of 45 problems caused by engine failure. The 2014 model year Soul had the most number of complaints, standing at 60 owners filing for problems with their cars. The Soul does not have as many complaints as some other Kia models, with just 265 cars noted to have issues, at the time of writing. This includes a wide range of carmakers and models sold in the US, one of them being Kia. While others were taken from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Users send feedback and complaints directly on their database. We’re using data compiled by to curate this Kia Soul problems guide as best as we can. The model years in between 20 had the most complaints overall. In fact, it can very quickly escalate into hugely expensive repair bills. That said, poor build quality and overly plasticky trim is hardly the worst issue in the wider scope of Kia Soul problems. However, Kia has addressed this in later generations. This includes issues such as interior trim pieces falling off, or wearing out faster than usual. In its early years, the most common complaint made against the Kia Soul was regarding the build quality. However, it’s models, including the Kia Soul, have not always been indestructible. This recognition extends also to its sister brands, Hyundai and Genesis. Kia has in the recent years been nominated as among the best car brands in regards to maintenance, and reliability. Which Model Year Has The Most Kia Soul Problems? It shares its electrified platform with the Hyundai Kona, and Kia Niro electric vehicles. It was marketed as the Kia Soul EV, or the e-Soul in some markets. Since the 2nd generation Soul, Kia launched a separate electric version in 2014. This includes the Hyundai i20, and the Kona. The ‘AM’ generation launched in 2008, followed by the ‘PS’ generation in 2013, and then the current ‘SK3’ generation in 2019.Īs Kia is part of the same company as its sister brand, Hyundai, the Soul’s platform has been shared with other models. Since then, the Kia Soul spawned across 3 different generations. It went on sale in other markets, such as the US and Europe, in 2010. The covers were lifted off the Soul in the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and was manufactured at its home in South Korea. It has since won praise for its quirky and retro-futuristic design. Kia’s intent was on creating a car to appeal to the more youthful customers, with the target being unique and colourful. The Kia Soul had its origins back in 2005 as an early sketch, by its design team based in California. What Do You Need To Know About The Kia Soul?īefore we can dive deep into knowing the extent of Kia Soul problems, we should probably take some time to learn more about what it is. So, you might ask, is this funky little slice of Korean automotive pop culture worth the trouble? Well, read along our Kia Soul problems guide to learn more on which model years are best, and worst for your soul. At the very worst, the Kia Soul’s problems extend all the way down to complete engine failure. Originally, this charming little machine was only a Korean affair, and it remained rather modest at the time.Īt the very least, people have complained that the interior was a bit plasticky, and bits fell out.
Indeed, this writer here certainly agrees that there’s an added coolness to the Soul. Its inspiration apparently comes from a boar – an important spiritual figure within Korean culture. Kia has certainly proven that affordable cars don’t have to be bland, or cookie-cutter, with the Soul’s adorably angry looks. As cute as it may be, the Soul didn’t always have the most robust of hearts. But since it went on sale internationally in the 2010s, it didn’t take long for Kia Soul problems to start appearing. This is largely thanks to the Soul’s distinct styling, which has plenty of, well, ‘soul’. As far as the more budget category of cars go, the Kia Soul is certainly among the most popular one on sale.