Issue Pattern Analysis

Kia Soul Common Problems

We analyzed every Kia Soul reliability report across 16 model years (avg score 83/100) — here are the issues that keep showing up.

Most-Reported Soul Issues

Ranked by how often this issue appears in our Kia Soul year-by-year reports.

#1

Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)

Affects 31% of years

Reported across 5 Kia Soul model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

#2

Suspension Components

Affects 25% of years

Reported across 4 Kia Soul model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

#3

Steering System

Affects 19% of years

Reported across 3 Kia Soul model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

#4

Engine Longevity

Affects 12% of years

Reported across 2 Kia Soul model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

#5

Electrical Accessories

Affects 12% of years

Reported across 2 Kia Soul model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

#6

Catalytic Converter

Affects 12% of years

Reported across 2 Kia Soul model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

Problems by Model Year

2010 Kia Soul78/100

A quirky urban warrior that's a good value, but demands a vigilant eye on its mechanical and electrical health.

2011 Kia Soul78/100

A fun, practical crossover, but demand service records and a thorough steering system inspection to mitigate known risks.

2012 Kia Soul78/100

A quirky and practical choice, but be prepared for diligent maintenance and potential engine/electrical repairs.

2013 Kia Soul78/100

A quirky and practical compact that demands attention to its known mechanical weak spots, especially the engine and steering.

2014 Kia Soul82/100

A fun and practical urban vehicle that requires careful scrutiny of its steering and engine for lasting reliability.

2015 Kia Soul82/100

A quirky yet robust urban companion, the 2015 Soul largely holds its own, though specific steering and electrical checks are paramount.

2016 Kia Soul82/100

A smart, reliable choice for urban driving and value, provided consistent maintenance is prioritized.

2017 Kia Soul82/100

A quirky and practical choice, but tread carefully with the turbo engine and its problematic DCT.

2018 Kia Soul85/100

A quirky and practical compact that delivers solid reliability, provided you understand its specific powertrain considerations.

2019 Kia Soul88/100

A smart, practical, and highly reliable choice for urban dwellers or small families looking for long-term value.

2020 Kia Soul83/100

A quirky and practical subcompact crossover that delivers solid reliability, with the IVT being the primary consideration for long-term ownership.

2021 Kia Soul87/100

A practical, feature-rich compact that offers good reliability, provided the IVT is properly maintained and monitored.

Don't buy on guesswork

Get the full Kia Soul risk report

Common-problem patterns above are aggregate. For the specific year you're shopping, the paid report breaks down: exact mileage failure windows, repair-cost ranges, recall status, and a buy/avoid verdict.

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