Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

ProblemsByVin File / 2023-KIA-SOUL
2023 · kia

kia Soul problems

2 safety recalls. 45 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.8 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
9 reports · avg $850
severe
steering
7 reports · avg $700
severe
engine
6 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
airbags
4 reports · avg $1,100
moderate
powertrain
4 reports · avg $2,500
critical
lighting
3 reports · avg $250
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2023 Soul · electrical
[NHTSA SITE NOT ALLOWING ME TO UPLOAD DOCUMENTS - CONTACT ME FOR PICS/VIDEOS] All safety and driver assist malfunction warning lights display in succession - see pictures and video if upload-able. Had two Kia dealership service centers inspect and neither could replicate…
12/30/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562729.0
2023 Soul · 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…
12/27/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11707260.0
2023 Soul · lighting
Last night was the first time I drove it in the dark while it was raining. The headlights absolutely SUCK!!! I’ve had daytime running lights that were brighter! I’ve had 6 volt headlights that were brighter! I probably have flashlights that are brighter! It’s seriously…
12/21/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11498470.0
2023 Soul · visibility
The rear windshield spontaneously shattered while parked in the driveway and was not running. I was standing beside it when it happened. There was no glass inside vehicle all the glass was outside vehicle indicating that nothing hit the windshield, and nothing was around vehicle…
11/11/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11624595.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 23V298000 26/04/2023

Kia America, Inc

A blank instrument cluster display will not show critical information, such as tire pressure, warning messages, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC270.
severe NHTSA 25V099000 17/02/2025

Kia America, Inc

Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.

Common questions

Is the 2023 Kia Soul reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2023 Kia Soul is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2023 Kia Soul?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 9 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Kia Soul has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2023 Kia Soul?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 45 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 21 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with kia. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
Get a free warranty quote →