Kia Soul research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Soul's tall, boxy shape gives easy entry, an upright driving position and a lot of cargo space for a small, affordable car. Most use simple naturally aspirated four-cylinders; 2017-2022 turbo models are much quicker. It is front-wheel drive only. Several engine recalls cover specific years and engines, so a VIN check is important. Kia ended the Soul after 2025.

Model years covered: 2011–2025. Kia announced the end of the Soul in October 2025, and 2025 is the final U.S. model year; there is no 2026 Soul. The battery-electric Soul EV (sold in select states) is noted but not detailed here.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Roomy cargo area for size
Easy entry and upright seating
Good outward visibility
Low purchase price
Simple running costs
Quick turbo option 2017 2022
Easy to park

Things to know before you buy

Front wheel drive only
Engine recalls vary by year and engine
Base engines are modest in power
Dual clutch feel on turbo models
2014 and 2020 redesigns are key dividing lines
Discontinued after 2025
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2010–2013)

The first Soul (U.S. 2010-2013) launched the boxy hatchback with a 122-hp 1.6L or 142-hp 2.0L and 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The 2012 refresh brought a 138-hp 1.6L GDI, a 164-hp 2.0L and 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Buyer takeaway: Choose a 2012-2013 for the better engines and 6-speed gearboxes. These are now older, inexpensive cars: confirm the 1.6L GDI engine recall and ABS-module fuse recall, and inspect for wear and rust.

Generation 2 (2014–2019)

The second Soul (2014-2019) has a stiffer body and much nicer cabin. Engines are a 130-hp, 118 lb-ft 1.6L GDI and a 164-hp, 151 lb-ft 2.0L GDI with 6-speed transmissions; the 2017 update added a 201-hp 1.6L turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch on the Exclaim, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Soul EV joined in 2015.

Buyer takeaway: 2017-2019 models add smartphone mirroring and the quick turbo option. For 2014-2016, confirm the 1.6L engine, steering and knock-sensor recall work by VIN.

Generation 3 (2020–2025)

The third Soul (2020-2025) uses a 147-hp, 132 lb-ft 2.0L with Kia's CVT-type IVT (a 6-speed manual on 2020-2021 LX) and, through 2022, a 201-hp turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch. The 2023 refresh updated styling and safety equipment and dropped the turbo. Kia ended production in 2025.

Buyer takeaway: These are the most efficient and best-equipped Souls (about 30-31 mpg combined). On 2020-2023 2.0L cars, confirm the piston-ring recall work and watch oil use; pick a 2020-2022 turbo if you want performance.

Kia Soul by model year

2025 Kia Soul

2025 is the final Kia Soul: Kia announced its end in October 2025. It keeps the 147-hp 2.0L with the IVT (about 27-29/33-35 mpg) in LX, S, GT-Line and EX trims, plus a Soulmate Special Edition of the EX. Parts and service continue through Kia dealers.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Soulmate special edition
Final model year of the soul

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; CVT smoothness; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition; Suspension noises over bumps; Air conditioning operation; Infotainment and phone connectivity.

2024 Kia Soul

The 2024 Soul carries over the refreshed design with the 147-hp 2.0L and IVT (about 27-29/33-35 mpg). Changes are small: an EX Designer package with 18-inch wheels and Umber interior, and a smart-key sleep mode for added security. Trims remain LX, S, GT-Line and EX.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Designer package added to top trim
Smart key sleep mode security feature

2023 Kia Soul

The 2023 refresh updated the front and rear styling, added standard safety features and dropped the turbo, so every Soul now uses the 147-hp 2.0L with the IVT (about 28-29/33-35 mpg) in LX, S, GT-Line or EX trim. Some early 2023s are in the piston-ring and idle stop-and-go oil pump recalls, so check by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Refreshed front and rear styling
Turbo discontinued
More standard safety features
Trim lineup simplified to four

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; 2.0 liter piston ring recall and piston noise sensing software status; Idle stop and go oil pump recall status; CVT smoothness; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition; Suspension noises over bumps; Air conditioning operation; Infotainment and phone connectivity.

2022 Kia Soul

For 2022 every non-turbo Soul uses the 147-hp 2.0L and IVT (about 28-29/33-35 mpg) since the manual is gone. It is the final year of the 201-hp turbo with the 7-speed dual-clutch, the quickest third-generation Soul. Check the 2.0L piston-ring recall (25V099) by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo direct injection I4 201 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT; 7 speed dual clutch turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Manual transmission dropped
Last year of the 201 hp turbo

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; 2.0 liter piston ring recall and piston noise sensing software status; Oil consumption or engine noise on 2.0 liter; CVT smoothness; Dual clutch low speed behavior on turbo; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition; Suspension noises over bumps; Air conditioning operation; Infotainment and phone connectivity.

2021 Kia Soul

The 2021 Soul carries over the 147-hp 2.0L with the IVT (about 28-29/33-35 mpg) and the 201-hp turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch. It is the last year of the 6-speed manual on the LX. Many 2021 2.0L cars are covered by both piston-ring recalls (21V259 and 25V099), so confirm both by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo direct injection I4 201 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT; 6 speed manual base trim only; 7 speed dual clutch turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Largely carryover
Last year of the manual transmission

2020 Kia Soul

The redesigned 2020 Soul uses a 147-hp, 132 lb-ft 2.0L with Kia's CVT-type IVT (about 27-29/33-35 mpg) or a 6-speed manual on the LX, while the GT-Line Turbo has a 201-hp 1.6L turbo and 7-speed dual-clutch (about 27/32 mpg). Trims: LX, S, X-Line, GT-Line, EX and GT-Line Turbo. Check the 2.0L piston-ring recall by VIN.

Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo direct injection I4 201 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: Intelligent variable transmission CVT; 6 speed manual base trim only; 7 speed dual clutch turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

All new third generation
New 147 hp 2.0 liter with CVT
GT line turbo with 201 hp
New rugged and sporty trims

2019 Kia Soul

2019 is the final second-generation Soul, with the 130-hp 1.6L, 164-hp 2.0L (about 25/30 mpg) and 201-hp turbo (about 26/31 mpg) carried over. Buyers get the proven 6-speed automatic on non-turbo models, which some prefer to the CVT-type IVT in the 2020 redesign.

Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 130 hp 118 lb ft; 2.0 liter direct injection I4 164 hp 151 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo direct injection I4 201 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual base only; 6 speed automatic; 7 speed dual clutch turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Last year of the second generation
Trims carry over

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Engine recall and knock sensor software status; Engine knock or oil consumption check; Dual clutch low speed behavior on turbo; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition; Suspension noises over bumps; Air conditioning operation; Infotainment and phone connectivity.

2018 Kia Soul

The 2018 Soul carries over: 130-hp 1.6L (Base), 164-hp 2.0L (Plus) and the 201-hp turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch (Exclaim). Automatic models are rated around 26/31 mpg for the 1.6L and turbo. A well-kept late second-generation Soul offers smartphone mirroring and modern safety options at a modest price.

Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 130 hp 118 lb ft; 2.0 liter direct injection I4 164 hp 151 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo direct injection I4 201 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual base only; 6 speed automatic; 7 speed dual clutch turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Largely carryover
Turbo exclaim continues

2017 Kia Soul

For 2017 the top Soul Exclaim (!) switched to a 201-hp, 195 lb-ft 1.6L turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch (about 26/31 mpg), while Base keeps the 130-hp 1.6L and Plus the 164-hp 2.0L. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and blind-spot monitoring were added. The turbo makes the 2017-2019 Exclaim the quickest second-generation Soul.

Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 130 hp 118 lb ft; 2.0 liter direct injection I4 164 hp 151 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo direct injection I4 201 hp 195 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual base only; 6 speed automatic; 7 speed dual clutch turbo only
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Exclaim gets 201 hp 1.6 liter turbo and 7 speed dual clutch
Apple carplay and android auto added
Blind spot monitoring available

2016 Kia Soul

The 2016 Soul is largely unchanged: a 130-hp 1.6L GDI (manual or automatic) or 164-hp 2.0L GDI (automatic) in Base, Plus and Exclaim trims. It is the last year before the 2017 update brought a turbo and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 1.6L cars are in the catalytic-converter engine recall, so check by VIN.

Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 130 hp 118 lb ft; 2.0 liter direct injection I4 164 hp 151 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual base 1.6 liter only; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Largely carryover
Last year before turbo and smartphone mirroring

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Engine recall and knock sensor software status; Engine knock or oil consumption check; 1.6 liter direct injection catalytic converter recall status; Steering pinion plug recall status; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition; Suspension noises over bumps; Air conditioning operation; Infotainment and phone connectivity.

2015 Kia Soul

The 2015 Soul carries over the 130-hp 1.6L GDI and 164-hp 2.0L GDI with 6-speed transmissions, and Kia added the battery-electric Soul EV in select states (rated about 105 MPGe). Gas 2014-2015 Souls are part of an engine inspection and knock-sensor software recall, so confirm completion by VIN.

Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 130 hp 118 lb ft; 2.0 liter direct injection I4 164 hp 151 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual base 1.6 liter only; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Soul EV electric version added in select states
Gas models largely carryover

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Engine recall and knock sensor software status; Engine knock or oil consumption check; 1.6 liter direct injection catalytic converter recall status; Steering pinion plug recall status; Accelerator pedal recall status; Battery health and range if soul EV; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition; Suspension noises over bumps; Air conditioning operation; Infotainment and phone connectivity.

2014 Kia Soul

The redesigned 2014 Soul kept the boxy shape but added a much stiffer body, a quieter, higher-quality cabin and better ride. The base uses a 130-hp 1.6L GDI (6-speed manual or automatic); Plus and Exclaim use a 164-hp, 151 lb-ft 2.0L GDI with a 6-speed automatic. Several engine and steering recalls apply to 2014-2016 cars, so check by VIN.

Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 130 hp 118 lb ft; 2.0 liter direct injection I4 164 hp 151 lb ft
Transmissions: 6 speed manual base 1.6 liter only; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

All new second generation
Stiffer chassis and reworked suspension
Higher quality interior
Available touchscreen navigation

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Engine recall and knock sensor software status; Engine knock or oil consumption check; 1.6 liter direct injection catalytic converter recall status; Steering pinion plug recall status; Accelerator pedal recall status; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition; Suspension noises over bumps; Air conditioning operation; Infotainment and phone connectivity.

2013 Kia Soul

The 2013 Soul carries over the refreshed first generation: a 138-hp 1.6L GDI or 164-hp 2.0L with 6-speed manual or automatic, rated up to about 26/31 mpg. It is the final first-generation year. Check the 1.6L GDI catalytic-converter engine recall and the ABS-module fuse recall by VIN.

Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 138 hp; 2.0 liter I4 164 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Largely carryover
Last year of the first generation

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Abs module fuse park outside recall status; Rust and underbody condition on older cars; 1.6 liter direct injection catalytic converter recall status; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition; Suspension noises over bumps; Air conditioning operation; Infotainment and phone connectivity.

2012 Kia Soul

The 2012 refresh is the big first-generation upgrade: a 138-hp 1.6L direct-injected engine and a 164-hp 2.0L replaced the old engines, and new 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions replaced the 5- and 4-speeds. Rated about 26/31 mpg (1.6L) and 23-24/28-29 mpg (2.0L). 1.6L GDI cars are in an engine recall to verify by VIN.

Engines: 1.6 liter direct injection I4 138 hp; 2.0 liter I4 164 hp
Transmissions: 6 speed manual; 6 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

New 138 hp 1.6 liter direct injection and 164 hp 2.0 liter
Six speed manual and automatic replace 5 and 4 speed
Refreshed front and rear styling
Touchscreen infotainment available

2011 Kia Soul

The 2011 Soul is a first-generation boxy hatchback with an upright seating position and lots of cargo room for its size. The base model uses a 122-hp 1.6L; Plus, Exclaim and Sport trims use a 142-hp 2.0L, with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Rated about 26/31 mpg (1.6L manual). It is the last year before the 2012 power and gearbox upgrade.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 122 hp; 2.0 liter I4 142 hp
Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 5 door hatchback crossover

What changed:

Boxy urban hatchback styling
Base plus exclaim and sport trims
Last year before engine and gearbox upgrade

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Abs module fuse park outside recall status; Rust and underbody condition on older cars; 4 speed automatic shift quality; Exact engine and transmission by VIN; Oil level and oil change history; Tire and brake condition; Suspension noises over bumps; Air conditioning operation; Infotainment and phone connectivity.

Known issues and what to check

1.6L GDI Catalytic Converter and Piston Damage Recall (19V120) (2012–2016)
Certain 2012-2016 Souls with the 1.6L GDI engine were recalled (NHTSA 19V120, Kia SC176) because high exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, leading to abnormal combustion, piston damage and possible connecting-rod failure. Dealers update the engine computer's catalyst-overheat protection and replace the converter or engine if damaged.
What to do: Confirm the SC176 software update (and any converter or engine work) is complete.
Engine Inspection and KSDS Software Recall (20V750) (2014–2015)
Certain 2014-2015 Souls were included in a broader Kia recall (NHTSA 20V750, Kia SC200) for engine-compartment fire risk. Dealers inspect for fuel and oil leaks, test the engine, repair or replace it as needed, and install Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software that warns of engine bearing wear.
What to do: Confirm the SC200 inspection and KSDS update are complete.
2.0L Piston Oil Ring Recalls (21V259 and 25V099) (2020–2023)
Two recalls cover piston oil rings in the 2.0L Nu MPI engine: 21V259 (certain 2020-2021 Souls) and 25V099 (certain 2021-2023 Souls built July 2020 to April 2022). Faulty rings can damage cylinder walls, increasing oil use and eventually causing engine noise, an oil-pressure light, seizure and loss of power. Dealers inspect, add Piston-ring Noise Sensing System software, and replace the engine if damage is found.
What to do: Confirm both piston-ring recalls are complete and review oil-change records.
ABS Module (HECU) Fuse Fire-Risk Recall (23V652) (2011–2013)
Certain 2011-2013 Souls are part of a large 2023 Kia recall (NHTSA 23V652) because the anti-lock brake hydraulic electronic control unit could short and cause an engine-compartment fire, even while parked. Owners were told to park outside until a dealer installs a new fuse.
What to do: Confirm the HECU fuse repair before buying an older Soul.
Steering Gear Pinion Plug Recall (17V608) (2014–2016)
Certain 2014-2016 Souls (including the Soul EV) were recalled because a pinion plug could allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear, risking loss of steering.
What to do: Confirm the steering recall repair by VIN.
Turbo Dual-Clutch Transmission Behavior (2017-2022) (2017–2022)
Turbo Souls (2017-2019 Exclaim, 2020-2022 turbo) use a 7-speed dual-clutch. It shifts quickly but can feel hesitant or jerky creeping in traffic, and hard launches add clutch wear.
What to do: Test drive the turbo in traffic before buying.
Engine and Transmission Resolution Across Generations (2011–2025)
Soul engines changed often: 1.6L and 2.0L (2011), new 138-hp 1.6L GDI and 164-hp 2.0L with 6-speeds (2012-2013), 130-hp 1.6L GDI and 164-hp 2.0L GDI (2014-2019), a 201-hp turbo (2017-2022), and the 147-hp 2.0L with IVT (2020-2025). Recalls and running costs depend on the exact engine, so resolve it by VIN.
What to do: Confirm engine and transmission before comparing prices.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies, including engine campaigns and knock-sensor software updates where they apply.

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Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Kia Soul?
What engine and transmission does this Soul have?
Which Soul years have a turbo?
Is the Soul all-wheel drive?
Which Soul engines were recalled?
What fuel economy does the Soul get?
Is the Kia Soul discontinued?
How does the Soul compare to the Seltos?
What should I inspect on a used Soul?
What recalls should I check by VIN?