Kia Soul Reliability: A Used Buyer’s Guide to the Best Years

ALM Kia South Vehicle Research & Reviews

The Kia Soul has a solid reliability reputation, with a lower-than-average yearly repair cost and strong owner loyalty across its run. Like any used vehicle, some model years are stronger buys than others, and a few carry recalls worth checking. This guide walks through what makes the Soul dependable, which used years tend to be the safest picks, and the simple checks that help you buy a good one with confidence.

Is the Kia Soul a reliable car?

Yes, the Soul earns a good reliability reputation overall. It has an estimated annual repair cost of around 437 dollars, which is lower than the subcompact segment average, so it tends to be affordable to keep on the road. It was a repeat award winner during its production run and built a loyal following thanks to its practicality, roomy interior for its size, and value. Kia ended production of the Soul after the 2025 model year, which means every Soul on the market now is a used vehicle, and that makes knowing the model-year differences more useful than ever.

Which Kia Soul years are the best used buys?

The Soul spans three generations, and reliability generally improved as the car matured. Here is how the generations break down for a used shopper:

• First generation (2010 to 2013): the original boxy Soul. Simple and affordable, but these are now older, higher-mileage cars, so condition and service history matter more than the year itself.
• Second generation (2014 to 2019): more refined, with better materials and features. A popular used sweet spot for value, though as with any car of this age, a pre-purchase inspection is worth doing.
• Third generation (2020 to 2025): the most modern tech and safety features. Reliability in this generation improved over time, with the later years scoring among the strongest of any Soul. These are the newest and typically the most appealing used picks.

Within the third generation, the most recent model years tend to score highest for reliability, while the earliest years of the generation are a bit weaker, which is common when a new design first launches. The takeaway for a shopper is not to avoid a whole generation, but to check the specific vehicle in front of you: its mileage, service records, and recall status.

What should you check before buying a used Kia Soul?

This is true of any used car, not just the Soul, but a few checks make a real difference:

• Recall status: run the VIN to confirm any open recalls have been completed (more on the engine recall below).
• Service history: regular oil changes and maintenance are the best predictor of how a used Soul will hold up.
• A pre-purchase inspection: a technician can spot anything that needs attention before you buy.
• Oil consumption: ask about oil level and any history of the engine using oil between changes, especially on the years covered by the recall below.

What is the 2021 to 2023 Kia Soul engine recall?

Certain 2021 to 2023 Souls with the 2.0-liter engine were included in a Kia recall (NHTSA number 25V-099, Kia number SC336) for piston oil rings that may have been manufactured incorrectly, which in some cases could lead to engine damage. Here is the important part for a buyer: under the recall, Kia dealers inspect the engine and replace it if needed at no charge to the owner, and also install monitoring software. Kia has also noted that Souls built after April 19, 2022 use piston rings from a different supplier without the concern.

This is exactly the kind of item that is easy to handle when you know to look for it. If you are considering a used Soul from these years, the smart move is simply to confirm the recall work has been completed, which you can verify by the vehicle’s VIN. A vehicle that has had the recall addressed is a non-issue. This is one of the reasons buying from a dealership can give added peace of mind: recall status and service history are checked as part of the process.

Is a used Kia Soul a good choice?

For a shopper who wants an affordable, practical, easy-to-park vehicle with a good reliability track record and low repair costs, a well-maintained used Soul is a sensible choice. The key word is well-maintained: a Soul with clean service records, completed recalls, and a clean inspection is a strong used buy. As with any vehicle, the specific car matters more than the badge, which is why a little due diligence pays off.

You can also schedule a service or inspection, learn about the VIP Certified Pre-Owned program, or explore the ALM VIP Club benefits that come with your purchase.

This article is general guidance. Reliability varies by individual vehicle and how it has been maintained. To check recall status, use the vehicle’s VIN, and for a recommendation on a specific vehicle, contact the ALM Kia South team.