Kia Soul Recalls (2010-2023)
The Kia Soul has been the subject of 18 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA across the 2010 to 2023 model years. They cluster mostly around the electrical system, air bags, and power train.
The Kia Soul scores 23 out of 100 (grade D), a busier recall record than most. That score reflects how serious the recalls are rather than how many. 72% involve a critical safety system, none carried a do-not-drive warning, and 39% were issued in the last three years. How the score works.
Those 18 campaigns span 14 model years of the Kia Soul. The single largest affected 1,730,192 vehicles, over service brakes. A recall repair is free at a franchised dealer and most never expire, so an older open recall is still worth fixing. Beyond recalls, you can also see the most common Soul problems owners report and its crash-test safety ratings.
The full record is below, grouped first by model year and then listed in detail. Each entry gives the defect NHTSA describes, the safety risk it creates, the manufacturer's remedy, the number of vehicles in that campaign, and the dates. A recall covers a whole production run, so a campaign listed for the Kia Soul may not apply to your exact vehicle, and one you have already had repaired will still appear in the history. To see what is actually open and unfixed on a specific car, check its 17-digit VIN.
Kia Soul recalls by model year
Recall activity by model year. Select a year to jump to its recalls below. Older years often carry more recalls simply because defects surface over time.
Kia Soul recalls by affected system
Which vehicle systems the recalls touch, using NHTSA's component groups. Select a system to see how it is recalled across every make and model.
Recalls by model year
2023 Kia Soul Recalls
4 recalls affect the 2023 Kia Soul, involving the engine and engine cooling, air bags, and power train.
2022 Kia Soul Recalls
1 recall affects the 2022 Kia Soul, involving the engine and engine cooling.
2021 Kia Soul Recalls
2 recalls affect the 2021 Kia Soul, involving the engine and engine cooling and engine.
2019 Kia Soul Recalls
3 recalls affect the 2019 Kia Soul, involving the electrical system, power train, and air bags.
2018 Kia Soul Recalls
3 recalls affect the 2018 Kia Soul, involving the electrical system, power train, and air bags.
2017 Kia Soul Recalls
3 recalls affect the 2017 Kia Soul, involving the electrical system, power train, and air bags.
2016 Kia Soul Recalls
5 recalls affect the 2016 Kia Soul, involving the electrical system, power train, and engine.
2015 Kia Soul Recalls
7 recalls affect the 2015 Kia Soul, involving the electrical system, power train, and engine.
2014 Kia Soul Recalls
5 recalls affect the 2014 Kia Soul, involving the engine, air bags, and engine and engine cooling.
2013 Kia Soul Recalls
3 recalls affect the 2013 Kia Soul, involving the service brakes, engine, and engine and engine cooling.
2012 Kia Soul Recalls
3 recalls affect the 2012 Kia Soul, involving the service brakes, engine, and engine and engine cooling.
2011 Kia Soul Recalls
3 recalls affect the 2011 Kia Soul, involving the service brakes, structure, and exterior lighting.
2010 Kia Soul Recalls
3 recalls affect the 2010 Kia Soul, involving the structure, exterior lighting, and electrical system.
Every Kia Soul recall in detail
Select any recall to read the full defect, risk, and remedy text. Do Not Drive and Park Outside warnings stay visible without opening anything.
Engine And Engine Cooling
- Affected years
- 2021-2023 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 137,256
- Reported
- Feb 17, 2025
- Owners notified
- Apr 4, 2025
Defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 25V099000.
Air Bags
- Affected years
- 2023 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 2,967
- Reported
- Dec 22, 2023
- Owners notified
- Jan 31, 2024
Defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
Risk: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC289.
NHTSA campaign number 23V830000.
Electrical System
- Affected years
- 2015-2019 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 6,262
- Reported
- Oct 26, 2023
- Owners notified
- Dec 21, 2023
Defect: Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.
Risk: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287. This recall expands and replaces recall number 20V-389. Vehicles previously repaired under 20V-389 will need to have the new remedy completed.
NHTSA campaign number 23V724000.
Service Brakes
- Affected years
- 2011-2013 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 1,730,192
- Reported
- Sep 25, 2023
- Owners notified
- Mar 29, 2024
Defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
NHTSA campaign number 23V652000.
Power Train
- Affected years
- 2023 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 39,765
- Reported
- Jul 31, 2023
- Owners notified
- Sep 28, 2023
Defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
NHTSA campaign number 23V531000.
Electrical System
- Affected years
- 2023 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 108,936
- Reported
- Apr 26, 2023
- Owners notified
- May 26, 2023
Defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Soul, and Telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" LCD screen. The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 101, "Control and Displays," and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 23V298000.
Electrical System
- Affected years
- 2015-2019 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 2,689
- Reported
- Mar 29, 2023
- Owners notified
- Aug 18, 2023
Defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
Risk: A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC267.
NHTSA campaign number 23V218000.
Air Bags
- Affected years
- 2014 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 128,280
- Reported
- Feb 18, 2022
- Owners notified
- Apr 4, 2022
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014 Soul vehicles. The front air bags may not deploy during a crash if the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) loses communication with the front impact sensors.
Risk: Front air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ACU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC229.
NHTSA campaign number 22V096000.
Air Bags
- Affected years
- 2017-2019 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 410,619
- Reported
- Jan 25, 2022
- Owners notified
- Mar 21, 2022
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
Risk: Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ACU, and either update the software or replace the unit, as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 21, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC226.
NHTSA campaign number 22V031000.
Engine
- Affected years
- 2020-2021 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 147,249
- Reported
- Apr 13, 2021
- Owners notified
- Jun 11, 2021
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Kia will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. The recall began June 11, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC209.
NHTSA campaign number 21V259000.
Engine
- Affected years
- 2014-2015 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 294,756
- Reported
- Dec 2, 2020
- Owners notified
- Jan 25, 2021
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
NHTSA campaign number 20V750000.
Electrical System
- Affected years
- 2015-2016 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 3,714
- Reported
- Jul 2, 2020
- Owners notified
- Aug 7, 2020
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) vehicles. The parking mechanism may become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into Park 'P' before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If the parking mechanism is damaged, unintended vehicle movement may occur when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied.
Risk: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC191.
NHTSA campaign number 20V389000.
Engine
- Affected years
- 2012-2016 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 378,967
- Reported
- Feb 22, 2019
- Owners notified
- Apr 17, 2019
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
Risk: Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
NHTSA campaign number 19V120000.
Steering
- Affected years
- 2014-2016 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 342,381
- Reported
- Sep 29, 2017
- Owners notified
- Nov 16, 2017
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
Risk: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.
NHTSA campaign number 17V608000.
Vehicle Speed Control
- Affected years
- 2014-2015 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 208,858
- Reported
- Mar 2, 2015
- Owners notified
- Mar 24, 2015
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Soul and Soul electric vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, to January 8, 2015. A section of the accelerator pedal may bend and fracture.
Risk: If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will add a supporting rubber underneath the pedal stopper, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC116.
NHTSA campaign number 15V123000.
Structure
- Affected years
- 2010-2013 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 95,314
- Reported
- Dec 29, 2014
- Owners notified
- Jan 29, 2015
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Kia Soul vehicles manufactured January 8, 2009, to October 2, 2013, equipped with a sun roof. A headliner plate may detach during deployment of the curtain air bag.
Risk: A detached headliner plate may increase the risk of injury to the occupant during a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install industrial adhesive strips to secure the headliner plates, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC112.
NHTSA campaign number 14V822000.
Exterior Lighting
- Affected years
- 2010-2011 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 980,377
- Reported
- Apr 1, 2013
- Owners notified
- Apr 19, 2013
Defect: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Risk: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
NHTSA campaign number 13V114000.
Electrical System
- Affected years
- 2010 Kia Soul
- Vehicles in this recall
- 35,185
- Reported
- Aug 31, 2010
- Owners notified
- Sep 13, 2010
Defect: KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SOUL AND MODEL YEAR 2011 SORENTO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 THROUGH JULY 30, 2010. A LIMITED NUMBER OF WIRING HARNESSES SUPPLIED BY JCI AND USED FOR THE LIGHTING IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE'S ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS, LOCATED IN THE FRONT DOOR TRIM PANELS, AND THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION, LOCATED IN THE FRONT AND REAR DOOR TRIM PANELS, MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY SOLDERED.
Risk: WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY OCCUR THAT CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESSES FOR THE LIGHTS IN THE KIA SOUL VEHICLE'S ADVANCED LIGHTING SPEAKERS, AND THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE KIA SORENTO VEHICLE'S INTERIOR ACCENT ILLUMINATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA campaign number 10V388000.
Common questions about Kia Soul recalls
- Does the Kia Soul have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA has 18 recall campaigns on record for the Kia Soul across the 2010 to 2023 model years. The most common areas are the electrical system, air bags, and power train.
- How many times has the Kia Soul been recalled?
- The Kia Soul has 18 recall campaigns from the 2010 to 2023 model years. A single campaign often covers several model years at once, so the number of recalls is not the same as the number of years affected.
- What is the most serious Kia Soul recall?
- The most serious recall on record involves the service brakes, affecting 1,730,192 vehicles. Owners were told to park outside and away from buildings because of a fire risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Which Kia Soul model year has the most recalls?
- The 2015 Kia Soul has the most, with 7 recall campaigns on record. Older model years often pick up more recalls over time, since defects can surface years after a car is built.
- How do I check if my Kia Soul has an open recall?
- Enter your 17-digit VIN on the recall check page. It returns the recalls tied to your exact vehicle straight from NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer, with no expiration on most safety recalls.
Recall data comes from NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. For how it is sourced and how the safety score is built, see the methodology and data sources. This page is a reference, not legal or safety advice.