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Kia Soul
Model Overview
At its 2010 introduction, the Kia Soul was a surprisingly fun offering from this then relatively new brand. What could have been a flash in the pan has become one of Kia's best-loved models, and while its look may be polarizing, there's no denying the Soul's practicality and personality. Filling out the Soul's list of pluses is its easy-driving nature, interior space that belies its compact size, and thrifty fuel economy.
Photos
Reviews and News
Owner Scores
Comfort
9
Performance
9
Fuel Economy
9
Interior Design
9
Exterior Styling
9
Reliability
9
Owner Reviews
Fatima7797
It Fulfills the Necessities
November 30, 2017
Overall Score
It provides all the basic things needed in a car and is reasonably comfortable. It is relatively roomy both in the front and the back, and I haven't had very many problems with it. The biggest complaint I may have is that the headrests are quite uncomfortable, and are placed too forward. Overall though, it is a good ride.
Comfort
8
Performance
8
Fuel Economy
6
Interior Design
6
Exterior Styling
8
Reliability
8
Recall Information
* Data provided by Transport Canada
Recall number
Recall date
System affected
Model year(s) affected
Recall number
2023-652
Recall date
2023-12-08
System affected
Airbag
Model year(s) affected
2023
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC194
Units Affected:
415
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the side curtain airbag(s) may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the side curtain airbag(s) could inflate without a crash.
Safety Risk:
A side curtain airbag that inflates suddenly without a crash could create a risk of injury.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the left and/or right-side curtain airbag module(s).
Recall number
2023-529
Recall date
2023-09-26
System affected
Brakes
Model year(s) affected
2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC191
Units Affected:
276,225
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit.
Safety Risk:
A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse(s) for the HECU. Kia recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall number
2023-421
Recall date
2023-08-01
System affected
Powertrain
Model year(s) affected
2023
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC182
Units Affected:
10,758
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the circuit board in the electric oil pump assembly for the transmission may be damaged. As a result, the circuit board could short circuit and overheat.
Safety Risk:
A short circuit could create the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the transmission electric oil pump assembly, and replace it as necessary. Kia recommends parking your vehicle outside and away from other vehicles or buildings until the recall repairs are completed.
Recall number
2023-251
Recall date
2023-04-26
System affected
Lights And Instruments
Model year(s) affected
2023
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC181
Units Affected:
7,090
Notification Type:
Compliance Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster screen could remain blank when the vehicle is started. If this happens, you may not be able to see certain information about the vehicle, including the odometer, warnings, and malfunction tell-tale graphics.
Safety Risk:
Warnings and malfunction tell-tale information that doesn't display could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to update the instrument cluster software.
Recall number
2022-023
Recall date
2022-01-27
System affected
Airbag
Model year(s) affected
2017 2018 2019
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC157
Units Affected:
58,053
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, a defect in the airbag control unit could cause the airbag warning light to turn on. If this happens, the airbag system may not work properly, and the airbags may not inflate in a crash.
Safety Risk:
An airbag system that does not work properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the airbag control unit software. If the airbag warning light is on because of diagnostic trouble code B1620, the dealer will replace the airbag control unit.
Recall number
2021-733
Recall date
2021-12-07
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2017 2018 2019
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SC046
Units Affected:
19,923
Notification Type:
Safety TC
Issue:
Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Note: This only affects vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu GDI engine.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.
Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Recall number
2020-597
Recall date
2020-12-04
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2014 2015
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC140
Units Affected:
39,658
Notification Type:
Safety TC
Issue:
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L NU GDI or 2.4 L Theta II MPI engine, an engine compartment fire could occur while driving. Kia is conducting this recall as a preventative measure to prevent fire risk due to potential fuel leaks, oil leaks and/or engine damage. In some situations, you may notice any of the following symptoms: there could be an abnormal knocking noise from the engine; the check engine light and/or the oil pressure warning light could turn on; you may smell fuel, burning or smoke; or you may notice oil leaks. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail and/or a fire could occur. An engine failure can cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Note: For the Optima model, only the Optima Hybrid is affected by this recall.
Safety Risk:
An engine compartment fire can create a risk of injury. A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer for an inspection of the engine and engine compartment. The dealer will inspect for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, if necessary. Kia will also perform a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update free of charge, once it is available for your vehicle. This update will detect and prevent engine damage from worn connecting rod bearings.
Recall number
2020-595
Recall date
2020-12-03
System affected
Electrical
Model year(s) affected
2019 2020
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC139
Units Affected:
2,484
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain Soul EV models, an abnormal sensor signal to the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system could cause a sudden reduction in braking performance. If this happens, a brake warning light will turn on in the instrument cluster.
Safety Risk:
Reduced brake performance can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system software.
Recall number
2019-101
Recall date
2019-02-28
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC127
Units Affected:
8,908
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the catalytic converter may be damaged by overheating. This could also cause engine damage or an engine failure. An engine failure would cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An engine failure may also result in a fire.
Corrective Actions:
The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the engine software updated. This update will prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. Vehicles will also be inspected for other damage. Depending on the results of the inspection, the catalytic converter and/or the engine may be replaced.
Note: A driver may notice any of the following symptoms of this problem: a knocking sound from the engine, reduced power or hesitation, and/or the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or check engine light.
Recall number
2017-514
Recall date
2017-10-23
System affected
Steering
Model year(s) affected
2014 2015 2016
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC111
Units Affected:
25,956
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles previously repaired under recalls 2014-237 or 2015-535, the pinion plug may not have been secured properly. As a result, the pinion gear may separate from the steering gear assembly causing a loss of steering which could result in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the pinion plug to ensure that the recall repair, if previously conducted, was properly done. Based on the inspection results, the recall repairs will either be redone with an improved method or, if necessary, the steering assembly will be replaced. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2014-237 and 2015-535. Vehicles repaired under the previous recall(s) will require re-inspection and possible repair.
Recall number
2017-469
Recall date
2017-09-28
System affected
Seats And Restraints
Model year(s) affected
2010 2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC110
Units Affected:
43,551
Notification Type:
Safety TC
On certain vehicles equipped with heated cloth seats, over time, the wiring for the seat heater mats could become damaged. If a heating mat were to be damaged, it could melt a small hole in the lower portion of the seat base or backrest, which could result in injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will attach a patch on the seat cushion and seat back heater bridge side and adjust the positioning. If there are traces of burning or melting during the inspection, dealers will replace the heater with a new one and adjust the bridge wire side positioning.
Recall number
2015-535
Recall date
2015-11-12
System affected
Steering
Model year(s) affected
2014 2015 2016
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC096
Units Affected:
24,281
Notification Type:
Superseded
On certain vehicles, insufficient adhesive may have been applied to the steering gear pinion plug at time of assembly. This could allow the plug to loosen and potentially separate from the steering gear assembly, causing a loss of steering which could result in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a new pinion plug with properly applied adhesive. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2017514. Please see recall 2017514 for more information.
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Recall number
2015-102
Recall date
2015-03-11
System affected
Powertrain
Model year(s) affected
2014 2015
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC094
Units Affected:
13,796
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, the accelerator pedal may fracture if excessive force is applied. This could affect accelerator pedal function and limit vehicle acceleration, potentially increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will install supporting rubber under the pedal stopper.
Recall number
2014-591
Recall date
2014-12-23
System affected
Airbag
Model year(s) affected
2010 2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC092
Units Affected:
18,389
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles equipped with sunroofs, headliner plates may detach from the headliner during a side curtain airbag deployment and could strike vehicle occupants. This could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner plates.
Recall number
2014-237
Recall date
2014-06-19
System affected
Steering
Model year(s) affected
2014
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC090
Units Affected:
994
Notification Type:
Superseded
On certain vehicles, insufficient thread-locking adhesive may have been applied to the steering gear pinion plug at time of assembly. This could allow the plug to loosen and potentially separate from the steering gear assembly, causing a loss of steering which could result in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will install a new pinion plug with properly applied thread-locking adhesive. Note: This recall is superseded by recall 2017514.
Recall number
2013-098
Recall date
2013-04-03
System affected
Electrical
Model year(s) affected
2010 2011
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC084
Units Affected:
106,098
Notification Type:
Safety TC
On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch.
Recall number
2010-290
Recall date
2010-09-02
System affected
Electrical
Model year(s) affected
2010
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC075
Units Affected:
3,295
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles the wiring harness used for the Advanced Lighting Speakers located in the front door trim panels may have been improperly soldered. As a result, when the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may ensue and can result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the affected harness.
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