2019 and 2022 are the strongest Kia Soul model-year candidates in a complaint-based comparison updated October 4, 2026. That is a shortlist, not a promise of reliability: complaint counts are not failure rates, and the condition of an individual Soul depends on its VIN-specific recall status, engine, maintenance and repair history.
Which Kia Soul years rank best?
ModelYears.com names the 2019 and 2022 Soul as its best years based on owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during each model year’s first three years on the road. Its comparison was updated October 4, 2026. These are the best candidates under that particular method—not official NHTSA reliability ratings or a guarantee that a used example will be trouble-free. See ModelYears.com’s Kia Soul comparison.
In the same analysis, the median was 46.5 complaints during the first three years across the ranked Soul years, and 38 among ranked years since 2016. Those are complaint-count summaries calculated by ModelYears.com from NHTSA records. The site says it excludes model years without three full years of data, does not adjust for sales volume, and treats 2020 data as atypical because of the COVID era. Complaint totals can vary with the number of vehicles sold and owners’ likelihood of reporting a problem; they do not show the share of vehicles that failed.
Consumer Reports says its 2023 Soul reliability score is based on its latest subscriber survey, but the page available for this comparison did not provide an accessible score or detailed model-year finding. No Consumer Reports score is used here. Consumer Reports’ 2023 Kia Soul reliability page.
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- Size：4.8 Inch x2.2 Inch x5 Inch.(1:32 Scale)
- Material: made of Metal alloy with plastic parts，Rubber tires.
- The Soul Boxy Hatchback car model hood,trunk and front two doors can be opened; With Sound and lighting function. Headlights can be on.
- Free wheel, with pulling back function. Not only can be used a toy,but also can be used for collection.
- Package :1 Set in Window gift box.
Which model years need extra VIN and engine checks?
Recall campaigns and settlement coverage apply to particular vehicles, engines or repairs. A model year alone cannot establish whether a Soul is affected or eligible.
2014–2015: Check recall 20V750
NHTSA recall 20V750 covers certain 2014–2015 Souls. Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to establish whether the specific car is included, and verify that the remedy was completed. The settlement pamphlet also lists qualifying 2014–2019 Souls with a 2.0L GDI engine for specified connecting-rod-bearing repairs. NHTSA recall 20V750; Kia Engine Class Settlement owner pamphlet.
Rank #2
- [Fitment] Car cover for for Kia Soul 2009-2025 Please make sure your car model and the year before purchase. Warm Tips: Please do not cover repainted or wet vehicles immediately
- [Good Design] 6 pcs Reflective Warning Bar: Designed with fluorescent orange color emit light at night to avoid unexpected impact. Driver Door Zipper: For easy access anytime. Windproof Straps and Elasticized Hem: Windproof design to fix on the car against strong winds.
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- [All Weather Protection] Our car cover provides overall protection of vehicle from all weather elements: dust, snow, leaves, rain and other harmful material
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2012–2016 1.6L GDI and 2014–2019 2.0L GDI: Verify limited settlement coverage
The Kia settlement pamphlet lists these Soul engine and model-year combinations for limited coverage of certain engine repairs caused by connecting-rod-bearing failure. The stated coverage period is 15 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. The pamphlet generally requires installation of the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) before a qualifying failure, with exceptions for vehicles subject to certain recalls. Confirm the terms and the specific vehicle’s eligibility with Kia; this is limited coverage, not a general warranty or assurance against other problems. Kia Engine Class Settlement owner pamphlet.
2020–2021: Check recall 21V259
NHTSA recall 21V259 applies to certain Souls and addresses piston-ring damage through inspection and a software update for a piston-ring noise sensing system. Neither inclusion nor completion can be assumed from the model year; check the VIN and repair record. NHTSA recall 21V259.
Rank #3
- Matters Need Attention: This upgraded radio dash kit is for kia soul 2014 2015 2016 2017 with Manual A/C Version. The stereo comes with an in-dash head unit, wiring harness cables and frame panel. Compatible with original car USB function. Please check if the power cable port on the detail page matches your original car before purchasing
- IOS Carplay & Android Auto & Mirror Link: for kia soul radio screen and built-in wireless/wired Apple CarPlay and wireless/wired Android Auto for superior voice-assisted control and easier access to your phone features, including music, navigation, calls, notification, messages and much more. For kia soul head unit can be synced to the onboard screen via WiFi hotspot or the phone's original USB cable
- GPS Navigation & WiFi: Upgrade touchscreen radio for kia soul contains a built-in GPS module, navigation software such as Waze and free offline maps can be used. With a WiFi/hotspot connection, online maps work perfectly, and you can download apps like YouTube, Tiktok and more from the Play Store to watch videos online when you're taking a break, and the large high-definition screen will provide a visual feast for a colorful driving journey
- Bluetooth & FM/RDS Radio: for kia soul head unit with built-in & external mic (including microphone), support hands-free calling, music playback, voice functions, sync contacts, etc. Stable FM radio with 18 preset stations, manual, semi-automatic, fully automatic channel search. High-quality FM/RDS radio provides channel broadcasting, weather forecast, real-time road conditions
- AHD Backup Camera & Steering Wheel Control: When the carplay radio for kia soul is connected to the reversing camera, once you put the car in reverse gear, for kia soul carplay will automatically display the reversing image, making your daily parking safer. The steering wheel functions make it easy to switch between radio channels, radio volume and radio songs for a safer drive
2011–2013: Check fire-risk recall 23V-652000
NHTSA’s 2023 consumer alert included 2011–2013 Kia Souls in a fire-risk recall. Confirm whether the VIN is affected and whether the required repair was completed. NHTSA’s 2023 consumer alert; NHTSA recall lookup.
How to assess a used Kia Soul before buying
- Look up the VIN. Enter the 17-character VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup to check for open campaigns. Ask a Kia dealer to confirm completed recall work and obtain documentation where available.
- Identify the engine. Confirm whether it is a 1.6L or 2.0L GDI engine, then ask Kia whether the vehicle qualifies for any settlement coverage or campaign work. Do not infer eligibility from the model year alone. The settlement pamphlet describes the listed combinations and terms.
- Review service and repair records. Ask for oil-change history and documentation of engine, recall and software work. Kia’s pamphlet advises owners to follow the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual maintenance schedule and retain records. Kia Engine Class Settlement owner pamphlet.
- Arrange an independent inspection. Have a mechanic assess the specific vehicle’s current condition. A model-year complaint ranking cannot reveal its accident history, previous use, maintenance quality or present mechanical state.
- Compare the complete vehicle, not just its year. Weigh recall completion, engine and repair history, mileage, maintenance records, inspection findings and price together.
What the year ranking can—and cannot—tell you
The ranking is useful as an initial way to narrow a search: it identifies 2019 and 2022 as the top Soul years in a comparison of reported complaints over the first three years. It does not measure the probability that a particular car will need repairs, adjust for how many Souls were sold, or account for how well an owner maintained a vehicle. Recall status and settlement eligibility are also vehicle-specific. Use the ranking to choose candidates, then make the VIN, records and inspection do the deciding.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Custom Fit for Kia Soul] Designed specifically for 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Kia Soul, our windshield sun shade offers a 100% perfect fit for your vehicle’s front window.
- [Sun & Heat Damage Protection] Blocks harsh sunlight and heat to prevent cracking, fading, and warping of your dashboard, steering wheel, and seats — keeping your interior looking like new.
- [Premium Reflective Material] Constructed from upgraded 240T reflective polyester with UV-resistant coating that effectively blocks sunlight and up to 99% of harmful UV rays for superior heat insulation.
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Rank #4
- Genuine KIA part that fits your specific vehicle
- Floor Mat
- Part Number: B2F14-AC700
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