2023 Kia Soul VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2023 KIA Soul has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 45 owner complaints on file for the 2023 KIA Soul. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (9), Steering (7), Unknown Or Other (7).
Soul reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the KIA Soul before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2023 KIA Soul issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Electrical System9
- Steering7
- Unknown Or Other7
- Engine5
- Air Bags4
- Power Train4
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2023 KIA Soul
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Test steering for unexpected jerking or locking
- Check engine for unusual noises or stalling
- Inspect instrument panel for blank or malfunctioning displays
- Verify headlight effectiveness at night
- Ensure parking brake holds vehicle securely
- Test lane assist and collision avoidance systems for proper function
- Check for any unresolved recall repairs
2023 Soul recalls (4)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2023 Soul. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 23V830000Dec 22, 2023
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.
Consequence: 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.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 25V099000Feb 17, 2025
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.
Consequence: 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.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 23V531000Jul 31, 2023Park outside until repaired
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.
Consequence: 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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V298000Apr 26, 2023
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."
Consequence: 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.
Used-market value
2023 KIA Soul resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2023 KIA Soul on the road
61,263 2023 KIA Soul units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2023 KIA Soul stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2023 Kia Soul
The 2023 KIA Soul demonstrates above-average reliability, scoring notably higher than the segment average. It benefits from a facelift year, which typically reflects incremental improvements. However, the data indicates a moderate number of complaints, with issues spread across various categories, including electrical systems and steering, suggesting no single dominant problem area.
The recall count is elevated, which implies some concerns that required manufacturer intervention, though not excessively high for a newly refreshed model. Overall, the distribution of issues and the recall frequency suggest a generally solid vehicle with some areas that may require attention.
In summary, the 2023 KIA Soul offers a solid reliability profile with moderate buyer risk, indicating it is a reasonable choice for those seeking a dependable vehicle in its class.
What you get in a 2023 Kia Soul report
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2023 Kia Soul — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Kia Soul reliable?
The 2023 KIA Soul demonstrates above-average reliability, scoring notably higher than the segment average. It benefits from a facelift year, which typically reflects incremental improvements. However, the data indicates a moderate number of complaints, with issues spread across various categories, including electrical systems and steering, suggesting no single dominant problem area.
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Soul have?
4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2023 Kia Soul. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2023 Kia Soul problems?
The most-reported 2023 Kia Soul problem areas are: Electrical System (9), Steering (7), Unknown Or Other (7).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2023 Kia Soul?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2023 Kia Soul, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.