Maintenance & repair cost
Kia Soul Maintenance & Repair Cost
The Kia Soul averages $437 a year in repair and maintenance costs, which is 6% below the typical subcompact SUVs. Here is what that covers, how it ranks, and the problem areas most likely to drive the bill.
Data updated April 2026
- Avg. annual cost
- $437
- subcompact SUVs average
- $466
- Reliability rating
- high
- Segment rank
- #3 of 7
Repairs + maintenance, per year
6% cheaper
RepairPal rating
subcompact SUVs
Cost of ownership
How much does a Kia Soul cost to maintain?
Independent repair data puts the Kia Soul at about $437 per year in combined repair and maintenance spending. The average subcompact SUVs runs about $466, so the Kia Soul is 6% cheaper than a typical rival to keep on the road.
RepairPal rates the Kia Soul's overall reliability high and ranks it #3 of 7 in the subcompact SUVs class. A lower cost usually tracks with fewer and less severe repairs, but it is an average across every model year.
What drives the cost
The problems most likely to show up on a repair bill
Across the model years we track, these are the most frequently reported Kia Soul problem areas — the categories most likely to turn into a real expense:
Unknown Or Other
- Complaints
- 104
- Years affected
- 8
- Worst year
- 2020
Engine
- Complaints
- 410
- Years affected
- 7
- Worst year
- 2020
Power Train
- Complaints
- 150
- Years affected
- 7
- Worst year
- 2020
Electrical System
- Complaints
- 73
- Years affected
- 7
- Worst year
- 2020
How to read this
Averages describe the model — the VIN describes the car
Annual-cost and reliability figures come from independent repair data aggregated across many vehicles. They are a strong way to compare one model against another, but a single Kia Soul can cost far more if it was neglected, wrecked, or has an open recall. Use the estimate to shortlist, then confirm the specific car with its VIN.
Source trail
Where this Kia Soul data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Kia Soul research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Kia Soul research FAQ
How much does it cost to maintain a Kia Soul per year?
A Kia Soul averages about $437 per year in repair and maintenance costs across parts and labor, versus roughly $466 for a typical subcompact SUVs. Actual cost depends on the year, mileage, condition and where it is serviced.
Is the Kia Soul expensive to repair?
Compared with similar vehicles, the Kia Soul is 6% cheaper to maintain than the subcompact SUVs average, and its overall reliability is rated "high".
Does a low maintenance cost mean a specific Kia Soul is a safe buy?
No. A segment average describes the model, not one car. A cheap-to-maintain model can still hide a salvage title, odometer rollback, flood damage or unfinished recall work. Always run the VIN before you buy.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Kia Soul you are considering.