GradeKia Soul Reliability Grade
Average reliability
Grade a specific Kia Soul
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Kia Soul earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an F for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 6th of 10 subcompact SUVs we grade. The engine (F) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 4,681 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Kia Soul reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2010
Years to avoid: 2014–2015 (engine failure / knocking) and 2020 (engine failure / knocking)
Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.
How long does the Kia Soul last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Kia Soul vs. other subcompact SUVs
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Crosstrek | A | A- | A |
| Buick Encore | B+ | A | A |
| Honda HR-V | B+ | B | B |
| Nissan Kicks | B+ | B | B |
| Hyundai Kona | C- | B- | B- |
| Kia Soul | F | B- | C+ |
| Toyota C-HR | B+ | F | C+ |
| Jeep Compass | C+ | C+ | C+ |
| Kia Seltos | F | C | D |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | C | D | D |
Own a Kia Soul?
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Rate your SoulKia Soul reliability FAQ
Is the Kia Soul reliable?
Average reliability. The Kia Soul earns a C+ overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with an F for its engine and a B- for its transmission. It ranks 6th of 10 subcompact SUVs we grade. The engine (F) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for oil-change records and have a mechanic check for leaks and oil consumption. Grades are based on 4,681 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Kia Soul last?
We estimate a well-maintained Kia Soul lasts around 185,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Kia Soul?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Kia Soul model years are 2010.
What Kia Soul years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Kia Soul years to be most careful with are 2014, 2015 and 2020. The 2020 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission D), and its top engine/transmission problem is engine failure / knocking. The 2014 grades a D overall (engine F, transmission C), and its top engine/transmission problem is engine failure / knocking.
Is the Kia Soul transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Kia Soul transmission a B- (average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Kia Soul engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Kia Soul engine an F (poor reliability).