2023 Kia Soul recalls and problems
The 2023 Kia Soul has 4 safety recalls and 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2023 Kia Soul vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2023 Kia Soul recalls
Recall 25V-099: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 23V-830: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 23V-531: Power Train
Problem: 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.
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 23V-298: Electrical System
Problem: 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."
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
2023 Kia Soul problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | |
| Electrical System | 14 | |
| Unknown or Other | 13 | |
| Lane Departure | 8 | |
| Steering | 8 | |
| Service Brakes | 8 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 6 | |
| Air Bags | 5 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 3
- Lane Departure › Warning — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
- Lane Departure › Assist — 2
- Lane Departure › Lane Keep › Automatic Steering — 1
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication › Pump — 1
- Back Over Prevention › Rearview System Braking — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2023 Kia Soul complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Soul years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2023 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2023 Kia Soul: 25V-099 (engine and engine cooling), 23V-830 (air bags), 23V-531 (power train), 23V-298 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Kia Soul?
Owners report engine problems most often (15 reports), followed by electrical system (14). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,000 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.