2023 Kia Soul: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Reliable late gen-3 Soul with low complaint volume and cheap upkeep; minor electrical and infotainment gripes are the main asterisk. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2023 Kia Soul ranged from $19,890 to $24,190 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Reliable late gen-3 Soul with low complaint volume and cheap upkeep; minor electrical and infotainment gripes are the main asterisk.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/soul
- nitalemonlaw.comhttps://www.nitalemonlaw.com/kia-soul-recall/
Known issues
-
Gen-3 2.0L engine complaints: owners report excessive oil consumption, engine noise and in some cases stalling or failure, concentrated in the 2020 and 2021 launch years.
commonly reported · 150 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT/CVT) complaints: hesitation, shuddering and reduced power reported on early gen-3 cars.
occasional · 48 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Easy to drive and park, with good outward visibility and nimble city manners.
- Strong reliability rating and low repair costs, backed by Kia 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
- Boxy body maximizes interior and cargo space for a subcompact, with a roomy rear seat and a large, square cargo hold.
- Excellent value: one of the few new SUVs to start near twenty thousand dollars, with generous standard features.
Cons
- No all-wheel-drive option, limiting bad-weather and light off-road capability.
- Noisy at highway speeds: wind and road noise intrude on long drives.
- Base engine is modestly powered; acceleration is adequate rather than quick.
- Early gen-3 cars (2020-2021) drew elevated engine and transmission complaints.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX | $19,890 | $20,490 | — | — |
| S | $22,390 | $22,990 | — | — |
| GT-Line | $23,490 | $24,090 | — | — |
| EX | $24,190 | $24,790 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2023-kia-soul-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-soul-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($19,890). Higher trims started higher (up to $24,190), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2023 loses roughly another 31% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-soul/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $400–450/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~175k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/kia/soul
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/kia-soul-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2023 Kia Soul have?
Documented issue patterns include: Gen-3 2.0L engine complaints: owners report excessive oil consumption, engine noise and in some cases stalling or failure, concentrated in the 2020 and 2021 launch years; Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT/CVT) complaints: hesitation, shuddering and reduced power reported on early gen-3 cars. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2023 Kia Soul reliable?
Reliable late gen-3 Soul with low complaint volume and cheap upkeep; minor electrical and infotainment gripes are the main asterisk.
How much did the 2023 Kia Soul cost new?
Between $19,890 and $24,190 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Kia Soul expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.