MODEL
Kia Soul
NHTSA safety across every Kia Soul model year we cover.
Across the 7 model years of the Kia Soul we cover (2019 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 85 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2023 at 73. 9 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Kia Soul is a subcompact SUV with a distinctive boxy silhouette that has carved out a loyal following since its debut. Aimed at urban drivers and younger buyers who want personality alongside practicality, the Soul sits in a competitive segment that includes the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue. MotorCaliber covers the 2019 through 2025 model years, and the safety picture across that span deserves a careful, honest look.
The Kia Soul opens with a genuinely strong crash-test résumé. Its best NHTSA Safety Index reaches 85 out of 100 in the 2019 model year, a score that earns a Strong band rating. In its best tested configuration, the Soul achieves five stars in both frontal and side crash categories, which is commendable performance for a subcompact. Rollover protection lands at four out of five stars, a result that is respectable but worth noting for buyers who prioritize that metric, particularly given the Soul's taller, narrower proportions. Across the 2019 to 2025 span, however, the Safety Index bands shift between Strong and Average, meaning not every model year sustains that top-tier performance. Shoppers should check the specific year they are considering rather than assuming uniform results. The recall count of nine across covered years is a moderate concern. One of those campaigns rises to the level of a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory, which signals a serious underlying issue and demands immediate attention from any current owner. Owner complaints total 871, with allegations including 43 crashes, 20 fire-related reports, 47 injuries, and 12 deaths. These are unverified allegations, but the fire-related complaint volume is a thread worth monitoring. The Soul is a charming, capable city vehicle, but shoppers should verify their target model year's specific rating and check for any open recalls before purchase.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Kia Soul for its upright, space-efficient cabin, strong value positioning, and distinctive styling that sets it apart in the subcompact segment. Most find it an engaging and practical urban runabout. Handling and ride quality receive broadly positive marks, though some reviewers note that the driving experience feels more comfort-focused than sporty.
- Not every model year earns a Strong NHTSA Safety Index band. The 2019 model year peaks at 85 out of 100, but coverage years span both Strong and Average bands, so always look up the rating for the specific year you are shopping.
- One of the nine recalls across 2019 to 2025 carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, indicating a serious safety risk. Current owners should check NHTSA's recall database by VIN immediately to confirm whether their vehicle is affected and whether the remedy has been completed.
- Owner complaints include 20 fire-related allegations across the covered model years. While these are unverified, fire complaint volume is a meaningful signal. Prospective buyers should research whether any open investigations or additional recalls relate to this issue on their target model year.
- Rollover protection is rated four out of five stars in the Soul's best-tested year, one step below its five-star frontal and side scores. The Soul's tall, narrow body style is a structural factor here, and buyers who frequently carry passengers or travel at highway speeds should weigh that result.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Kia Soul with 4 recalls.