NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
The 2023 Kia Soul scores 73 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 48 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A significant safety concern emerges with the 2023 Kia Soul's recall record, including a park-outside directive. This issue, alongside four total recall campaigns, demonstrably impacts the vehicle's NHTSA Safety Index, which registers at 73 out of 100, placing it within the Average band. While the crash-test structure itself appears robust based on published data, the identified defects are a clear limiting factor in its overall safety assessment.
The 2023 Kia Soul received a NHTSA Safety Index of 73/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Kia Soul ranks 130 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 73 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 4 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 48 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 130 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Kia Soul?
The 2023 Kia Soul represents a meaningful step back from where this nameplate stood the year before. The 2022 model held an 80/100 Index in the Strong band; the 2023 drops to 73/100 in the Average band, a 7-point decline driven almost entirely by the defect record component, which scores only 7 out of a possible 20 points. That low sub-score reflects the weight of four recall campaigns, one of which carries a park-outside directive tied to the automatic transmission Idle Stop controller, a designation reserved for conditions where driving the vehicle poses an active safety risk. The crash-protection component is genuinely strong at 61 out of 70, anchored by that 5-star side-crash result and supported by standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The avoidance-tech score of 5 out of 10 reflects that some crash-avoidance features remain optional rather than universally standard. For buyers weighing this year specifically, the gap between the crash-test performance and the defect record is the defining tension. The structure protects well in tested scenarios, but the recall portfolio for this exact model year is unusually active.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Kia Soul perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Kia Soul earns an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-crash protection is rated at a perfect 5 stars. Frontal protection and rollover resistance are each rated at 4 stars. The measured rollover risk is 15 percent, with the dynamic tip-test resulting in "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17078
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components include internal engine hard parts tied to incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings, side curtain air bags affected by a manufacturing error, and the instrument cluster panel. Critically, a fourth campaign involving the Idle Stop electronic controller for the automatic transmission carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, the most serious safety classification NHTSA issues.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V099000
Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-02-17
AIR BAGS23V830000
Risk: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-12-22
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:PUMP23V531000
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-07-31
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL23V298000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-04-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Kia Soul?
Owners have filed 48 unverified complaints with NHTSA. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System, Engine, and an Unknown or Other category, each with 12 reported cases, followed by Steering at 8 and Service Brakes at 7. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
48 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Kia Soul?
Any shopper considering a used 2023 Kia Soul should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. The park-outside campaign in particular requires confirmed remedy completion. Do not assume a previous owner addressed all four open campaigns.
- The 2023 model year carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall linked to the automatic transmission Idle Stop electronic controller, the most urgent safety classification in the NHTSA recall system.
- The Safety Index fell from 80/100 in 2022 to 73/100 in 2023, moving the vehicle from the Strong band to the Average band, with the defect record sub-score of 7 out of 20 as the primary driver of that decline.
- Side-crash protection earned a perfect 5 stars from NHTSA, the single strongest result in this vehicle's crash-test profile for this model year.
- Forty-eight unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA include alleged reports of 5 crashes, 15 injuries, and 1 death, with the Electrical System and Engine each representing the most frequently cited problem areas.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Kia Soul places
The 2023 Kia Soul qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Kia Soul safety questions
Was the 2023 Kia Soul crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Kia Soul, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 73 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Kia Soul crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Kia Soul earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Soul have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Kia Soul, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Kia Soul?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 48 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Kia Soul. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Soul years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17078), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Soul 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 130 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.