NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2024 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
The 2024 Kia Soul scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 25 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2024 Kia Soul exhibits a genuinely favorable safety profile. With a clean recall record and solid NHTSA crash scores, this model year earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100, placing it in the Strong band.
The 2024 Kia Soul received a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 144 SUVs from 2024 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2024 Kia Soul ranks 84 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 25 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 84 of 144 SUVs tested for 2024 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2024 Kia Soul?
The 2024 Kia Soul marks a meaningful jump in measured safety performance, moving from a 73/100 Average Index in 2023 to an 85/100 Strong Index in 2024, a 12-point gain that is among the more notable single-year improvements in this segment. The improvement is anchored by a strong crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, reflecting the NHTSA 5-star side result and consistent 4-star scores across frontal and rollover categories. The avoidance technology sub-score of 5 out of 10 reflects a mixed standard equipment picture: forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as standard, and electronic stability control is standard, but the overall tech score leaves room for improvement relative to top-rated competitors. The defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20 is the clearest differentiator for this specific model year, driven entirely by the absence of any recall campaigns. Twenty-five unverified complaints have reached NHTSA, with the Electrical System drawing the most alleged reports at 8, a category worth monitoring as the vehicle ages in the used market. No fatalities or injuries are alleged in the complaint data, and no crash events are reported. Taken together, this model year stands apart from its predecessor primarily because of the clean recall slate and improved crash sub-score.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2024 Kia Soul perform in crash tests?
The 2024 Kia Soul achieved a perfect 5-star rating in NHTSA's side-impact crash tests. Its overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 stars, matching the 4-star rollover rating. The Soul's rollover risk is 15 percent, with the dynamic tip test showing no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 19251
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2024 Kia Soul have any recalls?
The 2024 Kia Soul carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No recall components have been identified, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories have been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall data can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2024 Kia Soul?
NHTSA has received 25 unverified owner complaints for the 2024 Soul. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 8 reports, followed by Unknown Or Other at 6, Engine at 4, and Lane Departure and Forward Collision Avoidance systems each with 3 alleged reports. All are unverified consumer allegations.
25 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2024 Kia Soul?
The 2024 Soul carries no open recalls, which simplifies the pre-purchase VIN check at NHTSA.gov. Buyers should nonetheless perform this check at the point of sale, as recall campaigns may be initiated after this assessment. Any previously issued remedy should be confirmed as completed prior to taking delivery.
- The 2024 model year achieved a 12-point Safety Index gain over the 2023 Soul, moving from 73/100 Average to 85/100 Strong, the largest driver being a near-perfect defect record sub-score of 19/20 tied to zero recalls.
- NHTSA awarded the 2024 Soul a 5-star side-crash rating, the only perfect score in its NCAP results, while frontal and rollover categories each held at 4 stars with a 15-percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Twenty-five unverified complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year include 8 alleged Electrical System issues and 3 each for Lane Departure and Forward Collision Avoidance systems, categories worth reviewing given the vehicle's 5/10 avoidance technology sub-score.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2024 Soul, distinguishing it from many competitors in the used SUV segment, though prospective buyers should verify current recall status by VIN directly through NHTSA before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2024 Kia Soul places
The 2024 Kia Soul qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2024 Kia Soul safety questions
Was the 2024 Kia Soul crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2024 Kia Soul, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2024 Kia Soul crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2024 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 2024 Kia Soul have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2024 Kia Soul as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2024 Kia Soul?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 25 owner complaints are on file for the 2024 Kia Soul. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Soul years
Rivals in SUV (2024)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model Y Rwd | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Subaru Forester Wilderness | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2024 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 19251), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Soul 2024.
- 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 84 of 144 in the SUV class for 2024.
- 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.