2023 Kia Soul Safety Report
2023 Kia Soul: Strong crash ratings, but concerning engine, airbag, and electrical recalls with 45 complaints and 1 death reported.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Kia Soul
Reliability Score
The 2023 Kia Soul receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2023 Kia Soul
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Kia Soul:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Damage Due To Incorrect Piston Oil Rings Recall 23V-531 addresses incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings that can lead to engine damage, increasing the risk of a stall or fire. Several complaints mention engine failure, including 'pistons shot out of the engine' and 'engine failure after first oil change'. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Unexpected Side Curtain Airbag Deployment Recall 23V-532 indicates a manufacturing error causing unexpected side curtain airbag deployment, increasing injury risk. One complaint describes a steering wheel airbag exploding upon minor impact without full deployment. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Idle Stop & Go Oil Pump Assembly Overheating Recall 23V-531 points to damaged electrical components in the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly, leading to overheating and fire risk. A complaint mentions 'battery discharge and Auto START/STOP warning lights' after a recall repair for this issue. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Blank Instrument Cluster Display Recall 23V-533 addresses a manufacturing error that can cause the digital instrument cluster to go blank, obscuring critical information. Multiple complaints describe the instrument panel becoming inoperable or going blank. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Unintended Acceleration Several complaints describe instances of unintended acceleration, with one severe incident leading to the car 'jumping over side walk' and another where the car 'started to accelerate' while backing up, hitting a wall. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Vehicle Stalling/Loss Of Motive Power Multiple complaints report the vehicle stalling and losing motive power while driving, with no warning lights, and recurring failures even after restarting. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Steering Wheel Jerking/Pulling A complaint details the steering wheel jerking towards oncoming traffic on two-lane roads, requiring the driver to 'fight with the steering wheel to get it back to go straight'. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Kia Soul:
A significant portion of complaints fall under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (6 complaints), indicating a variety of miscellaneous issues not fitting specific categories, including general safety system malfunctions and unexplained vehicle behavior.
Engine-related issues account for 5 complaints, including reports of engine failure, pistons shooting out, and abnormal rumbling/ticking sounds, aligning with the engine recall.
Exterior lighting issues, specifically 'terrible headlight beam pattern', are noted in 3 complaints, impacting nighttime visibility and safety.
Three complaints are categorized under 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER', suggesting a pattern of electrical malfunctions that are not easily classified, such as radio issues and general electrical warnings.
Two complaints specifically mention 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' issues, including a blank instrument cluster and battery discharge warnings, consistent with recall 23V-533.
Two complaints are related to the 'POWER TRAIN', including issues with the automatic transmission fluid pump, directly linked to recall 23V-531.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Kia Soul
Is the 2023 Kia Soul safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Kia Soul received strong crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side), indicating good protection in collisions. However, it has 4 open recalls addressing serious issues like engine damage, unexpected airbag deployment, and fire risk from the oil pump. There are also 45 complaints, including 4 crashes, 1 fire, 14 injuries, and 1 death, which raise significant safety concerns for a new vehicle.
What are common problems with the 2023 Kia Soul?
The most reported issues for the 2023 Kia Soul include engine problems (5 complaints), exterior lighting issues (3 complaints), and various electrical system malfunctions (5 complaints combined under 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' and 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER'). There are also concerning reports of unintended acceleration and vehicle stalling, though these are not the highest volume complaints by component.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 Kia Soul?
Yes, the 2023 Kia Soul has 4 active recalls. These include recalls for potential engine damage due to faulty piston oil rings (23V-531), unexpected side curtain airbag deployment (23V-532), overheating Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly posing a fire risk (23V-531), and a blank instrument cluster display (23V-533).
How does the 2023 Kia Soul perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Kia Soul performs well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an overall 4-star safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash protection, an excellent 5 stars for side crash protection, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Should I be concerned about the engine in the 2023 Kia Soul?
Yes, there is a significant concern regarding the engine in the 2023 Kia Soul. NHTSA Recall 23V-531 specifically addresses incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings that can lead to engine damage, stalling, or fire. Additionally, 5 complaints directly relate to engine issues, including reports of engine failure and internal mechanical problems.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test ratings but numerous serious recalls and complaints, including reports of engine failure and unintended acceleration, potential buyers should ensure all recalls have been addressed and consider an extended warranty for peace of mind.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Kia Soul
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Kia Soul. The data includes 45 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 14 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 Kia Soul an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.