2024 Kia Soul Safety Report

2024 Kia Soul: Strong crash ratings, but early electrical and horn issues, plus one reported engine fire.

23Complaints

0Recalls

★★★★☆Safety Rating

65/100Reliability Score

1Fire Reports

Most reported components: Electrical System (6)Unknown Or Other (5)Exterior Lighting (2)Back Over Prevention (2)Engine (2)Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (1)Lane Departure,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Power Train,Unknown Or Other,Engine (1)Tires (1)Service Brakes (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Kia Soul

The 2024 Kia Soul presents a mixed safety picture based on the available NHTSA data. While it boasts strong crash test performance with an overall 4-star rating, including 5 stars for side impact and 4 stars for frontal and rollover, the vehicle has accumulated 23 complaints in its relatively short time on the market. A significant concern is the single reported fire incident, which resulted in the vehicle burning to the ground at approximately 2,691 miles, with the driver lucky to escape. This incident, though singular, warrants close monitoring.

Complaint patterns reveal a notable concentration in the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, accounting for 6 complaints (26% of total). Issues range from blank dashboard screens and instrument cluster failures to non-functional horns and dim headlights. The horn malfunction, in particular, appears to be a recognized issue by Kia, with reports of nationwide backorders for replacement parts. Other recurring themes include issues with driver assistance features like the Driver Attention Warning system acting as a distraction, and problems with the BACK OVER PREVENTION system, specifically a lack of sound when backing up.

Despite the complaint volume, the vehicle has no open recalls, which is positive. However, the nature of some complaints, such as the engine fire and repeated electrical system failures affecting critical components like headlights and horns, suggests potential underlying safety risks that may not be fully captured by crash test ratings alone. The 'Kia Boys' theft vulnerability, while not a mechanical defect, is also mentioned as a concern for owners, impacting vehicle security.

Reliability Score

The 2024 Kia Soul receives a reliability score of 65 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 2024 Kia Soul

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2024 Kia Soul:

Issue	Severity	Frequency	Typical Mileage
Electrical System Malfunctions Dashboard screens going blank, instrument cluster failures, and issues with various sensors and warning lights. One complaint details a complete loss of instrument lights while driving.	High	Common	0-16000 miles
Horn Malfunction Horn stops working, recognized by Kia with nationwide backorders for parts (96611-K0030 and 96619-T6000).	Medium	Common	0-16000 miles
Dim Headlights Low beam headlights are reported as very dim, making night driving difficult, especially in unlit areas.	Medium	Occasional	0-16000 miles
Engine Fire One reported incident where the vehicle caught fire in the engine compartment and burned to the ground at low mileage.	High	Rare	2691 miles
Driver Attention Warning (Daw) Malfunction DAW system randomly activates, becoming a distraction rather than a safety feature, with loud, unadjustable sound.	Low	Occasional	0-8000 miles
Back Over Prevention System Issues Lack of sound when objects are in the area while backing up, despite having a camera, leading to safety concerns.	Medium	Occasional	0-7600 miles
Loss Of Motive Power/Stalling Vehicle unexpectedly loses power and stalls while driving or at a stop light, requiring multiple restart attempts.	High	Rare	0-7600 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2024 Kia Soul:

Electrical System 26% of complaints

Frequent issues with dashboard displays, instrument clusters, and general electrical malfunctions.

Unknown Or Other 22% of complaints

A variety of miscellaneous issues including theft vulnerability ('Kia Boys'), shattered rear window, and general system emergencies.

Exterior Lighting 9% of complaints

Complaints specifically about dim low beam headlights affecting visibility at night.

Back Over Prevention 9% of complaints

Issues with the system not providing audible warnings when backing up.

Engine 9% of complaints

Includes reports of engine fire and stalling/loss of motive power.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Kia Soul

Is the 2024 Kia Soul safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 Kia Soul has strong crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side), but has accumulated 23 complaints, including one engine fire and multiple electrical system malfunctions affecting critical components like horns and headlights. While crash protection is good, early reliability concerns exist.

What are common problems with the 2024 Kia Soul?

The most reported issues for the 2024 Kia Soul are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26% of complaints), including blank dashboard screens, instrument cluster failures, and dim headlights. Horn malfunctions are also common and recognized by Kia, with parts on backorder. There are also concerns with the Driver Attention Warning system and the back over prevention system.

Are there any recalls for the 2024 Kia Soul?

As of the current data, there are no open recalls for the 2024 Kia Soul.

How does the 2024 Kia Soul perform in crash tests?

The 2024 Kia Soul received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA, with 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

Is the horn issue a widespread problem?

Yes, multiple complaints indicate horn malfunctions, and Kia has reportedly recognized this as a nationwide issue with parts (96611-K0030 and 96619-T6000) experiencing backorder delays.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2024 Kia Soul offers good crash protection, potential buyers should be aware of early electrical system issues, reported horn malfunctions, and the isolated but serious engine fire incident. Consider an extended warranty and thoroughly test all electrical components and safety features during a test drive.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2024 Kia Soul

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2024 Kia Soul. The data includes 23 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 fire incidents, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2024 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.