2025 Kia SOUL problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
12 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2025 model year. Data snapshot: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Exterior Lighting is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 12 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 4 | 33.3% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 8.3% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 8.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 4 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 1 |
Exterior Lighting: 4; Unknown Or Other: 3; Service Brakes: 2; Air Bags: 1; Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking: 1; Engine: 1; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 1; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 12 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 7 |
2025: 5; 2026: 7
Pattern summary
Exterior Lighting leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11693405 · 2025-10-14 (October 14, 2025)
While driving, the vehicle began accelerating (forced acceleration) without driver input. When driver attempted to stop or slow the vehicle down, the brakes were unresponsive due to the brake override system failure. Because the vehicle could not be stopped or slowed down, and to avoid hitting or harming others, driver veered off the road which caused the vehicle to flip multiple times and finally stop, landing on the roof. It was noted that the engine was still running at that time. The safety of the driver and others was in immediate risk, as…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11693405 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11714991 · 2026-02-02 (February 2, 2026)
I am submitting this complaint to report serious concerns regarding the quality, safety, and reliability of my new Kia Soul, as well as the financial burden caused by defects that should not occur on a vehicle with such low mileage. At approximately **8,500 miles**, one of the original tires failed prematurely. I was forced to purchase a used tire to keep the vehicle safely drivable. I had the front alignment inspected, and I was informed that it was within normal specifications, yet the tire issue persisted. Now at **10,000 miles**, I am stil…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11714991 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11755282 · 2026-08-06 (August 6, 2026)
I purchased a used 2025 Kia Soul with approximately 12,930 miles on the odometer in July 2026. Prior to Friday, August 1, 2026, I had not experienced any warning lights, warning messages, drivability issues, or other symptoms. The vehicle appeared to operate normally. On August 1, 2026, as I pulled out of the parking lot, the car surged or lurched forward while pushing on the gas. I pulled over, and the engine RPM still would increase on its own while the vehicle was in park, and and while stopped with the brake pedal applied. On one occasion i…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11755282 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11740949 · 2026-05-29 (May 29, 2026)
When pulling out of a parking spot all of collision responses started to flash. This included front collision, side collision and rear collision. The power steering no longer worked. I bought the car new in 11/05/2025. I only have 1,311 miles on the car. I did have an oil change done by the dealer about a week prior and the report showed no problems. I am now very concerned about driving it even after the car would be repaired. I will say that KIA America arranged for the tow back to the dealership and I was given a loaner car to use. I honestl…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11740949 at NHTSA ↗