2023 Kia Soul: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2023 Kia Soul: 4 recalls, 53 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V298000 · 2023 · 108,936 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 sportage, sportage hybrid, sportage plug-in hybrid, niro hybrid, niro plug-in hybrid, soul, and telluride vehicles equipped with a digital instrument cluster containing a 4.2" lcd screen.â â the instrument cluster May fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.â â as such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2023.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V531000 · 2023 · 39,765 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 soul, sportage, and 2023-2024 seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the idle stop & go oil pump assembly May contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Why it matters: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #23V830000 · 2023 · 2,967 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 soul and 2024 seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags May deploy unexpectedly.
Why it matters: An air bag that deploys unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury or crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace both side curtain air bag modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 31, 2024.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #25V099000 · 2025 · 137,256 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 seltos and soul vehicles. The piston oil rings May have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Why it matters: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 15 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (14): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), warning light on (4), door / lock issues (4).
- Engine (13): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (5), noise or vibration (4).
- Other / unknown (13): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Steering (8): the most common themes are steering problems (6).
The 2023 Kia Soul has 53 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 16 Soul model years for complaints (well below the 347 average). Complaints peaked in 2023 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 18,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (91 complaints, 1 recalls), 2024 (30 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 33 | 30 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2023 Kia Soul.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2023 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2023 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2023 Kia Soul problems?
Owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (14), engine (13), other / unknown (13).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Kia Soul get?
EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2023 Kia Soul repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.