Model-year record
2025 Kia Soul
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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Complaints filed
11
Reports to NHTSA, 2025
Safety recalls
0
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
30
EPA estimate
Known issues
Exterior Lighting issues lead owner complaints (36% of 11 reports), followed by unknown or other (18%).
Share of all 11 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11722928, ODI 11707067, ODI 11677971, ODI 11673048.
Individual complaint reports(11)
Showing the 11 most recent reportsUnknown Or OtherMay 2026 · ODI 11740988Details +Close −
Car window was broken into while the car was locked and the alarm was on. the alarm did not go off!
- Reported
- May 2026
- Incident date
- May 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Lane DepartureMay 2026 · ODI 11740949Details +Close −
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 honestly feel this is a safety hazard. Regards, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Reported
- May 2026
- Incident date
- May 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMar 2026 · ODI 11726767 · crashDetails +Close −
Hit a deer. Airbag did not deploy or emergency braking system didn't come on. Police took pictures of car. The car is at the repair shop now. Insurance company hasn't stated if it will be totaled. There were no other problems prior to incident.
- Reported
- Mar 2026
- Incident date
- Mar 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash
Exterior LightingMar 2026 · ODI 11722928Details +Close −
Low beam headlights so dim is impossible to drive at night.
- Reported
- Mar 2026
- Incident date
- Mar 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Visibility/WiperFeb 2026 · ODI 11715290Details +Close −
Headlight housing kept falling out of the bracket Driving at night impossable. Fixed one light still dim lights maKES DRIVING AT night dangerous. Second dealer instructed me to not sue the suto light setting because it dims the headlights. It appears that the front bumper design blocks the light to the roadway. In my view the 4 seperte visits to the Family dealership in Saint Augestein Fl suggest ther is nothing more he can do to improve the light problem. What am I supposd to do to have this 2025 new KIA soul problem corrected that I so I can drive at night
- Reported
- Feb 2026
- Incident date
- Sep 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionFeb 2026 · ODI 11714991Details +Close −
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 still experiencing abnormal tire wear. Additionally, at **10,000 miles**, the vehicle began making **grinding noises when applying the brakes**, which is extremely concerning for a car that is still essentially new. These issues raise questions about the vehicle’s manufacturing quality and whether it meets reasonable consumer expectations for safety and durability. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that it would be reliable and free from major defects. Instead, I am facing unexpected expenses, safety concerns, and ongoing problems that should be covered under warranty. I am now questioning whether I should continue making payments on a vehicle that is already showing signs of significant defects. I am requesting that the FTC review this matter as a potential issue involving product quality, warranty compliance, and consumer protection. I am seeking assistance in ensuring that Kia addresses these defects appropriately and that my rights as a consumer are upheld. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
- Reported
- Feb 2026
- Incident date
- Jan 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Exterior LightingDec 2025 · ODI 11707067Details +Close −
2 incidents driving in a not familiar area...Almost drove off the road in very dark conditions at a light because I couldn't see that my road had ended .I was almost side swiped trying to get back on the road the last second.Iwas not taking any meds abd Don't drink Also drive at night on well lit highways.Also the lights are so dim that my road assist features did not activate on dark rainy roads where it could not see road markings
- Reported
- Dec 2025
- Incident date
- Dec 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlOct 2025 · ODI 11693405 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +Close −
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 the vehicle could not be controlled. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
- Reported
- Oct 2025
- Incident date
- Oct 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash 1 injuries
Exterior LightingAug 2025 · ODI 11677971Details +Close −
Headlights when on dim are inadequate. You can not see the road. You can not drive with your lights on bright in traffic. Severe hazard to all. Near miss on animals and road damage. Very frightening.
- Reported
- Aug 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Exterior LightingJul 2025 · ODI 11673048Details +Close −
Humidity gets insiste headlights. This issue affects headlights performance making hard to see at night. Safety is at risk.
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jul 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJul 2025 · ODI 11670886Details +Close −
2025 Kia Soul LX Headlights. Totally inadequate standard headlights. Higher end models get LED headlights but this standard light system on the LX is dangerous on anything but well lit streets. Safety should not be an option. I would have upgraded to a model that has adequate headlights but was unaware of how bad the standard headlights were until after purchase. These standard headlights should never have been approved by the DOT. There are many reports online about this issue and I'm hoping it will be addressed soon.
- Reported
- Jul 2025
- Incident date
- Jan 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Recalls
No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2025 Kia Soul SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 33 | 30 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
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2025 Kia Soul: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2025 Kia Soul?
Owners filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the 2025 Kia Soul. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2025 Kia Soul?
The most-reported problem areas are Exterior Lighting (36% of complaints) and unknown or other (18%).
How many recalls does the 2025 Kia Soul have?
No safety recalls are on record for the 2025 Kia Soul as of Jul 2026.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Kia Soul get?
The EPA rates the 2025 Kia Soul at 30 mpg combined.