Kia Soul VIN Number Check

A free NHTSA vPIC decode tells you which Kia Soul you are looking at. Then check its model year against 18 NHTSA recall campaigns and what owners have reported.

VIN prefixKND

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Kia Soul

About the Kia Soul

Kia has sold the Soul in the US since the 2010 model year, and there have been three generations. AM first (2010–2013), then PS (2014–2019), and the SK3 took over for 2020–2025. Across those years NHTSA lists 18 vehicle recall campaigns and 5,581 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the PS. Its 2015 and 2014 model years alone account for 1,807 of them, with owners bringing up engine and cooling most often and the electrical system after that. EPA rates the AM at 25–28 mpg combined, while the SK3 gets 27–31 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2010–2025

GenerationsAM · PS · SK3

NHTSA recall campaigns18

Owner complaints5,581 at NHTSA

Kia Soul photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Kia Soul generations

Three generations since the 2010 model year. The PS (2014–2019) has both the most owner complaints and the most recall campaigns (9).

3 / 3

SK3

2020–20253rd generation

Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2010201520202025

2020–2025· Generation 3 of 3

SK3 · 3rd generation

EPA classSmall Station Wagons

EPA combined mpg27–31

NHTSA recalls5

Engines (EPA)

1.6 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2020–2022
2.0 L 4-cyl · 2020–2025

Drive & transmission (EPA)

FWD
automatic (2020), manual (2020–2021), automated manual/dual-clutch (2020–2022), CVT (2020–2025)

Known issues to check

Engine and cooling (520)Powertrain (transmission, driveline) (134)Electrical system (78)3 high-risk recall campaigns

Mentions in 797 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · SK3KNDJ23AU?L7······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2020 Kia Soul LX, S, X-Line, built in Gwang-Ju, South Korea

Check a Soul VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Soul model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 18 campaigns on file for Soul model years 2010–2025, and the 2015 shows up in more of them than any other year (7), ahead of the 2014 (5). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Kia Soul owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Between them, the 2015 and 2014 hold 1,807 of the 5,581 complaints, or 32%. Tap any bar or generation.

5,581NHTSA complaints, 2010–2025

273mention a crash

324mention a fire

265injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearSK3: 797 complaints · most for the 2020 (381)

Top complaint areas · SK3

Mentions in 797 complaints, 2020–2025.

Engine and cooling520

Powertrain (transmission, driveline)134

Electrical system78

Steering36

Brakes34

Fuel system33

Crashes 32Fires 12Injuries 35

2020–2025 (SK3)

NHTSA data summary

The 2020 stands out. On its own it has 381 of the SK3’s 797 complaints (48%), and owners across the generation name engine and cooling most often (520 mentions), then powertrain (134).

What Soul owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2020–present (3rd generation, SK3)

Engine complaints dominate NHTSA reports for the 2020 and 2021. Owners describe oil consumption, stalling, loss of power and engine failure, and some say the engine failed the dealer test during a recall visit. Kia recalled 2020–2021 Souls with the 2.0-liter Nu MPI engine because piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, and a 2025 recall covers 2021–2023 Souls whose piston oil rings may have been made incorrectly. Dealers inspect and replace engines as needed and add piston ring noise sensing software. CarComplaints lists the engine dying as the top 2020 problem and also reports transmission failures. [1] [2] [3] [4]

2014–2019 (2nd generation, PS)

Engine trouble dominates owner reports, above all on the 2014. The engine is by far the top NHTSA complaint category for that year, with owners describing sudden power loss, stalling, knocking and limp mode, and CarComplaints lists knocking as the top 2014 problem. Kia recalled 2012–2016 Souls with the 1.6-liter GDI engine because high exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter and then the pistons, at worst breaking a connecting rod. Another recall for 2014–2015 Souls addressed engine fire risk and added knock sensor detection software. Kia Soul Forums threads also describe 2015 engine failures. [5] [6] [7] [8]

2010–2013 (1st generation, AM)

The 2012 and 2013 with the 1.6-liter GDI engine fall under the same catalytic converter recall as later cars, and NHTSA complaints for the 2012 mention stalling, oil use and engine failure. Steering is the other large category, with owners describing a clunk and play when turning that many tie to a worn flexible coupling in the electric power steering, and CarComplaints ranks clunking when turning first for 2012. Recalls also cover a sunroof headliner plate that could detach during a curtain air bag deployment and an ABS control unit that could short and cause a fire. The 2010–2011 draw fewer complaints. [9] [10]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup and confirm every engine campaign that applies, from the catalytic converter recall on 2012–2016 cars to the piston ring recalls on 2020–2023 cars.
Ask for records of engine inspections, replacements, software updates and regular oil changes.
Listen for knocking as the engine warms, turn the wheel at a stop to check for clunks, and on the drive watch for warning lights, hesitation or power loss.

Sources (10) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner opinions · Reddit

What Kia Soul owners say on Reddit

Summarized from public threads

SummaryPros & consThreads

Reddit opinions on the Kia Soul are mixed. Some owners say their cars have passed 140,000 miles with only small repairs, and one family had Kia replace a seized engine for free long after the warranty ran out. Others describe oil burning on older engines that led to worn rings, a rebuild and a new catalytic converter. Commenters also point out that the 10-year powertrain warranty does not carry over to a second owner unless the car is certified, and that the model ended after 2025.

Pros

Some owners report 140,000 miles or more with modest repair bills
Roomy and easy to drive, which suits new drivers
Strong warranty for the first owner

Cons

Oil burning on older engines, sometimes ending in a rebuild
Long powertrain warranty does not transfer to used buyers unless certified
Higher-mileage used examples make many shoppers nervous

First car: Kia Soul vs. Nissan Kicks vs. Chevy Trax vs. Mazda CX-30 r/whatcarshouldIbuy · 2026-09-15
getting my first car and my dad only is wanting a kia r/whatcarshouldIbuy · 2026-05-20
Dealing with regular oil consumption (2015 Kia Soul, 114,000 miles) r/kiasoul · 2024-07-05

Opinions of individual owners, summarized in our own words. Not verified data; check recalls and complaints above.

Owner complaints · by model year

Soul complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Electric Soul versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

5,581complaints, 2010–2025

273mention a crash

324mention a fire

265injuries reported

8complaints report a death

Most complaints: 2015 (904), 2014 (903), 2016 (822)

2015 · 904 complaints

Crashes 36 · fires 83 · injuries 32 · complaints reporting a death 1

Engine629

Unknown or other108

Electrical system76

Fuel/propulsion system76

Power train62

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Soul CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 67 Soul versions for model years 2010–2025 (gas and electric). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 287 g/mi (2025). Electric versions have none at the tailpipe. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

AM2010–2013

25–28 mpg · CO₂ 317–355 g/mi

PS2014–2020

26–28 mpg · 105–114 MPGe electric · CO₂ 0–344 g/mi

SK32020–2025

27–31 mpg · CO₂ 287–332 g/mi

Model year2025

31combined MPG

287CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,150EPA yearly fuel cost

6/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

6/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2025: Soul Eco dynamics · Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L — 31 MPG · 287 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasElectric

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Soul vs Honda Fit vs Nissan Versa

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2010–2013. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the Soul, against 14 for the Honda Fit and 13 for the Nissan Versa. Pick a range to compare.

Kia SoulPS

Model years 2014–2019

NHTSA recall campaigns: 9
NHTSA owner complaints: 3,279
EPA combined mpg: 26–28
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.6, 2.0 L · Electric
Also listed: turbo
Drive (EPA): FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2019)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Engine and cooling 2,413
Electrical system 300
Fuel system 255

Honda Fit

Model years 2014–2019

NHTSA recall campaigns: 13
NHTSA owner complaints: 699
EPA combined mpg: 31–36
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.5 L
Drive (EPA): FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2019)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Electrical system 266
Fuel system 164
Engine and cooling 101

Nissan Versa

Model years 2014–2019

NHTSA recall campaigns: 10
NHTSA owner complaints: 861
EPA combined mpg: 29–35
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 1.6 L
Drive (EPA): FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 4★ overall (2019)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Powertrain (transmission, driveline) 272
Air bags 137
Engine and cooling 136

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Kia Soul VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a Soul

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Grey Kia Soul (second generation) hatchback, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

Locate the Soul's VIN on the plate at the base of the driver's side windshield. The tall boxy body design means the B-pillar label is easy to access, check it alongside the standard door jamb sticker. Soul Electric adds a battery housing label. The SK3 generation starts with the 2020 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (L for 2020) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Kia Soul VIN questions

Which Kia Soul model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2015 leads with 904, ahead of the 2014 (903) and 2016 (822). Those first two alone make up 32% of the 5,581 Soul complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Kia Soul had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 18 vehicle campaigns for model years 2010–2025, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, PS leads with 9. Then come the AM (5) and SK3 (5), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Kia Soul recalls are high risk?

NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 10V-388, 23V-652, 19V-120, 20V-750, 23V-218, 21V-259, 25V-099 and 23V-531. Park-outside advisories came with 23V-652 and 23V-531. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which Soul generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the AM is 2010–2013 and the PS 2014–2019. SK3 spans 2020–2025. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (L is 2020).

What fuel economy does the Kia Soul get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2020–2025 SK3 at 27–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 25–28 mpg for the 2010–2013 AM (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Kia Soul compare with the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa on recalls?

For 2014–2019 models the Soul has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Honda Fit has 13, the Nissan Versa 10. Complaints run 3,279, 699 and 861 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Kia Soul have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Soul 4 stars overall. One version, FWD, is rated.

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