Kia Soul reliability
The Kia Soul fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 20.5% of 10,497 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
13 DVSA recalls for the Kia Soul
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Kia HECU Fuse Replacement
The HECU hydraulic electronic control unit of affected vehicles equipped with Anti-lock Brake Systems ABS and Electronic Stability Control ESC could leak internally and cause an electrical short over time. In extreme cases the HECU could overheat with a possible risk of an under bonnet fire.
Fix: The recall will replace the fuses in the junction box with a lower rated version.
Recalled models: Soul AM · 9,216 vehicles
Kia Soul SK3 Curtain Airbag Recall
On affected vehicles unintended deployment of the curtain air bags may occur due to a welding issue within the hybrid inflator.
Fix: On the affected vehicles carry out inspection of curtain air bags and replace if necessary
Recalled models: SOUL SK3 EV · 14 vehicles
The park mechanism within the Gear Drive Unit (GDU) might fail to engage when Park is selected
The park mechanism within the Gear Drive Unit (GDU) might fail to engage when �Park� is selected�
Fix: Upgrade the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) for automatic activation when the gear shift lever is moved to the Park position. This will prevent unintended vehicle movement or rolling away when parked in case of transmission pawl failure.�
Recalled models: SOUL PS EV · 975 vehicles
Kia Soul PS EV Battery Management System Upgrade
On affected vehicles the battery management system may not detect a battery cell abnormality within the high-voltage battery pack
Fix: On affected vehicles the battery management system software will be updated and if necessary the battery management system and associated wiring will be replaced to allow this update to be carried out. After update is completed If a warning is then activated the High Voltage battery will also need to be replaced.
Recalled models: SOUL PS EV · 610 vehicles
A potential coolant leak in the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) could cause a loss of power whilst driving.
A potential coolant leak in the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) could cause a loss of power whilst driving.�
Fix: Inspect the EPCU and if a coolant leak is detected replace the unit.�
Recalled models: SOUL EV · 1,132 vehicles
Damage can occur in the air bag control unit
Damage can occur within the vehicles Air Bag Control unit causing the warning light to be displayed and the Air Bag system deactivated.
Fix: Inspect the vehicles if the Air Bag warning light is already illuminated replace the control unit. If it is not update the software in the unit.
Recalled models: SOUL · 3,803 vehicles
In the event of a frontal collision the front impact sensors could become disconnected and the air bags may not activate as expected
In the event of a frontal collision the front impact sensors could become disconnected and the air bags may not activate as expected.
Fix: Update the software in the Air Bag Control (ACU) the improved collision algorithm will ensure that airbags deploy properly in the event of a collision.
Recalled models: SOUL · 2,801 vehicles
The vehicle's integrated electronic brake motor control software logic can automatically disable motor operation upon detection of an abnormal sensor signal
The vehicle�s Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) motor control software logic can automatically disable motor operation upon detection of an abnormal sensor signal.
Fix: Update the software controlling the IEB.
Recalled models: SOUL SK3 EV · 1,834 vehicles
Vehicle may roll away if the electronic parking brake is not applied when switching off the vehicle in park.
Vehicle may roll away if the electronic park brake is not applied when switching off the vehicle in park
Fix: Update the software controlling the EPB so that it applies automatically when the car is switched off in Park
Recalled models: SOUL EV · 309 vehicles
Loss of directional control
An abnormal noise may occur at the steering gear box when moving the steering wheel to right or left due to pinion plug nut loosening. If the concern is not resolved the pinion could lose contact with the rack leading to a loss of steering.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check steering shaft for up/down movement if there is no movement secure existing pinion plug with additional set screw. If movement is detected replace the pinion plug and cover.
Recalled models: SOUL · 5,854 vehicles
Steering rack may fail
Noise emanating from steering gearbox when turning steering wheel. This can cause premature wear eventually leading to failure
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the steering gear box pinion plug bolt and dust cap assembly with new ones
Recalled models: SOUL · 20 vehicles
Drivers seat belt may not operate correctly following a collision
It has been identified that the pre-tensioner may not function correctly during a collision. This could cause additional injuries during a collision.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check the pre-tensioner and replace if required.
Recalled models: SOUL · 7,219 vehicles
Brake lights may malfunction
The vehicles brake lights may intermittently malfunction due to carbonisation of the contacts within the brake light switch. This can also affect other systems on the vehicle including: ESC cruise control gear selection (autoboxes) engine check lamp.
Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the brake light switch.
Recalled models: SOUL · 40,769 vehicles
Checking a Kia Soul before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.