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Kia Soul: which year should you buy?

Across the 2011 to 2023 model years, the public record is strongest on the 2022 (75/100). Every year below is scored on its own NHTSA complaint and recall history. Pick the year, not just the nameplate.

Best years to target

2022 75 · 2019 75 · 2018 72 · 2017 72

Every model year, scored

Same math for every year (how we score). A neutral Unproven or Too New stamp means too few owner reports are on file to affirm the year, not that it’s clean.

202364/100
Caution

48 complaints · 4 recalls · ⚠ park-it recall

202275/100
Buybest year

87 complaints · 1 recalls

202169/100
Buy

220 complaints · 2 recalls

202065/100
Caution

357 complaints · 1 recalls

201975/100
Buy

131 complaints · 1 recalls

201872/100
Buy

209 complaints · 1 recalls

201772/100
Buy

268 complaints · 1 recalls

201661/100
Caution

800 complaints · 2 recalls

201555/100
Caution

897 complaints · 4 recalls

201456/100
Caution

890 complaints · 5 recalls

201362/100
Caution

657 complaints · 3 recalls · ⚠ park-it recall

201264/100
Caution

512 complaints · 3 recalls · ⚠ park-it recall

201164/100
Caution

193 complaints · 3 recalls · ⚠ park-it recall

Zeroing in on the 2022?

The full year-by-year verdict is free. When you’re ready to inspect and negotiate one specific car, the Full Report turns the 2022 Kia Soul’s complaint breakdown and recall list into an inspection-ready, shareable PDF.

Recalls, complaint breakdown & inspection checklist, all in a shareable PDF

Cross-shopping a different nameplate? Compare the 2023 Kia Soul head-to-head →

The fine print: each year’s verdict is computed from public NHTSA complaint and recall records for the Kia Soul as a model, not for any individual car. A well-kept example of a weaker year can outlast a neglected strong one. Informational only, so always get a professional pre-purchase inspection.