Free used car buyer guide / PS / 2014-2019
Kia Soul common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.3/10
3 walk-away risks, 2 serious faults, 3 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 1.6 gdi catalytic converter overheating / engine damage recall. Score methodology.
The PS Soul is cheap, roomy and easy to park, but the worst cars are cheap because engine and airbag recalls followed them for years. The main expensive traps are the 1.6 GDI catalytic-converter overheating recall, 2014-2015 engine-compartment fire recall, steering pinion plug recall, airbag control-unit recalls, oil consumption and neglected automatic/DCT behavior. The safest petrol buy is a 2017-2019 2.0 with clean airbag recall status, steady oil level and no catalyst/misfire codes; the safest city commuter is a well-documented Soul EV if battery range still fits the job. Owners should not ignore catalyst codes, knock or airbag lights because these are the Soul faults that change safety and resale.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
1.6 GDI catalytic
Best years
2017-2019
Best buys
- 2017-2019 2.0 petrol with clean oil use, no P0420/P030x and closed airbag recall.
- 2018-2019 Soul EV with realistic battery range and documented HV battery checks.
- Manual 1.6 only when 19V120 is complete and catalyst health is proven.
Inspect hard
- 2014-2016 1.6 GDI for catalytic converter recall completion and engine damage.
- 2014-2015 2.0 for 20V750 engine fire recall status.
- 2014-2016 steering recall completion and any airbag warning.
Avoid
- P0420 plus misfires, rattling catalyst or engine knock.
- Airbag light on, steering clunk after recall, or broken accelerator pedal feel.
- Oil consumption without a written test history.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Kia Soul viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Kia Soul should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
1.6 Gamma GDI
2014-2016 mainly base trims
RISKY WITHOUT 19V120 PROOF
This engine is tied directly to the catalytic-converter overheating recall. A healthy one is cheap transport; a neglected one can destroy the catalyst, pistons and engine.
2.0 Nu petrol
2014-2019
BEST PETROL CHOICE
The 2.0 is the better used choice when oil consumption is controlled and recall status is clean. It still needs catalyst, misfire and oil-level checks because cheap Souls are often neglected.
1.6 T-GDI turbo
2017-2019 Exclaim
FUN BUT INSPECT TRANSMISSION
The turbo Soul is genuinely quick, but heat, direct injection and dual-clutch driving behavior make it a worse blind buy than the simple 2.0. It needs a proper stop-start DCT test.
Soul EV
2015-2019
CITY-ONLY VALUE BUY
The EV avoids the petrol engine recalls but shifts the risk to battery degradation and range. Buy it for predictable short trips after verifying battery health and real-world range.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2014
PS generation launch; steering, accelerator pedal, airbag and engine-fire recall exposure is highest.
Buyer: Cheap only if every recall is closed and engine/catalyst data is clean.
Owner: Keep recall paperwork; 2014 Souls are judged on proof.
2015
Soul EV arrives; 2.0 and 1.6 petrol cars still carry recall concerns.
Buyer: EV buyers check battery range; petrol buyers check 20V750 and 19V120 status.
Owner: Treat airbag or steering lights as urgent.
2016
Last year for 1.6 recall population; steering recall still relevant.
Buyer: Only buy 1.6 with 19V120 complete and no catalyst/misfire codes.
Owner: If P0420 appears, document it before replacing parts.
2017
Refresh and turbo Exclaim arrive; later airbag-control recall affects 2017-2019.
Buyer: The 2.0 is the sensible pick; turbo needs DCT and heat checks.
Owner: Close 22V031 airbag recall and keep DCT software/service records.
2018
Mature refresh year with strong 2.0 supply.
Buyer: Best overall year when airbag recall is closed and oil use is normal.
Owner: Keep oil-level logs; resale buyers know Kia engine stories.
2019
Final PS year before redesign.
Buyer: Preferred late buy, but do not ignore airbag recall or oil/catalyst monitors.
Owner: Final-year value depends on clean warning lights and service records.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
1.6 GDI catalytic converter overheating / engine damage recall
Affects
2014-2016 Soul 1.6 GDI under 19V120.
Symptoms
P0420, catalyst rattle, poor power, misfire, knock, stall, excessive heat under floor.
Typical repair cost
Recall software free; EUR 700-1,800 catalyst; EUR 4,000-8,000+ engine if uncovered.
Codes / scan clues
P0420, P0300-P0304, catalyst efficiency and misfire codes.
Root cause: High exhaust temperatures damage the catalyst; substrate debris and abnormal combustion can damage pistons/rods.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 19V120 completion.
- Scan catalyst and misfire codes with readiness monitors.
- Listen for converter rattle and engine knock.
- Check power delivery on a full warm drive.
Buyer note
A 1.6 Soul with catalyst symptoms is not a cheap commuter.
Owner note
Use Kia diagnosis before replacing the converter privately.
Fault 2
2014-2015 engine compartment fire recall
Affects
Certain 2014-2015 Soul under 20V750.
Symptoms
Burning smell, smoke, engine warning, recall open.
Typical repair cost
Recall free; EUR 1,000-5,000+ if fire/engine damage exists.
Codes / scan clues
Engine and knock/catalyst faults vary.
Root cause: Kia recall identifies an engine-compartment fire risk while driving.
Quick check
- Run 20V750 by VIN.
- Inspect engine bay for heat marks or non-factory repairs.
- Smell after warm drive.
- Check service record for recall completion.
Buyer note
Fire-recall uncertainty is not acceptable on a budget car.
Owner note
Complete the recall and keep the paperwork.
Fault 3
Steering pinion plug recall
Affects
2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV under 17V608.
Symptoms
Steering clunk, looseness, recall open, abnormal play.
Typical repair cost
Recall free; EUR 500-1,500 steering gear repair outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
EPS faults possible; mechanical play matters.
Root cause: Pinion plug may allow pinion gear separation from steering gear assembly.
Quick check
- Run 17V608 recall status.
- Rock steering gently with engine on/off and listen for clunk.
- Road test for wander or dead spot.
- Inspect steering gear for prior work.
Buyer note
Any steering play must be resolved before purchase.
Owner note
Close recall and do not ignore new clunks after repair.
Fault 4
Airbag control unit recalls
Affects
2014 Soul under 22V096; 2017-2019 Soul/Soul EV under 22V031.
Symptoms
Airbag warning light, non-deployment risk, recall open.
Typical repair cost
Recall free; EUR 500-1,500 ACU repair outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
SRS/ACU communication and crash-sensor faults.
Root cause: ACU communication or circuit damage can prevent airbag deployment.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 22V096 or 22V031.
- Confirm SRS light proves out then turns off.
- Scan SRS module; generic scanners may miss this.
- Reject cars with taped/hidden warning lights.
Buyer note
An airbag light on a Soul is a safety fault, not a negotiation line.
Owner note
Do not delay SRS recalls; crash protection is the point of the car.
Fault 5
Oil consumption on 2.0 and 1.6 petrol engines
Affects
2014-2019 petrol Soul, especially poor service history.
Symptoms
Low oil, blue smoke, catalyst codes, chain rattle, rough idle.
Typical repair cost
EUR 200-600 testing/PCV; EUR 2,000-6,000+ engine work if severe.
Codes / scan clues
P0420, P030x, oil pressure warnings.
Root cause: Ring deposits, wear and neglected oil changes allow oil burning and catalyst damage.
Quick check
- Check oil level before start.
- Ask for consumption records.
- Watch exhaust on restart and decel.
- Scan catalyst/misfire readiness.
Buyer note
A low-oil Soul should be treated as engine-risk stock.
Owner note
Track oil every 1,000 km and start a formal oil test early.
Fault 6
Turbo DCT shudder / clutch wear
Affects
2017-2019 Soul Exclaim 1.6T with dual-clutch transmission.
Symptoms
Judder from stop, delayed engagement, heat smell, harsh low-speed shifts.
Typical repair cost
EUR 300-700 adaptation/diagnosis; EUR 1,500-3,000+ clutch/mechatronic repair.
Codes / scan clues
Transmission temperature/adaptation/clutch actuator faults.
Root cause: Dry-clutch DCT heat and wear from creeping traffic.
Quick check
- Test cold stop-start traffic.
- Reverse slowly up a slight incline.
- Scan transmission module.
- Ask about clutch or software updates.
Buyer note
The turbo is fun only if the DCT behaves perfectly.
Owner note
Avoid holding the car on hills with throttle.
Fault 7
Soul EV battery degradation
Affects
2015-2019 Soul EV.
Symptoms
Reduced range, rapid state-of-charge drop, weak heat/AC range impact.
Typical repair cost
Warranty may cover qualifying loss; EUR 4,000-10,000+ battery repair/replacement otherwise.
Codes / scan clues
BMS cell-voltage and isolation faults.
Root cause: Small early EV pack loses usable capacity with age, heat and charging history.
Quick check
- Start at full charge and compare displayed range with real drive.
- Scan BMS state of health if possible.
- Check battery warranty and replacement history.
- Test heat/AC load impact.
Buyer note
A cheap Soul EV is excellent only if its remaining range fits your actual route.
Owner note
Use moderate charging and keep range records for warranty claims.
Fault 8
Accelerator pedal fracture recall
Affects
Certain 2014-2015 Soul and Soul EV under 15V123.
Symptoms
Pedal flex, cracked pedal section, recall open.
Typical repair cost
Recall free; EUR 100-300 pedal replacement outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Accelerator position faults possible if damage affects sensor.
Root cause: A section of the accelerator pedal may bend and fracture.
Quick check
- Run 15V123 recall status.
- Inspect pedal arm and hinge.
- Press through full travel and feel for flex.
- Scan for pedal-position faults.
Buyer note
Small repair, big signal: old safety recalls should be closed by now.
Owner note
Do not drive with a flexing pedal.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Recall printout for 19V120, 20V750, 17V608, 15V123, 22V096 and 22V031.
- Oil-change and oil-consumption records.
- Catalytic converter or engine replacement paperwork.
- Soul EV battery health report if applicable.
Walk around
- Check exhaust smell, catalyst rattle, oil level and engine bay heat marks.
- Inspect steering rack area and tires for uneven wear.
- Look for crash repairs that may affect SRS.
- Check charging port and cable on EV.
In the car
- Confirm airbag light proves out.
- Check pedal feel and steering play.
- Scan engine, SRS and transmission/BMS modules.
- Test infotainment, camera and HVAC.
Test drive
- Warm drive for catalyst/misfire symptoms.
- Stop-start DCT test on turbo.
- Listen for knock after hot restart.
- EV range drop test with heat/AC on.
Scan tool
- Read P0420, P030x and readiness monitors.
- SRS-specific scan, not generic OBD only.
- Transmission scan for DCT cars.
- BMS SOH scan for EV.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2017-2019 2.0 petrol with closed airbag recall, clean catalyst monitors and normal oil use, or a Soul EV only when its measured range suits your commute.
Avoid: Avoid 2014-2016 1.6 cars without 19V120 proof, any Soul with airbag light on, catalyst/misfire codes, engine knock or severe oil consumption.
Quick answers
Kia Soul buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Kia Soul 2014-2019 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 1.6 GDI catalytic converter overheating / engine damage recall; 2014-2015 engine compartment fire recall; Steering pinion plug recall. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Kia Soul years are the best to buy?
2017-2019 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2017-2019 2.0 petrol with closed airbag recall, clean catalyst monitors and normal oil use, or a Soul EV only when its measured range suits your commute.
Which Kia Soul should I avoid?
Avoid 2014-2016 1.6 cars without 19V120 proof, any Soul with airbag light on, catalyst/misfire codes, engine knock or severe oil consumption.
Is the Kia Soul 2014-2019 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.3/10 (buy with checks). 3 walk-away risks, 2 serious faults, 3 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 1.6 gdi catalytic converter overheating / engine damage recall.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Kia Soul guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCRN-19V120-1974.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RMISC-19V120-6176.pdf
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- carcomplaints.com: engine-18.shtml
- aboutautomobile.com: Engine
- motorverso.com: kia-soul-problems
- carcomplaints.com: Soul_EV
- nhtsa.gov: recalls
- carcomplaints.com: 2014
- carcomplaints.com: engine
- carcomplaints.com: 2017
- kia-forums.com: kia-soul-forum.68
- kia-forums.com: kia-soul-ev.430