Used buying checklist
KIA Soul reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used KIA Soul looks about average for reliability in UK MOT data: 19.5% of 28,529 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 19.5% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 64,350 miles
- 5,574 failed MOT tests analysed
Suspension and steering is the clearest area to check
Suspension and steering is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (27.6 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt, ball joint excessively worn, and ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
- ball joint excessively worn
- ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
- ball joint has excessive play
- excessively corroded
- corroded and seriously weakened
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- ferrule excessively corroded
- damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
- provides insufficient washer liquid
Focus on suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
The model's recorded failure rate is 19.5%, +0.8 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed28,529 tests
- Median tested mileage64,350 miles
- Failed MOT tests5,574
Should you buy a used KIA Soul?
80.5% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 19.5%, +0.8 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
- suspension and steering appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Suspension and steering is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (27.6 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the KIA Soul, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and lights and electrical.
The MOT failure rate rises from 33.3% at 0-3 years to 26.2% at 10-15 years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (27.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (26.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (8.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (6.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (5.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the KIA Soul, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and lights and electrical.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Suspension and steering is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (27.6 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the KIA Soul mainly involve 4 areas: suspension and steering, seatbelts and safety systems, lights and electrical, and brakes. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the KIA Soul, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and lights and electrical. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 9,678 | 8,448 | 10.6%-0.2 percentage points vs all models | 34,098 miles |
| 50-100k | 13,826 | 10,467 | 22.4%+1.7 percentage points vs all models | 72,417 miles |
| 100-150k | 4,400 | 3,130 | 29.1%+2.9 percentage points vs all models | 115,220 miles |
| 150-200k | 452 | 308 | 32.5%+5.2 percentage points vs all models | 163,891 miles |
| 200k+ | 52 | 30 | 40.4%+13.8 percentage points vs all models | 213,911 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the KIA Soul, MOT records most often point to suspension and steering, corrosion and structure, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 33.3% at 0-3 years to 26.2% at 10-15 years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 33.3% for 0-3 years cars, based on 3 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
3 | 2 | 33.3%+24.9 percentage points vs all models | 1.9 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
3,660 | 3,265 | 8.7%-1.8 percentage points vs all models | 5.0 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
10,336 | 8,684 | 14.0%-2.6 percentage points vs all models | 8.0 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
14,530 | 10,548 | 26.2%+2.7 percentage points vs all models | 12.5 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2022-04-11 | 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. 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. |
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| 2022-04-11 | 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. 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. |
| 2016-06-20 | 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. 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. |
| 2014-08-22 | STEERING RACK MAY FAIL Noise emanating from steering gearbox when turning steering wheel. This can cause premature wear eventually leading to failure Recall affected vehicles and replace the steering gear box pinion plug bolt and dust cap assembly with new ones |
| 2014-05-08 | 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. Recall all affected vehicles to check the pre-tensioner and replace if required. |
| 2013-06-01 | 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. Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the brake light switch. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the KIA Soul. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other KIA reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.