Is My Kia Soul a Lemon?

The Kia Soul is a popular vehicle manufactured in South Korea and sold in the United States. Often described as a “crossover hatchback,” the Soul provides the interior space of a hatchback and the handling of an SUV. 

The Soul was first released in 2008 and has become popular in the North American market, according to Kia. However, issues with Kia Soul vehicles continue to persist. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received fifteen complaints from Kia Soul owners as of May 2025. Several recalls have also been issued.

If you’re having problems with your Kia Soul, speak to an experienced California lemon law attorney today. The team at Wirtz Law APC can help. Get started by filling out our online form. Or, call us at (858) 259-5009, and we’d be happy to help get you started on the process. 

Common Problems With the Kia Soul That May Mean You Have a Lemon

The NHTSA tracks consumer complaints, opens investigations, and offers recall information for vehicles in the US, including the Kia Soul. Information from the NHTSA reveals a long list of complaints, investigations, and recalls involving Kia Soul vehicles. 

Fire risk when parked. In February 2025, the 2023 Kia Soul was recalled due to an urgent risk of fire when the vehicle is parked. A recall of nearly 40,000 2023 Kia Soul, Sportage, and Seltos vehicles focused on an issue with the electronics controlling the oil pump assembly. Damaged electrical components could cause the assembly to overheat, causing a fire.

Airbag problems. In December 2023, nearly 3,000 2023 Kia Soul vehicles were recalled because the side curtain airbags could inflate unexpectedly, surprising owners and increasing the risk of an injury or a crash.

Engine defects leading to a risk of fire. Defects in the manufacture of the vehicle’s piston oil rings can cause engine damage, which can result in a fire. The recall affects over 137,000 Kia Soul and Kia Seltos vehicles in model years 2021-2023.

Blank displays. In April 2023, nearly 109,000 Kia Soul, Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, Niro Hybrid, Niro Plug-In Hybrid, and Telluride vehicles were recalled because the LCD readouts could go blank. When the readouts do not work correctly, drivers may not know if the vehicle has a critical safety problem, such as low tire pressure, low oil, or engine overheating. Without this information, drivers cannot act to prevent damage to their vehicle or protect their own safety. Defects in the manufacture of the vehicle’s piston oil rings can cause engine damage, which can result in a fire. The recall affects over 137,000 Kia Soul and Kia Seltos vehicles in model years 2021-2023.

Owner complaints: backover prevention failures, power train and engine problems, and more. As of May 2025, the NHTSA reported fifteen complaints from owners of the 2024 Kia Soul. Owners reported several vehicle issues, including rear-view camera failures, engine compartment fires, and problems with vehicle readouts. 

Other issues can occur as well. If your Kia Soul has problems that the dealership can’t seem to fix, talk to an experienced California lemon law attorney right away. 

California Lemon Law Protections for Kia Soul Owners

California lemon law protects those who own or lease Kia Soul vehicles when:

• One or more defects “substantially impair” your “use, value, or safety” regarding the vehicle, and
• The automaker cannot repair the defects after a “reasonable number” of repair attempts. 

A “reasonable number” of repair attempts may be as few as two. 

If your Kia Soul is a lemon, the automaker must buy back your vehicle or provide a “substantially similar” replacement vehicle. The automaker may also be responsible for paying two other categories of costs: your “incidental and consequential” costs, like towing fees, and your attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses for your lemon law attorney. 

The Kia Soul is a popular choice for those who need a reliable vehicle with plenty of room for people and cargo. Dangerous defects in the Kia Soul can jeopardize you, your family, and everyone else on the road. 

Contact The Wirtz Law APC Team For Your Kia Soul Today

Regardless of where you purchased your vehicle and where in California you reside, we are here to help you obtain the compensation you well deserve. Give us a call today at (858) 259-5009. You can also start filling out an online intake form, and we will be happy to begin the process with you.

If you find yourself stuck with a lemon car on your hands, it may be time to talk to the team at Wirtz Law APC. Our top-rated lemon law attorneys will work hard to protect your rights under California’s lemon law. We will craft a compelling case on your behalf to fight for the compensation you deserve.

We have proudly served our Southern California communities, including Los Angeles County, Beverly Hills, Orange County, and San Diego. We also have years of experience representing clients from the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Central California, and as far north as Shasta County.