Generations
PS — First Generation
2009–2020
1.6 CRDi, 1.6 GDI, 1.6 MPI, Electric
Top issues to watch for
The most serious Kia Soul problems ranked by severity. We track 8 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.
Major
DPF issues (PS)
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) on 1.6 CRDi engines blocks with soot when used primarily for short urban journeys. The system requires regular high-temperature regeneration cycles that cannot complete during stop-start driving. Blocked DPF units cause reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and limp mode activation. This is exacerbated by the Soul's typical use as an urban runabout where the DPF never reaches optimal operating temperature.
What happens if ignoredComplete DPF blockage causes limp mode and potential engine damage from excessive back-pressure. DPF replacement costs £500-1500 including labour. Professional cleaning services cost £200-400 but may not be effective on severely blocked units. The car remains driveable with reduced performance until complete failure occurs.
Independent garage
£500–£1,200
Specialist
£600–£1,400
Main dealer
£800–£1,500
Parts only
£400–£900
Major
Premature ball joint failure (PS)
Front lower ball joints fail prematurely on the Soul, with MOT data showing failure rates 18.8x higher than the fleet average. The joints separate rubber seals allowing contamination and rapid wear of the bearing surfaces. This affects both steering precision and safety, with complete separation causing loss of steering control. The design appears undersized for the vehicle's weight and road conditions, with replacement joints showing similar longevity issues.
What happens if ignoredComplete ball joint separation causes immediate loss of steering control and potential wheel collapse. Worn joints cause irregular tyre wear, steering instability, and MOT failure. Replacement requires specialist press tools and wheel alignment. The car should not be driven with severely worn ball joints due to safety risk.
Independent garage
£200–£350
Specialist
£250–£400
Main dealer
£300–£500
Parts only
£80–£150
Major
Universal joint deterioration (PS)
The CV joints and flexible couplings in the driveshaft system deteriorate at 14.3x the fleet average rate, particularly on petrol variants. The rubber boots protecting the joints split prematurely allowing contamination of the bearing surfaces. This leads to clicking during turning, vibration under acceleration, and eventual joint seizure. The issue appears related to poor boot material quality and inadequate protection from road debris.
What happens if ignoredComplete CV joint failure causes loss of drive to the affected wheel and potential damage to the differential. Worn joints cause vibration, noise, and uneven power delivery. Joint replacement requires driveshaft removal and specialist tools. The car remains driveable with worn joints but deterioration accelerates rapidly once contamination occurs.
Independent garage
£250–£400
Specialist
£300–£500
Main dealer
£400–£650
Parts only
£120–£250
Major
Brake caliper binding (PS)
Brake calipers bind at 204.0x the fleet average rate, causing uneven braking force and brake drag. The rear sliding caliper design is particularly susceptible to seizure when exposed to salt corrosion and inadequate servicing. Binding calipers cause rapid brake pad wear, disc overheating, and reduced fuel economy due to constant drag. The issue affects all variants including electric models where it impacts range significantly.
What happens if ignoredBinding calipers cause rapid brake pad and disc wear, overheating, and potential brake failure. Severe binding can cause brake fires and complete system failure. Replacement calipers cost £150-300 per corner plus labour. The car should not be driven with severely binding calipers due to fire risk.
Independent garage
£200–£350
Specialist
£250–£400
Main dealer
£300–£500
Parts only
£100–£200
4 more known issues tracked
Including further major faults, wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems. Check a specific car to see which issues apply to its age and mileage.
Check a specific car →MOT failure hotspots
Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Kia Soul fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.
Parking brake inefficient
Brakes · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 160x the fleet average
Sample: 876 tests
Headlight fault
Lights & Electrics · 0-20k miles
MOT failure rate: 38x the fleet average
Sample: 3,252 tests
Excessive wear or play in a universal joint or ...
Steering · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 28x the fleet average
Sample: 14,937 tests
Fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective ...
Bodywork · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 24x the fleet average
Sample: 2,931 tests
Track rod ends worn
Steering · 100-120k miles
MOT failure rate: 18x the fleet average
Sample: 3,647 tests
Coil springs broken
Brakes · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 17x the fleet average
Sample: 3,847 tests
Buying a Kia Soul?
Check a specific car's service history to see if it's been looked after — franchised dealer records with dates, mileage, and work done.
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Related
Kia Soul reliability FAQs
What are the most common problems with the Kia Soul?
The Kia Soul has 8 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most common problems relate to DPF issues (PS) and Premature ball joint failure (PS).
Is the Kia Soul reliable?
The Kia Soul has 0 dangerous and 5 major known issues. No dangerous issues are tracked, which is a positive sign.
How much does it cost to fix Kia Soul problems?
Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (DPF issues (PS)) costs £500–£1,200 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.