At a Glance
The Kia Soul has 21 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the Mk1 (2009-2014) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 219K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Kia Soul common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Kia Soul generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Kia Soul Generations
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Most Common Kia Soul MOT Failures
Every reason Kia Soul vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 12.31% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 12.14% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.24% |
| 4 | Brake pads or linings worn | 8.15% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.70% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.11% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.89% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.71% |
| 9 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 3.34% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 2.96% |
| 11 | Headlamp fault | 2.72% |
| 12 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.60% |
| 13 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.43% |
| 14 | Position lamp not working | 2.30% |
| 15 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 2.19% |
| 16 | Stop lamp not working | 1.63% |
| 17 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.44% |
| 18 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.34% |
| 19 | Driveshaft fault | 0.98% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.96% |
| 21 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.92% |
| 22 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.89% |
| 23 | Track rod end worn | 0.87% |
| 24 | Exhaust system fault | 0.78% |
| 25 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.63% |
| 26 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.55% |
| 27 | Indicator fault | 0.53% |
| 28 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.46% |
| 29 | Brake lever fault | 0.46% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.46% |
| 31 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.42% |
| 32 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.38% |
| 33 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.37% |
| 34 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.37% |
| 35 | ABS fault | 0.33% |
| 36 | Steering rack fault | 0.30% |
| 37 | Fog lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 38 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.20% |
| 39 | Airbag warning light on | 0.20% |
| 40 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.20% |
| 41 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.19% |
| 42 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.17% |
| 43 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 44 | Horn not working | 0.16% |
| 45 | Parking brake condition | 0.15% |
| 46 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 47 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 48 | Brake pedal fault | 0.11% |
| 49 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 50 | Universal joint worn | 0.11% |
| 51 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 52 | Front suspension fault | 0.08% |
| 53 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.08% |
| 54 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.07% |
| 55 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.07% |
| 56 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.07% |
| 57 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 58 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 59 | Driver seat fault | 0.06% |
| 60 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.05% |
| 61 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 62 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 63 | Steering column fault | 0.05% |
| 64 | Towbar fault | 0.05% |
| 65 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 66 | Front passenger door fault | 0.04% |
| 67 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.04% |
| 68 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 69 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 70 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 71 | Transmission oil leak | 0.03% |
| 72 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 73 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.03% |
| 74 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
| 75 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Rear lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 77 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 78 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 79 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 80 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 81 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 82 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 85 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 86 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.02% |
| 88 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 90 | Brake fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 91 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 92 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 94 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 95 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Chassis condition | 0.01% |
| 97 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 99 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.01% |
| 100 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 101 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 102 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 104 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 105 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 106 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 108 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 110 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 111 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 113 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 117 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 122 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 129 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 136 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 137 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 142 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 144 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Kia Soul MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Kia Soul, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Kia Soul problems?
Based on analysis of 219K Kia Soul MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 21 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Track rod end worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Kia Soul generation has the most problems?
The Kia Soul Mk1 (2009-2014) (2009–2014) has the highest number of identified common problems (21). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Kia Soul?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Kia Soul owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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