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Kia Soul Mk1 (AM) (2009-2013) reliability

At a glance

Kia Soul Mk1 (AM) built around 2013: about average at the MOT

Kia Soul Mk1 (AM) models built around 2013 fail their MOT a little more often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Kia Soul Mk1 (AM) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

29% of MOT tests on Kia Soul Mk1 (AM) models built around 2013 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Soul Mk1 (AM) models built around 2013 involves the tyres.

Kia Soul Mk1 (AM)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2009-2013HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 15,003 tests of Soul models registered 2009-2013.

About 1 in 15 Soul Mk1 (AM) MOTs (7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2013 (12 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,816 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 Soul Mk1 (AM) MOTs (7.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2013 (12 years old).

Based on 1,816 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (AM) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
78727.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,81628.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
3,06730.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
4,55130.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
3,34732.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,43534.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 16 years old.

How the Soul Mk1 (AM) compares

At each age below, see how the Soul Mk1 (AM) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 80,939 tests across 11 Kia models, built around 2013 (12 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
78727.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,81628.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
3,06730.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
4,55130.5%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
3,34732.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,43534.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Steering track rods

Worth checking

On a flat surface, rock the steering wheel briefly with the engine off and listen for clunks.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Soul Mk1 (AM).

  1. 1

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.4%
    Dangerous
    5.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 18.2%, against 28.8% for the Kia Soul Mk1 (AM), both built around 2013.

    4,671 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  2. 2

    Honda Fit

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.1%

    Lower fail rate: 16.1%, against 28.8% for the Kia Soul Mk1 (AM), both built around 2013.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,015 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  3. 3

    Audi A7

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.6%
    Dangerous
    5.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.3%

    Lower fail rate: 15.0%, against 28.8% for the Kia Soul Mk1 (AM), both built around 2013.

    1,796 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  4. 4

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 21.3%, against 28.8% for the Kia Soul Mk1 (AM), both built around 2013.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    10,569 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

95%of all Kia Soul cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

13 recalls in all

7 of the 13 Soul Mk1 (AM) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Kia HECU fuse replacement
  • In the event of a frontal collision the front impact sensors could become disconnected and the air bags may not activate
  • Loss of directional control

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Soul Mk1 (AM) cars have aged

How Soul Mk1 (AM) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%810121416Age at MOTBuilt around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (952 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (980 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (988 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (949 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (958 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (1,391 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (1,430 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (1,374 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (1,343 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (1,315 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (3,225 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (3,120 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (3,035 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (2,841 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (2,749 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (2,482 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (2,504 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (2,353 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (2,251 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (2,031 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (1,919 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (1,822 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (1,762 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (1,548 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (1,435 tests, 2025 data)2009
First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010
Mk1 (AM) variants compared

Soul Mk1 (AM) variants built around 2013

The fail rate for each Soul Mk1 (AM) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • SOUL28.9%1,175 tests

Petrol

  • SOUL28.5%641 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Kia Souls of this age

This list covers every Kia Soul built around 2013, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (AM) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    21.6%
    Advisory: 555Fail: 50 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    17.1%
    Advisory: 287Fail: 126 (31% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Track rod end ball joint has slight play

    15.1%
    Advisory: 143Fail: 177 (55% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    13.5%
    Advisory: 390Fail: 45 (10% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.4%
    Advisory: 290Fail: 43 (13% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,816 tests

Looking at a Kia Soul Mk1 (AM) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2013 (12 years old), the Kia Soul Mk1 (AM) (2009-2013) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,816 12-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 15,003 MOT tests on Kia Souls first registered between 2009-2013. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.