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Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) (2014-2019) reliability

At a glance

Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) right now?

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

Key figure

13% of MOT tests on Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Kia Soul Mk2 (PS)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2014-2019HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL / ELECTRICITY

Based on 13,606 tests of Soul models registered 2014-2019.

About 1 in 50 Soul Mk2 (PS) MOTs (1.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,007 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 20 Soul Mk2 (PS) MOTs (4.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 2,007 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (PS) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
10115.8%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
1,23612.9%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
2,00713.4%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2,27014.8%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,80718.9%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
3,33520.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,85022.6%

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 11 years old.

How the Soul Mk2 (PS) compares

At each age below, see how the Soul Mk2 (PS) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 105,025 tests across 12 Kia models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
10115.8%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
1,23612.9%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
2,00713.4%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2,27014.8%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,80718.9%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
3,33520.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1,85022.6%

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 pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Brakes

Worth checking

Inspect the brakes carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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 Mk2 (PS).

  1. 1

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.5%

    No clear edge over the Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) on these figures.

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

    3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) on these figures.

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

    50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Fiat 500

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.9%

    No clear edge over the Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,235 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    MG 3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.1%

    No clear edge over the Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) on these figures.

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

    3,383 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
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 Mk2 (PS) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 7 recalls

Top concerns

  • 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
  • Vehicle may roll away if the electronic parking brake is not applied when switching off the vehicle in park.

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

What has gone wrong on Soul Mk2 (PS) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 64 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
3%
Steering
2%

Wear items

Tyres
14%
Lighting
9%
Brakes
6%
How Soul Mk2 (PS) cars have aged

How Soul Mk2 (PS) 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%357911Age at MOTBuilt around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (286 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (277 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (262 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (255 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 9.9% (1,563 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (1,469 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (1,434 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.4% (1,341 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (1,312 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.4% (1,388 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (1,343 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (1,319 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (1,289 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (1,249 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (1,686 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (1,613 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (1,571 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (1,549 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (1,550 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (2,029 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (1,964 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (1,923 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (1,939 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (1,840 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (1,999 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (1,938 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (1,959 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.0% (1,882 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (1,850 tests, 2025 data)2014
First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016
Mk2 (PS) variants compared

Soul Mk2 (PS) variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each Soul Mk2 (PS) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • SOUL12.0%938 tests

Diesel

  • SOUL12.9%698 tests

Electricity

  • SOUL17.8%371 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Kia Souls of this age

This list covers every Kia Soul built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (PS) 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

    14.8%
    Advisory: 427Fail: 30 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.9%
    Advisory: 382Fail: 31 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.6%
    Advisory: 193Fail: 33 (15% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    7.1%
    Advisory: 187Fail: 5 (3% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake binding slightly

    3.4%
    Advisory: 75Fail: 9 (11% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,007 tests

Looking at a Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Kia Soul Mk2 (PS) (2014-2019) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,007 7-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 13,606 MOT tests on Kia Souls first registered between 2014-2019. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.