Kia Soul Mk3 (SK3) (2020-present) reliability
Kia Soul Mk3 (SK3) built around 2020: about average at the MOT
Kia Soul Mk3 (SK3) models built around 2020 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
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Key figure
13% of MOT tests on Kia Soul Mk3 (SK3) models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 12% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Kia Soul Mk3 (SK3) models built around 2020 involves the tyres.
Based on 2,903 tests of Soul models registered 2020+.
About 1 in 12 electricity Soul cars registered in 2022 (8.3%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 792 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 100 Soul Mk3 (SK3) MOTs (1.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2020 (5 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 621 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 0.5% and 2.3%. 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 30 Soul Mk3 (SK3) MOTs (3.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2020 (5 years old).
Based on 621 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.1% and 4.9%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk3 (SK3) fail rate by age
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 5 years old.
How the Soul Mk3 (SK3) compares
At each age below, see how the Soul Mk3 (SK3) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 88,979 tests across 13 Kia models, built around 2020 (5 years old).
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 discs
High priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Visibility
Worth checkingInspect the visibility carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 Mk3 (SK3).
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.6%
Lower fail rate: 10.6%, against 13.2% for the Kia Soul Mk3 (SK3), both built around 2020.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,440 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
Lower fail rate: 10.7%, against 13.2% for the Kia Soul Mk3 (SK3), both built around 2020.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
44,857 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 3
Citroen C5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.6%
No clear edge over the Kia Soul Mk3 (SK3) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
7,168 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 4
Volkswagen E-Golf
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.5%
No clear edge over the Kia Soul Mk3 (SK3) on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
3,917 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 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.
Recall context
13 recalls in all4 of the 13 Soul Mk3 (SK3) recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 3 more
Top concerns
- Kia Soul SK3 curtain airbag recall
- A potential coolant leak in the electric power control unit (EPCU) could cause a loss of power whilst driving.
- The vehicle's integrated electronic brake motor control software logic can automatically disable motor operation upon de
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
How Soul Mk3 (SK3) cars have aged
How Soul Mk3 (SK3) 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
Mk3 (SK3) variants compared
Most common issues on Kia Souls of this age
This list covers every Kia Soul built around 2020, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (SK3) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 121.1%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 213.3%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 38.3%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 46.5%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 53.9%Major
Wiper does not clear the windscreen properly
Based on 724 tests
Looking at a Kia Soul Mk3 (SK3) right now?
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Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the Kia Soul Mk3 (SK3) (2020-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 621 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.