Carbon build-up (GDi direct injection)
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
engine codes: G4FD, G4FT
Signs: Rough idle
Fix: Valve cleaning
€300–600
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Kia Soul I
2008–2013 · Kia Soul 1
3
engines covered
8
known faults
11,192
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
6
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Kia Soul I was built from 2008 to 2013.
For this generation we cover 3 engines and 8 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Oil consumption (piston rings, GDi): it usually appears at 100,000–180,000 km and costs €500–3,000 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (18.7 %), steering (15.8 %), suspension (11.9 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, steering. It fails less often than average on: body and corrosion, exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 / 0W-30 · API SN / ACEA A5 · ~3.6 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.1 / 1.4 / 1.6 / 1.7 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U2) | Diesel | Chain | 5W-30 · ACEA C3 · ~5.3 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.1 / 1.5 / 1.6 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U, 2005–2010) | Diesel | Chain | 5W-30 · ACEA C3 / B4 · ~5.3 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults by engine
1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated)
Oil consumption (piston rings, GDi)
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
engine codes: G4FD
Signs: Low oil warning
Fix: Monitor; repair
€500–3,000
1.1 / 1.4 / 1.6 / 1.7 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U2)
DPF / EGR
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: DPF light
Fix: Clean or replace
€300–1,500
1.1 / 1.5 / 1.6 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U, 2005–2010)
Injector copper washers leaking
usually 100,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: 'Chuffing' noise, soot around injectors
Fix: Replace washers early
€150–600
Injectors / pressure regulator
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Hard start, stalling
Fix: Test and replace
€500–1,400
EGR valve
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Rough idle
Fix: Clean
€100–300
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
Automatic 4-speed
Solenoids / pressure regulator (limp mode)
usually 100,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: Harsh shifts, stuck in 3rd, gearbox warning
Fix: Fluid change, solenoid / valve body repair
€300–1,500
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 11,192 tests.
| thousand km | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 8.3 % | 11.3 % | 15.6 % | 18.2 % |
| Suspension | 7.5 % | 11.9 % | 15.9 % | 20.3 % |
| Steering | 11.9 % | 15.8 % | 19.8 % | 17.5 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 6.0 % | 7.6 % | 9.6 % | 9.9 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 13.4 % | 18.7 % | 23.5 % | 26.1 % |
| Body and corrosion | 1.3 % | 2.1 % | 4.0 % | 5.0 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 1.0 % | 1.8 % | 3.3 % | 3.7 % |
Roadworthiness tests in the Netherlands by age
Share of this model's Dutch fleet that had a defect in each system at a roadworthiness test (APK) in 2025. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and fuel. Sample: 2,447 cars.
| age (years) | 12–14 | 15–19 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 6.4 % | 6.7 % |
| Suspension | 3.6 % | 5.0 % |
| Steering | 13.1 % | 14.1 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 19.7 % | 17.9 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 27.2 % | 31.7 % |
| Body and corrosion | 0.0 % | 0.1 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 0.7 % | 2.0 % |
Most common engine versions in the EU
New cars of this generation registered in the EU, Iceland and Norway 2010–2025: 24,848, of which 0 in Croatia. The share shows how common each version is.
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 / 1.4 / 1.6 / 1.7 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U2)1.6 (1,582 cm³) · Diesel | 38.7 % | 2010–2012 | — | — |
| 1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated)1.6 (1,591 cm³) · Petrol | 25.4 % | 2010–2012 | — | — |
| 1.1 / 1.4 / 1.6 / 1.7 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U2)1.6 (1,582 cm³) · 94 kW (128 hp) · Diesel | 16.7 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated)1.6 (1,591 cm³) · 93 kW (126 hp) · Petrol | 9.1 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated)1.6 (1,591 cm³) · 103 kW (140 hp) · Petrol | 5.7 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.1 / 1.4 / 1.6 / 1.7 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U2)1.6 (1,582 cm³) · 85 kW (116 hp) · Diesel | 2.3 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
| 1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated)1.6 (1,591 cm³) · 92 kW (125 hp) · Petrol | 1.4 % | 2011–2012 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Owner complaints in the US
Which systems owners reported to the US agency NHTSA and at what mileage. Complaints are not confirmed faults and some relate to recalls. Sample: 963 complaints.
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (6). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Gearbox The park mechanism within the Gear Drive Unit (GDU) might fail to engage when Park is selected16/02/2024 · R/2024/030
- Airbag In the event of a frontal collision the front impact sensors could become disconnected and the air bags may not activate as expected11/04/2022 · R/2022/083
- Steering Loss of directional control20/06/2016 · R/2016/100
- Steering Steering rack may fail22/08/2014 · R/2014/093
- Seat belt Drivers seat belt may not operate correctly following a collision08/05/2014 · R/2014/036
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Brake lights may malfunction01/06/2013 · R/2013/055
Common questions
Does the Kia Soul I have a timing chain or a timing belt?
1.4 / 1.6 MPi / GDi (Hyundai-Kia Gamma, naturally aspirated): chain; 1.1 / 1.4 / 1.6 / 1.7 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U2): chain; 1.1 / 1.5 / 1.6 CRDi (Hyundai-Kia U, 2005–2010): chain.
What are the known problems with the Kia Soul I?
The faults with the highest risk: solenoids / pressure regulator (limp mode) (100,000–200,000 km, €300–1,500); injector copper washers leaking (100,000–200,000 km, €150–600); oil consumption (piston rings, GDi) (100,000–180,000 km, €500–3,000); DPF / EGR (120,000–200,000 km, €300–1,500). The full list by engine is on this page.
What does the Kia Soul I most often fail its roadworthiness test on?
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 100–150 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (18.7 %), steering (15.8 %), suspension (11.9 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, steering. It fails less often than average on: body and corrosion, exhaust, emissions and leaks.
What should you check when buying a used Kia Soul I?
Before you buy, ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN that the recalls have been done (6 have been published for this model). On the test drive, watch for these signs: harsh shifts, stuck in 3rd, gearbox warning; 'Chuffing' noise, soot around injectors. The full checklist is in the guide to buying a used car.
Other generations
Models with the same engines
These models share engines with this car, so they share some of its faults too.
Kia Rio III 2011–2017Kia Cee'd / ProCeed I 2006–2012Hyundai i20 I 2008–2014Kia Sportage (SL) 2010–2015Kia Cee'd / ProCeed II 2012–2018Kia Venga 2009–2019Hyundai i30 (FD) 2007–2012Hyundai i30 (GD) 2012–2017
Other Kia models
Kia Sorento II 2009–2014Kia Carens III 2006–2012Kia Optima (TF) 2010–2015Kia Picanto II 2011–2017Kia Rio II 2005–2011Kia Cerato 2004–2013Kia Picanto I 2004–2011Kia Sportage II 2004–2010Kia Carens IV 2013–2019Kia Sorento I 2002–2009
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026