Kia Soul vs Toyota RAV4
For 2009–2022 models, the Toyota RAV4 has 11.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 38.2 for the Kia Soul. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2009–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Kia Soul
38.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
3.3× the Toyota RAV4’s rate
- Complaints
- 5,404
- Sold
- 1,414,821
- Recall campaigns
- 12
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2013–2015 and 2020. Fewest: 2009–2010, 2019 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 100,000 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 90,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 85,300 mi
-
Catalytic converter
Typically around 105,000 mi · repair $720–$2,370
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 63,000 mi
Toyota RAV4
11.5 complaints per 10,000 sold
70% fewer than the Kia Soul
- Complaints
- 4,922
- Sold
- 4,265,292
- Recall campaigns
- 35
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2010. Fewest: 2014, 2016–2017 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 60,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 67,976 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 24,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 90,900 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 40,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Kia Soul or the Toyota RAV4?
For 2009–2022 models, the Toyota RAV4 has 11.5 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Kia Soul has 38.2, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Kia Soul?
The most-reported problem on the Kia Soul is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 100,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota RAV4 is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 60,000 miles.
Which Kia Soul and Toyota RAV4 years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Kia Soul: 2013–2015 and 2020; Toyota RAV4: 2010.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.