2022 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 88 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2022 reports, 4 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 8 people were injured and 3 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine cooling, engine, hard parts internal/mechanicalFeb 17, 2025
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.
Campaign 25V099000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
88 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 8, 2025
As of today 05/08/25 car will not start, it was also chugging while i was on the freeway and would not go over 50mph
Engine and engine cooling, May 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding oil occasionally. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer informed the contact that the recall was on hold. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, May 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). No warning lights were illuminated. The contact had not experienced a failure; however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced as per the recall summary. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair was on hold. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the manufacturer had placed the recall on hold. The manufacturer was testing the remedy. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer informed the contact that parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Take 5 oil change, which informed the contact that the oil level was 2 quarts low and had failed to show up on the dipstick. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, but was unable to schedule an appointment or provide a time frame. A second dealer, Kia of South Austin (5306 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78745), was contacted and informed the contact that it would take at least a day for a diagnostic test, and there was no time frame for the repair because parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was willing to provide the contact with a reimbursement. The manufacturer opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 91,500. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 24, 2025
My car is still under factory warranty and there's a recall, yet Kia will not provide any help
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2025
Unknown, my car has been burning through oil every 1000 miles and is starting to seize as I’m driving which is super dangerous! I have kept up with my car on oil changes and everything else that is recommended.
Engine, Apr 19, 2025
I dropped my car off yesterday and they stated that it did in fact need a new engine. My problem is how come the dealership won’t provide a loaner!? They are telling me that they are unsure when they can get it fixed! People need to go to work!! How can you expect a customer to be ok with this! I’m going to be forced to drive this car! This is completely ridiculous and unsatisfactory!
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled while driving at various speeds. The failure had occurred four times. The contact stated that during the last failure while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact was asked to provide proof of maintenance while the vehicle was being inspected, to determine if the engine would be replaced under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 44,896. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 13, 2025
I've had issues with my air conditioner not working properly and now making a loud humming sound. Also my car is very sluggish and my motor is very loud when the car is running. Sometimes it doesn't want to shift exactly when it should it takes longer and I have to take my foot off the gas to let it shift. My car keeps running out of oil every time before the designated oil change time and mileage. This really worries me and no lights show on my dash when my oil pressure gets low which is alarming because it got low one time and I could hear the pistols rubbing together, I knew immediately I needed oil. Sure enough I put oil in the car the noise stopped and I went and got an oil change the next day because I was worried about my car. The oil issue has happened multiple times..
Engine, Apr 9, 2025
Shortly after purchase (8/2/23) I began noticing a persistent engine rattle between regular oil changes. This escalated to stalling issues, including on the highway and at intersections and around sharp curves. I brought the car in for service multiple times, and although a part was replaced, the symptoms soon returned. On one occasion, the vehicle stalled while being driven by your service advisor, who confirmed it was “critically low” on oil—despite no dashboard warning, no visible leaks, and adherence to routine oil changes every 3,000 miles. Since that point, I followed all diagnostic procedures requested of me, including multiple oil consumption tests that required me to repeatedly take time off work. These tests produced inconsistent results: at times oil levels were acceptable, but shortly after, the same symptoms would return. At approximately 80,000 miles, a case was finally opened for suspected oil consumption, and I was told my concerns were valid and would be honored—even beyond the 100,000-mile warranty mark due to early documentation. Now, at 90,000 miles, I have been informed that the latest oil consumption is “within acceptable range,” and that no further action will be taken. Meanwhile, I am left with a car that unpredictably stalls from unindicated low oil levels—a serious and unsafe condition that has gone unresolved for the majority of my ownership. The lack of dashboard alerts means this issue places myself and others at risk each time I drive. To be clear, this is not just an inconvenience; it is a matter of safety and reliability. The engine has likely suffered long-term damage from prolonged oil starvation. I should not have to manually check the dipstick before every trip in a vehicle that is less than four years old and still under warranty. Moreover, I was never made aware of this issue at the time of sale (9/6/21).
Engine, Apr 7, 2025
I am writing to formally report an engine failure in my 2022 Kia Soul, which I believe is directly related to the known engine defects that have prompted Kia to issue multiple recalls for this model and others with the same powertrain. Although my vehicle is not currently included in any active recall campaigns, it is exhibiting the exact symptoms and failure conditions outlined in Recall SC147 / SC200 (or similar recall numbers involving engine defects in Kia Souls and related models). Specifically, the vehicle has experienced: engine knocking, excessive oil consumption, and stalled while driving, which led to the diagnosis that the engine requires full replacement. The vehicle has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule and has not been subject to any misuse or neglect. The failure appears to be consistent with the design or manufacturing defect that has affected a significant number of Kia engines, particularly those with the Theta II or Nu engines. This situation presents a serious safety concern, especially given the potential for the engine to seize while driving. It is also a substantial financial burden to bear for an issue that Kia has already acknowledged as systemic in other vehicles. I am respectfully requesting the following: 1.That my vehicle’s case be formally investigated for inclusion in any current or future recall campaigns. 2.That Kia offer coverage for the full cost of engine replacement under warranty or a goodwill repair program. 3.That the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration take this complaint under advisement as part of a broader pattern of engine-related failures. I have attached a service estimate that supports my claim. I would appreciate a prompt response and resolution to this matter, as the vehicle is currently inoperable and presents an ongoing hardship.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle drifted to safety. The vehicle was restarted. Additionally, while driving on several occasions at speeds over 40 MPH, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); while researching the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that parts for the repair were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to leak oil. The contact stated that the oil was seeping onto the floorboard and the passenger's side floor mat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. On a separate occasion, while the contact was driving 50 MPH, there was a puddle of oil underneath the vehicle with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle five different times to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was unaware of where the oil leak was coming from. The contact stated that recently the vehicle started stalling and there was abnormal gasoline coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shuddered and then stalled. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the failure might be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer would not replace the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 9, 2025
I bought my 2022 KIA Soul September 2021. in 2022, I brought my car to KIA in Clifton NJ because it shut down suddenly without warning while in drive, the battery, oil and engine lights came on. I would put my car in park, turn it off and on again for the car to start. by doing so, all the lights disappear and my car would drive like normal. KIA said the couldn't find the issue. I brought it back to KIA again in October of 2024 because my car did the very same thing as it did in 2022. Once again, KIA stated they couldn't find the issue. March 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 2025, my car started shutting down on me every 10 minutes while in drive, my car would then start reversing while in drive and the breaks would become very stiff. In order for my car to stop, I had to put my car in park, turn it completely off and then on again for it to drive. My car is now at KIA dealership in Clifton NJ, once again, they keep telling me they don't know what's wrong with my car. I am afraid I may get on the highway with my car and get into a terrible accident and thats when they will find the issue. I am afraid for my daughter and my life at this point. I am now driving a rental that KIA refuse to pay for until they figure out the issue. I was told, they would only pay for a rental if the issue is covered under my warranty. I have been complaining about this issue to KIA since year 2022 and nothing has been resolved. I need help resoling this issue with KIA, I called corporate and they were no help.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer informed that contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 17, 2025
UNKNOWN WHEN I GET SHUT OFF AND IT GIVE ME SIGNAL WITH ENGINE AND I BRING IT TO KIA DEALER AND FOUND OUT THAT MY 2022 KIA SOUL HAD PIN IN CVVT BROKEN AND REPLACE EXHAUST CAM AND CVVT ASSEMBLY AND ITS COST ME ALMOST 3000 DOLLAR TO FIX AND I HAD IT AS 2022 AND PURCHASED BY CHEVELOTE AND IT WAS NOT COVERAGE BY WARRANTY BUT I BOUGHT IT WAS 18,000 MILEAGE AND NOW I AM AT 64525 MILEAGE AND I HAD ONLY LESS THAN 2 YEAR TO DRIVE THAT CAR SO ??? ANYTHING THAT CANBE ON RECALL OR WARRANTY FOR THOSE KIA SOUL?
Vehicle speed control, Jan 29, 2025
RPM surges intermittently upon deceleration while in the sport mode. Began a few months ago.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) However upon having the vehicle inspected by a local dealer, she was denied service of the recall due to the ECU unit not responding. The contact was advised that the unit needed to be replaced before having service completed for the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,700.
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 26, 2024
2022 kia soul, engine failed on the highway interstate. was traveling on [XXX] at 70mph and I slowed down due to an accident infant of me and went to accelerate again and my car shut down. and thats is when my engine failed. This is not safe at all. Took three weeks to get fixed car was only t 61,000 miles also head gasket was leaking at the time they found. But plenty of oil and jut had an oil change the week prior. Then a week after my engine replacement my starter went out. Kia corporate did not help with any warranty and the dealership are responsible for any types of warranty and they won’t grant a good will warranty. So kia is an awful car manufacturer. Something needs to be done. And kia is not inspecting why my engine failed or why m starter went bad at only 61,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 13, 2024
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I am writing to notify you of the problems I have experienced with my (2022, KIA, SOUL, VIN - [XXX] ) and to request that you kindly check in on this problem within thirty (30) days of your receipt of this letter. I purchased my vehicle from (REED NISSAN OF CLERMONT) on or about [XXX]. Approximately (3 MONTHS) I began having trouble with (WITH THE ENGINE BURNING A LOT OF OIL AND HAD TO PUT OIL IN IT IN BETWEEN CHANGES, which I have had a 2015 kia soul so I was used to this). I have taken my vehicle for the proper amount of oil changes on 12/12/23(first oil change and the oil was black when I went), 1/30/24, 4/8/24, 5/28/24, 7/20/24, and 10/8/24. On the last oil change my car was about 60,284 miles and they found a small oil leak at that point they told me to call kia that it should be under warranty. Kia said there was nothing they could do. While I was trying to figure out what to do and continuing to check my oil which stayed at good levels my engine failed on the highway at 61,104 miles. This is not a very old engine to be failing and kia motors are known to do this. As, of now I know there is no known recalls, but there have been for all other kia souls in the previous years. I would like an investigation into the failure of my engine. This problem of the failure of my engine has cost me $9,826.55 and being the second owner of this vehicle I had no warranty past the 60,000-mile warranty(which I was not aware of until I called kia) and since I feel the problem existed before I even purchased this car I would like my case to be considered under a warranty or some help from KIA. I also feel the car was not inspected properly before being sold as a certified used car. Please contact me on receipt of this letter at the above email or telephone number to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for you to have an opportunity to discuss what can be done to help make this right. Attached are the auto shop car eng INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Nov 10, 2023
Transmission issues. 10/27/23 the engine turned off on Rt93 highway in Massachusetts while in stop-and-go traffic. I put it in park, and restarted the car. It seems to accelerate fine, but is herky-jerky when slowing down. It has a rubber band effect, and threatens to stall at 22mph and 12mph when slowing down. The dealer's first appointment is 2 months out. I'll have to drive it until then. Hopefully they can update the software and change the transmission fluid. Web traffic says that "might" fix it. Super sad, love the car, but constantly stressed out when driving it.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 8, 2023
I received a letter stating that there is a major increase in contacts focus on certain Kia and Hyundai cars, including my car that is registered in New York State. It also is televising me that I can receive advice of tools, available free of charge to help my car from getting stolen.