VehicleVerdict

2022 Kia Soul problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2022 Kia Soul is among the quieter years of the Soul on NHTSA's books: 132 complaints (55% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 10 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 52% of all reports (69 of 132), far ahead of transmission at 12. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

132

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

10

Injuries

3

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Soul years?

Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted1,215 complaints2010: 193 complaints2011: 270 complaints2012: 670 complaints2013: 862 complaints2014: 1,215 complaints2015: 1,215 complaints2016: 1,135 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 284 complaints2019: 189 complaints2020: 480 complaints2021: 297 complaints2022: 132 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 18 complaints
Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Soul years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Kia Soul problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6952%
Transmission129%
Other129%
Electrical System108%
Fuel System75%
Speed Control65%
Driver Assistance43%
Airbags32%
Brakes32%
Steering22%
Seat Belts22%
Suspension11%
Body & Structure11%

Does the 2022 Kia Soul have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V099000EngineFebruary 17, 2025 · 137,256 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“My [XXX] daughter was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a crash in which the vehicle struck a tree and a fire was present. She was unable to exit the vehicle and did not receive medical attention in time. Public records indicate the vehicle had an open federal safety recall at the time, listed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 2, 2025 · crash · fire

“Put my car in park in garage and got out of the car to place something on shelf in garage. Car rolled forward right in to some steel shelves.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 16, 2022 · crash

“• a theft attempt caused by the widely reported Kia software vulnerability (documented in my police report) • a display failure that Kia refused to repair • a recall that Kia refused to perform because the display was broken • repeated defects lighting, battery warning indicators never come…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 31, 2026

“When vehicle stopped at red light, foot on break. The whole car shut down and locked up and I was unable to move. I had to turn the car off and back on and jerk the wheel to get it to respond again. This happened twice in one drive. This is right after getting my car back from dealership for parts…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 13, 2025

“9000 miles muffler failed, 12000 miles spark plugs cracked and was told it was sparking hot and could catch on fire, 13000 miles fuel injectors clogged with carbon, on going fuel smell in oil and shakes in idle with a/c on ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 10, 2023

2022 Kia Soul — common questions

Is the 2022 Kia Soul reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 132 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Soul year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2022 Soul problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (69 complaints), transmission (12 complaints), other (12 complaints).

Does the 2022 Kia Soul have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2022 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2022 Kia Soul under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Soul years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Soul years to avoid are 2015, 2014, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2020, 2011. The cleanest record among Soul years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2022 Kia Soul?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 Kia Soul earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.