2022 Kia Soul engine problems

The 2022 Kia Soul has 69 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 52% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

Engine complaints

52%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Soul engine complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2022 Kia Soul have?

NHTSA has 69 complaints about the 2022 Kia Soul engine — 52% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2022 Kia Soul engine?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the engine: 25V099000.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.