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2022 Kia Soul

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2022 Kia Soul do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 225.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

22 reports with mileage · 66 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports1 fire reports4 injury reports

Engine complaints

51 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2025
Engine

Car was having acceleration issues, loss of power, and stalled while driving. Took the car to the dealership to be assessed for active recall SC336 and they passed the car deeming it was safe to drive. I expressed concern with the safety of driving this car with the symptoms it was showing. They offered no other services. Appro…

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Car was having acceleration issues, loss of power, and stalled while driving. Took the car to the dealership to be assessed for active recall SC336 and they passed the car deeming it was safe to drive. I expressed concern with the safety of driving this car with the symptoms it was showing. They offered no other services. Approximately one month later, the car could not accelerate, lost power, stalled on the freeway, and would not restart. The car was towed to the nearest dealership and diagnosed to determine the engine needs to be replaced. Kia customer service said since the car was “cleared” previously of the recall that it would not be eligible for replacement under the recall. Thankfully I have warranty but I think this is extremely inappropriate and I also think it was inappropriate diagnosed when I took it the first time to the dealership and driving the car was a risk!

NHTSA ODI #11679374

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2025
Engine

Car is burning oil and check engine light came on. It shakes and stalls when coming to a stop.

NHTSA ODI #11668492

Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other

I am submitting this complaint regarding the well-documented engine defect involving faulty piston rings in Kia vehicles, which has led to an official recall 25V099. While Kia has agreed to repair the engine IF it fails when it fails, they have refused to offer a repurchase or fair compensation for the diminished value of the ve…

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I am submitting this complaint regarding the well-documented engine defect involving faulty piston rings in Kia vehicles, which has led to an official recall 25V099. While Kia has agreed to repair the engine IF it fails when it fails, they have refused to offer a repurchase or fair compensation for the diminished value of the vehicle — despite the fact that this defect is a manufacturer-responsible issue and has significantly compromised the value, safety reputation, and resale potential of our vehicle. We purchased this vehicle in good faith, unaware of any such defect at the time of purchase. The recall, once publicized, instantly reduced the car’s market value and undermined confidence in its reliability — even if a repair is offered. We do not believe a mere repair fully resolves the financial impact or the breach of trust involved. A permanently compromised engine, even when repaired, may still pose long-term risks that affect performance, safety, and value. This is a material defect that devalues the asset we financed. Kia’s current position is to offer only repair, refusing buyback or compensation for depreciation resulting from their manufacturing defect. This is not acceptable, as it disregards the economic harm to consumers and the loss in vehicle equity stemming directly from Kia's own negligence. We are requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia’s broader policy in addressing this defect, including whether its refusal to compensate consumers for lost value constitutes a failure of consumer protection standards under federal safety and recall law. We respectfully ask that NHTSA: Continue oversight of Kia's recall process and consumer remedies. Encourage Kia to offer buyback or financial restitution to impacted owners. Recognize that for many consumers, a repair does not restore what was lost. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am happy to provide documentation of our purchase, communication with Kia, and further details as needed

NHTSA ODI #11665847

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

My car keeps losing a major amount of oil and has been doing that before the correct date or miles is due for a new oil change and then my car makes a funny noise. It has issues when I accelerate, it langs, it takes longer to get up to speed and the shifting sometimes is loud and behind, my rpm goes really high and I'm going no…

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My car keeps losing a major amount of oil and has been doing that before the correct date or miles is due for a new oil change and then my car makes a funny noise. It has issues when I accelerate, it langs, it takes longer to get up to speed and the shifting sometimes is loud and behind, my rpm goes really high and I'm going no where at times. My air conditioner also makes a really bad humming sound on when turned up. Not exactly sure on date when started honestly. It's been some months now.

NHTSA ODI #11664063

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2025
Engine

I am submitting this complaint about a serious and unresolved safety issue with my Kia vehicle. Kia is currently attempting to reverse an active recall on my vehicle, despite the fact that the issue still exists and has not been fixed. This is an extremely dangerous situation, and I believe they are doing this simply to save mon…

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I am submitting this complaint about a serious and unresolved safety issue with my Kia vehicle. Kia is currently attempting to reverse an active recall on my vehicle, despite the fact that the issue still exists and has not been fixed. This is an extremely dangerous situation, and I believe they are doing this simply to save money, not to protect drivers. My vehicle was at a Kia dealership for over three weeks, during which time no meaningful repairs were made. The only service performed was a cabin air filter replacement, which I was charged for. The original issue—covered under an active recall that warned of a potential engine fire—was never addressed. Now I’ve been told I need to pick up my car and drive it, even though Kia acknowledges the vehicle is still under an active recall. The dealer told me that if it “acts up,” I can bring it back. This is completely unacceptable. I should not be expected to risk my safety or the safety of others by driving a vehicle that Kia itself has said could catch fire. It is extremely troubling that Kia is trying to walk back the recall status, leaving drivers like me to deal with unsafe vehicles. They had my car for weeks, made no safety repairs, and now expect me to drive it with the same risk that triggered the recall in the first place. This is not how recalls should work, and I am asking NHTSA to investigate Kia’s handling of this issue and ensure they are held accountable for knowingly putting unsafe vehicles back on the road. Thank you for your attention to this serious safety matter.

NHTSA ODI #11660896

Mileage unknown · May 10, 2025
Engine

I am writing to formally report a concern regarding my 2022 Kia Soul, which is exhibiting symptoms identical to those described in NHTSA Recall 25V099000 (engine recall for excessive oil consumption and potential fire risk in 2.0L Nu MPI engines). Vehicle Information: VIN: [XXX] Year/Model: 2022 Kia Soul -Engine: 2.0L Nu MPI…

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I am writing to formally report a concern regarding my 2022 Kia Soul, which is exhibiting symptoms identical to those described in NHTSA Recall 25V099000 (engine recall for excessive oil consumption and potential fire risk in 2.0L Nu MPI engines). Vehicle Information: VIN: [XXX] Year/Model: 2022 Kia Soul -Engine: 2.0L Nu MPI -Manufacture Date: October 2021 -Current Mileage: 61,091 My vehicle is consuming oil at an abnormal rate. I have documented that oil levels drop dangerously low by approximately 2,000- 3,000 miles after each oil change. Multiple inspections by Kia service technicians at Ricart Kia in Groveport Ohio (where the vehicle was purchased) and 1 time at Coughlin Kia in Lancaster Ohio and they have found no external leaks and no visible signs of burning, yet the issue persists. I have also undergone Kia’s standard oil consumption test at 1,000 miles post-change, but the issue does not manifest at that point — only after continued mileage, as oil loss becomes more pronounced past the early driving phase. Which fits with the description of the piston rings causing excessive oil consumption… a common pattern with defective oil rings: the oil consumption ramps up after initial miles, especially once the engine is fully warmed and carbon buildup begins interfering with the rings after an oil change. Per Ricart Kia in groveport, I am now getting an oil change every 3,000 miles to prevent issues or damage and also having to check my oil every day. Upon the most recent oil change at 3,000 miles..I was nearly empty. My vehicle’s manufacture date and engine match the criteria in Recall 25V099000. Despite this, my VIN is not currently included, even though I’m experiencing the exact issue the recall describes. I’m concerned this is an oversight or that my engine batch was mistakenly excluded from the initial VIN list. I am requesting: A formal review of my VIN for inclusion in Recall 25V099000. Guidance on how to proceed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552

NHTSA ODI #11660158

Mileage unknown · May 8, 2025
EngineUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

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

NHTSA ODI #11659790

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other

My car is still under factory warranty and there's a recall, yet Kia will not provide any help

NHTSA ODI #11656602

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2025
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

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.

NHTSA ODI #11656237

Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2025
Engine

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 th…

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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!

NHTSA ODI #11655613

Official recalls

1

25V099000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

AQ25001 · Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness

Opened Aug 6, 2025 · Closed Dec 18, 2025

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

On August 6, 2025, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened Audit Query (AQ) 25001 to assess the implementation of Kia America, Inc.’s (Kia) remedy program for Safety Recall 25V099, involving incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings which may damage the engine causing a loss of motive power or fire. This AQ was opened in response to consumer complaints alleging of an ineffective remedy, inconsistent inspection results to determine whether an engine replacement was needed, and the unavailability of recall remedies. On August 11, 2025, an Information Request (IR) was issued to Kia requesting: 1) why the inspection test was revised from requiring a ‘cold’ engine to a ‘warm’ engine; 2) why the recall remedy was suspended from April 30, 2025 to May 7, 2025; 3) how Kia notified customers of the recall remedy suspension and the need to re-test engines that failed the ‘cold’ engine test; 4) the number of post-recall remedy complaints alleging engine or other engine related failures; and 5) the warranty coverage Kia is offering to vehicles that passed either inspection tests. On September 10, 2025, Kia responded to NHTSA’s IR: Kia reported the change in temperature from ‘cold’ to ‘warm’ engine testing was done to increase accuracy. The inspection test uses diagnostic tools that detects abnormal engine vibrations to identify damaged engines. From the initial launch of the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on April 4, 2025 through April 28, 2025, ‘cold’ engine testing resulted in a higher-than-expected failure rate when compared to the pre-recall warranty claim rate. This discrepancy led Kia to re-evaluate its inspection test and found that performing the inspection on a ‘cold’ engine can result in imprecise test results due to normal cold-start vibrations. Kia revised the inspection to ‘warm’ engine testing to minimize vibration interference. Kia sampled the field and performed a comparative analysis between ‘cold’ and ‘warm’ engine testing, and validated that ‘warm’ engine testing was more accurate in identifying damaged engines. Kia also reported the suspension of the recall remedy was due to a software error in the diagnostic tool, which was introduced in concert with the April 29, 2025 launch of the TSB that revised the inspection from ‘cold’ to ‘warm’ engine testing. The software error resulted in all inspection tests reporting false positives for a damaged engine. On April 30, 2025, Kia suspended the remedy until May 7, 2025, which was when the software error was corrected with the release of the latest TSB and software update. The recall remedy remains available to eligible customers. Kia reported owners were not mailed letters concerning the suspension to the recall remedy. Kia reasoned since it resolved the issue faster than it would have taken to draft and mail letters, Kia did not want to create unnecessary customer confusion involving an issue that would have already been addressed upon receipt of a letter. Kia also determined that mailing letters about re-testing engines was unnecessary since those vehicles were already at the dealer awaiting engine replacement. In most instances, Kia Customer Care agents would respond to customer inquiries related to the recall, including remedy availability, dealer issues, and questions about differing test results. Kia provided ODI a review of engine related consumer complaints received on post recall-remedied vehicles. Kia did not find any common patterns or trends related to those complaints following completion of the recall, as the complaints included issues that were unrelated to the subject defect. To aid in the diagnosis of whether a complaint is related to the recall, the remedy includes the installation of a software program, the Piston-ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS), that monitors the engine for unusual noise patterns (an indicator of potential damage to the piston oil rings), and alerts the customer by flashing the check engine light and setting Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1327. Kia confirmed that it is not offering any specific warranty coverage for this recall. Instead, Kia has instructed dealers to replace the engine, at no cost to the customer, with no time or mileage limitation, following the installation of the PNSS software and the presence of DTC P1327. On September 4, 2025, Kia issued Subsequent Repair Action (SRA) # SC336YZ, which provided engine diagnosis and replacement instructions for vehicles with a potentially related complaint following completion of the recall. Under this SRA, customers whose vehicles set DTC P1327 will have their engine replaced. If DTC P1327 is not set and it is unclear whether the issue is related to the recall, dealers are instructed to contact Kia's Technical Assistance Center to ensure the issue is appropriately handled. Kia notes that any issues determined to be unrelated to the recall are subject to the 10-year / 100,000-mile Powertrain warranty for original purchasers and a 5-year / 60,000-mile Limited Basic Warranty for subsequent purchasers. In summary, Kia identified the insufficiencies of its initial inspection test that led to a pause to its recall campaign, explained why it did not mail letters to affected customers about the paused campaign or revised inspection test, reviewed existing consumer complaints that did not identify any potential trends related to the recall, and identified its warranty coverage for any vehicles exhibiting qualifying engine symptoms. After review of Kia’s response to the IR, ODI has determined that no further action from Kia is necessary at this time, and ODI will close this AQ investigation accordingly. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.