Problems · by component

2022 Kia Soul engine problems

55 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2022 Kia Soul cite engine, 57% of all 97 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
55
57% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My 2022 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX], ~57,000 miles) is subject to Safety Recall 25V-099 (SC336) for defective piston oil rings causing rapid oil loss, engine noise, stalling, seizure, and fire. On XXX, my vehicle suffered severe engine rattling and was towed to Kia of Frisco (TX). Technicians physically inspected it and documented two critical findings: 1. The oil pan was completely dry/empty. 2. The engine exhibited heavy carbon buildup in the combustion chamber. The vehicle was 1,000 miles UNDER its maintenance interval, with the previous service done at this same dealership. A dry oil pan and carbon fouling are direct physical proof of defective piston rings allowing oil to burn rapidly. REMEDY FAILURE & FALSE NEGATIVE: Despite documenting a bone-dry oil pan and carbon fouling, the dealership ran Kia's PNSS sound/vibration test, which yielded a false "pass." Based on this false negative, Kia of Frisco and the regional DPSM formally refused on XXX, to authorize recall engine replacement. Instead, they are forcing me to drive this internally damaged, oil-starved, rattling vehicle on public highways for a 1,000-mile oil consumption test. SAFETY HAZARD & AUDIT AQ25001:…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2026EngineODI 11774659
“My 2022 Kia Soul was previously serviced under Safety Recall SC336 (NHTSA Campaign 25V099000), and the dealership only uploaded the monitoring software. The safety recall remedy has now completely failed. The software's warning triggers are active: the oil light is flashing, the check engine light is flashing, and the engine is vibrating violently and failing to run. The manufacturer's remedy did not fix the physical defect, and the car is now dangerously disabled."”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026EngineODI 11771506
“Engine oil light came on and went to take in to get an oil change though it had 1000 miles or so to go. Had oil change but light did not go out, and service said to get it diagnosed at mechanic. Made an appointment and car then driven by my daughter stalled when entering the freeway. The car started and I had her drive it home. I tried it the next day and had no problem other than lack of power. At the car appointment, stated that it looked like a National Safety Recall problem and to take it to Kia for the problem. At Kia, they said there were a number of recall's that the fixed on the vehicle, but the safety recall for the engine did not apply as they didn't "hear" anything. They agreed it was losing power and it stalled when coming to a stop, turning and or accelerating. They said for $250 they could run a diagnostic. Having already done that with a trusted mechanic, I seemed at a loss on what to do. I had another mechanic look at it with the same recommendation that it was a recall problem and engine should be replaced.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026EngineODI 11769676
“The oil consumption is outrageous. I have to check the oil every week. I keep taking it to WYATT JOHNSON KIA but they refuse to report the oil consumption problem to KIA”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026EngineODI 11768644
“The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH uphill, there was an abnormal knocking sound from the rod bearings inside the engine. The contact stated that the rod bearings had gone through the engine block, and there was black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle became inoperable after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The diagnostic test and repair were pending. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 17, 2026EngineODI 11751021
“• 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 on when the oil is beinf consumed • and now a complete engine failure on a 2022 vehicle”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 14, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11743951

Showing 6 of 55 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.