Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Engine recall
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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
73
Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 5 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
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.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11751021 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
9
Most reports here involve software faults.
Read full complaint
Backup camera intermittently glitches and cuts to a black screen. Display will also occasionally appear darker than normal. Concern began suddenly with no known cause. It first occurred after vehicle was parked for 10-11 hours.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11746542 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
1
Most reports here involve loss of steering.
Read full complaint
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 that had to be replaced due to a re-call.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11667030 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
3
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.
Read full complaint
The contact owned a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, another vehicle attempted to merge in front of the contact, causing the front driver side of the vehicle to collide with the rear passenger end of another vehicle, but the air bag did not deploy. The contact sustained neck and shoulder injuries. Medical attention was not sought as of yet; however has a doctor appointment scheduled. The vehicle was then towed to a tow lot where it was deemed totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11667358 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Other systems
2
Most reports here involve other issues.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11656602 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2022 has 88 complaints on file, fewer than the 2021 (232) and more than the 2023 (50). Of the 16 model years of the Kia Soul we cover, the 2014 has the most (898). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.