2022 Kia Soul Engine Problems

Your car's engine froze while driving at 40 MPH, and the oil warning light came on, making the vehicle undriveable. The dealer diagnosed a bent camshaft and failed spark plugs. Replacing the spark plugs may help, but the bent camshaft is a more serious engine issue that typically requires professional engine service.

Your 2022 Kia Soul has consumed oil excessively and suddenly stalled while driving at highway speed with a child in the car, with no warning lights beforehand. A mechanic found the timing chain tensioner failed due to oil starvation, causing internal engine damage including piston ring failure, and determined the engine cannot be repaired and needs replacement. The fix will require a complete engine replacement, though your vehicle's VIN is not currently covered by existing recalls despite similar issues affecting other Kia vehicles.

Your check engine light came on, and after replacing the camshaft sensor, intake sensor, and crankshaft sensor yourself, the light returned each time. The dealership diagnosed a timing chain issue with a sheared timing pin that requires complete engine replacement at a cost of $9,000. You mention these symptoms match other Kia Soul recalls, and you're concerned about engine failure on a regularly-maintained 4-year-old vehicle still under loan. The repair will likely involve removing and replacing the entire engine due to internal timing chain damage.

Your car stalled multiple times and eventually wouldn't start at all, requiring it to be towed to a dealership. The dealership diagnosed that your engine needs to be replaced. This is a complete engine failure that will require the dealership to remove and install a new or rebuilt engine.

Your engine shut down completely while driving, triggering the check engine light along with oil, battery, and master warning lights. The engine restarted after a few minutes but has continued to shut down randomly over the past week. A diagnostic code (P000A) indicated issues with the intake and exhaust cam phasers, and the dealership quoted over $4,000 for repairs including a new engine, intake cam, and cam phasers. The repair may involve replacing the camshaft components and potentially the entire engine to restore normal operation.

Your engine is consuming excessive oil due to stuck oil control rings, which allows oil to enter the combustion chamber. You've failed three oil consumption tests (over 1 quart per 1,000 miles) and have low compression in one cylinder. The dealer initially denied your warranty claim, stating the 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty had expired, but your vehicle should be covered under Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain warranty for the original owner. A full engine replacement or comprehensive repair of the oil control rings and affected components will likely be needed to resolve the root cause.

Your engine is making noise and running roughly when you use the all-wheel drive mode, sometimes requiring you to restart the vehicle to get it running again. You also notice the car jerks sporadically when driving without all-wheel drive, feeling like it might go backward. Even after an oil change, the dealer noted the engine oil appears thick or sluggish. A mechanic will likely need to diagnose the engine performance issue, check the oil viscosity and condition, and inspect the all-wheel drive system for problems.

After your 2022 Kia Soul was repaired at the dealer under a recall campaign, you noticed a tingling sound coming from the engine. The dealer initially suggested replacing your tires, but after further inspection determined your engine needed to be replaced due to low oil levels (about ¾ quart low at 69,000 miles). The manufacturer suggested driving 1,000 miles and having an oil consumption test performed rather than providing immediate assistance. The repair will likely require a complete engine replacement and possibly an oil consumption diagnostic.

Your 2022 Kia Soul has stalled multiple times while idling, and your check engine light is on. A diagnostic scan showed a fault code (P1C28) related to the engine and powertrain. While your vehicle is included in a recall for engine and cooling issues, the dealer found that your engine oil pump has failed and determined this isn't covered under the recall. The manufacturer has declined to pay for the repair, which may involve replacing the engine oil pump and possibly addressing related piston ring issues.

While driving, your car slowed down on its own, the check engine light came on, and the engine began shaking and backfiring. A mechanic discovered that despite an oil change two days prior, there was no oil in the engine—it had leaked into your piston rings. Your mechanic mentioned a potential recall for piston issues on 2022 Kia Souls, but when you contacted Kia, they said no recall was found for your vehicle's VIN number and wouldn't honor the service. The fix will likely involve inspecting and potentially replacing your piston rings and addressing the oil leak.

Your 2022 Kia Soul is burning through engine oil much faster than normal — it consumed over 1 quart in less than 2,000 miles during dealer testing. The warning light that should alert you to low oil pressure never came on even when oil levels dropped significantly, so you might not realize there's a problem until serious damage occurs. The dealer said the consumption rate meets Kia's standards, but the manufacturer didn't offer a solution. You'll likely need an engine inspection or internal repairs to address the excessive oil consumption.

Your 2022 Kia Soul may be subject to a recall involving engine inspection and potential replacement due to a confirmed engine issue. An independent service center has verified the problem exists, though your vehicle hasn't been inspected by the manufacturer yet. You should contact your Kia dealer to schedule an inspection and replacement if needed under the recall program.

Your engine is stalling and producing white smoke when the auto start-stop feature is active. This suggests a potential issue with engine combustion or coolant management during the automatic shutdown and restart cycles. You should have a mechanic diagnose the root cause, which could involve checking your fuel system, ignition timing, or coolant levels.

Your 2022 Kia Soul has been making an unusually loud noise from the engine at different speeds and while idling, and your check engine light came on. A dealer told you the problem is related to oil pressure in the engine and that the engine needs to be replaced, but they said you'd have to pay out-of-pocket even though this is part of a recall campaign. The dealer couldn't complete the recall test because the vehicle wouldn't start, even though it was running when you brought it in. The repair hasn't been completed yet, and the manufacturer hasn't offered assistance despite being notified.

Your engine is losing oil much faster than normal — you're having to add oil every few days instead of at regular intervals. Your dealer checked the engine but couldn't figure out where the oil is going. Additionally, your low oil warning light isn't working, so you won't get an alert when levels drop. The fix will likely involve a thorough inspection to find an oil leak, possibly replacing gaskets, seals, or other engine components that may be allowing oil to escape.

Your 2022 Kia Soul was recalled for a piston oil ring defect that should have included an engine vibration test and possibly full engine replacement. The dealership performed the test twice with conflicting results, but instead of replacing the engine, they only installed an oil ring sensor. You're concerned this partial fix doesn't address the underlying engine defect, which could potentially cause engine failure, loss of power, or fire—especially since the sensor itself is being audited for effectiveness. You've also noticed an intermittent warning light (triangle with exclamation point) appearing several times with a message to check the upper rear brake light, adding to your concerns about the vehicle's overall condition. A full engine inspection or replacement may be needed to properly resolve the original defect.

Your check engine light started coming on repeatedly between July and August 2025, with mechanics diagnosing issues ranging from a faulty intake camshaft solenoid to cylinder misfires and spark plug fouling. After replacing the solenoid and ignition coils, you experienced rough idling, white smoke from the exhaust, and rapid oil consumption — all signs pointing to worn piston rings that allow oil to leak past them into the combustion chamber. A mechanic noted that your vehicle may be covered under a recall for faulty piston rings on 2022 Kia Souls, which could explain the chain of problems. This will likely require engine work involving piston ring replacement or a complete engine overhaul.

Your 2022 Kia Soul jerked and jolted briefly while driving before returning to normal operation. Your check engine light turned on after this happened. The issue occurred at 50,000 miles, but the vehicle hasn't been inspected or repaired yet. A mechanic will likely need to read your engine diagnostic codes to identify what caused the jerking and the warning light.

Took my 2022 soul in for the ring recall. The kia dealership in myrtle beach denied warranty due to sludge. That my complaint. I thought if ring leaks it creates sludge.

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!

-Piston oil rings,oil burn -potential fire or wreck risk -oil usage confirmed -no -engine noise Manufacturers are accepting 1 qt burn per 1,000 miles. This is beyond excessive and should be repaired or replaced.

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

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway and observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had seized but was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 70,000.

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while decelerating, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 32,000.

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.

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(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was adding oil occasionally. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer informed the contact that the recall was on hold. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). No warning lights were illuminated. The contact had not experienced a failure; however, the dealer inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced as per the recall summary. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer informed the contact that parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair was on hold. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the manufacturer had placed the recall on hold. The manufacturer was testing the remedy. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Take 5 oil change, which informed the contact that the oil level was 2 quarts low and had failed to show up on the dipstick. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, but was unable to schedule an appointment or provide a time frame. A second dealer, Kia of South Austin (5306 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78745), was contacted and informed the contact that it would take at least a day for a diagnostic test, and there was no time frame for the repair because parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and was willing to provide the contact with a reimbursement. The manufacturer opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 91,500. Parts distribution disconnect.

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!

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled while driving at various speeds. The failure had occurred four times. The contact stated that during the last failure while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact was asked to provide proof of maintenance while the vehicle was being inspected, to determine if the engine would be replaced under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 44,896. Parts distribution disconnect.

Shortly after purchase (8/2/23) I began noticing a persistent engine rattle between regular oil changes. This escalated to stalling issues, including on the highway and at intersections and around sharp curves. I brought the car in for service multiple times, and although a part was replaced, the symptoms soon returned. On one occasion, the vehicle stalled while being driven by your service advisor, who confirmed it was “critically low” on oil—despite no dashboard warning, no visible leaks, and adherence to routine oil changes every 3,000 miles. Since that point, I followed all diagnostic procedures requested of me, including multiple oil consumption tests that required me to repeatedly take time off work. These tests produced inconsistent results: at times oil levels were acceptable, but shortly after, the same symptoms would return. At approximately 80,000 miles, a case was finally opened for suspected oil consumption, and I was told my concerns were valid and would be honored—even beyond the 100,000-mile warranty mark due to early documentation. Now, at 90,000 miles, I have been informed that the latest oil consumption is “within acceptable range,” and that no further action will be taken. Meanwhile, I am left with a car that unpredictably stalls from unindicated low oil levels—a serious and unsafe condition that has gone unresolved for the majority of my ownership. The lack of dashboard alerts means this issue places myself and others at risk each time I drive. To be clear, this is not just an inconvenience; it is a matter of safety and reliability. The engine has likely suffered long-term damage from prolonged oil starvation. I should not have to manually check the dipstick before every trip in a vehicle that is less than four years old and still under warranty. Moreover, I was never made aware of this issue at the time of sale (9/6/21).

I am writing to formally report an engine failure in my 2022 Kia Soul, which I believe is directly related to the known engine defects that have prompted Kia to issue multiple recalls for this model and others with the same powertrain. Although my vehicle is not currently included in any active recall campaigns, it is exhibiting the exact symptoms and failure conditions outlined in Recall SC147 / SC200 (or similar recall numbers involving engine defects in Kia Souls and related models). Specifically, the vehicle has experienced: engine knocking, excessive oil consumption, and stalled while driving, which led to the diagnosis that the engine requires full replacement. The vehicle has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule and has not been subject to any misuse or neglect. The failure appears to be consistent with the design or manufacturing defect that has affected a significant number of Kia engines, particularly those with the Theta II or Nu engines. This situation presents a serious safety concern, especially given the potential for the engine to seize while driving. It is also a substantial financial burden to bear for an issue that Kia has already acknowledged as systemic in other vehicles. I am respectfully requesting the following: 1.That my vehicle’s case be formally investigated for inclusion in any current or future recall campaigns. 2.That Kia offer coverage for the full cost of engine replacement under warranty or a goodwill repair program. 3.That the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration take this complaint under advisement as part of a broader pattern of engine-related failures. I have attached a service estimate that supports my claim. I would appreciate a prompt response and resolution to this matter, as the vehicle is currently inoperable and presents an ongoing hardship.

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle drifted to safety. The vehicle was restarted. Additionally, while driving on several occasions at speeds over 40 MPH, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); while researching the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that parts for the repair were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to leak oil. The contact stated that the oil was seeping onto the floorboard and the passenger's side floor mat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. On a separate occasion, while the contact was driving 50 MPH, there was a puddle of oil underneath the vehicle with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle five different times to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was unaware of where the oil leak was coming from. The contact stated that recently the vehicle started stalling and there was abnormal gasoline coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21.

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shuddered and then stalled. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that the failure might be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer would not replace the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The local dealer was contacted; however, the dealer informed that contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I am writing to notify you of the problems I have experienced with my (2022, KIA, SOUL, VIN - [XXX] ) and to request that you kindly check in on this problem within thirty (30) days of your receipt of this letter. I purchased my vehicle from (REED NISSAN OF CLERMONT) on or about [XXX]. Approximately (3 MONTHS) I began having trouble with (WITH THE ENGINE BURNING A LOT OF OIL AND HAD TO PUT OIL IN IT IN BETWEEN CHANGES, which I have had a 2015 kia soul so I was used to this). I have taken my vehicle for the proper amount of oil changes on 12/12/23(first oil change and the oil was black when I went), 1/30/24, 4/8/24, 5/28/24, 7/20/24, and 10/8/24. On the last oil change my car was about 60,284 miles and they found a small oil leak at that point they told me to call kia that it should be under warranty. Kia said there was nothing they could do. While I was trying to figure out what to do and continuing to check my oil which stayed at good levels my engine failed on the highway at 61,104 miles. This is not a very old engine to be failing and kia motors are known to do this. As, of now I know there is no known recalls, but there have been for all other kia souls in the previous years. I would like an investigation into the failure of my engine. This problem of the failure of my engine has cost me $9,826.55 and being the second owner of this vehicle I had no warranty past the 60,000-mile warranty(which I was not aware of until I called kia) and since I feel the problem existed before I even purchased this car I would like my case to be considered under a warranty or some help from KIA. I also feel the car was not inspected properly before being sold as a certified used car. Please contact me on receipt of this letter at the above email or telephone number to arrange a mutually convenient date and time for you to have an opportunity to discuss what can be done to help make this right. Attached are the auto shop car eng INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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

I was entering I 24 east toward Nashville on March 3 2024 @5p. As car entered the freeway. The engine stopped. Engine light turned on pulled over on shoulder. Put in park and tried to start but would not turn over. There was still full battery power according to dash board. I had two minor incidents two weeks prior. Entering store parking lots. Engine died a low speed . 5-10 miles an hour. Vehicle did restart at those incidents without problem s at regular speed before March 3 rd incident. KIA mechanic said might be cam gear shaft malfunction.. sensors? Belt?