2022 Kia Soul Engine Problems

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: Ordering a consumer to drive an oil-starved, rattling engine on public roads creates an immediate hazard of high-speed engine failure or fire. Kia Consumer Affairs refuses to transfer calls, leaving me stranded with out-of-pocket rental costs. This directly demonstrates the flaws investigated under NHTSA Audit AQ25001 regarding unreliable 25V-099 recall protocols. I request the NHTSA investigate Kia for issuing false-pass inspections and forcing consumers to operate severely compromised, fire-risk vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774659

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer only inspected the engine and had not installed the piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the recall repair. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound and failed to accelerate, and there was an abnormal smoke odor. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had failed. The vehicle was then towed to a second dealer, DeMontrond Kia (14101 N Fwy Service Rd, Houston, TX 77090); however, the contact was informed that manufacturer authorization was required to perform the recall repair again under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11774399

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the engine was not replaced under the recall. While the contact's wife was driving 10 MPH, the vehicle started sputtering. The vehicle later lost motive power while the contact was driving. Upon inspection, the contact discovered there was no engine oil inside the engine. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly's and diagnosed with a cylinder #3 misfire. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed an oil change, but after 3,000 miles there was no oil in the engine. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times for oil consumption tests, and the spark plugs were replaced; however, the contact was informed that the engine could not be replaced under recall because the engine oil level was full at inspection. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA ID

11772606

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

33,000 mi

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."

NHTSA ID

11771506

Incident

Oct 7, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11769676

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11768644

Incident

Sep 22, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID

11751021

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

Mileage

101,000 mi

• 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

NHTSA ID

11743951

Incident

May 31, 2026

03/17/26: Kia Soul 2022 was brought into the dealership to have the safety recall (NHTSA: 25V099; Kia: SC336) addressed. There is a description of the service that says, “Piston Oil Ring.” Dealership stated everything was "good to go" upon completion of this service. Per dealership document, causal part says “Ring Set-Piston”, Issue number SC336. Issue Type: Safety Recall; Description: Piston Oil Ring. 04/20/2026: While driving, the engine light turned red/blinking. The car was immediately pulled over to the side of the road. It was towed to the aforementioned Kia dealership via AAA. The engine needed to be replaced. Regarding the engine: Issue number SC336Y1; Issue Type: Service Campaign; Description: DTC P1327 Engine R&R. 05/05/2026: While using the car, it would not move with attempt to accelerate from a 4-way stop. The oil light and battery light were red; the engine light was orange. A message on screen displayed: “Battery discharge warning. Please use the system after starting the vehicle.” When attempting to turn the key, the engine did not make any sound. Approximately 10-12 minutes later, I went through the same steps and the car turned on. Kia dealership was notified. Upon arrival to the dealership, I was told "these things happen," "it is likely the battery," and, "The fuel saving start-stop function that cars like the Soul have can lead to this kind of thing." It was also stated that the "battery was good, but the charge was low." Finally, I was told "the car should be fine to drive, since it made its way to the dealership" without issues. I verbalized the significant safety risk and stated I needed it assessed. The car remains at the dealership, as there is no root cause and this is a major safety hazard that, notably, occurred 6 days after the engine replacement. The dealership maintains that "there is nothing that can be done." This has been escalated to Kia Corporate. No issues with car prior to engine light turning red on 04/20/26.

NHTSA ID

11736890

Incident

May 5, 2026

Weeks before the vehicle completely shut down, my car began stalling and shutting off in traffic without warning while driving. I was usually able to turn the vehicle off and restart it, and it would come back on temporarily. At red lights and stop signs, the vehicle would power down, stall, jerk forward, and then begin moving again when I pressed the accelerator. On 05/01/2026, while stopped at a red light on my way to get gas, I noticed the vehicle vibrating unusually. I made it to the gas station, filled up, and drove away. However, as I entered a heavily traveled highway, the vehicle began shaking uncontrollably and completely shut off in traffic. I was unable to restart the vehicle and had to have it towed, and later towed again to a Kia dealership/service center. The diagnostic codes identified were: * P0014:00 – Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced/System Performance (Bank 1) * P0017:00 – Crankshaft Position/Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor B – Exhaust) * P0303:00 – Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected I am extremely concerned because the vehicle is only about four years old, and I purchased it a little over a year ago. I have previously taken the vehicle to Kia for recalls, including recalls related to engine issues. Based on my research and the symptoms of my vehicle, I believe the recall involving the piston oil rings may be related to the camshaft and crankshaft issues now occurring. I am concerned this may represent an additional safety-related defect or recall issue that has not yet been fully recognized by Kia. I am submitting this complaint to bring awareness to this issue and request that a proper investigation be conducted before more drivers experience a dangerous failure in traffic. I would also like to request direct follow-up regarding my specific vehicle and this incident. Due to the seriousness of the failure and the safety risk of the vehicle shutting down in active traffic, I believe my vehicle should be reviewed as part o

NHTSA ID

11736581

Incident

May 1, 2026

The check engine light came on. I took the jar to Kia and also requested for the piston recall to be repaired. I was denied due to an expired warranty. The engine stalled and stopped suddenly while driving in the street. Soon the care was no longer drivable.

NHTSA ID

11736494

Incident

May 4, 2026

My 2022 Kia Soul with a 2.0 Litre Engine is consuming lots of oil, I'm having to ad a quart every day. I have check engine lights for the catalytic converter and engine missfires. The car has always consumed oil between oil changes since I bought it new in 2022, and its gotten progressively worse. I've maintained the car as required by the manufacturer and have topped up the oil when low. I had the dealer perform an oil consumption test in June 0f 2025 at 60,275 miles. After 1000 miles the Dealer determined the car was consuming 8/10ths of a quart of oil after 1000. The dealer informed mt that Kia only considered 1 quart of oil or more after 1000 miles to be a problem. So I continued to change oil and top it off as necessary. The car continued to consume more and more oil, and I contacted Kia Customer Service In June, November, December of 2025 regarding the increasing oil consumption problem. In April I contacted Kia Customer service again stating the oil consumption had gotten much worse. The took my information an said someone woul call me. I called them again 5 days later and told them I had a check engine light regarding an engis miss and Catalytic convert code, and asked the expedite the call back. I've spoken with the expedited service person three times since the 25th of april and informed the that I'm having to add 1 gt of oil daily. The expedited serviec person informed me that Kia would not provide me with a loaner car or rental reimbursement until it was determined by Kia that there is a problem with the engine. She also said I should drop the car off and leave it with the Dealer, and call her back when I've done so. My car has 77731 miles on it, I've never missed and oil change, and I've always kept it topped off. I'm concerned the catalytic converter will plug up and leave me stranded, or worse, result in an engine fire!

NHTSA ID

11734807

Incident

Apr 25, 2026

My car stalled with no precursors. The engine and oil was maintain but the engined stall with out smoke or mixed oil. This error falls directly under the recall for pistion rings that cause engine failure. I brought my vehicle to Archer Kia and after two-three months of waited for the recall repair they stated that they could not repair the failed engine under the recall that causes failed engines.

NHTSA ID

11732207

Incident

Nov 21, 2025

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 as incomplete. I am submitting this information for awareness and review. I am not making any conclusions regarding causation. However, I believe it is important that incidents involving vehicle fires and open recalls are documented and evaluated to help protect other families. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11730024

Incident

Aug 2, 2025

Safety recall letter dated 4/4/25 states the piston rings may have been manufactured incorrectly causing oil consumption resulting in loss of drive power and/or fire. Kia performed two 1000 mile oil level checks which indicated it was 2 quarts low both times!!! I have asked for a written document stating they are not going to fix the problem and why (because he did not have all his oil change records ) but they will not send one not will they answer my emails or phone calls!

NHTSA ID

11729936

Incident

Nov 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power and stalled, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and needed to be towed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that a used engine was installed as a replacement in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA ID

11729099

Incident

Apr 3, 2026

Mileage

81,000 mi

Update – April 1, 2026 (NHTSA Complaint #XXX) Today, April 1, 2026, at XXX I was informed that the engine replacement will not proceed because “the 3 years or 36,000 miles have passed.” This is incorrect. My Kia Soul 2022, VIN [XXX] , currently has 44,649 miles and was purchased in 2021. Kia’s Powertrain warranty is 10 years / 100,000 miles for the original owner and covers the engine. The basic 5-year/60,000-mile warranty does not apply in this case. On February 2, 2026, the technician documented stuck oil control rings allowing oil to enter the compression area, causing excessive oil consumption. A PWA was requested for full engine replacement. I have three failed oil consumption tests (more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles) and low compression on piston 3 (145 PSI). This would be the second major engine intervention in less than one year. The dealer is proposing only a partial repair of pieces, which does not solve the root cause and represents a safety risk (engine damage, possible fire, or loss of power), as warned in the official Kia letter I received. I request that NHTSA review this unjustified denial of warranty repair and require Kia to honor the Powertrain coverage. Attached: Technician notes from February 2, 2026, the three oil consumption tests, official Kia Puerto Rico letter, full repair history, and denial communication from April 1, 2026. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11728624

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

Urgent Escalation – Case CAS-XXX – Kia Soul 2022 VIN [XXX] – Excessive Oil Consumption Confirmed in 3 Tests – Partial Repair Unacceptable After Multiple Failures and Second Engine Intervention in Less Than six months INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11728499

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

The contact's daughter owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 40 MPH, the engine froze for two minutes. The oil light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was undriveable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); but the recall repair was declined because maintenance receipts were not available. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Friendship Kia, where the vehicle was diagnosed with a bent camshaft and spark plugs failure. The spark plugs were replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11728290

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

Mileage

90,000 mi

When I drive in alloys mode the system jerky and engine makes noise or hangs and I have to turn it off and on to start it back up to drive. When I drive without alloys on it thugs sporadically as if it is going to drive backward. Per the dealer the engine oil is slugs even thought it had oil change. But this vehicle is scary, I need it but scare of driving it.

NHTSA ID

11727579

Incident

Mar 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). After retrieving the vehicle, there was an audible tinging sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer for an extensive overhaul, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The oil level was approximately ¾ of a quart low. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer suggested driving the vehicle for 1,000 miles and having an oil consumption test performed. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

NHTSA ID

11727306

Incident

Feb 16, 2026

Mileage

69,000 mi

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2022 Kia Soul LX with approximately 97,500 miles. The vehicle has experienced sudden and excessive oil consumption despite regular maintenance and a recent oil change about 1,500 miles prior to failure. While driving in normal traffic conditions, the vehicle suddenly began running rough, lost power, and entered limp mode. Shortly after, the engine stalled while I was actively driving, creating a dangerous situation and safety concern for myself and other drivers. A mechanic inspection found diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft timing issues and determined that the timing chain tensioner likely failed due to oil starvation. The mechanic also found internal engine damage including piston ring failure caused by abnormal oil consumption. I was advised the engine is not repairable and requires replacement. I understand there have been widespread reports, recalls, and class action litigation involving Kia engines experiencing similar oil consumption and catastrophic failure issues. However, I was informed my specific VIN is not currently included. Because this failure caused a sudden stall while driving and poses a significant safety risk, I am requesting that this complaint be investigated. I believe this defect could affect additional vehicles beyond those currently included in recalls or service campaigns. This vehicle was properly maintained and the failure occurred unexpectedly and prematurely for a modern engine. Before the stall that happened going at least 35 mph with my [XXX] daughter In the rear seat, there was no prior warning oil lights or engine lights. Causing severe safety concerns for myself and child. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11725761

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

Vehicle is only 4 years old. Engine light came on. I used my Fixd code reader to diagnose. It mentioned several sensors which I replace cam shaft sensor. Intake sensor. Crank shay sensor. All were replaced, engine light came back on after each replacement. I took it to dealership for service and diagnosis. They indicated engine replacement due to timing being out of line; sheared king pin. Vehicle has been serviced regularly. Never anticipated having to replace an engine on a four year old vehicle. Still making payments and now $9,000 repair is Absurd! Additionally, these symptoms are consistent with similar symptoms listed in other kia soul recalls. This is my second Kia but probably will be my last if the manufacturer does not rectify this problem. Codes: P0017, P000B, P0068, P0014

NHTSA ID

11723229

Incident

Jan 26, 2026

The car stopped several times and had to be towed! One day the car just wouldn't start! My brother took it to the dealership and they said it needed a new engine!

NHTSA ID

11723078

Incident

Mar 20, 2025

My 2022 Kia Soul experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalling while driving, creating a high risk for a rear-end collision in traffic. An authorized Kia dealership (Mike Miller Kia) performed a major timing repair in March 2025 [XXX] ) to address these safety issues. However, the exact same failure occurred again in January 2026. The dealership now documents that the engine was 4 quarts low on oil, nearly empty, despite proper maintenance. This indicates a severe oil consumption defect that leads to timing failure and unpredictable engine stalls. I believe this vehicle poses an unreasonable safety risk due to this recurring stalling condition, which matches the defect described in NHTSA Recall 25V099 (SC336), though my VIN is currently excluded. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11712243

Incident

Jan 14, 2026