Vehicles · Insights

2022 Kia Soul

2022 Kia Soul: the engine dominates owner complaints

Owners filed 86 complaints with NHTSA. The engine is by far the most reported area at 58%, and it is the only area tied to deaths (3), along with 3 injuries, 1 fire, and 1 crash. Separate engine-and-cooling reports add another 22%, and the power train accounts for 14% with 2 injuries. The remaining complaints cover the electrical system (12%) and the fuel/propulsion system (8%). The engine clearly deserves the closest look.

Most reported areas

Engine safety 58%
The dominant complaint by far: 50 reports (58%), and the only area tied to deaths (3), plus 3 injuries, 1 fire, and 1 crash. Owners describe the engine stopping while driving, so this is the most serious area to inspect.
Engine And Engine Cooling0 22%
Second most reported: 19 reports (22%), with no crashes, fires, or injuries. Many reference a recall (NHTSA Campaign 25V099000), so confirm the related repair has been completed.
Power Train0 14%
12 reports (14%), tied to 2 injuries. Owners describe fluctuating RPMs and loss of power, often on the highway, so watch transmission behavior on a test drive.
Electrical System0 12%
10 reports (12%), with no crashes, fires, or injuries. A smaller but recurring area, with owners noting loss of power at a stop tied to the stop/start system.
Fuel/Propulsion System0 8%
The fewest complaints: 7 reports (8%), with no crashes, fires, or injuries. Owners mention sluggish response and delayed shifting.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 86 complaints

Track maintenance, recalls, and costs for your Kia — and see this inside the app.

Get Vehicle Story Maintenance schedule

General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.