2022 Kia Soul engine problems
51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2022 Kia Soul — 58% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jul 17, 2026
“• 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…”
filed Jun 14, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damageCampaign 25V099000 · Feb 17, 2025
Related service bulletins
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MISFIRE CONCERN DUE TO OVERRUNNING ALTERNATOR DECOUPLER - This bulletin provides information to address unresolved misfire events on some 2020–2024MY Forte (BDm) produced from January 1, 2019…
TSB_ENG263 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 5, 2026
Engine problems in other Soul years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Soul | 4 | 14% |
| 2023 Soul | 13 | 26% |
| 2021 Soul | 132 | 57% |
| 2020 Soul | 235 | 62% |
| 2019 Soul | 87 | 64% |
| 2018 Soul | 140 | 64% |
| 2017 Soul | 190 | 70% |
| 2016 Soul | 556 | 69% |
| 2015 Soul | 628 | 70% |
| 2014 Soul | 552 | 61% |
| 2013 Soul | 283 | 43% |
| 2012 Soul | 209 | 41% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2022 Kia Soul
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.