2023 Kia Soul engine problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2023 Kia Soul — 26% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“While driving an alarm noise sounds and on the dash a message will appear stating engine off put car in p or n and I cannot accelerate.”
filed Sep 4, 2026
“Before the accident which my car was totaled, I would take it in with issues. Electrical lights coming on the car would stop .my transmission locking up . I would tell them that there was something wrong with the car . I had videos to show pannel lights coming on at 70 on freeway and car locking up…”
filed May 26, 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
This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published under SC336 titled “Engine Inspection/Replacement and ECM Logic Improvement”.
SC336YZ_TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 4, 2025
Engine problems in other Soul years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Soul | 4 | 14% |
| 2022 Soul | 51 | 58% |
| 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 2023 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.