Kia Soul problems
85 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced.
- 3 fatality reports and 1 fire-related complaint on the engine
- Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul X-Line. The contact stated while at a stop, the vehicle was rear-ended and the seat belts did not retract nor did none of the airbags deploy. The contact sustained shoulder bruises and a hip bruise. The contact's friend was sitting in the…
I have a Kia Soul 2022 and I have been having a lot of different problems with my vehicle that are a serious safety hazard for my family and myself. I was trying to pass 18 wheeler truck one night and I saw white and black smoke coming out from the back of my Kia Soul. I was…
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while idling on several occasions. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, and the DTC: P1C28 was retrieved, which the…
2022 kia soul, engine failed on the highway interstate. was traveling on [XXX] at 70mph and I slowed down due to an accident infant of me and went to accelerate again and my car shut down. and thats is when my engine failed. This is not safe at all. Took three weeks to get…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2022 Kia Soul reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2022 Kia Soul is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2022 Kia Soul?
On the NHTSA data, the 2022 Kia Soul is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the engine was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 3 fatality reports and 1 fire-related complaint on the engine; Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2022 Kia Soul?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 48 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 67,157 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 67,157 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Kia Soul has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2022 Kia Soul?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 85 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.