2022 Kia Soul engine problems

Engine burning or losing oil at abnormal rates (0.8-1+ quart per 1,000 miles) beginning as early as 3 months after purchase. Piston rings, particularly oil control rings, fail to seal properly, allowing oil into the combustion chamber and lowering oil pressure throughout the engine. Oil level drops critically low without triggering low-oil warning lights.

When: As early as 3 months of ownership; mileage range 21 to 97,500 miles at time of complaint

Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drop 2-3 quarts between oil changes or daily top-offs required; No visible external leaks despite low oil; Oil reaching spark plugs and piston walls; Low oil pressure warning light fails to illuminate when oil is critically low; White smoke from exhaust; Engine knock; Oil sludge and carbon buildup despite regular maintenance

Codes mentioned: P0011 (intake camshaft variable timing solenoid), P0014 (exhaust camshaft position timing), P000A (camshaft A position low), P000B (camshaft B position low), P0017 (crankshaft camshaft timing mismatch), P0068 (manifold absolute pressure/mass air flow)

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers document stuck oil control rings via inspection. Repairs attempted include partial fixes (oil ring sensor installation only) or full engine replacement. One owner cited $9,826.55 engine replacement cost at private shop. Dealers quote $4,000+ for intake and exhaust cam phasers. Some owners refused loaner vehicles while engines awaited replacement.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Recall 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) issued for piston oil ring manufacturing defect. Many owners report VINs not included in recall despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Recall repair parts on backorder or unavailable; repair timeline indefinite. Kia Customer Service stated consumption of 1 quart per 1,000 miles is within acceptable range and declined coverage. Powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles for original owner) denied in one case citing 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty despite powertrain coverage eligibility. One dealer replaced only an oil ring sensor and performed vibrational testing with inconsistent results, declining full engine replacement.

Engine loses power and shuts down unexpectedly during normal driving—at traffic lights, highway speeds (30-50 mph), parking lot entries, and while turning. No warning lights illuminate before failure in most cases. Vehicle either fails to restart or restarts momentarily before stalling again.

When: Mileage range 32,000 to 97,500 miles; occurs throughout ownership duration

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of motive power at low, moderate, and highway speeds; Engine stalls while stopped at traffic signals; Engine freezes momentarily during normal driving before recovering; Vehicle unable to restart after stall, requiring tow; No dashboard warning lights before failure; Check engine light illuminates after stall; Loss of power sufficient to create traffic hazard

Codes mentioned: P1C28 (unspecified powertrain code), P000A (camshaft position low)

Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics diagnose timing chain tensioner failure due to oil starvation, bent camshafts, sheared timing pins, and piston ring failure. Engine replacement required in all documented stall cases. Dealer-quoted engine replacement cost over $4,000; private shop quoted $9,826.55.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Recall 25V099000 acknowledged by many owners but repair parts unavailable. One owner passed dealer recall vibration test but was later told recall did not cover full engine replacement; subsequent freeway stall denied recall coverage because vehicle had been 'cleared.' Another owner denied warranty engine replacement at 44,896 miles due to parts unavailability and recall hold status. Manufacturer opened cases but provided no assistance or loaner vehicles.

Check engine light and misfire codes appear, often following oil changes. Misfires on single or multiple cylinders (typically Cylinders 2 and 4 documented). Owners report rough idle, hesitation during acceleration, and jerking/jolting sensations. Replacement of ignition coils and camshaft solenoids does not resolve the issue when root cause is internal engine damage.

When: Mileage range 50,000 to 97,500 miles; can occur after oil service

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Misfire codes on one or multiple cylinders; Rough idle, especially with A/C on; Hesitation or jerking during acceleration; Vehicle shudders while stopped; Rough running that forces vehicle shutdown and restart cycles; Incomplete recovery after component replacement

Codes mentioned: P0011 (intake camshaft variable timing solenoid), P0014 (exhaust camshaft position timing), P0017 (crankshaft camshaft timing mismatch), P000A (camshaft A position low), P000B (camshaft B position low), Cylinder 2 misfire, Cylinder 4 misfire

Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing ignition coils, camshaft solenoids, and variable timing solenoids without resolution. Mechanics document oil coating spark plugs and piston ring wear. Diagnosis ultimately points to internal piston ring damage, not external components. Full engine replacement necessary.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented for misfire failures beyond general recall involvement in some cases. Warranty denied when oil consumption tests showed consumption under 1 quart per 1,000 miles, despite ongoing misfire symptoms.

Loud rattling, knocking, and tinging noises emanate from the engine compartment during acceleration, idling, or at various speeds. Noise correlates with low oil levels and internal engine damage. Piston rings worn and pistons knocking against cylinder walls. Some owners also report backfiring.

When: Mileage range 32,000 to 91,500 miles; develops over extended period or appears suddenly

Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling sound from engine compartment at various speeds; Engine knocking during acceleration and deceleration; Tinging sound after dealer service; Backfiring from exhaust; Engine rattle during idling; Abnormally loud engine noise at rest

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers found oil levels 2 quarts low without dipstick indication. One post-recall repair resulted in continued tinging; subsequent inspection revealed need for full engine replacement. Tire replacement was initially (incorrectly) suggested as remedy in one case.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia acknowledged recall campaign 25V099000 in cases where parts were unavailable and repair indefinitely delayed. Manufacturer opened cases and in one instance offered reimbursement after excessive delays. Parts distribution disconnect was the stated reason for repair delays.

Dealers perform recall repairs (such as installing oil ring sensor only) without fully addressing the underlying piston ring defect. Vibration tests are performed but results are inconsistent or incorrectly executed initially. Post-repair symptoms persist, including warning lights and potential for engine failure or fire. Owners report unsafe vehicles returned to road with recall technically 'incomplete' or remedy inadequate.

When: Post-recall service; mileage 44,649 to 97,500 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent warning light (triangle with exclamation mark) appearing after recall repair; Check engine light returns after sensor-only repair; Oil consumption continues after partial repair; Stuck oil control rings documented on follow-up inspection; Low compression on piston 3 (145 PSI) after first engine intervention; Vehicle deemed unsafe to drive pending second engine intervention

Codes mentioned: P000A (camshaft position low)

Repairs/costs cited: One dealer installed only an oil ring sensor and performed initial vibration test incorrectly, then redid test claiming pass. Subsequent inspection revealed stuck oil control rings and low compression, indicating sensor-only fix inadequate. Another owner underwent vibration test at 44,649 miles (within powertrain warranty); test result unclear, but dealer declined full engine replacement and offered only partial piston ring repair, which owner rejected as safety risk due to fire/damage potential.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued Recall 25V099000 with remedy that includes engine vibration testing and possible engine replacement if test fails. However, owners report inconsistent test application and denial of replacement based on prior 'cleared' status. One owner denied powertrain warranty engine replacement on April 1, 2026, at 44,649 miles (within 10-year/100,000-mile coverage) with stated reason that '3 years or 36,000 miles have passed'—incorrect interpretation of powertrain warranty. Kia's Puerto Rico office issued official recall letter warning of fire and loss of power risk; customer denied coverage for full engine replacement to address root cause.

Owners notified of Recall 25V099000 but unable to schedule repairs because parts are on backorder. Dealers unable to provide repair timelines. Manufacturer placed recall on hold for remedy testing. Owners with documented symptoms unable to access repair while driving vehicles with known defect risk.

When: Ongoing from recall notification; mileage 21 to 91,500 miles

Symptoms owners cite: No failure yet experienced (in some cases); Excessive oil consumption documented; Rattling and knocking sounds while awaiting repair; Oil levels 2 quarts low between changes; Vehicle remains undriveable pending repair parts availability

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers contacted; parts unavailable. One dealer stated repair would require at least one day for diagnostic and parts on backorder with no timeframe. Another owner experienced rattling and 2-quart oil loss while awaiting recall parts.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia Recall 25V099000 issued but remedy parts unavailable nationwide. Multiple owners report manufacturer exceeded reasonable time for repair. Kia confirmed recall placed on hold while testing remedy. Manufacturer opened cases in some instances and offered reimbursement in others due to excessive delay. One manufacturer communication indicated willingness to provide reimbursement after indefinite wait.