TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Kia Soul powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2022 Kia Soul have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Soul | 30 |
| 2019 Soul | 5 |
| 2020 Soul | 87 |
| 2021 Soul | 21 |
| 2022 Soul (this page) | 11 |
| 2023 Soul | 4 |
2injuries
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRECAUTIONS FOR TRANSMISSIONS WITH ISG/EOP - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement or servicing of transmission assemblies on all Kia vehicles equipped with Idle-Stop-Go (ISG) and High-Flow Electric Oil Pump (HF EOP). The HF EOP protective connector cover may NOT have been installed on a new or remanufactured transmission during assembly. The HF EOP connector may become contaminated with debris during shipping and/or with oil/coolant during installation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IVT OIL PRESSURE SENSOR REPLACEMENT: This bulletin provides information to replace the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) Oil Pressure Sensor (OPS) on some 2018-2024MY vehicles listed on page 3 equipped with IVT. The affected vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated on the instrument cluster with DTCs P084500, P084600, and/or P0867XX present with no drivability concerns due to a failed IVT oil pressure sensor.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2022 Kia Soul powertrain complaints center on three catastrophic failures that create immediate danger: engine stalling without warning, transmission failure at near-new mileage, and excessive oil consumption that cascades into engine damage.
Engine stalling happens unpredictably — one owner's engine quit while they were fastening a seatbelt; another's shut off while passing an 18-wheeler on the interstate. Multiple owners report abrupt loss of power at highway speed, dropping from 65 mph to 20 mph in seconds. Check engine lights return repeatedly despite dealership clearing them; when codes are accessible, they point to timing correlation issues (P0017, P0014). Dealerships have performed major timing repairs involving camshaft and CVVT components, yet failures recurred.
Transmissions failed at staggeringly low mileage — one at 4,594 miles, another at 4,300 miles. Second failures followed 1,300 miles after replacement. Owners trapped in intersections and on highways report the trans losing all drive capability with no advance warning. Metal shavings found in transmission fluid; at least one replacement used a refurbished unit that failed again.
Excessive oil burn is severe and recurring. One owner reported consumption of 1 quart per 1,000 miles; another found the engine 4 quarts low despite regular maintenance. Smoke and burning smell accompany the oil loss. Owners report spending hundreds on towing and emergency room visits for family members after stalling events. Several mention their VINs fall outside published recalls despite experiencing identical symptoms to recalled vehicles.
Same Kia Soul powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power
Engine shuts off without warning while driving, sometimes while performing routine tasks like fastening a seatbelt. Loss of power occurs abruptly, sometimes during highway passing maneuvers. Vehicle may be stuck in traffic or on highways, creating collision hazards.
When: Early in vehicle life; one case at 4,594 miles, another at high speed after several years
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; Loss of motive power; Abrupt deceleration from highway speed to 20 mph; Vehicle needs restart; No warning lights in some cases
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (code not always accessible), P0014 (Camshaft Position Timing), P0017 (Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships performed major timing repairs including camshaft and CVVT component replacement; one case repeated after initial repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia corporate contacted in at least one case; some vehicles mentioned as potentially under recall but VINs excluded; Recall 25V099 (SC336) referenced but not applied to all affected vehicles
Transmission Failure (CVT/IVT)
Transmission loses all drive capability, trapping occupants in dangerous traffic situations. Metal shavings found in transmission fluid. Refurbished transmission installed in one case failed again after 1,300 miles. Vehicle does not provide warning of impending failure.
When: Very early mileage: one failure at 4,594 miles, second failure at 10,734 miles; another at 4,300 miles with second failure at 5,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to accelerate; Fluctuating RPMs before failure; Complete loss of power with redlined tachometer; Herky-jerky motion when slowing down; Rubber-band effect during deceleration; Threatens to stall at low speeds (22 mph, 12 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; metal shavings observed in fluid; refurbished units used in at least one repair; one owner facing second transmission replacement; total of $800 towing costs reported
Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Damage
Engine burns through oil at abnormal rates (one owner reported 1,000 miles per quart). Pistons damaged and burning oil. Engine seizing detected while driving. Dealership diagnosis points to low oil despite owner maintenance compliance. Severe oil consumption leads to timing failure, loss of power, and stalling.
When: One case documented 4 quarts low despite proper maintenance; oil consumption ongoing throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: White and black smoke from exhaust; Burning oil smell; Engine jerking and smoking on road; Complete loss of oil (4 quarts low); Smoking recurring multiple times per day; Engine seizing while driving; Oil consumption of 1 quart per 1,000 miles
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics attributed to piston damage and oil burn; repeated oil additions required (2 quarts to limp to service); dealership recommended engine replacement or major repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner aware of recalls on similar 2022 Kia Souls but VIN excluded; possible connection to Recall 25V099 (SC336) for engine oil consumption
Check Engine Light and Fuel System Issues
Check engine light illuminates repeatedly despite dealership clearing codes. Light returns the next morning or within short time. Fuel mixture problems and fuel consumption anomalies reported. Gas mileage fluctuates wildly (33-41 mpg dropping to 28-31, then erratically ranging from 9-12 mpg to 50 mpg). Dealership unable to explain inconsistencies and suggests odometer/trip meter malfunction.
When: Recurring, beginning early in vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light returns repeatedly; Chugging and sputtering sensation; Extreme fluctuation in fuel economy (9-50 mpg readings); Inconsistent fuel mixture; Engine light despite dealer stating no code present
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (code access disputed), P0017 (in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel mixture adjustment performed by independent mechanic; dealership and third-party shop attempted multiple repairs over multiple visits; one owner reports 5-day diagnostic hold requested by dealership
Transmission Electrical/Sensor Issues
Instrument panel displays erroneous messages about shift position and battery discharge. Unknown sensor malfunction occurs. Message persists even after sensor reset attempted.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Message: 'Shift to park(P) or neutral(N) Before Starting engine' displayed while parking; Battery discharged message displayed; Failure recurs after sensor reset
Repairs/costs cited: Unknown sensor reset performed but failure recurred
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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 trying to pass a 18 wheeler on the Interstate and my car shut its self all the way off. I freaked out and lucky there was…
Transmission issues. 10/27/23 the engine turned off on Rt93 highway in Massachusetts while in stop-and-go traffic. I put it in park, and restarted the car. It seems to accelerate fine, but is herky-jerky when slowing down. It has a rubber band effect, and threatens to stall at 22mph and 12mph when slowing down. The dealer's first appointment is 2 months out. I'll have to drive it until…
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the message displayed on the instrument panel to "Shift to park(P) or neutral(N) Before Starting engine". Additionally, there was a battery discharged message displayed. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic found no cause of the failure. The contact stated that an unknown sensor was reset…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2022 Kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Kia/Soul.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.