Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

2023 Kia Soul engine problems

moderate 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →

Complaints
7
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$3,100

When does it fail?

Of the 7 engine complaints filed for the 2023 Kia Soul, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.

0-25k
1 (100%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)

Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.

What stands out

Of the 14 model years of Kia Soul we track for engine problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (7).

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 25V099000 February 17, 2025

Kia America, Inc

Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Dealers will also install piston-ring noise sensing system (PNSS) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 4, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.

What owners are reporting 1 most recent

engine · 20,000 mi · filed 09/20/2024

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while pulling into a mall, there was an abnormally low rumbling and ticking sound coming from the vehicle. While driving 45 MPH, the message to turn off and restart the vehicle was displayed with an audible alarm. The contact stated that the vehicle had shut off on three separate occasions. There were no warning lights illuminated. The…

Had engine trouble with your 2023 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 engine problem on the 2023 Kia Soul?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Based on the 7 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 14,436 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

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/2023/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.
Get a free warranty quote →
Sponsored — we earn a commission if you complete a quote. Disclosure.