2022 Kia Soul: engine failure

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Engine · TX

My 2022 Kia Soul (VIN: [XXX], ~57,000 miles) is subject to Safety Recall 25V‑099 (SC336) for defective piston oil rings causing rapid oil loss, engine noise, stalling, seizure, and fire. On XXX, my vehicle suffered severe engine rattling and was towed to Kia of Frisco (TX). Technicians physically inspected it and documented two critical findings: 1. The oil pan was completely dry/empty. 2. The engine exhibited heavy carbon buildup in the combustion chamber. The vehicle was 1,000 miles UNDER its maintenance interval, with the previous service done at this same dealership. A dry oil pan and carbon fouling are direct physical proof of defective piston rings allowing oil to burn rapidly. REMEDY FAILURE & FALSE NEGATIVE: Despite documenting a bone-dry oil pan and carbon fouling, the dealership ran Kia's PNSS sound/vibration test, which yielded a false "pass." Based on this false negative, Kia of Frisco and the regional DPSM formally refused on XXX, to authorize recall engine replacement. Instead, they are forcing me to drive this internally damaged, oil-starved, rattling vehicle on public highways for a 1,000-mile oil consumption test. SAFETY HAZARD & AUDIT AQ25001: Ordering a consumer to drive an oil-starved, rattling engine on public roads creates an immediate hazard of high-speed engine failure or fire. Kia Consumer Affairs refuses to transfer calls, leaving me stranded with out-of-pocket rental costs. This directly demonstrates the flaws investigated under the federal safety agency Audit AQ25001 regarding unreliable 25V‑099 recall protocols. I request the federal safety agency investigate Kia for issuing false-pass inspections and forcing consumers to operate severely compromised, fire-risk vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · LA

• a theft attempt caused by the widely reported Kia software vulnerability (documented in my police report) • a display failure that Kia refused to repair • a recall that Kia refused to perform because the display was broken • repeated defects lighting, battery warning indicators never come on when the oil is beinf consumed • and now a complete engine failure on a 2022 vehicle

Filed May 10, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IL

03/17/26: Kia Soul 2022 was brought into the dealership to have the safety recall (the federal safety agency: 25V099; Kia: SC336) addressed. There is a description of the service that says, “Piston Oil Ring.” Dealership stated everything was "good to go" upon completion of this service. Per dealership document, causal part says “Ring Set-Piston”, Issue number SC336. Issue Type: Safety Recall; Description: Piston Oil Ring. 04/20/2026: While driving, the engine light turned red/blinking. The car was immediately pulled over to the side of the road. It was towed to the aforementioned Kia dealership via AAA. The engine needed to be replaced. Regarding the engine: Issue number SC336Y1; Issue Type: Service Campaign; Description: DTC P1327 Engine R&R. 05/05/2026: While using the car, it would not move with attempt to accelerate from a 4-way stop. The oil light and battery light were red; the engine light was orange. A message on screen displayed: “Battery discharge warning. Please use the system after starting the vehicle.” When attempting to turn the key, the engine did not make any sound. Approximately 10-12 minutes later, I went through the same steps and the car turned on. Kia dealership was notified. Upon arrival to the dealership, I was told "these things happen," "it is likely the battery," and, "The fuel saving start-stop function that cars like the Soul have can lead to this kind of thing." It was also stated that the "battery was good, but the charge was low." Finally, I was told "the car should be fine to drive, since it made its way to the dealership" without issues. I verbalized the significant safety risk and stated I needed it assessed. The car remains at the dealership, as there is no root cause and this is a major safety hazard that, notably, occurred 6 days after the engine replacement. The dealership maintains that "there is nothing that can be done." This has been escalated to Kia Corporate. No issues with car prior to engine light turning red on 04/20/26.

Filed Apr 19, 2026 · Engine · TX

My car stalled with no precursors. The engine and oil was maintain but the engined stall with out smoke or mixed oil. This error falls directly under the recall for pistion rings that cause engine failure. I brought my vehicle to Archer Kia and after two-three months of waited for the recall repair they stated that they could not repair the failed engine under the recall that causes failed engines.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Engine · PR

Update – April 1, 2026 (the federal safety agency Complaint #XXX) Today, April 1, 2026, at XXX I was informed that the engine replacement will not proceed because “the 3 years or 36,000 miles have passed.” This is incorrect. My Kia Soul 2022, VIN [XXX] , currently has 44,649 miles and was purchased in 2021. Kia’s Powertrain warranty is 10 years / 100,000 miles for the original owner and covers the engine. The basic 5-year/60,000-mile warranty does not apply in this case. On February 2, 2026, the technician documented stuck oil control rings allowing oil to enter the compression area, causing excessive oil consumption. A PWA was requested for full engine replacement. I have three failed oil consumption tests (more than 1 quart per 1,000 miles) and low compression on piston 3 (145 PSI). This would be the second major engine intervention in less than one year. The dealer is proposing only a partial repair of pieces, which does not solve the root cause and represents a safety risk (engine damage, possible fire, or loss of power), as warned in the official Kia letter I received. I request that the federal safety agency review this unjustified denial of warranty repair and require Kia to honor the Powertrain coverage. Attached: Technician notes from February 2, 2026, the three oil consumption tests, official Kia Puerto Rico letter, full repair history, and denial communication from April 1, 2026. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 10, 2026 · Engine · KY

Vehicle is only 4 years old. Engine light came on. I used my Fixd code reader to diagnose. It mentioned several sensors which I replace cam shaft sensor. Intake sensor. Crank shay sensor. All were replaced, engine light came back on after each replacement. I took it to dealership for service and diagnosis. They indicated engine replacement due to timing being out of line; sheared king pin. Vehicle has been serviced regularly. Never anticipated having to replace an engine on a four year old vehicle. Still making payments and now $9,000 repair is Absurd! Additionally, these symptoms are consistent with similar symptoms listed in other kia soul recalls. This is my second Kia but probably will be my last if the manufacturer does not rectify this problem. Codes: P0017, P000B, P0068, P0014

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Engine · OH

The car stopped several times and had to be towed! One day the car just wouldn't start! My brother took it to the dealership and they said it needed a new engine!

Filed Jan 17, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · IL

In March 2025, my 2022 Kia Soul developed a check engine light and drivability problems that progressed to rough idle, loss of power, reduced power with limited speed and an unresponsive throttle, and stalling after continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, and the dealer performed a major timing related repair (camshaft and related timing/CVVT components) under on 03/07/2025. In January 2026, the check engine light returned and the dealer’s printout shows timing correlation related codes again (P0014 shown as pending and P0017 stored as history). Because the prior event involved loss of power and stalling, I stopped driving the vehicle immediately and brought it in as soon as the dealer had an opening to avoid a repeat safety incident. The dealership has stated the condition is due to low oil or excessive oil consumption and has recommended either engine replacement or additional major timing/engine repairs to make the vehicle drivable. I am concerned this is a recurring engine timing or engine control condition that can lead to reduced power and stalling while driving. I am also aware of recalls or manufacturer campaigns reported for similar Kia Soul vehicles involving engine oil consumption or related engine damage concerns, but my VIN does not show as included. Given the repeat timing related codes and prior reduced power and stalling, I am requesting review of whether this condition warrants broader investigation beyond the current VIN scope.

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · Engine · 77,800 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine while driving at various speeds and while the engine was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under the recall. The dealer informed the contact that the failure appeared to be related to the oil pressure throughout the engine. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the recall test could not be performed because the vehicle had failed to start; however, the contact stated that the vehicle was operable at the time it was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced out the out-of-pocket. The contact related the engine replacement to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 77,800.

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Engine · OK

My 2022 Kia Soul was recalled due to an engine defect involving piston oil rings. The recall repair was supposed to include a specific engine vibration test and possibly an engine replacement if the test failed. Initially, the dealership performed the test incorrectly and said it failed. They redid the test and said it passed, but instead of replacing or fully inspecting the engine, they only installed an oil ring sensor. I am worried the sensor-only fix does not address the root issue, especially since the sensor’s effectiveness is currently being audited. This could pose a safety risk because the engine defect can cause failure, loss of power, or fire. In addition, I have experienced the warning light—a triangle with an exclamation point—that comes on intermittently. When it does, the message says to “check upper rear brake light.” This warning light has appeared multiple times, which adds to my concern about the vehicle’s condition. No other warning lights related to the engine have appeared yet, but I’m concerned about the incomplete recall fix and the possibility of future engine problems. The problem has not been fully confirmed or resolved by the manufacturer or an independent service center.

Filed Aug 10, 2025 · Engine · OH

My kia soul had no warning lights until last week when it shut down completely while pulling into an intersection, I have just purchased it 6 months ago. The engine light came on along with the oil lamp, battery light and master warning light. The car shut down and after a few minutes came back on. It has been doing this randomly for a week now so its barely been driven. It had a p000a code so I took it to a kia dealership for repairs after having it checked elsewhere and being told it needs a new engine. The repairs they quoted me at are over 4k and included the intake cam and intake and exhaust cam phasers. There is not much of a guarantee that this could not happen again if I spend it. I was told its unsafe to drive so its parked and may have to be defaulted on. I've seen others with similar issues while researching.

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Engine · AZ

Car was having acceleration issues, loss of power, and stalled while driving. Took the car to the dealership to be assessed for active recall SC336 and they passed the car deeming it was safe to drive. I expressed concern with the safety of driving this car with the symptoms it was showing. They offered no other services. Approximately one month later, the car could not accelerate, lost power, stalled on the freeway, and would not restart. The car was towed to the nearest dealership and diagnosed to determine the engine needs to be replaced. Kia customer service said since the car was “cleared” previously of the recall that it would not be eligible for replacement under the recall. Thankfully I have warranty but I think this is extremely inappropriate and I also think it was inappropriate diagnosed when I took it the first time to the dealership and driving the car was a risk!