2022 Kia Soul: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Engine · 101,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH uphill, there was an abnormal knocking sound from the rod bearings inside the engine. The contact stated that the rod bearings had gone through the engine block, and there was black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle became inoperable after the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The diagnostic test and repair were pending. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Filed Aug 10, 2025 · Engine · UT

Originally, my CE light came on the first week of July 2025 and threw a Historical P0011 code for my intake Camshaft Variable Timing Solenoid. Light went off, and I took it to my local KIA dealership within a couple of days for a diag. They didn't catch a code, but said that sometimes the P0011 code will throw if there is any oil build-up, so they just recommended a 60k mile maintenance about 9k miles early and that it "should clear the code" with a flush. I couldn't afford a $1400 total service so I took it to a service shop nearby for an engine flush and an oil change on 08/08/25. The service shop also got a code for my variable Timing Solenoid and they cleared it after service. After one drive cycle, the CE light came back on, and this time threw a pending code for a Cylinder 2 misfire. The employee at the Auto Parts store said that Cylinder 2 could have a faulty coil and suggested a replacement, which we did. After another drive cycle, the CE light came on once again and threw a code(of unknown status) for a Cylinder 2 and 4 misfire. They advised us that due to the misfires after an oil change, that the Solenoid sounded like the problem afterall. I replaced my Solenoid, and not only did my CE light come on again, but I also experienced misfire, along with white smoke from my exhaust and rough idle. I got one last diag on 08/09/25 and they were able to do a scan, where they found oil had reached my spark plugs, and had noted the walls of my pistons were worn from the pistons knocking the walls. We also noticed that we burned through the entirety of the oil added to my vehicle during my oil change. With all of that information, the mechanic advised me that his best opinion without looking at my internal motor that my Piston Rings are likely worn, causing my misfires, oil consumption, burnt oil, and oil rising past the Piston Rings. We discussed the current recall on 2022 Kia Souls due to faulty Piston Rings and that it could coincide

Filed Jun 5, 2025 · Engine · 32,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while decelerating, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 32,000.

Filed Apr 16, 2025 · Engine · 44,896 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled while driving at various speeds. The failure had occurred four times. The contact stated that during the last failure while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact was asked to provide proof of maintenance while the vehicle was being inspected, to determine if the engine would be replaced under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 44,896. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Engine · TX

I am writing to formally report an engine failure in my 2022 Kia Soul, which I believe is directly related to the known engine defects that have prompted Kia to issue multiple recalls for this model and others with the same powertrain. Although my vehicle is not currently included in any active recall campaigns, it is exhibiting the exact symptoms and failure conditions outlined in Recall SC147 / SC200 (or similar recall numbers involving engine defects in Kia Souls and related models). Specifically, the vehicle has experienced: engine knocking, excessive oil consumption, and stalled while driving, which led to the diagnosis that the engine requires full replacement. The vehicle has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule and has not been subject to any misuse or neglect. The failure appears to be consistent with the design or manufacturing defect that has affected a significant number of Kia engines, particularly those with the Theta II or Nu engines. This situation presents a serious safety concern, especially given the potential for the engine to seize while driving. It is also a substantial financial burden to bear for an issue that Kia has already acknowledged as systemic in other vehicles. I am respectfully requesting the following: 1.That my vehicle’s case be formally investigated for inclusion in any current or future recall campaigns. 2.That Kia offer coverage for the full cost of engine replacement under warranty or a goodwill repair program. 3.That the federal safety agency take this complaint under advisement as part of a broader pattern of engine-related failures. I have attached a service estimate that supports my claim. I would appreciate a prompt response and resolution to this matter, as the vehicle is currently inoperable and presents an ongoing hardship.

Filed Mar 18, 2025 · Engine · 21 miles · NJ

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 while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle started to leak oil. The contact stated that the oil was seeping onto the floorboard and the passenger's side floor mat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. On a separate occasion, while the contact was driving 50 MPH, there was a puddle of oil underneath the vehicle with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle five different times to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was unaware of where the oil leak was coming from. The contact stated that recently the vehicle started stalling and there was abnormal gasoline coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21.