2022 Kia Soul: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · TX

Engine oil light came on and went to take in to get an oil change though it had 1000 miles or so to go. Had oil change but light did not go out, and service said to get it diagnosed at mechanic. Made an appointment and car then driven by my daughter stalled when entering the freeway. The car started and I had her drive it home. I tried it the next day and had no problem other than lack of power. At the car appointment, stated that it looked like a National Safety Recall problem and to take it to Kia for the problem. At Kia, they said there were a number of recall's that the fixed on the vehicle, but the safety recall for the engine did not apply as they didn't "hear" anything. They agreed it was losing power and it stalled when coming to a stop, turning and or accelerating. They said for $250 they could run a diagnostic. Having already done that with a trusted mechanic, I seemed at a loss on what to do. I had another mechanic look at it with the same recommendation that it was a recall problem and engine should be replaced.

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 20, 2026 · Engine · FL

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2022 Kia Soul LX with approximately 97,500 miles. The vehicle has experienced sudden and excessive oil consumption despite regular maintenance and a recent oil change about 1,500 miles prior to failure. While driving in normal traffic conditions, the vehicle suddenly began running rough, lost power, and entered limp mode. Shortly after, the engine stalled while I was actively driving, creating a dangerous situation and safety concern for myself and other drivers. A mechanic inspection found diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft timing issues and determined that the timing chain tensioner likely failed due to oil starvation. The mechanic also found internal engine damage including piston ring failure caused by abnormal oil consumption. I was advised the engine is not repairable and requires replacement. I understand there have been widespread reports, recalls, and class action litigation involving Kia engines experiencing similar oil consumption and catastrophic failure issues. However, I was informed my specific VIN is not currently included. Because this failure caused a sudden stall while driving and poses a significant safety risk, I am requesting that this complaint be investigated. I believe this defect could affect additional vehicles beyond those currently included in recalls or service campaigns. This vehicle was properly maintained and the failure occurred unexpectedly and prematurely for a modern engine. Before the stall that happened going at least 35 mph with my [XXX] daughter In the rear seat, there was no prior warning oil lights or engine lights. Causing severe safety concerns for myself and child. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 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 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!

Filed Feb 17, 2022 · Transmission · MI

I purchased a brand new 2022 Kia Soul GT line on 9/01/2022. At 4300 miles, the IVT transmission imploded while on the freeway. Same issues as all the others reported here - fluctuating rpms, followed by a complete loss of power while the tach is redlined. Had it towed to the Kia dealership, and they determined that I needed a new transmission. The only thing they could tell me was that there were metal shavings in the transmission fluid. Also, I didn't get a new transmission in my new car - they installed a refurbished trans, which I questioned, but I was assured that all would be well. Of course, the "new" transmission failed after only 1300 miles, same issue, and my car is still in the shop two weeks later. No warning lights came on, no notification of trouble through the app, either. Now I'm getting half-answers from my dealership about my next steps. I know what that will be - an attorney. KIA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THESE IVT TRANSMISSION FAILURES FOR OVER TWO YEARS AND THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING. I will never buy another Kia again. Ever. If you're reading this, please DON'T BUY A KIA.