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2022 Kia Soul VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2022 KIA Soul has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 78 owner complaints on file for the 2022 KIA Soul. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (25), Engine And Engine Cooling (19), Power Train (10).

Soul reliability snapshot

78/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.5/5
RepairPal rating (high)
$437
Avg annual repair cost vs $466 category avg
#3/7
Ranking in subcompact SUVs · better than 57% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the KIA Soul before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2022 KIA Soul issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Engine25
  • Engine And Engine Cooling19
  • Power Train10
  • Unknown Or Other8
  • Electrical System5
  • Vehicle Speed Control4

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2022 KIA Soul

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Check for excessive oil consumption between oil changes
  • Inspect for engine stalling or loss of power during test drive
  • Verify transmission shifts smoothly without hesitation
  • Test for warning lights on dashboard during operation
  • Confirm recall repairs have been completed for engine issues
  • Ensure airbag system is functional and inspect for any non-deployment history

What owners reported

2022 KIA Soul owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 3 crashes and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2022 KIA Soul. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints25

ENGINE

Owners of the 2022 Kia Soul frequently report issues with excessive oil consumption and engine-related failures. Common symptoms include engine stalling, loss of power, shaking, and warning lights such as the check engine light. Many complaints emerge around 50,000 to 97,500 miles, with some owners describing the need for engine replacement due to piston ring failure or timing chain issues. Safety concerns are noted, with reports of vehicles stalling suddenly, potentially leading to dangerous situations. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring engine issues, especially in relation to oil consumption and potential recalls.

Owner complaints19

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owners of the 2022 Kia Soul frequently report issues related to engine failure, often accompanied by symptoms such as stalling, excessive oil consumption, and unusual engine noises. Complaints commonly mention the vehicle unexpectedly losing power or failing to restart, with some instances of smoke or oil leaks. These issues typically occur around 21,000 to 91,500 miles, with multiple reports indicating engine replacement or significant repairs being necessary. Safety implications include instances of the vehicle stalling while driving, which could pose a risk in traffic situations. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider the reported mileage when evaluating a used 2022 Kia Soul.

Owner complaints10

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2022 Kia Soul frequently report significant powertrain issues, primarily involving excessive oil consumption and transmission failures. Complaints often describe symptoms such as engine stalling, sudden loss of power, rough idling, and fluctuating RPMs, with some incidents occurring at low mileages as early as 4,300 miles. Multiple reports indicate a recurring pattern of engine oil depletion leading to timing failures, while others highlight transmission failures resulting in a complete loss of power. Safety implications are noted, with two injuries reported due to transmission failure leading to near-collisions. These issues are often not covered by warranty for used vehicles, and repairs can be costly and time-consuming, making this model a potential risk for used car buyers.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints8

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several issues with the 2022 KIA Soul, with a notable pattern involving the engine unexpectedly shutting off while driving, which poses a significant safety risk. Complaints frequently mention problems related to the engine's stop-start feature, causing the vehicle to lunge forward and stall, as well as persistent warning lights and the engine's failure to retain diagnostic codes. Some owners describe their vehicles consuming oil rapidly, leading to low oil pressure without dashboard alerts, and difficulties with shifting. One incident involved a crash where the vehicle rolled forward when parked. These issues often arise early in ownership, with some occurring shortly after purchase, and they suggest potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints5

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2022 Kia Soul frequently report issues related to the electrical system, including vehicle stalling and loss of motive power. Common symptoms described include the vehicle failing to accelerate, stalling at complete stops, and various warning lights illuminating, such as ABS and traction control lights. These issues are reported at a range of mileages, from as low as 100 miles to over 60,000 miles. Some owners associate these problems with the control area network and the STOP/START feature, and they note that dealers often fail to identify a specific cause. Safety implications are suggested by reports of the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly, which could pose risks in traffic situations.

Owner complaints4

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2022 Kia Soul report issues related to vehicle speed control, with symptoms such as delayed acceleration, high RPMs without corresponding speed increase, and intermittent RPM surges during deceleration, particularly in sport mode. Some complaints mention the vehicle struggling to exceed 50 mph, and one owner notes chugging behavior on the freeway. These issues are reported across varying timelines, with one account indicating problems as early as 95,700 miles. While no crashes or fires are mentioned, the described symptoms could potentially affect vehicle control. Buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider them when evaluating this model for purchase.

Owner complaints2

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2022 Kia Soul report issues with airbag deployment during crashes. Complaints frequently mention that airbags fail to deploy even in collisions where injuries occur, with one incident involving a rear-end collision at a stop and another during a vehicle merging incident. In both cases, injuries such as shoulder bruises, a hip bruise, and a head injury requiring stitches are reported. These issues are observed at mileages around 8,000 and 49,000 miles. The safety implications include potential injuries due to non-deployment of airbags during crashes, which may be a consideration for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

Owner complaints2

STEERING

Owners of the 2022 KIA Soul report issues related to rodents chewing through the main wire harness, potentially due to soy-based wire coatings, and causing damage to critical systems like steering and braking. One owner describes repeated incidents of this damage, noting high repair costs and the manufacturer's refusal to cover expenses. Another owner reports the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly while driving, with the battery, oil, and engine lights illuminating, and the steering becoming difficult. This issue has occurred multiple times since 2022, with the vehicle sometimes reversing while in drive and the brakes becoming stiff. These problems, occurring at various times and under different conditions, pose significant safety risks, including the potential for loss of control while driving.

2022 Soul recalls (1)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2022 Soul. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 25V099000Feb 17, 2025

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.

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

    Remedy

    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.

Used-market value

2022 KIA Soul resale snapshot

69.5%estimated value retained after 5 years
355listings in the model-level benchmark

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2022 KIA Soul on the road

56,740 2022 KIA Soul units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2022 KIA Soul stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2022 Kia Soul

The 2022 KIA Soul demonstrates above-average reliability with a score of 78 out of 100, surpassing the segment average. This positions it as a solid choice within its category. The model's single recall indicates a limited recall history, which is favorable for potential buyers concerned about manufacturer defects.

Complaint data reveals a concentration in engine-related issues, with engine and engine cooling being the most reported categories. This suggests a potential area of concern, although the overall complaint volume remains modest. Other issues, such as power train and electrical system complaints, are less prevalent, indicating these are not widespread problems.

Overall, the 2022 KIA Soul presents a solid reliability profile with moderate risk, making it a reasonable option for buyers seeking a dependable vehicle in this segment.

What you get in a 2022 Kia Soul report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2022 Kia Soul — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2022 Kia Soul reliable?

The 2022 KIA Soul demonstrates above-average reliability with a score of 78 out of 100, surpassing the segment average. This positions it as a solid choice within its category. The model's single recall indicates a limited recall history, which is favorable for potential buyers concerned about manufacturer defects.

How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Soul have?

1 NHTSA safety recall has been issued for the 2022 Kia Soul. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2022 Kia Soul problems?

The most-reported 2022 Kia Soul problem areas are: Engine (25), Engine And Engine Cooling (19), Power Train (10).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2022 Kia Soul?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2022 Kia Soul, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.