KIA Soul Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 407 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the KIA Soul across 14 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (106). The words owners use most often: “catalytic converter” (34% of reports).
- 407engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Catalytic converter: mentioned in 137 of 407 complaints (34%)
- Motive power: mentioned in 48 of 407 complaints (12%)
- Engine cooling included: mentioned in 40 of 407 complaints (10%)
- Consuming excessive: mentioned in 27 of 407 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 352 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 407 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 19 a fire, 4 an injury.
KIA Soul engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Soul | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2022 Soul | 19 | 20% | 70,000 |
| 2021 Soul | 47 | 20% | 80,000 |
| 2020 Soul | 11 | 3% | 94,154 |
| 2019 Soul | 6 | 4% | 81,604 |
| 2018 Soul | 9 | 4% | 97,500 |
| 2017 Soul | 9 | 3% | 94,500 |
| 2016 Soul | 106 | 13% | 101,150 |
| 2015 Soul | 58 | 6% | 112,000 |
| 2014 Soul | 55 | 6% | 115,500 |
| 2013 Soul | 45 | 7% | 138,000 |
| 2012 Soul | 32 | 6% | 137,500 |
| 2011 Soul | 4 | 2% | 90,500 |
| 2010 Soul | 5 | 4% | 13,248 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Engine; engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:catalytic convertor
Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
Risk: Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the check engine and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where DTC: P0420 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately and lost motive power while driving. The contact was able to continue driving at reduced power. Additionally, there were abnormal sounds coming from under the hood, excessive engine oil consumption…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated…
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the recall repair was…
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the high oil consumption might cause a fire in the engine bay due to a failure with the piston rings. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Souls have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 407 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the KIA Soul. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Soul engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the KIA Soul?
The most frequent phrase is “catalytic converter”, in 137 of 407 complaints, followed by “motive power” (48).
Other KIA Soul problems
- Engine problems (3,145)
- Electrical System problems (520)
- Steering problems (519)
- Power Train problems (432)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (346)
- Exterior Lighting problems (252)
- Air Bags problems (203)
- Service Brakes problems (202)
See all KIA Soul problems.