KIA Soul Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 432 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the KIA Soul across 16 model years. The 2020 model year has the most (91). The words owners use most often: “catalytic converter” (11% of reports).
- 432power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 9mention a crash
- 11mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 50%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 49 of 432 complaints (11%)
- Oil consumption: mentioned in 23 of 432 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 235 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 432 complaints, 9 mention a crash, 19 a fire, 11 an injury.
KIA Soul power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Soul | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2024 Soul | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2023 Soul | 5 | 9% | 33,000 |
| 2022 Soul | 12 | 13% | 62,000 |
| 2021 Soul | 26 | 11% | 8,408 |
| 2020 Soul | 91 | 24% | 8,850 |
| 2019 Soul | 5 | 4% | 22,000 |
| 2018 Soul | 31 | 14% | 33,000 |
| 2017 Soul | 19 | 7% | 79,739 |
| 2016 Soul | 62 | 8% | 74,500 |
| 2015 Soul | 61 | 7% | 92,640 |
| 2014 Soul | 58 | 6% | 76,400 |
| 2013 Soul | 14 | 2% | 107,900 |
| 2012 Soul | 21 | 4% | 63,000 |
| 2011 Soul | 13 | 7% | 40,000 |
| 2010 Soul | 11 | 8% | 36,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:pumpPark outside
Model years: 2023
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC275.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
My husband purchased our 2015 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI in 04/18. It was recalled under the NHTSA 19V120 & Kia SC176 in 04/19. The recommended fix? Update ECU Logic. Completed: 04/24/19. Check engine light came in 07/19. My appointment in 08/19, at #1 Cochran Kia showed a P0455 large leak code. Per…
The vehicle experienced complete and sudden engine failure while actively driving on a roadway. The engine began making loud, violent knocking noises, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle completely stopped and lost all motive power mid-drive. I believe this is directly caused by the…
Vehicle Details: 2020 Kia Soul, 2.0L Nu MPI Engine Complaint Description: My vehicle is experiencing severe, excessive engine oil consumption at 99,000 miles, which has directly resulted in a P0420 diagnostic trouble code (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) due to motor oil poisoning the…
I have a 2016 kia soul that has been having drinking oil every 2-3 weeks but there isnt any oil leaking on the ground.last week i was driving home and my car woulnt go over 20mph i took it to kia and they said i need a catalytic converter the oil is still escaping somewhere and when i looked at the…
The Engine powered down to the point where the car stalled out. It would not accelerate. This was quite dangerous! I was in traffic when this happened. Trying to get it to a safer spot, I restarted the engine a few times; the brakes were extremely hard & wouldn't let me mash them down to catch to…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Souls have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 432 owner complaints about power train 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 power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the KIA Soul?
The most frequent phrase is “catalytic converter”, in 49 of 432 complaints, followed by “oil consumption” (23).
Other KIA Soul problems
- Engine problems (3,145)
- Electrical System problems (520)
- Steering problems (519)
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (407)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (346)
- Exterior Lighting problems (252)
- Air Bags problems (203)
- Service Brakes problems (202)
See all KIA Soul problems.