How common are engine problems in the 2023 Kia Soul?

NHTSA lists 17 engine complaints for the 2023 Soul, which is 33% of the 51 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2023 Kia Soul engine?

Yes. Recall 25V099000 covers 2021-2023 Soul and Seltos vehicles with piston oil rings that may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause engine damage. Dealers inspect and replace the engine as necessary and install a piston-ring noise sensor, free of charge.

At what mileage do 2023 Kia Soul engine problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2023 Soul is 14,436 miles.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?

Across all complaint areas for the 2023 Soul, NHTSA recorded 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 12 injuries.

2023 Kia Soul Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 17 engine complaints for the 2023 Kia Soul, 33% of its 51 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 14,436 miles. A related recall (25V099000) covers piston oil rings that may cause engine damage on 2021-2023 Soul and Seltos models.

Engine complaints: 17; 33% of 51
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 12
Median mileage: 14,436 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report the engine going into limp mode and stalling while driving around 45 MPH.
Some describe the vehicle shutting off entirely at speed, sometimes multiple times, without any warning light illuminated.
Several complaints mention low oil levels discovered shortly after purchase or service, paired with suspected engine or electrical faults.
Owners describe abnormal engine noise, including rumbling and ticking, along with a dashboard message to turn off and restart the vehicle.
One complaint describes the engine losing power and making noise while driving, with the check engine light and a low-oil warning appearing together.
Other reports mention the engine displaying a message to shift to park or neutral and refusing to accelerate.

When 2023 Kia Soul engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 28, 2022, latest Sep 4, 2026.

17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Aug 2023 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2023 Kia Soul

NHTSA 25V099000Feb 17, 2025Engine137,256 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
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.

Engine complaints by Soul model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201020 (16%)
201136 (19%)
2012224 (44%)
2013312 (47%)
2014602 (67%)
2015673 (75%)
2016622 (77%)
2017203 (75%)
2018152 (70%)
201992 (68%)
2020251 (66%)
2021179 (77%)
202272 (82%)
202317 (33%)
20245 (17%)
20252 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2023 Kia Soul?: NHTSA lists 17 engine complaints for the 2023 Soul, which is 33% of the 51 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2023 Kia Soul engine?: Yes. Recall 25V099000 covers 2021-2023 Soul and Seltos vehicles with piston oil rings that may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can cause engine damage. Dealers inspect and replace the engine as necessary and install a piston-ring noise sensor, free of charge.
At what mileage do 2023 Kia Soul engine problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2023 Soul is 14,436 miles.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?: Across all complaint areas for the 2023 Soul, NHTSA recorded 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 12 injuries.