2022 Kia Soul: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2022 Kia Soul? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 81 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2022 Kia Soul Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2022 Kia Soul trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2022 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2022 Kia Soul has 81 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Soul
- Model year
- 2022
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 81
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 28 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2022 Kia Soul Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2022 Kia Soul?
The 2022 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2022 Kia Soul
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for any signs of trouble or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine for any signs of trouble or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2022 Kia Soul, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2022 Kia Soul are heavily concentrated in engine-related issues, with 64 of 81 total complaints. There is one recall and four crash-related complaints. The data suggests potential powertrain concerns, but confidence is low due to limited sample size.
- Engine Problems account for the majority of complaints (64 out of 81).
- Transmission/Drivetrain and Uncategorized Issues each have 11 complaints.
- There is one recall for the 2022 model year.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission/Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
All 2022 Kia Soul Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Kia Soul. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 64 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2022 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My car stalled with no precursors. The engine and oil was maintain but the engined stall with out smoke or mixed oil. This error falls directly under the recall for pistion rings that cause engine failure. I brought my vehicle to Archer Kia and after two-three months of waited fo…
Safety recall letter dated 4/4/25 states the piston rings may have been manufactured incorrectly causing oil consumption resulting in loss of drive power and/or fire. Kia performed two 1000 mile oil level checks which indicated it was 2 quarts low both times!!! I have asked for…
My [XXX] daughter was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a crash in which the vehicle struck a tree and a fire was present. She was unable to exit the vehicle and did not receive medical attention in time. Public records indicate the vehicle had an open federal safety recall …
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power and stalled, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and needed to be towed. The contact received…
Update – April 1, 2026 (NHTSA 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 …
Urgent Escalation – Case CAS-XXX – Kia Soul 2022 VIN [XXX] – Excessive Oil Consumption Confirmed in 3 Tests – Partial Repair Unacceptable After Multiple Failures and Second Engine Intervention in Less Than six months INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AC…
The contact's daughter owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 40 MPH, the engine froze for two minutes. The oil light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was undriveable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the fai…
When I drive in alloys mode the system jerky and engine makes noise or hangs and I have to turn it off and on to start it back up to drive. When I drive without alloys on it thugs sporadically as if it is going to drive backward. Per the dealer the engine oil is slugs even though…
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). After retrieving the vehicle, there was an audible tinging sound coming from the vehicle. No warn…
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 …
Vehicle is only 4 years old. Engine light came on. I used my Fixd code reader to diagnose. It mentioned several sensors which I replace cam shaft sensor. Intake sensor. Crank shay sensor. All were replaced, engine light came back on after each replacement. I took it to dealershi…
The car stopped several times and had to be towed! One day the car just wouldn't start! My brother took it to the dealership and they said it needed a new engine!
My 2022 Kia Soul experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalling while driving, creating a high risk for a rear-end collision in traffic. An authorized Kia dealership (Mike Miller Kia) performed a major timing repair in March 2025 [XXX] ) to address these safety issues. H…
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 …
I have a Kia Soul 2022 and I have been having a lot of different problems with my vehicle that are a serious safety hazard for my family and myself. I was trying to pass 18 wheeler truck one night and I saw white and black smoke coming out from the back of my Kia Soul. I was try…
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while idling on several occasions. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, and the DTC: P1C28 was retrieved, which the conta…
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and jolted before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent me…
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the month that the vehicle was purchased, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to coast to the side of the road. The ABS, trac…
Since purchasing the vehicle, it just turns off while driving. It has NEVER stopped doing this. The dealership has consistently stated they are unable to repair as the diagnostic device does not register any code. Impossible as the car should have retained a code for this and …
I was driving back from Cleveland Oh to Columbus oh, the car started to slow down on its own , the engine light came on,and the car started to shake, and back firing. I made back home took care of to a certified mechanic shop for diagnostics. I just got an oil changed two days b…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2022 Kia Soul.
2022 Kia Soul Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2022 Kia Soul. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2022 Kia Soul Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2022 Kia Soul reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 81 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2022 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Kia Soul?▾
#1: Engine Problems (64 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (11 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2022 Kia Soul?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2022 Kia Soul?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2022 Kia Soul, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 81 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2022 Kia Soul have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2022 Kia Soul. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2022 Kia Soul?▾
The 2022 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2022 Kia Soul based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.