The most serious Kia Soul problems are engine recalls: 2012–2016 Souls with the 1.6L GDI engine can overheat the catalytic converter and damage pistons (19V120), and 2020–2023 Souls with the 2.0L engine were recalled for faulty piston oil rings (21V259, 25V099). Other campaigns cover engine fires, ABS module fires, steering and air bag faults.
CarWhere lists 12 documented Soul issues, including 11 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
2010–2013 Soul problems
1.6L GDI catalytic overheating may damage pistons (recall 19V120) (2012–2016)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2010–2013 and 2014–2019
- Years:
- 2012–2016
High exhaust temperatures can damage the catalytic converter, leading to abnormal combustion that can damage pistons and possibly break a connecting rod. Dealers update the engine computer's catalytic overheating protection logic, replace the converter if damaged and replace the engine if needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Rattling from the exhaust
- Loss of power or engine knocking
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 19V120 (2019-02-22) · 378,967 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1]
ABS/HECU module may short and cause an engine fire (recall 23V652) (2011–2013 (as listed in the recall))
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2010–2013
- Years:
- 2011–2013 (as listed in the recall)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The anti-lock brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) can short-circuit and start an engine-compartment fire while parked or driving. Dealers replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. The 1,730,192-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- ABS or brake warning light
- Burning smell or smoke from the engine bay, even with the car off
Check before buying
- Until the repair is done, Kia advises parking outside and away from structures
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V652 (2023-09-25) · 1,730,192 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5]
2014–2019 Soul problems
Engine compartment fire while driving (recall 20V750) (2014–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2014–2019
- Years:
- 2014–2015
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
An engine-compartment fire can occur while driving. Dealers inspect for fuel and oil leaks, run an engine test and repair or replace the engine as needed, and install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update, free of charge. The 294,756-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Engine knocking
- Oil or fuel smell from the engine bay
- Smoke from under the hood
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 20V750 (2020-12-02) · 294,756 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4]
Steering pinion may separate from the steering gear (recall 17V608) (2014–2016 (incl. Soul EV))
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2014–2019
- Years:
- 2014–2016 (incl. Soul EV)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly, which can lead to a loss of steering. Dealers inspect and secure the plug or replace the steering gear, free of charge. The 342,381-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Clunking or looseness in the steering
- Steering feels disconnected
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 17V608 (2017-09-29) · 342,381 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6]
Air bag control unit damage may disable air bags (recall 22V031) (2017–2019 (incl. Soul EV))
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2014–2019
- Years:
- 2017–2019 (incl. Soul EV)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The air bag control unit cover can touch a memory chip on its circuit board and damage the circuit, which can leave the air bags deactivated in a crash. Dealers inspect the unit and update the software or replace it, free of charge. The 410,619-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 22V031 (2022-01-25) · 410,619 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7]
Front air bags may not deploy (recall 22V096) (2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2014–2019
- Years:
- 2014
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The front air bags may not deploy if the air bag control unit loses communication with the front impact sensors. Dealers update the control unit software, free of charge.
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 22V096 (2022-02-18) · 128,280 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [8]
Accelerator pedal may bend and break (recall 15V123) (2014–2015 (incl. Soul EV))
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2014–2019
- Years:
- 2014–2015 (incl. Soul EV)
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
Part of the accelerator pedal can bend and fracture. Dealers add a supporting rubber piece under the pedal stopper, free of charge. The 208,858-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Accelerator pedal feels loose or flexes
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 15V123 (2015-03-02) · 208,858 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9]
Soul EV high-voltage battery may short-circuit (recall 23V218) (2015–2019 Soul EV (E400 battery))
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2014–2019
- Years:
- 2015–2019 Soul EV (E400 battery)
- Powertrain:
- Electric (E400 battery)
On Soul EVs with the E400 battery, the high-voltage battery pack can short-circuit while driving. Dealers update or replace the battery management system and software, which warns the driver, limits charging and reduces power if it detects a fault, free of charge.
Symptoms
- EV warning light
- Reduced range or charging limited
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V218 (2023-03-29) · 2,689 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [11]
2020–2025 Soul problems
2.0L piston oil rings may cause engine damage (recall 21V259) (2020–2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2020–2021
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which can damage the engine. A damaged engine can stall, and leaking oil on hot exhaust parts can cause a fire. Dealers inspect and replace the engine if needed and install Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software, free of charge. The 147,249-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Engine knocking or ticking
- High oil consumption
- Check-engine light or PNSS warning
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 21V259 (2021-04-13) · 147,249 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [2]
Piston oil rings may be faulty (second campaign) (recall 25V099) (2021–2023)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2021–2023
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can damage the engine and cause a stall or fire. Dealers inspect and replace the engine as needed and install piston-ring noise sensing (PNSS) software, free of charge. The 137,256-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Engine knocking or ticking
- High oil consumption
- Check-engine light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 25V099 (2025-02-17) · 137,256 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]
Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller may overheat (recall 23V531) (2023)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2023
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go electric oil pump can contain damaged components that make the pump overheat, raising the risk of a fire. Dealers inspect and replace the controller as needed, free of charge. The 39,765-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Burning smell
- Transmission or engine warning light
Check before buying
- Until the repair is done, Kia advises parking outside and away from structures
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V531 (2023-07-31) · 39,765 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [10]
Theft vulnerability on models without an immobilizer (2020–2022)
Major repair- Generation:
- 2020–2025
- Years:
- 2020–2022
- Powertrain:
- All engines (key-start vehicles not factory-equipped with an immobilizer)
2020–2022 Kia Soul models built without a factory engine immobilizer were targeted by theft methods spread on social media. Kia offers a free security software upgrade that blocks the ignition when the car is locked, and a free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector for added protection, both at Kia dealers. These model years are the ones the multistate immobilizer settlement lists for the Kia Soul.
Symptoms
- Damaged steering column trim or ignition cylinder
- Vehicle starts with a mechanical key and has no push-button start
Check before buying
- Enter the VIN on Kia's anti-theft support page (customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD) to see whether the software upgrade or ignition cylinder protector applies
- Look for the upgrade sticker or ask a Kia dealer to confirm the upgrade by VIN
- Push-button-start vehicles have a factory immobilizer and are not part of this program
Sources: [12][13]