2022 Kia Soul Safety Report
2022 Kia Soul: Strong crash ratings overshadowed by widespread engine reliability concerns and a critical recall.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Kia Soul
Reliability Score
The 2022 Kia Soul receives a reliability score of 35 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
Known Issues for the 2022 Kia Soul
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Kia Soul:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Failure/Stalling Due To Piston Oil Ring Defect Incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings can lead to excessive oil consumption, engine damage, stalling, loss of motive power, and potential fire risk. This is the subject of recall 25V099000. |
High | Common | varied, including low mileage miles |
| Excessive Oil Consumption Owners report significant oil burning, often without warning lights, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage. |
High | Common | 1500-97500 miles |
| Check Engine Light Illumination With Various Codes Frequent illumination of the check engine light, often related to timing issues (e.g., P0011, P0017), camshaft sensors, or general engine malfunctions, sometimes without clear diagnostic codes at dealerships. |
Medium | Common | low to moderate miles |
| Loss Of Motive Power/Hesitation During Acceleration Vehicle experiences sudden loss of power, hesitation, or unresponsiveness from the throttle while driving, increasing crash risk. |
High | Occasional | low to moderate miles |
| Vehicle Shutting Down/Stalling While Driving Or Idling The vehicle unexpectedly shuts down or stalls, sometimes locking up, requiring a restart. Dealerships often report no diagnostic codes. |
High | Occasional | low to moderate miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Kia Soul:
Numerous complaints about engine failure, stalling, knocking sounds, and loss of power, often linked to the piston oil ring defect.
Significant issues including excessive oil consumption, check engine light illumination, and general engine malfunctions.
Reports of the vehicle failing to accelerate as intended and stalling, indicating potential power train issues.
Some complaints mention issues with the vehicle slowing down on its own or having acceleration problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Kia Soul
Is the 2022 Kia Soul safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Kia Soul received strong crash test ratings (4-star overall, 5-star side), indicating good occupant protection. However, it has a significant number of complaints (72 total, 3 crashes, 5 injuries) primarily related to engine failures and stalling, which are serious safety hazards. A major recall (25V099000) addresses a defect that can lead to engine damage, stalling, or fire. While it performs well in crash tests, the high incidence of engine-related failures raises significant safety concerns regarding vehicle reliability and unexpected loss of power.
What are common problems with the 2022 Kia Soul?
The most reported issues for the 2022 Kia Soul are overwhelmingly related to the engine. These include engine failure, stalling while driving or idling, excessive oil consumption, loss of motive power, hesitation during acceleration, and frequent illumination of the check engine light. These problems are often linked to a known defect with piston oil rings, which is the subject of a recall.
Has the 2022 Kia Soul been recalled?
Yes, the 2022 Kia Soul has been subject to at least one significant recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000). This recall addresses a defect where piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage, leading to a vehicle stall or fire, and increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
How does the 2022 Kia Soul perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Kia Soul performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an overall 4-star safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash protection, an excellent 5 stars for side crash protection, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
Are there fire risks with the 2022 Kia Soul?
While no fires have been explicitly reported in the NHTSA complaint data for the 2022 Kia Soul, the recall (25V099000) for the engine defect explicitly states that 'Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.' This indicates a potential fire risk associated with the known engine issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the widespread and severe engine-related complaints, including a major recall for a defect that can cause stalling or fire, exercise extreme caution. Prioritize verifying that any recall repairs have been completed and consider an extended warranty for engine components.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Kia Soul
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Kia Soul. The data includes 72 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2022 Kia Soul an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.