2023 Kia Soul Engine Problems
6 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Engine Recalls (1)
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.
Fix: 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.
Owner Complaints (6)
While driving, your engine experienced catastrophic internal failure with pistons ejecting from the engine block. You may also notice oil mixing into your coolant system. This indicates severe internal engine damage that requires complete engine replacement or major overhaul.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2023 Kia Soul experienced rumbling and ticking sounds from the engine, followed by a message telling you to turn off and restart the vehicle at 45 MPH with an alarm sound. Your engine shut off three separate times with no warning lights showing. A dealer diagnostic found a pinhole in the oil filter, which required a complete engine replacement. Kia denied warranty coverage despite the low mileage of 20,000 miles.
Parts you may need:
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Your engine failed shortly after you had the dealership perform your first oil change at 5,800 miles. The exact cause of the failure isn't clear from your complaint, but this timing suggests the oil change procedure may have been related. You'll likely need the engine inspected or replaced by a Kia dealer to determine what went wrong.
Parts you may need:
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The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer found no cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,872.
See attached document for complaint
I was parked at the curb in front of a house, the engine running. I tried to go in reverse, nothing happened but my car kept getting closer to the car in front of me til I was touching the car. The person came and moved his car. With difficulty, I turned the steering wheel left and rolled out into the street but couldn't turn left when I tried. I was sitting in the middle of a four way intersection and people had to go around me. I sat there for about 20 min with the engine running, unable to move. Finally the car started to move and I was able to drive and control the car again. It was very frightening. Nobody has inspected the car yet. I'm trying to get in contact with the dealer to have it looked at.