What are the most common Kia Soul problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2023 Kia Soul has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption, Recall 25V099000 (Kia SC336): Improperly Manufactured Piston Oil Rings Can Destroy the Engine, Side Curtain Air Bags Can Deploy Unexpectedly (Recall 23V830000). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Kia Soul reliable?
The 2023 Kia Soul has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption and Recall 25V099000 (Kia SC336): Improperly Manufactured Piston Oil Rings Can Destroy the Engine and Side Curtain Air Bags Can Deploy Unexpectedly (Recall 23V830000) and Recall 23V531000: Electric Oil Pump Controller May Overheat and Cause a Fire (2023 Soul). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
What is the 2020-2023 Kia Soul Piston Oil Ring Defect and Excessive Oil Consumption?
NHTSA recall 21V259000 (Kia SC209) covers certain 2020-2021 Soul vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines whose piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated. Kia communication 11017169/SST082 indexes a later PNSS vibration-inspection process to certain 2020-2023 Soul vehicle… Severity: high.
What is the 2021-2023 Kia Soul Recall 25V099000 (Kia SC336): Improperly Manufactured Piston Oil Rings Can Destroy the Engine?
Kia America is recalling certain 2021-2023 Kia Soul vehicles under NHTSA campaign 25V099000 (Kia's internal number SC336). On the affected Souls, the piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly. That manufacturing defect can lead to engine damage. NHTSA's stated conse… Severity: high.
What is the 2023 Kia Soul Side Curtain Air Bags Can Deploy Unexpectedly (Recall 23V830000)?
Kia recalled certain 2023 Soul vehicles because a manufacturing error in the side curtain air bag modules can cause them to deploy unexpectedly — that is, without a crash. In a Soul, the curtain bags run along the headliner above the side windows, so an unexpected deployment happ… Severity: high.
What is the 2023 Kia Soul Recall 23V531000: Electric Oil Pump Controller May Overheat and Cause a Fire (2023 Soul)?
If you own a 2023 Kia Soul, it may be included in Kia America's recall of vehicles whose Idle Stop & Go electric oil pump assembly has an electronic controller built with damaged electrical components. Kia's concern is that those damaged components let the pump overheat, and NHTS… Severity: high.
