The Most Common Problems with the 2021-2023 Kia Soul

Engine – Kia Soul Engine Recall 21V259000

Transmission – Kia Soul Transmission TSB SC199

The 2021-2023 Kia Soul is a fuel-efficient and affordable compact car that has become a popular choice among small SUV buyers. Although Kia claims its Soul “exudes confidence and style”, many owners are reporting engine, and transmission problems.

Learn more about the 2021-2023 Kia Soul transmission problems and common engine complaints which have been reported by many owners.

Kia Soul Engine Problems

The Kia Soul comes equipped with a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The Kia Soul four-cylinder engine should provide enough power to get you around town, but many owners have reported engine trouble. The most common engine problems with the Kia Soul are the following:

• excessive oil consumption
• engine knocking
• cruise control surge
• engine failure

Kia Soul engine problems account for most of the complaints filed with the NHTSA. As a result, the engine would lose power, stall, and shut off unexpectedly, which is very dangerous.  Here are some examples:

A 2023 Kia Soul owner reported to NHTSA the following engine problems:

The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP mode and stalled. On another occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to vibrate after the accelerator pedal was depressed and the front driver’s and passenger’s side headlights failed to operate.

Just read this engine complaint by a 2021 Kia Soul Owner to NHTSA

2021 Kia Soul started making engine noises as it was being driven home. The next day while driving home there was a loud boom and total loss of power while driving. It coasted to a parking lot. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. We are now awaiting approval for total engine replacement via warranty. Vehicle has less than 50K miles. Oil changes were done with synthetic oil.

Kia Soul Engine Recall

Engine problems are nothing new to the manufacturer.  The Kia Soul engine problems became a big enough concern that Kia even issued a recall on 2020-2021 Souls.

According to Kia Soul Engine Recall 21V259000,

The (Kia Soul) piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage. A damaged (Kia Soul) engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.

2021-2023 KIA Soul Transmission Problems

Transmission problems are the top complaints by Kia Soul owners. Many complaints state that the powertrain failed while driving, potentially putting the driver, passengers and other drivers at risk.  Kia Soul transmission problems could include the following:

• • shifting delays
  • grinding between gears
  • hesitation during acceleration
  • burning smells

Here is an example of a Kia Soul transmission problem reported to Edmunds:

I bought a brand new 2021 Kia Soul February 13, 2021. 8 weeks later it is in the shop needing a new transmission. It has been 2 weeks and not one single call from Kia. The transmission is on back order and I am driving a rental car which I am paying $22/day for insurance. I have a case number with Kia, but it is useless because their customer service is absolutely horrible. I wish I had never bought it. I will be filing a lemon law claim.

The complaints continue with a 2022 Kia Soul Transmission failure to NHTSA

I purchased a brand new 2022 Kia Soul GT line on 9/01/2022. At 4300 miles, the IVT transmission imploded while on the freeway. Same issues as all the others reported here – fluctuating rpms, followed by a complete loss of power while the tach is redlined. Had it towed to the Kia dealership, and they determined that I needed a new transmission. The only thing they could tell me was that there were metal shavings in the transmission fluid.

KIA Soul Transmission TSB – Updating Software

Kia has a history of repairing transmission problems in the Kia Soul, much like its recurring engine issues.   It has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), addressing Soul transmission problems.

The Kia Soul Transmission TSB SC199 discusses potential problems affected vehicles may experience, including decreased or delayed acceleration.

According Kia Soul Transmission TSB SC199, repairs are recommended for updating the transmission software and reprogramming the transmission control module,  and finally if necessary, replacing the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).