Is the 2022 Kia SOUL reliable?

The 2022 Kia SOUL has 131 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2022 Kia SOUL?

Top problems: ENGINE (69 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (12 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (11 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2022 Kia SOUL?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL. Contact any Kia dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2022 Kia SOUL?

The 2022 Kia SOUL gets 30 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1600. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2022 Kia SOUL?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2022 Kia SOUL is approximately $2,095/year (wagon class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2022 Kia SOUL

Q: Is the 2022 Kia SOUL often stolen?

The Kia SOUL was the #10 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 9,700 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: very-high.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2022 Kia SOUL has 131 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 292. The most common issue is engine problems (53% of all complaints), specifically: i was entering i 24 east toward nashville on march 3 2024 @5p. as car entered the freeway. the engine stopped. engine light turned on pulled over on shoulder. put in park and tried to start but would not turn over. there was still full battery power according to dash board. i had two minor inciden. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 4 crash reports 8 injuries

131

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

69 complaints

53%

• I was entering I 24 east toward Nashville on March 3 2024 @5p. As car entered the freeway. The engine stopped. Engine light turned on pulled over on shoulder. Put in park and tried to start but would not turn over. There was still full battery power according to dash board. I had two minor inciden
• The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted to park(P) and turned off the vehicle to correct the failure. The contact related the failure to the STOP/START feature. The vehicl
• 1. Car was getting great gas milage 33 in town and 41 on highway. Suddenly, could barely get 28 - 31 regardless of circumstance; then,.... 2, Car kept shutting off automatically when driving, to include when making a left hand turn that nearly got us broadsided when it stalled. Nearby mechanic

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“I was entering I 24 east toward Nashville on March 3 2024 @5p. As car entered the freeway. The engine stopped. Engine light turned on pulled over on shoulder. Put in park and tried to start but would not turn over. There was still full battery power according to dash board. I had two minor inciden”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2022 Kia SOUL

Based on 27 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 51K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 70K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred. This vehicle is under 5 years old, so most of the fleet hasn't accumulated high mileage yet — low-mileage peaks reflect fleet age, not necessarily premature failure.

Recalls (1)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL17/02/2025

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.

Risk: Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

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.

Very high theft risk

#10 most stolen in 2025

The Kia SOUL was the #10 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 9,700 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Kia Boys challenge affected 2010-2020 keyless models

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2022 Kia SOUL

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,600

Per month

$133

Per mile

13.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,455/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2022 Kia SOUL

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,095

Full coverage / month

$175

Liability only / year

$595

vs US avg

+25%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (wagon)0.95x

× theft risk1.28x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$2095

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Kia SOUL Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners

These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2022 SOUL, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 131 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: I was entering I 24 east toward Nashville on March 3 2024 @5p. As car entered the freeway. The engine stopped. Engine light turned on pulled over on shoulder. Put in park and tried to start but would not turn over. There was still full battery power according to dash board. I had two minor inciden
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: As explained to me by the phone lady at Parsons KIA in Winchester Va. It is a built in feature that supposedly kills the engine at a stop light to save gas. however occasionally if you let go of the brake and hit the gas at the right time the car lunges out into the intersection then dies. I almost
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted to park(P) and turned off the vehicle to correct the failure. The contact related the failure to the STOP/START feature. The vehicl
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)