Fuel System complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 4% | 0 miles |
| 2022 | 7 | 7% | — |
| 2021 | 11 | 5% | 8,000 miles |
| 2020 | 16 | 4% | 34,000 miles |
| 2019 | 15 | 11% | 46,000 miles |
| 2018 | 11 | 5% | 40,000 miles |
| 2017 | 19 | 7% | 72,000 miles |
| 2016 | 84 | 10% | 75,000 miles |
| 2015 | 79 | 9% | 65,000 miles |
| 2014 | 57 | 6% | 85,000 miles |
| 2013 | 30 | 4% | 105,000 miles |
| 2012 | 23 | 4% | 107,000 miles |
| 2011 | 9 | 5% | 23,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 4% | 16,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My 2022 Kia Soul experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalling while driving, creating a high risk for a rear-end collision in traffic. An authorized Kia dealership (Mike Miller Kia) performed a major timing repair in March 2025 [redacted] ) to address these safety issues. However, the exact same failure occurred again in January 2026. The dealership now documents that the engine was 4 quarts low on oil, nearly empty, despite proper maintenance. This indicates a severe oil consumption defect that leads to timing failure and unpredictable engine stalls. I believe this vehicle poses an unreasonable safety risk due to this recurring stalling condition, which matches the defect described in NHTSA Recall 25V099 (SC336), though my VIN is currently excluded.
I've had issues with my air conditioner not working properly and now making a loud humming sound. Also my car is very sluggish and my motor is very loud when the car is running. Sometimes it doesn't want to shift exactly when it should it takes longer and I have to take my foot off the gas to let it shift. My car keeps running out of oil every time before the designated oil change time and mileage. This really worries me and no lights show on my dash when my oil pressure gets low which is alarming because it got low one time and I could hear the pistols rubbing together, I knew immediately I needed oil. Sure enough I put oil in the car the noise stopped and I went and got an oil change the next day because I was worried about my car. The oil issue has happened multiple times..
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was running rough, and there was a significant amount of air and oil when the oil cap was opened. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was sluggish while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal. The wrench warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however, upon inspection, the dealer informed the contact that no repair was needed, and the recall was marked as completed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was advised that there would be a charge for fuel sampling. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The vehicle experiences a complete loss of power when slowing to a stop before it powers off on its own. The car powers off while going down the road. The car experiences partial loss of power while on cruise control and the car will slow to nearly stopped. The immediate loss of power puts myself and others at risk as the car is now stopping unexpected on the highway. I have left numerous voicemails for service managers at the dealership it was purchased brand-new from 2 years ago. They have not reached out to me. I had an appointment at their dealership to have the car inspected to see if this was covered with my warranty and they explained my warranty was only 60k miles and my car is now at 65k miles. The car was shutting off and having power loss a week before the first indicator light came on, which was the engine light. …
Appropriately April 2024, The engine service light came on at about 115,000 miles, followed by the 2020 Kia Soul X-line engine stopped running. I tried turning off the key and attempting to restart the car however it would start but for only a few seconds. After 5 or 6 tries to restart the car, I finally turned off the car, waited about 3 minutes and then restarted the car in as it continued to run. The check engine light remained on but I noticed that there was a drop in power when I tried to accelerate. Since then I have notice the engine check light go on and off several times. I recently brought my car in to have an oil change only to find out that there was no oil on the dipstick. I signed a form stating this and got the oil change completed. …
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the fuel injectors were replaced; however, the failure later reoccurred while refueling the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer Gunther Kia (1900 S State Rd 7, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317) on four different occasions where the spark plugs were replaced and the fuel tank was drained; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic receiving an undercoating, the independent mechanic performed an inspection of the vehicle. The contact stated that during the inspection, the independent mechanic identified that there was severe corrosion on the fuel tank straps. The contact was informed that the fuel tank straps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was scheduled for inspection. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 46,200.
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot and parked. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a parts store where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC codes: P0303 and P016F. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Soul years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (84), 2015 (79), 2014 (57), 2013 (30) and 2012 (23) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Kia Soul fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for any Kia Soul model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Kia Soul fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the storage › tank assembly › filler pipe and cap (1 mentions), followed by the delivery › fuel pump (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.