Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2023 | 5 | 9% | 33,000 miles |
| 2022 | 12 | 13% | 62,000 miles |
| 2021 | 26 | 11% | 12,000 miles |
| 2020 | 91 | 24% | 9,000 miles |
| 2019 | 6 | 4% | 22,000 miles |
| 2018 | 31 | 14% | 33,000 miles |
| 2017 | 19 | 7% | 80,000 miles |
| 2016 | 62 | 8% | 76,000 miles |
| 2015 | 61 | 7% | 95,000 miles |
| 2014 | 58 | 6% | 78,000 miles |
| 2013 | 14 | 2% | 150,000 miles |
| 2012 | 21 | 4% | 63,000 miles |
| 2011 | 13 | 7% | 40,000 miles |
| 2010 | 11 | 8% | 36,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the battery discharge and Auto START/STOP warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (Power Train), for which the dealer replaced the electric oil pump controller as the remedy. After the repair, the cruise control was unintendedly activated. The Lane Keep Assist feature was intermittently activated independently. While refueling, the fuel gauge was half full and took approximately 30-40 minutes before quickly displaying a full tank. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall repair was completed; however, the vehicle was not taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while idling on several occasions. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with a vehicle scanner, and the DTC: P1C28 was retrieved, which the contact related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (Power Train); however, the model year was not included in the recall. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The dealer diagnosed that the engine oil pump needed to be replaced, and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact stated that the oil pump failure might also be related to the oil piston rings failure described in the recall. …
Transmission failed on my 2022 Kia soul in June 2022 when my car only had 4,594 miles. I was stuck in the middle of a busy intersection with my daughter and I in the car unable to accelerate almost being hit by multiple vehicles. Transmission failed on my 2022 Kia soul once again when my car had only 10,734 miles on it. Again brought it into Kia dealership whom confirmed the transmission had failed again for a second time. In this incident I was stuck on the side of a highway almost being hit by multiple big rigs again with my daughter in the car. My daughter is currently pregnant and had to be seen at the emergency room for high blood pressure and anxiety attack. We now have hospital bills, car towing of about 800.00, rental car is now being used which I was forced to get because Kia would not assist me with getting it. …
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that after activating the air conditioning the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, the contact stated while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal extended to the floor causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact stated that there was popping sound coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The contact stated the headlights were dim and failed to properly illuminate the roadway and the rear brake lights also failed illuminate while depressing the brake pedal. …
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a transmission failure, and the transmission was replaced by the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer also replaced the rack and pinion due to an abnormal clunking sound coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed. The contact returned to the dealer after driving for 1,000 miles on three occasions. The dealer determined that the vehicle was not experiencing excessive oil consumption. The dealer replaced the motor mounts. The contact related the abnormal oil consumption to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine), which was previously performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning while releasing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle restarted after each failure. The first dealer diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P04100 (Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit); however, the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Hendrick Kia of Concord (7550 Hendrick Auto Plaza NW, Concord, NC 28027); and the technicians informed the contact that the vehicle was not properly repaired. The vehicle was returned to the first dealer, and the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The dealer dismissed the contact's concern that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was informed that adding one quart of oil per 1,000 miles was within normal operation of the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle had shut off on several occasions while driving in traffic or while stopped at a stoplight. The contact stated that while the air conditioning was activated, the engine made an abnormally loud thumping sound before the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after shifting to park; however, the vehicle hesitated after restarting. The contact activated the hazard lights while the vehicle was off in traffic. The contact stated that there were no visible leaks, and no warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The message "Shift to Park and Restart Engine" was displayed and flashing. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the failure might be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine). The contact sought assistance from an independent mechanic, who was unable to assist. …
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Pump
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Soul years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2020 (91), 2016 (62), 2015 (61), 2014 (58) and 2018 (31) model years. Transmission complaints make up 24% of all complaints for the 2020.
Is there a recall for Kia Soul transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 23V-531 (pump, Jul 31, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Soul transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (5 mentions), followed by the manual transmission (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.