# Kia Soul check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 785 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (245) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 785 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Kia Soul (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (245). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Kia Soul check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 245 | 908 | 27% | | 2016 | 236 | 826 | 29% | | 2017 | 54 | 272 | 20% | | 2018 | 41 | 220 | 19% | | 2019 | 23 | 140 | 16% | | 2020 | 103 | 388 | 27% | | 2021 | 58 | 241 | 24% | | 2022 | 20 | 97 | 21% | | 2023 | 3 | 54 | 6% | | 2024 | 2 | 31 | 6% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Kia Soul recalls related to the check engine light **[25V099000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V099000)** (2021-2023 models, reported 2025-02-18): Engine damage can cause a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** 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. **[23V531000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V531000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-07-31): An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire. **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. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 28, 2023. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Kia Soul owners report - "The check engine light on my 2024 KIA Soul came on. I took the car to the dealer and had them check it. They said said that there were multiple problems with the transmission. They recommended that I have the transmission replaced. I had them replace the transmission for over 4,100 dollars. I bought the car brand..." -- owner of a 2024 Kia Soul, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact called another local dealer, Glassman Kia (28000 Telegraph Rd., Southfield, MI 48034), and was informed that there should have been an oil or check engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the..." -- owner of a 2023 Kia Soul, complaint filed 2024 - "The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available." -- owner of a 2022 Kia Soul, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Kia Soul check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (25V099000, 23V531000) covering 2021-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Kia Soul years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2020 Soul model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 245 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Kia Soul with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Kia Soul has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Kia dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Kia Soul warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/kia-soul): 14 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/kia-soul): 13 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/kia-soul): 34 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/kia-soul): 18 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-soul): 110 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/kia-soul): 230 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/kia-soul): 31 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/kia-soul): 17 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-sorento): 578 complaints ## Kia Soul - [Kia Soul specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-soul) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.