# Kia Soul coolant temperature warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 110 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (42) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 110 owner complaints about the coolant temperature warning light on the Kia Soul (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (42). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: No. ## Kia Soul coolant temperature warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the coolant temperature light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 40 | 908 | 4% | | 2016 | 42 | 826 | 5% | | 2017 | 8 | 272 | 3% | | 2019 | 6 | 140 | 4% | | 2020 | 6 | 388 | 2% | | 2021 | 6 | 241 | 2% | | 2023 | 1 | 54 | 2% | | 2024 | 1 | 31 | 3% | 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 coolant temperature warning 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. 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 - "Following the first two incidents, Kia replaced the alternator and addressed an overheating steering column control module. During the third incident, Kia diagnosed a battery issue and replaced the battery. Despite multiple repairs involving different components, the same potentially life-threatening steering..." -- owner of a 2024 Kia Soul, complaint filed 2026 - "...points I was told it was the crankshaft, camshaft, spark plugs, fuel injectors, the pcm and a connector that was overheating. Yesterday, 8/15/23 the car was stuck in a long crank cycle. I notified the dealership. They told me to call kia. I drove the car to pick my husband up from the airport. While driving home..." -- owner of a 2023 Kia Soul, complaint filed 2023 - "Engine overheating and leaking oil due to faulty piston ring, kia will only check the vehicle when its cold and claims its passes their tests. The car only acts up when runing for 30 mins or so" -- owner of a 2021 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 coolant temperature warning light means A red coolant temperature light means the engine is overheating or about to. The most common cause is low coolant from a leak, followed by a stuck thermostat, a failed radiator fan, and a worn water pump. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it is safe, because continued driving can warp the cylinder head and destroy the engine. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Low coolant from a leak** (most common) 2. **Thermostat stuck closed** (common) 3. **Radiator fan not working** (common) 4. **Failing water pump or broken belt** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Coolant temperature warning light](/warning-lights/coolant-temperature). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Kia Soul coolant temperature light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (25V099000) 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 coolant temperature light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Soul model years have the most complaints mentioning the coolant temperature warning light, with 42 for 2016. 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 coolant temperature light on? Stop driving. No. Stop driving as soon as it is safe and shut the engine off. Driving an overheating engine even a few miles can cause damage that costs thousands of dollars to repair. ### 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 - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 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 ## Coolant temperature warning light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-escape): 1520 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-edge): 752 complaints - [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-explorer): 222 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/honda-accord): 193 complaints - [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-wrangler): 143 complaints - [Nissan Rogue](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/nissan-rogue): 140 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chrysler-pacifica): 139 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-sorento): 138 complaints - [Jeep Compass](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-compass): 112 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-silverado): 100 complaints ## Kia Soul - [Kia Soul specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/kia-soul) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/kia-soul Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.