Kia Soul Engine Recall: Which Years and Engines May Qualify?
Kia Soul coverage is very engine-specific. Some Soul models may fall under the Kia Engine II settlement, while certain 2020–2021 Soul vehicles with 2.0L Nu MPI engines were affected by a piston oil ring recall. Not every Kia Soul qualifies for a free engine replacement — year, engine, and VIN all matter.
Extended
Warranty Coverage
2012 – 2021
Covered Model Years
2
Active Recall Campaigns
1-800-333-4542
Kia Consumer Affairs
Eligible Kia Soul Model Years
The following Kia Soul model years may fall under engine settlement, recall, or warranty-extension pathways. Eligibility depends on your exact engine, VIN, KSDS/software update status, maintenance history, and dealership findings — not the model year alone.
Active Recall Campaigns for Kia Soul
Reference these NHTSA recall numbers in all communications with the dealer and manufacturer.
21V259000
NHTSA Recall Campaign
21V844
NHTSA Recall Campaign
Common Kia Soul Engine Failure Symptoms
Document any of these symptoms with dates and photos before contacting the dealer.
Engine knocking or ticking noise at startup
Check engine light with oil pressure codes
Excessive oil consumption (more than 1 qt per 1,000 miles)
Engine stalling or sudden loss of power
Blue or white smoke from exhaust
Oil pressure warning light illuminated
Engine vibration or rough idle
No-start condition after engine knock
Why Kia Dealers Deny Soul Warranty Claims
These are the most common denial tactics — and why each one can be challenged.
"No maintenance records" — The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits denying your claim solely due to missing records unless Kia proves the lack of maintenance caused the failure.
"Outside warranty period" — NHTSA recall 21V259000 requires Kia to remedy the defect regardless of mileage or age.
"Aftermarket oil or filter used" — Kia must prove the aftermarket product caused the failure, not just that it was used.
"Normal wear and tear" — Piston oil ring failure at low mileage is not normal wear. It is a manufacturing defect documented by NHTSA.
"Engine not covered under recall" — If your Soul has the Nu 2.0L MPI engine and falls within the recall campaign, coverage is mandatory.
Watch: Kia Soul Engine Recall Explained
Carl Adams from Carl's Garage walks through exactly what Kia Soul owners need to know about the engine recall, how to fight warranty denials, and what steps to take right now.
Video by Carl's Garage on YouTube — subscribe for the latest Kia & Hyundai recall updates.
Kia Soul Engine Recall — FAQ
Important: This page is for educational recall, warranty, and settlement guidance only. It does not guarantee that your vehicle qualifies for a free engine replacement, reimbursement, recall repair, or warranty approval. Eligibility depends on your exact year, model, engine, VIN, recall/campaign history, KSDS or software update status, maintenance records, mileage, failure symptoms, dealership inspection, and current manufacturer policy. Always verify your VIN through NHTSA, Kia, Hyundai, or the official settlement lookup before assuming coverage.