NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
The 2022 Kia Soul scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 87 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Kia Soul achieved a 4 out of 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating. Its side impact tests yielded a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, contributing to a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, which positions it in the Strong safety band. Only one recall has been issued for this model year.
The 2022 Kia Soul SUV FWD received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, based on NHTSA crash test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Kia Soul ranks 100 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 87 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 100 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Kia Soul?
The 2022 Kia Soul achieved a No Tip result in rollover dynamics, contributing to its Strong designation in the NHTSA Safety Index. This year, the Soul earned an overall Safety Index score of 80 out of 100, a one-point increase from the prior model year. Its crash protection sub-score is 61 out of 70, primarily driven by a 5-star side crash rating. However, the avoidance technology score of 6 out of 10 notes that forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, equipment. Electronic stability control is standard. The defect record sub-score of 13 out of 20 reflects a recall for a single piston oil ring, a manufacturing defect affecting internal engine components across the 2021-2023 Soul and Seltos models. The 87 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, with 50 specifically citing engine issues, align with the nature of this recall.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Kia Soul perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Kia Soul achieved an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. While frontal impact tests also yielded 4 stars, the vehicle distinguished itself with a 5-star side crash rating. Its rollover risk was assessed at 15 percent, with dynamic tip testing confirming a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15952
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Kia Soul have any recalls?
The 2022 Kia Soul carries one recall campaign. It addresses internal engine hard parts, specifically piston oil rings that may have been manufactured incorrectly, affecting certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V099000
Risk: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC336.
Reported 2025-02-17
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Kia Soul?
NHTSA has logged 87 owner complaints against the 2022 Kia Soul, including alleged reports of 4 crashes, 1 fire, 8 injuries, and 3 deaths. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling, and Power Train.
87 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Kia Soul?
For the 2022 Kia Soul, a critical recall concerning the piston oil ring bears direct relevance to vehicle safety. Prospective owners should verify the recall remedy has been performed through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. An unaddressed recall involving internal engine components is a significant safety consideration.
- The 2022 Soul moved from the Average band (79/100 in 2021) to the Strong band (80/100) in the NHTSA Safety Index, a band-crossing gain driven by its crash protection sub-score of 61/70.
- The 5-star side crash rating is the highest individual NHTSA result for this model year and stands above the 4-star scores recorded in the frontal and rollover categories.
- One active recall targets incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings in the engine, a defect shared with certain 2021-2023 Seltos models. Remedy completion should be verified by VIN before purchase.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on the 2022 Soul. The avoidance technology sub-score of 6/10 reflects this gap, meaning the safety profile of individual vehicles in the used market will vary depending on how they were originally equipped.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Kia Soul places
The 2022 Kia Soul qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Kia Soul safety questions
Was the 2022 Kia Soul crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Kia Soul, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Kia Soul crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Kia Soul earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Kia Soul have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2022 Kia Soul. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Kia Soul?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 87 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Kia Soul. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Soul years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15952), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Soul 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 100 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.