P0303 on KIA SOUL — Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

Q: "What does P0303 mean on a KIA SOUL?"

"P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 11 KIA SOUL owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0303 on KIA SOUL?"

"Based on 11 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System, Electrical System,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0303 serious on my KIA SOUL?"

"Of 11 NHTSA reports for this code on KIA SOUL, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my KIA SOUL shows P0303?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P0303 Means on Your KIA SOUL

P0303 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This code relates to the ignition system system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

11 KIA SOUL owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2012-2020. Most reports come from the 2014, 2016 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (63.6% of reports).

Real KIA SOUL Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"7/22/20 - car driven to firestone store #005738, newport, ky to purchase 2 new tires and an engine courtesy check was performed - firestone id #7046930 - no engine lights, no safety warnings, mileage 77,071 miles on car."

— 2012 KIA SOUL owner · ENGINE · Filed 07/22/2020

"Purchased used 2013 Kia Soul July 2018. June 2019, vehicle was taken to Kia Dealership for SC176-19V120 ECU Logic Upgrade. Neither catalytic converter nor engine were replaced during recall repair. In 2020, vehicle began consuming oil and poor mileage. No smoke or leak detected."

— 2013 KIA SOUL owner · ENGINE · Filed 02/17/2022

"Multiple misfires, codes Codes P062E x2 P0300 P0303 P0302 P0500 P0267 P0264 P050B"

— 2014 KIA SOUL owner · ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 09/01/2024

"This vehicle has a serious oil consumption issue. It was first noticed about three years ago and has been getting progressively worse. As of June 2023 it consumes a full oil tank in about 2500 miles."

— 2014 KIA SOUL owner · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE · Filed 11/04/2022

"While driving my 2016 Kia Soul on the highway, the vehicle suddenly began shaking and immediately lost power. The check engine light came on and the car would not accelerate, even when pressing the gas pedal. This happened with no prior warning."

— 2016 KIA SOUL owner · UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE · Filed 10/23/2025

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'12

1

'13

2

'14

2

'16

1

'17

2

'18

1

'19

1

'20

Common Causes on KIA SOUL

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 63.6%

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 9.1%

UNKNOWN or OTHER,ENGINE 9.1%

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 9.1%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0303 mean on a KIA SOUL? ▾

P0303 indicates: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. This is a ignition system code. 11 KIA SOUL owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0303 on KIA SOUL? ▾

Based on 11 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System, Electrical System,Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0303 serious on my KIA SOUL? ▾

Of 11 NHTSA reports for this code on KIA SOUL, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my KIA SOUL shows P0303? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.