2016 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 821 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 29 involved a crash and 35 involved a fire. 25 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineFeb 22, 2019
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
Campaign 19V120000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringSep 29, 2017
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.
Campaign 17V608000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
106 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the contact had to remove his foot from the accelerator pedal for the vehicle to shift gear. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was a slight delay before the vehicle responded. The contact then stated that he smelled an abnormal odor from the exhaust throughout the vehicle once the RPMs were at 2,500 to 3,000 RPM. The contact stated there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. Additionally, the contact stated that every second tank of fuel, he had to add 2 quarts of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the check engine warning light started blinking and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 149,400.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced; however, the dealer declined the repair due to the mileage exceeding 80,000 miles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shifted into LIMP Mode and decelerated to approximately 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the oxygen sensor and catalytic convertor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The oxygen sensor and catalytic convertor was replaced on three separate occasions however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic convertor. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The contact investigated and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 3, 2023
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while his girlfriend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and would not exceed 55 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle began to decelerate unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the contact's location. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged, which created back pressure in the engine and loss of power. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) regarding the heat shield for the catalytic converter, which, was replaced under the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle began to malfunction after the repair. The vehicle would jump and shift into gear roughly while driving at various speeds. The RPM was revving abnormally. The contact stated that it seemed as if the vacuum seal had detached underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle was making a whistling sound while accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the catalytic converter replaced since the recall was closed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test and the dealer stated that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 88,520.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 35 MPH and ascending a slight grade in the road, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the oil pressure warning light had been illuminated intermittently even after routine oil changes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the gas cap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic test, and the dealer stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced, and that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 124,030.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was difficult to start and remained running at restarting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under recall and referred her to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 15, 2023
The contact's son owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her son was driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost power and would not exceed 2 MPH. The contact's son continued driving and pulled into a repair shop, where it was diagnosed that both catalytic converters had failed and needed to replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine And Engine Cooling), which she related to the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the recall remedy only included the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic software update. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised as the dealer. However, the recall remedy notes stated that the catalytic converter and the engine would also be replaced if they were damaged. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,631.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 25, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat and there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle then caught on fire. The contact stated that a significant amount of oil had leaked underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report or police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the engine. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and 17V608000 (Steering) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The dealer replaced the catalytic converter; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, who replaced the catalytic converter on two separate occasions. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was then towed to The Kia Store (5327 Preston Hwy, Louisville, KY 40213) where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly decelerated to 5 MPH. Additionally, there was smoke coming from underneath both sides of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then trailered to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter was clogged and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. The contact stated that the failure mileage was 103,426. The vehicle has also been repaired.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 22, 2022
Kia Soul Base 2016 owner took to repair under warranty on 12/02/22 for the second time the catalytic converter and oil change because the check engine light was on and a Kia technician update the codes. Today 12/22/22 the check engine light is on, driving in the highway it starts shaking and does not take acceleration it stalled without passing from 15mph putting my safety and the others at risk to cause an accident The power windows doesn't go up and when turn the steering wheel left or right the car is about to die and the breaks lights turn on and off working sometimes but flickering. The oil smells like gasoline and burns fast.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, his wife heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2022
The catalytic convertor overheated and the car stalled. The part is still on the car and is currently available for inspection. The overheating of the catalytic convertor was an extreme safety risk because the car stalled on the expressway during rush hour traffic. The posted speed limit was 55 mph. There was an extremely high potential for a crash to have happened. The check engine light came on right before the car stalled. Five minutes before it stalled, I heard a knocking noise from the engine. A similar event occurred on 1/20/2021. The car stalled as I was pulling out of my parking spot. The car was towed and the catalytic convertor was replaced on 1/21/2021. Both times the catalytic convertor was inspected by a certified mechanic.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine would shudder and lose power while idling, without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The dealer informed her that bad gasoline might have caused the issue; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated and the engine had experienced shaking and vibrating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 85 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. The contact stated that the connecting rod went through the engine block. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and discovered that the engine was low on oil. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the dealer for a software update to be performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH the following day, the vehicle began to hesitate with the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded to drive and a dark colored smoke started coming from the engine as she pulled over and shut off the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to her home. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was called back and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,700.