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: other or unspecified
124 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the vehicle began to jerk upon depression on the accelerator pedal as the check engine warning light. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. Upon startup of the vehicle the next day, the contact stated that an abnormal knocking sound was emitted from the engine. The contact called her independent mechanic who informed her that her vehicle may have been placed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and referred her to a local dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer but was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no further assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 61,056.
Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate above 5 mph and would stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2021
My car just stopped without warning.. Kia dealership states it need a catalyst converter and 02 sensor.. no engine light came on.. it just stopped.. after they put an software for 50000 incase the engine fail.. well my catalyst converter fail.. without any warning
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 2, 2021
The engine light is starting to appear more frequently this started about two years ago and every few months would appear and the oil would be a little low and more recently after oil changes... I had brought the car in late last year to check on the recall of the engine & mentioned concern... I was told everything was fine and this problem started occurring while before I reached 100,000 miles... I've been waiting over two weeks for an appointment and have one scheduled for July 14 which I made over two weeks ago when the problem occurred once again and I had my mother in the car 90 year old... I've been told by the Kia dealership that everything was good however it appears that this is put me in a situation that could be extremely dangerous if all the oil burns off or there are other issues similar to the below ...Optima Hybrid, 2012 Sportage, 2012–2013 Sorento, and 2012–2013 Forte and Forte Koup with the 2.4-liter Theta II engine; and the 2014–2015 Forte, Forte Koup, and Soul with the 2.0-liter Nu engine. Kia will notify owners starting on January 27, 2021. Dealers will inspect the engine compartments of affected vehicles, make repairs, and potentially replace engines. Kia also intends to carry out a software update to add a Knock Sensor Detection System as soon as possible, and the NHTSA report states that Kia will provide 15-year/150,000-mile warranty coverage for engine repairs needed "due to connecting-rod bearing damage." Kia will also reimburse owners for any repair expenses already incurred related to the problem, NHTSA's report says...Just to recap we can't get an appointment till the 14th they're trying to squeeze me in earlier I'll know next Tuesday however I have just paid off my Kia after five years and was hoping to enjoy many more years... I'm very disappointed that the safety of the car and the drivers and the owners are not of the upmost importance Something should be done immediately for their loyal customers... Call [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2021
Check Engine Light came on day before I took it in for KIA recall 4/27/2021. It was off after service done. 2 weeks later light came on again and went off 5 days later. Light came on again 2 weeks later- I went Auto Zone and Firestone to have code scan. Both scans showed code P050A----PCM has detected a problem with the idle air control. When I called Montrose KIA Sheffield Lake, Ohio Chris in service said they don't trust Auto Zone codes and wanted to charge me $129.99 for them to check code. He told me if the light was steady don't worry about and was very rude and unprofessional. While investigating code info online I found it was a known problem to KIA and nothing could be done-problem in ECU logic -no fix-expecting software update. If I went to dealership who knows what they would of done and charged me for.
Other or unspecified, May 25, 2021
On a partly cloudy, warm day, I got in my vehicle and closed my driver door; upon the driver door closing, the rear passenger door window exploded, shattering all over the back seat and floor of the car.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 19, 2021, fire
MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE WHOLE CAR IS DAMAGED. THERE IS NO FRONT THE INTERIOR IS GONE. I HAVE STARTED A CASE WITH KIA. MY VEHICLE WAS GOING UP A HILL ABOUT 30 MINKES AN HOUR WHEN IT STARTED SMOKING. IT WAS PULLED OVER AND THE HOOD WAS POPPED. THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. SOON THE WHOLE FRONT AND MIDDLE OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THIS WAS AT 14000 JERICHO STREET AT THE ENTRANCE OF BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY IN BOWIE MD. POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED.*DT*JB*DT*DT
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2021
PANORAMIC SUNROOF WON'T CLOSE
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 9, 2021
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON MORE THAN OFF OR SO IT SEEMS. ENGINE CODE P0S0A. DEALER ATTEMPTS TO FIX. CODE COMES BACK
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 27, 2021
AFTER TAKING MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL AND AN UPGRADE TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE, I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AND LOST POWER TO THE ENGINE WHILE IN THE MIDDLE LANES OF TRAFFIC. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND UPON THE COMPLETION OF AN INSPECTION, THEY SAID THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE AND POWER WAS RESTORED. I WAS NOT OFFERED A LOANER CAR, AND HAD TO WALK OR USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR SEVERAL DAYS. I AM NOW EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. I CANNOT TRAVEL OUT OF TOWN WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING AS A SAFETY MECHANISM TRIGGERS. I HAVE TO FIND MY OWN MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION AND ONLY TRAVEL LOCALLY. IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MORE TRAFFIC I COULD BE INVOLVED IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THEY HAVE ALSO NOT OFFERED ANY FORM OF COMPENSATION FOR MY TIME LOSS WITH MY VEHICLE. THIS IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH FROM DAY. WHEN THE SAFETY MECHANISM TRIGGERS, THE VEHICLE WILL BARELY DO 35-45 MPH. IT TAKES MORE THAN 15 SECONDS TO ATTAIN THAT SPEED WHICH IS NOT SAFE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC OR MODERATE TRAFFIC. THE CAR WILL START AS NORMAL; HOWEVER, WITH TRYING TO TAKEOFF THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE AS NORMAL. PRIOR TO THIS 'UPGRADE' THE VEHICLE NEVER HAD ISSUES WITH ACCELERATION.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2021
AFTER THE RECENT RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE'S COMPUTER ISSUE, I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE REPAIR. MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN USED MUCH THIS WINTER DUE TO COVID-19. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS RECENTLY TURNED ON WITH CODE PO50A (COLD START IDLE AIR CONTROL). THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR MANY AFTER THE RECALL. KIA SAYS THAT THE RECALL TRIGGERED THIS FAULTY ENGINE LIGHT AND IT WON'T TURN OFF.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 29, 2021, fire
CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED. IT STARTED SMOKING AND SECONDS LATER CAUGHT ON FIRE. MY SON WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, THE CAR STARTED SMOKING, HE TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT, GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 12, 2021
CATALYTIC OVERHEATING, BURNT OUT THE SPARK PLUGS AND HARNESS. CAR LOST ALL POWER AND WOULD NOT GO FASTER THAN ABOUT 20MPH WHICH WAS VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. ALL OTHER 2016 KIA SOUL WITH 1.6L I-4 DOHC GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION (GDI) HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALL TO FIX THIS ISSUE AND THIS SERIES OF VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED AND COVERED AS WELL. CAN LEAD TO TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE AND REPLACEMENT NECESSARY. DEALERSHIP NOW WANTS $2000 TO FIX THIS ISSUE THAT MAY HAVE ALREADY DONE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THIS WOULD LEAVE US FOOTING THE BILL FOR REPLACEMENT ENGINE THAT IS NEEDED LATER BECAUSE OF DAMAGE DONE WHEN MOTOR WAS BURNING GAS TOO HOT. THIS KIA SOUL NEEDS TO BE ADDED TO THE RECALL ALREADY IN INSISTENCE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 14, 2020
WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE CODE THAT POPPED UP WHEN I USED MY READER TO READ THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT POPPED UP TWO DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING. IT SAID IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE KIA LADY TOOK MY VIN AND SAID THERE WAS NO RECALLS BUT EVERYONE WITH MY CAR WAS CALLING IN ABOUT IT. AND THE PART ITSELF IS 1200 DOLLARS. HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING WHICH ALSO SAYS IT CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. AS A MOTHER WITH A TODDLER WHO CHOSE THIS CAR BASED ON ITS AFFORDABILITY AND SAFETY FEATURES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN ISSUE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. THE CAR IS A 2016 KIA. THERES SHOULD BE NO REASON THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY 3000 DOLLARS TO REPLACE A PART THAT EVERYONE'S HAVING TO REPLACE OR YOUR CAR WILL LITERALLY BREAK DOWN FOR GOOD. THE PO50A CODE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 10, 2020
STEVENS CREEK KIA IS DENYING TO FIX MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER EVEN THOUGH IT'S PART OF THE RECALL. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $250 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND TO FIX THE CONVERTER. THE RECALL DETAILS STATES THE DAMAGED CONVERTER WILL BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER BUT THEY ARE DENYING ANY SERVICE UNLESS I PAY. I NOTIFIED KIA AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. STEVENS CREEK KIA LIED TO ME THAT MY RECALL WAS DONE ON TUESDAY 12-8-20 AND WHEN I SHOWED UP MY CAR WAS STILL NOT RUNNING, THEY STILL GAVE ME MY KEYS AND TOLD ME IT WAS ALL GOOD TO GO. THEY PUT MY IN DANGER, MY CAR WOULD'VE BLOWN. THEY KNEW MY CAR WASN'T RUNNING AND STILL DIDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND LIED TO ME IT WAS READY AND WHEN I TOLD THEM THEY HAD TO CHECK THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AS A PART OF THE RECALL BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THE RECALL DETAIL STATES THEY COMPLETELY DENIED AND SAID IF I DON'T PAY FOR EVERYTHING THEY WON'T BE CHECKING OR FIXING ANYTHING. THE MANAGER AT STEVENS CREEK KIA HAS NO RESPECT OR REGARDING FOR CUSTOMER SAFETY HE HANDED ME MY CAR NOT RUNNING PAST 10 MILES WITH A BAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER EVEN THOUGH THAT'S WHAT THE RECALL SAYS TO REPLACE. I NEED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ON THE PHONE TO FURTHER EXPLAIN EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED AND EXPLAIN IN MUCH GREATER DETAIL. I DON'T FEEL SAFE OR COMFORTABLE STEVENS CREEK KIA HANDLING MY VEHICLE AT THIS POINT. THEY DON'T CARE TO FIX MY RECALLED CAR.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 7, 2020, fire
UPON PARKING MY CAR I NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UP UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE FIRE WAS DEEMED ELECTRICAL IN NATURE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2020
I HAVE NOT HAD A SAFETY FAILURE YET, JUST TO CLARIFY. I BOUGHT THE CAR CERTIFIED IN OCTOBER. IT REVS UP TO 2,500 - 3,000 UPON STARTUP, LOUD ENOUGH FOR A NEIGHBOR TO COME OVER AND TELL ME TO GET IT CHECKED OUT. IT HARD-IDLES AND SHUDDERS WHEN IT'S STOPPED. I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT IT BEING UNRELIABLE, BUT MORE WORRIED ABOUT IT BEING UNSAFE WITH THE REVVING. AFTER THREE VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THESE ISSUES, I'M TOLD IT'S DUE TO A BAD SOFTWARE UPDATE FROM BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THEY CAN'T/WON'T TELL ME DETAILS ON THE UPDATE, BUT SAY THAT I'M LUCKY MY CAR IS STILL RUNNING BECAUSE IT PUT A LOT OF CARS "OUT OF COMMISSION". BECAUSE IT'S STILL RUNNING, THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER ARE REFUSING TO HELP ME (NO FIX IS AVAILABLE, AND THEY'VE REFUSED A REFUND OR REPLACEMENT). I JUST NEED A SAFE AND RELIABLE CAR. I REFUSE TO SIMPLY TRADE IT IN AND PASS THE PROBLEM ALONG TO SOMEONE ELSE. KIA DID NOT DISCLOSE THE SOFTWARE ISSUE IN ADVANCE AND ISN'T BACKING THEIR PRODUCT. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN AFFECTED.
Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2020
VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING, DELAYING FORWARD MOTION FOR A COUPLE SECONDS. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP OR WHEN TURNING EITHER DIRECTION. THIS HAS BEN REPORTED TO DEALER SINCE WE BOUGHT IT NEW AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE IT OR FIND ANY PROBLEM. WE HAD A 2015 KIA SOUL & TRADED IT BECAUSE IT DID IT EVEN MORE OFTEN THAN THIS ONE. WE THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THAT ONE CAR, BUT THIS ONE DOES IT TOO BUT NOT QUITE AS OFTEN. IT DID IT AGAIN 3 TIMES YESTERDAY, BUT MAY NOT DO IT FOR WEEKS AT A TIME SO VERY DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAPPENS AFTER STOPPING, LIKE AT A STOP SIGN, OR MORE OFTEN WHEN TURNING EITHER DIRECTION AFTER WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING. I HAS ALMOST CAUSED US TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT SEVERAL TIMES, EITHER REAR-ENDED OR BROADSIDED WHILE TURNING.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 30, 2020
AUGUST 28, 2020 I RECIEVED A LETTER FROM KIA CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS STATING A RECALL ON A 2014 - 2016 KIA SOUL CONDUCTING SOFTWARE UPDATE ON ENGINE TO PROTECT THE ENGINE. GOT THAT COMPLETED AND SEVERAL WEEKS LATER WENT BACK TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP FOR AN OIL CHANGE, WAS ASKED DID I GIVE A GOOD REVIEW FOR KIA AND THE GUY APPEARED UPSSET, ANYWHO AFTER THAT OIL CHANGE MY KIA STARTED TO RUN SLOW AND WOULD NOT ACCERATE TO THE NORMAL SPEED OR SEEMS TO STOP. ASK A MECHANIC AND SAID IT SOUNDS LIKKE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I LOOK UP INFORMATION ON KIA AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP IS CHECKING FOR OTHER THINGS. HOW DO I PROTECT MY CAR?
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2020
HAD TO REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AT 80100 MILES EVEN AFTER RECALL WORK HAD BEEN SATISFIED
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 26, 2020
CATILAC CONVERTER. KIA REFUSED TO FIX SAYS NOT A RECALL. BUT 2017 KIA MANUFACTURING SAYS IT'S A RECALL AND NOW MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS AND THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2020
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR LOSES POWER AND THE ENGINE STALLS OUT. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND THE ENGINE STALLS AND THEN STOPS RUNNING. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS HAS BEEN CLOGGED AND IS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 22, 2020
WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND JUST LOST ENGINE PRESSURE AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE DIED. POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW OIL ALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE MOTOR. TOWED IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE AND ITS NOT COVERED. SAW THE RECALL GOD THEM ABOUT IT AND THEY DID NOTHING BUT TELL ME THE COST. *TR
Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2020, crash
I LOST CONTROL OF MY CAR LAST YEAR AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. I ENDED UP IN THE HOSPITAL WITH A BROKEN STERNUM. MY STEERING WAS WEIRD RIGHT BEFORE I CRASHED.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 27, 2020
WHEN MY CAR SITS FOR HOURS AND YOU CRANK IT AND DRIVE IT AND COME TO YOUR FIRST COMPLETE STOP WHILE STILL IN DRIVE MY CAR WILL SURGE LIKE ITS GOING TO TAKE OFF. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO KIA 5 TIMES AND THEY NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I TOOK IT TO HAVE ANOTHER SHOP LOOK AT IT AND SAID MY CONVERTER WAS STOPPED UP AND HAD TO TAKE IT BACK TO KIA FOR WARRANTY WORK. GOT TO KIA AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG AGAIN BUT MY CAR IS STILL DOING THIS! IT EVEN HAS SMOKE COME OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE WHEN PASSING SOMEONE EVERY NOW AND THEN! ANOTHER PROBLEM I AM HAVING IS WITH MY SUNROOF, IT WILL OPEN BUT NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO REPLACE ANYTHING ON IT TIL THE MOTOR GOES ALL THEY WAY OUT BUT I AM HAVING TO MANUALLY CLOSE IT SO I AM BASICALLY PAYING MORE FOR A CAR THAT I CAN NOT USE THE FEATURES ON!