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
821 reports, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received an unknown recall notice for piston rings and engine rod bearing failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle failed to start 3 months later. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer charged a repair fee. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Feb 27, 2024
My daughter was taking my son (her little brother) to school on 2/6/2024 and as she starts uphill she starts noticing she was loosing her speed. They have to pull over on the side of a busy interstate to call me i get to them the car is running rough and sounded like it was missing or like the exhaust was muffled or clogged no check engine light was on but in have a diagnostic machine you plug in to the car and tells you what is exactly going without a check engine light having to be on an it said it was catalyst system.
Engine, Feb 26, 2024
There was a recall on my engine in 2019 two years prior to me owning the vehicle. 2/20/24 my check engine light came on and my vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph. It left me stuck in my work parking lot. I had it towed to a mechanic and they said it was the knock sensor that I had updated 6/27/23. They told me I needed a motor replacement. The car was owned by three dealerships prior to me purchasing the vehicle but no repairs were done according to the consumer report. Nothing was notified to me that there was a recall or recall extension and needed to be addressed prior to 150k miles.
Engine, Feb 22, 2024
Attempt to start engine, it started making metal noises. I have done all its maintenances and the last one was two months ago. No warning lights have been displayed.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 21, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact was parking the vehicle when it inadvertently accelerated resulting in crashing into a store. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact mentioned that the brake pedal was depressed and that the accelerator pedal was not accidentally depressed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where the insurance company adjusted the vehicle's exterior damage. The vehicle was later towed to Caliber to assess internal damages. The air bags in the vehicle failed to deploy. There were no injuries and no property damage. A police report was filed. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake, after which the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2024
Car is burning oil, catalytic converter is failing, engine is failing, as with several hundred thousand of this year, make and model, yet mine does not seem to be covered by the recall
Engine, Feb 14, 2024
I was driving in Los Angeles going home from my new job. My car (100K mi) started making noises and seeming to lose power. No dash warning lights, have done ALL regular maintenance and ALL recalls including knock sensor. Was barely able to make it to the shop that changed the oil recently and there was no oil! Towed it to the dealership and they filled up the oil and said I needed a sealed oil test and drive it for 1000 miles. So while doing that, my car was stolen (2nd attempt this year...this time successful). Got car back and took to same dealer for repair. They had it for 50 days to fix ignition and window. Guess they never checked the oil test. Said car go-to-go and repaired. Took it back after the repair to finish test and they told me "No oil, engine ruined...piston rings. Needs new engine for $10k" (my car worth only $5k) They never tested for warranty qualification. Added oil and drove away from that dealer. Contacted K** Consumer Svc and got a case #. Soon car heated up and shaking-got stranded and towed again. Towed it to second/different dealer and they told me to pay $3k for spark plugs and no problem with engine. Car there a week and K** Consumer Svc could never get a response from this dealer. This dealer said I could drive it off the lot. NO OIL LIGHT ever came on. No dealer wants to fix it. No one cares that I have been stranded! Jeopardizing my new job. What a disaster! No one wants to help fix this. No one should be alone and stranded on a roadside! in L.A?!!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 10, 2024
Kia issued a safety recall for battery (thus is an all electric Sol) and we dropped it to the dealer for repair. Since then Kia has replaced the battery and updated software several times with no results. We continue to receive a battery warning and unable to charge the car. The car has been with the dealer multiple times for the past 6 months. the most recent visit it is with them since Dec [XXX]. We are left in a situation with no car for our 16 year old as she is not allowed to drive the loaner car or any other rental . Continued follow up with Kia consumer affairs has provided no feedback and communication. The dealer has also indicated that there are several such cars at this dealer and others around the country. We need a solution immediately and need our car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 5, 2024
Catalytic converter failing. First began failing in December 2023. Took to have serviced. Told to put cataclean in my gas tank. Check engine light went off. Check engine light came back on again. Same code for catalytic convertable. Was told that it was a possible O2 sensor, or possibly be the catalytic converter. Then I was notified other 2016 Kia soul have had the exact same issue with a faulty Cadillac converter failing and effecting performance and causing engine damage. This was a Kia dealership that notified me of this. However even though I have a 2016 Kia soul, and there’s already a recall on Catalyatic converters for 2016 Kia soul, I was told I’d need to pay out-of-pocket for a new catalyatic converter because my car wasn’t on the recall list. Other models the 2016 Kia soul have also failed. The recall needs to be extended to all models of the 2016 Kia soul. This is a bigger issue than Kia is admitting. Because the dealerships all know that the 2016, Kia souls have faulty catalytic converters. The dealership sold me the 2019 Kia soul back in 2021 and did not reveal that. There was a major issue with the catalytic converters for all the Kia soul 2016 models. They simply told me there were no recalls, but that didn’t mean that it wasn’t gonna pop up with issues for this model because they’ve had issues. Of course this was not revealed by the sales person, but rather the service department manager when I begin having issues with my 2016 Kia soul for other things. Now the catalytic converter in my car is going out, but it should be a part of the recall, because it is causing issues for not only the O2 sensor, but the car in general.
Engine, Feb 4, 2024
2016 Kia Soul (50300 miles):The day after service at dealer car emitted smoke from tailpipe, which it had not at any time before. They diagnosed with borescope as cylinder scoring and needed engine replacement. I bought it used so 5 year warranty was expired. I contacted Kia America, who had spoken to dealer, and was told warranty was expired. I towed it back home. I could drive it but emits lots of smoke and will seize at some point and cause a safety hazard to me and others which Kia seems fine with. For now it safely parked unless it spontaneously catches fire as other Kia's have done. It has the NU 2.0 engine which, as you are aware, has a history of disastrous issues and lawsuits regarding the combustion chamber, including rod bearings, piston rings and excessive oil consumption. These problems can cause death and injury through fires and stalled engines. They should not be allowed to specify individual parts for recall, when any defective part in the combustion chamber can cause total engine failure. A safe engine, when maintained at a dealer should not need replacement after 7 years and 50000 miles. These problems come to light after several years and had I known about them I never would have bought a Kia. I thought their 10yr warranty was because they believed in their quality not because they knew customers were going to need it. I have now seen the complaints and TSBs that have been issued regarding this engine and Kia has not chosen to do the right thing without being forced, probably because it would put them out of business. I believe that even a replacement engine would be susceptible to the same problems. How can I sell a car to someone knowing that it could result in their death or injury? It is time to hold them accountable regardless of the effect on their business. New logos and marketing have not improved their quality or safety. They have, however, made them more popular. Which means there are many more dangerous vehicles on the road.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 1, 2024, fire
INCIDENT: [XXX] Driving from [XXX] to [XXX] Notice a slight gasoline smell in the car. I figured it was traffic smog. [XXX] I noticed the inside of the car still smelled of gasoline. Looked up on Google to see if this was an underlying issue. My quick search led me to believe that it was severe. Firestone Complete Auto Care [XXX]: After a quick lookup on Google, I called my local Firestone via Bluetooth to see if they had an opening today. When I talked to a worker describing my concerns, they told me there were no openings that day and that tomorrow ([XXX]) they were available. I booked an appt for [XXX] at 10 a.m. When I finished talking to FireStone, I was driving through [XXX] . Driving through [XXX] to get back home ([XXX]): I stopped at a light that intersects between [XXX] and [XXX]. I noticed that the hood had smoke coming out and saw flames. I quickly grabbed my important belongings and tried to direct traffic behind me to go around me. I called 911, gave my location, and described the incident, and then they called the fire department. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the catalytic convertor. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the catalytic convertor had failed. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Engine, Jan 28, 2024
I went in to Kia Dealership in early 2023 because my Catalytic Converter was popping up on the OBD computer. I saw that it was under recall. So i scheduled a recall appointment with a Kia Dealership near me. Now months later, the CAT is popping up on OBD computer again. I scheduled another appointment with kia but they told me that they wanted to charge me $109 to look at me car and also that since all Recalls have been completed that they wont change my cat under recall. So I have no idea what they actually did to my car but they never replaced the catalytic converter that was under recall. and now i may be stuck having to pay for this issue my self
Engine, Jan 26, 2024
The engine and catalytic converter failed while driving on the highway started slowing down and making a sound
Engine, Jan 17, 2024
Kia didn't thoroughly inspect my car in response to recall 19V101which would have caught a damaged catalytic converter. Kia updated the code in 2019 but did not replace my catalytic converter and is now unwilling to honor the recall repair necessary. My catalytic converter is now damaged with the same symptoms identified in the recall. Kia is insisting that I cover the costs associated with the repair.
Engine, Jan 16, 2024
Engine stalling/losing acceleration. 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. The engine stalls and loses acceleration spontaneously during driving. This will lead to a failing O2 sensor, not sure which comes first. My car would lose power on the freeway and making Left hand turns leading to near crashes. The problem has been confirmed by a repair shop. No warning lamps were triggered not sure if this is also part of the problem, it does not trigger a warning light.
Engine, Jan 10, 2024
My family decided to purchase a 2016 Kia Soul and it was a great car until it stalled on me on a highway, and funny enough I was helping my father on his vehicle on the highway. I had this car towed to Raceway Kia at Freehold NJ , who provided a KDKS software update to the engine. A short time later, the car had to be sent again and they performed an oil consumption test. By this time, my car was near the warranty expiration of 100k and they stated that since I performed this, that if there were problems with my vehicle, they would fix it. Fast forward and now I am experiencing a knocking in my car and it is losing acceleration/ power. I sent my Kia Soul to another dealer, Matt Blatt Kia at Toms River. They diagnosed the engine and stated that there were no engine problems or codes and that I need a new catalytic converter that costs over $3000. This is not fair because there is research that supports that because there is engine problems with this model, this could contribute to catalytic converter problems. I am aware there is an ongoing settlement that qualifies my 2016 Kia Soul, and know that others have had their engines replaced. Links: [XXX] [XXX] What should I do next? I do have the receipts with line by line itemized suggested repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 5, 2024
Certainly. I own a 2016 Kia Soul, and recently I've become aware of some serious issues with the vehicle that are deeply concerning. It has come to my attention that the car is experiencing piston damage, which could potentially result in engine stalling, thereby significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, there is a possibility that a broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block, leading to the escape of engine oil. This could not only cause significant damage to the engine but also poses a serious safety hazard. In the worst-case scenario, the leaking oil may come into contact with the hot exhaust system, significantly increasing the risk of a My 2016 Kia Soul has been causing me a lot of trouble. Every 5-6 months, it needs a tune-up, and it frequently starts making loud noises from the engine. The car also has a concerning habit of skipping, and at times, it won't go faster than 20 miles an hour. This unreliable performance has put me in dangerous situations, including being side-swiped due to the vehicle randomly cutting off while driving. In an effort to get to the bottom of these issues, I had a diagnostic test run on the car, and the results were troubling. The codes that came up include P1326 for the glow relay stuck on the power train system, as well as anti-lock codes What is particularly distressing about this situation is that despite the severity of these potential risks, Kia of Pendleton has refused to address the issue and rectify the problems with my vehicle. This lack of action is extremely worrying, especially given that I regularly travel with my two kids in the car. The safety of my family is paramount, and the fact that we have almost been involved in crashes twice due to these issues is deeply troubling. I am reaching out for assistance and resolution in this matter. The safety of my vehicle and the well-being of my family are at stake, and I urgently need a response and a plan to address these serious safety concerns.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that oil was leaking into the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, where an oil change was performed after two weeks. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 147,360.
Engine, Jan 2, 2024
Unknown had check engine light come on scanned at O'Reilly came up with recall # SC176 but searching VIN said its not effective
Exterior lighting, Dec 29, 2023
I am experiencing the same headlight problem as has been reported for 2014-15 Kia Souls. Mine is a 2016 Kia Soul. The headlights go out intermittently when turning a corner or when signalling for a turn. I had it diagnosed at my dealership and they stated it was the Multi-function Switch that was mentioned as a recall for 2014-2015 Souls on your webpage. The dealership said there is no recall and Kia Corporate says the same thing, but the NHTSA states there is a recall and describes the exact problem right down to the Multi-function switch the dealership told me was bad.
Engine, Dec 28, 2023
Changed oxygen sensor and check engine light is still on
Engine, Dec 27, 2023
Oil consumption and engine stall. Engine light flashing. Taken to two Kia dealerships no resolution. Mechanic ran test to see engine recall issue. Still careless months later.
Exterior lighting, Engine, Dec 21, 2023
My engine is burning oil on the pistons and does not retain oil. I am having to top the engine oil off every 10-14 days. I went in to repair the catalytic converter, but I was told by the dealership that if I repair the converter, because I have a bad engine, it would be useless. The first warning sign was an H2O engine error that remains. My safety with a bad engine is put at risk with every drive. the problem has been occurring for over a year, and in addition, the brake lights in the front of the vehicle does not work, although it has been diagnosed.