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, Sep 7, 2023
I took my 2016 Kia Soul to Fredy Kia back in June because it had been misfiring and dying while driving. They said the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. I had taken my car in for the ECU update because of the possible rod bearing piston engine failure due to catalytic converter failure. They would not do a good faith coverage for the repair even though it was just over warranty and they have a massive settlement going for the rod bearing damage on engines and I am seeing massive talk online with other Kia Soul owners having the same issues with the catalytic converter. These cars are catching fire eventually and dying on the freeway. This is a massive safety issue and I cannot believe they aren't including the catalytic converter under it. Furthermore, the service manager at Fredy Kia liedto me and said I had to contact Kia Warranty about a good faith coverage for the repair. Today, I finally learned from Kia Warranty that it is actually the Dealers who makes that decision. I would have taken it to a different dealer with more ethics.
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle shuddered and stalled while accelerating. The transmission also shifted hard, and the vehicle shook abnormally. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was overheating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filter, cooling system, and air cleaner needed to be serviced. The ECU update was completed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who removed the muffler and catalytic converter, due to engine damage. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed there was no warranty or recall coverage for the vehicle. The manufacturer referred the contact to the local dealer for a goodwill repair. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 7, 2023
The headlights will turn off and on randomly without warning. My driving panel shows no indicator or warning lights. This is an ongoing and extremely dangerous issue. I’m told it will be very expensive to diagnose and repair due to the need to remove the entire steering section to access the headlight control wand.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was making a rattling noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 99,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 28, 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 an independent mechanic who stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the catalytic converter and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the remedy for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) had failed to prevent the failure. The engine was replaced but the catalytic converter was not replaced due to the vehicle being out of warranty. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 90,800.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a ratting sound coming from under the hood. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Engine, Aug 26, 2023
My 2016 Kia Soul was part of the Kia Engine Recall. In reading about the recall it says that if the catalytic converter was also damaged as a result of the engine failure that it would also be replaced free of charge. Kia is denying my catalytic converter replacement siting it is out of warranty. But the Warranty and the Recall are two separate things. The Recall actually supersedes the warranty because it does not expire. Perhaps there needs to be a separate recall on the catalytic converter since Kia seems to want to weasel their way out of taking responsibility for their faulty engine components.
Engine, Aug 24, 2023
NHTSA - I own a 2016 Kia Soul that has a damaged failing engine; the problem is excessive oil consumption. This defect is causing motor oil to migrate into areas of the engine that it shouldn't be, thus inevitably causing a catastrophic failure; rendering the engine inoperable and irreparable. The oil pressure warning light came on only after the damage was done. Horne Kia in Gilbert Arizona, where I purchased the vehicle, inspected it and found this to be true. However Horne Kia and Kia corporate will not repair or authorize repair, respectively. I was told to continue driving it until the engine is completely destroyed in order to have it repaired...WHAT. So I'm being told that the engine will definitely seize-up and fail leaving me stranded; this is a safety nightmare. What if I'm driving on a highway when this happens. What if the engine failure causes me to lose control of my vehicle and cause who knows what. This not only puts me at risk, it puts others driving around me at risk as well; not to mention passengers that may be in my vehicle. Now there's gasoline mixing with the oil. Beside all of the aforementioned, now there's also a risk of engine compartment fire and loss of life.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 24, 2023
My engine light malfunctioned, never lit up to report a clogged catalytic converter.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud popping or banging sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering was inoperable however, the braking system was functional. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle off the roadway; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine, Aug 23, 2023
The contact’s friend owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no indication of a leak or burning oil. The driver added 3 quarts of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who performed a leak test. The dealer informed the contact to bring the vehicle back after driving 1,000 miles for additional testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,659.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 23, 2023
I have a 2016 Kia Soul with 1.6L engine. I am the 2nd owner. The previous owner got the knock sensor update but the catalytic converter still failed after the update. Now I have a flashing engine light and P1326 code along with the P40 code for faulty catalytic converter. There is a recall for 2016 Kia Soul engines but when I go to the Kia site and type in my VIN there is no recall showing for my VIN even though I own a 2016 Kia Soul. I think this is wrong and should be corrected. Also Kia keeps telling me that they won't fix my catalytic converter because it falls outside the 80k mile warranty. I am at 90k miles. Yet, the knock sensor was updated and there is currently a recall. The recall should supercede the warranty in this instance. Also I took the car in to have the Kia dealer diagnose my knocking engine and 1326 code. They are saying that even though my car isn't drivable and The engine is malfunctioning, because my car didn't fail the piston ring test I don't qualify for the engine recall repair. All of this is unfair. If my car is exhibiting all the signs that the engine is about to blow why do I have to drive my car until it actually does blow before something can be done? This is unsafe not only for me but others as well. Not to it's completely unfair to me as a consumer who purchased this car in good faith. Kia needs to update ALL Vin numbers instead of consumers having to find out the hard way that there is indeed a recall on their vehicle. Dealerships should be part of the process of updating the manufacturer of new owners information so that new owners can be notified of any recalls. It makes no sense that only the first owner gets information regardless if they still own the vehicle or not. Lastly I would like to reiterate; Kia telling people they have zero recalls on cars that ARE actually part of a recall is outright lying. Kia needs to post ALL recall information to their website regardless to if you input your VIN # By not doing this they Lie
Service brakes, Aug 21, 2023
i BOUGHT A 2016 kIA sOUL WITH 52.000 MILES ON IT SOME TIMES WHEN I PUT IT IN dRIVE IT BACKS UP.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 16, 2023
While driving the vehicle the car shuts off
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, Aug 15, 2023
P0420 Code. I have replaced both oxygen sensors with genuine KIA parts. I even had a tune up and replaced the engine air filter. All of the parts were replaced with KIA genuine parts. The code is still coming on. I only have 84889 miles on this car.
Engine, Electrical system, Aug 12, 2023
My safety and the safety of others is put at risk when someone is attempting to steal my vehicle. I am not eligible for the antitheft software upgrade since I don't have a factory installed alarm system.
Engine, Aug 8, 2023
Check Engine Light won't turn off - I have had the catalitic converter replaced and the engine light has not turned off.
Power train, Aug 6, 2023
There is an active recall on 2016 Kia Catalytic Converters. I was told my VIN is not included, even though I have this make and model. The car consistently struggled at 60 MPH, and was driving rough at lower speeds, but randomly. I had to travel no more than 45-50 MPH. This was dangerous since i was on the Highway when the car started to struggle at 60 MPH. Kia said my Catalytic Converter is clogged and not fixable, I needed a new one. The car only has 80K miles, I bought it Certified from Kia.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 1, 2023
Engine stalled on me while going 60mph on the freeway to almost 20 mph. Check Engine light flashed twice. Engine is now knocking.
Engine, Jul 21, 2023
We have a p0420 code with check engine light on (catalyst below threshold) with unusual oil consumption. We have been refused a replacement of the catalytic converter which is failing and may or may not have caused severe engine damage. Engine is going through an unusual high amount of oil with no oil leaks. Contacted Kia NA on July 21st and was told the cat was not covered even though it's failing and we have recall notices coming in the mail.
Engine, Jul 21, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine stall duo to faulty Piston rods. Probable cause of faulty Piston Rods is insufficient oil level. May also damage the crankshaft and cause the engine to seize. I have proof of oil changes on time and the car has only 92000 mile on it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle may stall and shut off in the middle of the road unexpectedly which may cause an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 20, 2023
I have a Kia Soul that is under the engine warranty recall. I was able to drive my vehicle while working with Kia to document issues with my engine. Today I was informed that my catalytic converters are clogged and that is what is causing my vehicle issues, not my engine. The only way my catalytic converters could be clogged would be from faulty engine, but Kia is denying any issue with my engine (that is under warranty) and instructing me to continue driving my vehicle. My vehicle is unable to maintain speed, shakes violently after running 5 minutes, and dies frequently. It is not a safe vehicle to drive on the road.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 19, 2023
The check engine light came on a day after i bought the car and never went off it read for several code’s including a catalytic converter fuel cap timing solenoid all which I replaced and the light still was on after oil changes it was discovered there is a low oil condition and the engine needed to be replaced and a few months later the car stopped running and it needs a new engine the dealership knowingly sold that vehicle to me in that condition and they won’t even fix it.
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.