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.
Steering, Mar 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia soul. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH with the cruise control feature engaged, the feature independently deactivated and the vehicle decelerated to 60 MPH. The contact stated that after the cruise control feature was disengaged the vehicle was veered to the side of the road. The contact then drove the vehicle 40 MPH back to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering angle sensor needed to be recalibrated. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer; Hyman Bros Kia (11901 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that a quart of oil had to be added every other week. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 7, 2023
The vehicle contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety or does not comply with an applicable federal motor vehicle safety standard ENGINE REPLACED THRESHOLD REPLACED CATALITIC CONVERTER BLEW ECU COMPLETED AIRBAG WARNING DOES NOT CLEAR INACCURATELY REPORTED/ COMPLETED VEHICAL MALFUNCTIONING LOSS OF POWER
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2023
I have been having issues with oil consumption since early fall 2022. I am the sole owner of my Kia Soul Plus and have had multiple oil consumption tests performed. I found out I had an oil consumption problem when my car shut off WITHOUT WARNING on the highway. Luckily this happened around midnight when there wasn't a lot of traffic. I contacted the dealer and they did an oil consumption test, which it "passed" because the dipstick indicated there was still oil in the engine. After the first one, I started to monitor my car and it seems like a little past the 1k mark does the dipstick indicate there's no oil. I've done like 3 tests with the dealer, and I think the last one that was performed I think they put too much oil in it. I say this because when I checked the oil -- when the car sat for awhile to cool off-- there was oil past the fill line on the dipstick. When I asked about it, they made it seem like I invalidated the test because I simply checked the oil. I was also told to not check the oil when the car has been sitting. So now, I check it at different times; when it has and has not been sitting (when I get gas). What ended up happening was the guy just read the dipstick right there in front of me, said it was fine, topped of the oil and said I was good to go. I think they did this the second time as well but didn't think to check the oil level then. I also noticed oil stains/residue on my engine cover and asked the dealer about it, but received no answer. It seems like the oil stains are getting worse -- more prominent. My car currently has 92k miles on it and have been trying to figure out the issue as this is a HUGE safety issue to me and my family. On multiple occasions I have found that my car has had low oil in it and carry oil in the back of my car just in case. After doing research, I'm glad to see I'm not alone but also that this is a known issue but I feel like the dealer is waiting for my warranty to expire before anything gets taken seriously.
Engine, Feb 27, 2023
I purchased my 2016 Kia Soul 11/25/22 and on 12/15/22 my check engine light came on getting off freeway. While driving the accelerator wasn’t catching speed could’ve go pass 20mph making loud noises like transmission was slipping. The dealer towed my car from my Job. Dealership gave me an tuneup oil change and replaced engine coils. 2/7/23 check engine light came again and my car couldn’t do 15mph again and service department stated a need a new engine and it’s covered under warranty but every Kia dealership states they can’t Maintence my car until months advance and they can’t give me a loaner if they can replace the engine so I been missing work due to my Kia running bad and I only had it since 11/22.
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, Feb 25, 2023
Engine knocking noise on acceleration
Engine, Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that he pulled over and checked the oil level and there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced after an oil consumption test was completed. The engine was not replaced as the dealer stated that it was not covered under the drivetrain warranty. The contact stated that the warranty was for 20 years or 200,000 miles as it covered the engine, transmission, transaxle, and other parts related to the drivetrain. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
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, Feb 23, 2023
My car started making a ticking noise around 92k. I was afraid to drive it because of all the information id read on the KIA engines catching on fire. I had it towed to a local mechanic who wouldn't touch it and said I needed to bring it to the dealership because I'm still under warranty. I had my vehicle towed again which cost me over 400$ to a KIA dealership. They told me that the engine would need to be replaced but wouldnt tell me why. In fact they REFUSED to tell me why. After I demanded a diagnosis, they stopped responding to my calls.SIX WEEKS they held my vehicle hostage. I called Kia manufacturer customer service who made a call to them. The dealership tried every possible way they could to get out of fixing my engine. I went to the dealership to get something out of my vehicle but they denied me access. After I caught them doing something completely wrong (leaving my vehicle unlocked, keys in the ignition, and trashed on the inside) they decided they would fix my engine. I waited another 4 weeks for my engine to be replaced with a refurbished engine. They did not tell me it wasn't a BRAND NEW engine before they installed. Never even called me to tell me they were starting the work. The day they finished, I got a call demanding for me to pick it up or they would have it towed. Also, all 4 of my tires were "unrepairable and HAD to be replaced or I was in danger for my life if I drove it." I called kia customer service again. The dealership lied to me. They told kia customer service that they just needed to be aired up and the valve stems replaced..... on all 4 tires... very sketchy. After a very straightforward conversation with the manager, I had my car towed him. I'm terrified to drive it anywhere. I don't trust them with anything. They had my car a total of 3 months. I lost a ton of money on rentals and pain, disruption, and anguish in my personal and work life because of it.
Engine, Feb 18, 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, has 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. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Feb 16, 2023
My 2016 Kia Soul began having acceleration problems mid-December 2022, around 100k miles. I took my car to Kia Service and was told the ECU needed to be updated and that was most likely the cause of the problem. I received the update on 12/14/2022. My car drove a little better for two days but began experiencing the same acceleration issues. I couldn't go over 60 mph on the interstate. It also seemed to be burning gas fast. Although a diagnostic test was attempted twice, there were no findings since the engine light still hadn't come on. It wasn't until 2 months later, 2/11/2023, that my car stalled out on the interstate at 10:00pm at night. I had it towed to Kia and they confirmed the same thing that my reader did on 2/12/23: engine code P1326, knock sensor. On 2/16/23, Kia ran a diagnostic test and came up with the same code, however, they said it is my catalytic converter that needs to be replaced, for approximately $3100. I've read hundreds of reports at this point about the same issues, and they all say the catalytic converter ends up not being the fix or has to be replaced multiple times. It seems like Kia is just determined to not recall these vehicles even though they seem to be a huge safety & liability concern at this point.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 15, 2023
KIA Soul had a malfunction with the Catalytic converter and a bad injector which damaged the pinions and the sparks plug of the vehicle causing thousands of dollars in repair.
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, Feb 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle stalled afterward while driving, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to Kia of Valencia (24095 Creekside Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355) where the dealer requested the oil change records. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000
Engine, Feb 6, 2023
Car is only a 2016 that has had issues since I bought it at 90k miles. It constantly required oil changes every other week. Paid in full the replacement of the catalytic convertor only for the engine to fail and the convertor be gummed up in less than 4 months
Power train, Feb 5, 2023
It been buckling at low speeds, acceleration is not consistance with how much gas I press. If I have the car at stop sign or red light. It completely stalls out with the battery and oil light comes on. This happen 5 times in a 40 minute drives it would have happen more if I didn't notice it was happening cause of the issue was going on at lower speeds. I notice the heat was higher, also was fumes coming into the car while on highway. There was a moment where the car started to stall on highway, but quickly regain. Very stressful and dangerous situation.
Engine, Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact then noticed a white cloud of smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence where an independent mechanic was notified. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic determined that there was a hole in the engine block. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she received the Manufacturer’s Recall: FC176; however, the manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was no longer applicable due to the contact’s failure to comply with the notice, and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Power train, Engine, Feb 1, 2023
1. On 1/30/23 I was heading home from work when my engine and oil light came on. I after parking at turning my car off, the engine began to shake and make clicking noises continuously. I got an oil change that day thinking that may help the issue. On 1/31/23 I took my car to another mechanic who notified me that they have seen many Kia Souls and Optimas with this problem and many engines have been recalled. Upon my way home which was 2 miles away, my engine entirely blew up on interstate 15. 2. My safety was put at risk by my car engine blowing up on the freeway and losing power within seconds as traffic was going at 70 mph. I then ended up right in front of an on-ramp and had a small area to park at as was within 1 foot of oncoming highway traffic for 30 minutes - in freezing temperatures. Something also blew out from under my car and almost his a vehicle behind me. 3. Kia stated this has been an issue and that I need to take it to a Kia dealer for inspection. 4. My vehicle has been towed to Young Kia of Layton UT for inspection.
Power train, Jan 30, 2023
Check engine light came on and I had it read. It came back as P050A - Cold Start Idle Air Control System Performance. I saw online that there is an existing service action fix: SERVICE ACTION: 1.6L GDI WITH MIL ON DTC P050A ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA485). The dealership informed me that although my car is a 2016 Kia Soul it isn't part of this service action. However, seeing as how I am getting the check engine error code associated with this service action fix, I believe that my vehicle SHOULD be included.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 24, 2023
Car would not accelerate over 35 mph and started knocking had to pull over to let other vehicles pass. Turned around went back home a 1/2 mile checked alternator current, added 1/2 quart of oil. Started engine knocking continued oil was low again after running engine a few minutes. No smoking from exhaust, no oil in radiator, no dripping or leaking oil.
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, Jan 18, 2023
I was driving on the Interstate, going about 65-70mph when my car make a "tick noise," I immediately noticed white smoke out the back, my car started to decelerate, and I could no longer accelerate when applying the gas. Luckily I was able to get over to the right shoulder and pull off on the side and stop. After taking it to my mechanic, he told me my engine was knocking and that Kia has all these recalls and class actions on these engines (for this EXACT issue) and that Kia extended their warranty for these vehicles to 150k. I take it to Kia and they tell me they won't cover it because I didn't get a KSDS software update. I bought this car Certified Pre-Owned from a Kia dealership. When a recall notice came through in 2019 I took it in to Kia to get it "fixed." Kia has been aware of this issue since at least 2018, so if this was such a problem, I'm not sure why it wasn't taken care of when I took my car in for the recall alert, which I believe was for the ECU update. The only other notice I received from Kia was a survey, not a recall! As you can see on the VIN profile that I have ZERO unrepaired recalls. I have maintained maintenance on my car: Oil changes, tire rotation, brake pad replacements, tire replacements, etc. For some reason, though, this oh so important software update for the the KSDS, which I've learned doesn't actually make their faulty engines....not faulty, seems to be their "get out of jail free card" to stick their customers with a faulty engine and a high price tag to get their car back to working order. Kia knew about this issue and are now shirking their responsibility by making this update their way to get out of paying to fix THIER faulty product. The contact stated that there are plenty of other similar complaints and no longer needs this one.
Engine, Jan 17, 2023
The contact’s father owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to make a knocking sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was hauled back to his father’s residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, no diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,024.