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.
Tires, Jan 15, 2023
We live in Virginia, and we were driving in Florida on 12-23-2022, when the tire size 215/55 R17 94V blew up. Car tire pressure lit up and then we heard a noise. We stopped immediately at the gorge of Highway 75 and exit number 213. My husband and I were super streesed and in panic mode as the traffic on highway 75 was super heavy. While waiting for what it seems forever for a towing truck, every time a semi drove by, the car was shaking. In addition, the only place available to change our tire was about to close. This issue has never happened before as we take care of our cars. We did not think about taking pictures of the tire, we were only thinking about getting to safety and continuing to our destination. An employee from FDOT named [XXX] stopped by our car to let us know there was a camera from their office right behind our car. We did not keep the tire as we did not know it was a requirement from Kumho to honor their warranty. We got the tires from the dealership we bought the car from. The dealership never mentioned Kumho's warranty. I learned about this requirement after I reached out to Kumho. Our car does not have a spare tire as most of car don't come with spare now days. We have a receipt from Costco to show the purchase of a new tire date 12-23-2022. Kumho will not honor the warranty as we don't have the tire and we have now been obligated to purchase 3 more tires for our safety. We don't feel safe with these remaining Kumho tires on our car. This experienced was super stressful for my total and permanent disabled veteran husband and me. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Jan 4, 2023
On 12/27/22, was driving on highway in the evening, engine light illuminated and vehicle slowed down and unable to drive beyond 40mph. Was able to make it home safely, notified dealership on 12/28/22 and used AAA service for vehicle tow. Recv'd call from dealership on 1/3/22 that vehicle was inspected and was ready for pickup. Issue was code P1326 related to KSDS (knock sensor detection system) & connector rod bearings, so they did an ECU update & bearing clearance test. (While waiting for info I did online research & learned of the issue with KIA's GDI engine failures/fires). I asked dealer rep if the issue with my vehicle was related to this and was told yes, that this was the first step in Kia's protocol for the issue. I raised concern over driving the vehicle knowing that there is a possibility of engine failure or fire. He acknowledge the concern, but reiterated that this was all they would do for now. I asked for a copy of the repair/service protocol and was told he would try to get me one. Am scheduled to pick up vehicle in a few hours and am sure there will be more issues & concerns to follow.
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, Dec 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter was clogged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Dec 7, 2022
Our car was sold to us not knowing about a recall. It was taken to a local Kia. The car dealership says they didn’t know. It’s already had a replaced catalytic converter and didn’t fix the problem. Our engine light, ABS light and a skidding light come on and off. No one will listen to us. We don’t know what to do next.
Engine, Dec 6, 2022
Catalytic converter failing on 2016 Kia soul. Was not part of the vin numbers for for original recalls. Has original catalytic converter
Engine, Dec 5, 2022
This issue happened with regular 3500 - 4000 mile oil changes. Oil burnt 100% away and the oil light indicator came on then and only when turning left. Filled oil back up. Oil Changed. Then oil burned away again. Same issue with oil light. This time the engine failed. The bearings are knocking and the engine needs replaced. Spoke with dealership, was told I should have got a software update and that would have placed a warranty on the motor. Never was I told, received mail or during an inspection was informed of needing a software update.
Engine, Nov 30, 2022
On Sept 19th I took my 2016 Kia Soul in for a Full Synthetic oil change, cabin filter and engine filter changed, brakes replaced, new tires, all fluids topped off, and allignment. My car was running perfect no issues. Approximately 11/15/2022 I thought I smelled oil burning but didn't think much about it because I've never had problems with my car. Oct 20th my oil light came on and I quickly stopped and found their was very little oil in my car. I called Tire Kingdom and they said put oil in it and bring it in, and I did as told. My car didn't seem to have power and I looked down and then all the various lights came on the dash and then a huge amount of smoke came from the engine fortunately I was able to get off this busy Hwy. I had my car towed home and put water in the radiator in which went straight to the engine. The water did not puddle under the car it went straight into the motor. This safety recall describes in detail what could happen and that's exactly what happened to me. The dealership has had my car for 8 days and will not tell me anything. I called Kia motors and made a complaint and they said they would call me but never did. It appears the dealership does not want to repair my non running car in which I'm still paying for. Its a mess!! I am so disappointed in KIA East dealership and Kia motors. Please help me with this matter. I do have the itemized reciept from Tire Kingdom.
Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2022
The paint of the vehicle has just started to come off the car in chunks.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 23, 2022
My car has a recall and a class action suit. I had my Kia serviced on Sept 19th, 2022 at Tire Kingdom, to include a full synthetic oil change, cabin filter replaced, engine filter replaced, new brakes, and tires. On Oct 18th as I drove into my home the oil light came on. I checked the oil and it was very low. I contacted Tire Kingdom and they said add oil and bring it in on Oct 21st 2022 at 10:00 AM. After buying oil, I was driving to Tire Kingdom. I entered Hwy 582 and in approx 2 to 3 miles all the gauges came on and the temperature gauge was on High. I immediately lost power and thankfully I was able to get off the highway as smoke completely blocked my visibility. It was cold and rainy and very dangerous as cars flew by me and my dog. Finally, the tow truck came. My vehicle is currently at Kia East in Orlando and they are charging me 250.00 to diagnose my car. My 2016 Kia Soul Vin number [XXX] has several recalls and a civil lawsuit. I have taken very good care of my car and this is very serious. I do not feel that I should be responsible for rebuilding or replacing my engine. The recall describes exactly what happened to my car. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 16, 2022
I purchased my vehicle back in 2021 and I notice that the recall for the catalytic converter so I check my car reports and don’t see where it was replaced or service I recently went to get a check engine diagnostic and the code read p0420 which is problems with catalytic converter no one has been the owner of the vehicle since 2018 and I’m not sure if it was replace or replace incorrectly I shouldn’t be experiencing difficulties and I haven’t reached over 100,000 miles since the previous mileage @ the timing of the recall “fixture”
Engine, Nov 11, 2022
I began having oil consumption issues with my car in December 2020. I took my car in for inspection and the product improvement campaign that I was notified about. Since that time, I have had my car in the Kia shop numerous times for increasingly worse oil consumption issues. They always claim the oil consumption is fine, even though when I check it there is a problem. Now I am being told my catalytic converter is clogged, but my engine is fine and my oil consumption is acceptable. The catalytic converter is clogged because there is oil leaking through my exhaust system. No oil is ever leaking from my car because there is no leak; however, it is burning through my engine and exhaust. This is causing my car to lose power when driving, which is a safety concern for not only myself and my children, but other drivers as well. Kia is aware of the issue and refuses to acknowledge a problem at the local shop or at corporate offices. I am filing this complaint so that in the event of any serious bodily injury or death to myself, my family, or other passengers on the road there is documentation regarding their negligence in repairing their faulty vehicles. Also, their solution was for me to trade my car in for a new vehicle.
Engine, Nov 10, 2022
We purchased a 2016 Kia Soul in June 2022, in November 2022 while driving across a highway the engine started knocking, went into limp mood and suddenly stopped almost causing my daughter and her younger sibling to get in severe accident. We had it immediately towed to Edwards Kia in Council Bluffs to have a diagnostic test run, they came back and said it would cost us $8,834.02 for an engine rebuild/replacement and that our car was no longer under the extended warranty because PI2002B had not been done. They informed us that not having the update voids the extended warranty on the car, however we have not been notified as the new owners that this needed to be done. PI2002B is dated Aug 2020 and was revised in Jan 2021. H&H Kia of Omaha took possession of the car 28 Nov 2020 and had it in their possession until 17 Feb 2021. In that timeframe the notice was sent to the General Manager, Service Manager, Parts Manager, Service Advisors, Technicians and the Body Shop manager and it still was not performed by the Kia dealership. Because of this, the extended warranty that we should have been entitled to was invalidated. When we purchased the vehicle, the dealership did a 70 point inspection and ensured that there were no outstanding public recalls on the car before the sold it to us. I have attached all of the documentation from the dealership to include the Carfax report that stated H&H Kia had the vehicle from Nov 20-Feb 21. Kia dealerships have access to the Kia database and should have known if the update was required while they had it in their possession. The engine failed due to a known defect, and they are not willingly updating vehicles on the lots at their dealerships and voiding extended warranty that should apply.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 2, 2022
Catalytic Converter kept getting hot, was at dealership for a recall on engine in May 2022, light kept coming on and off. October 3, 2022 broke down on freeway for the Catalytic took to mechanic spent $1200 for repair on Catalytic converter, oil and spark plugs, within a day kept burning oil, by Sunday, October 23, 2022 broke down on freeway again and engine fried and burned piston #2 - I have many receipts for oil changes every 3k miles, always keep car maintained and have a notebook for everything I have repaired. The headlights and brake lights went out a month ago and never did get the brake bar light replaced. The passenger window motor is shot and the airbag light is on. Currently, it's at the dealership parked and I am waiting for Corporate to give a go ahead to say it's a go to fix it, and I'm missing work and will loose my job without having a car. So I am asking why is my car not on the recall list if I am having the same issues as the recalled 2016 Kia Souls are having. I haven't had the car very long and I had a 2009 Kia Sportage LX that is still going over 330k miles it's way better than these Souls. They all need to be sent back to the dealership and destroyed. Shame on Kia Corporation for allowing these 2016 cars on the market and shame on the Dealership to sell me this car back in August 2019. People are out here struggling and only shows the Corporations stay strong and the little guys loose. What kind of crap is that? Why isn't my car on the VIN RECALL LIST? PLEASE TELL ME? I'M JUST LUCKY THE CAR DIDN'T START FIRE, BECAUSE IT BURNED PISTON #2
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.
Steering, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal cranking noise coming from the steering wheel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,694.
Engine, Oct 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 70mph the engine failed without warning. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the highway. When attempting to restart the vehicle the check engine light, oil change indicator light, and battery lights were illuminated on the dash. At this time thick, gray smoke quickly engulfed the vehicle and immediate surrounding area. The contact was able to safely escape the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and diagnosed with severe rod knock damage and missing piston. The dealership initially denied the claim due to “negligence” to respond to a recall notice which the contact attributes to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact did not receive a recall notice or contact from the dealer or manufacturer regarding this recall. The contact also stated that the vehicle was serviced at the same Kia dealership a few months prior and upon investigation found that the manufacturer and dealership were aware of the recall at that time and were required to perform repairs on all vehicles brought in for service but failed to perform the required software update. The manufacturer granted a one time goodwill engine replacement using PI2002 parts but denied all other costs and repairs attributed with the engine failure and the above mentioned recall. The failure mileage was 74,113. Photos and videos of the vehicle dash and engine smoke are available upon request.
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, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 20, 2022
Excessive oil burning engine stalled on the highway wont accelerate
Engine, Oct 19, 2022
I purchased my 2016 Kia Soul + on 1/2019 with 32973 miles on it. On 2/25/22 while driving on the highway my car suddenly and unexpectedly jolted and lost power. I didn’t understand what happened and when I looked down I saw the engine light flashing.I immediately pulled off the highway stopped and called the dealer.It had 53068 miles on it. They updated knock sensor but didn’t actually repair or replace engine. On 6/16/22 at 55,060 miles my car suddenly lost power as I was driving. I looked down and the engine light started flashing. I immediately pulled over and called a tow truck to tow to the dealer. It was a 100 degree day and I had to wait over 2hours for a tow truck. Suntrup Kia replaced the knock sensor again. No repair or replacement of the engine. On 9/3/2022 I had just got off the highway and was heading to meet friends when my car suddenly lost power and again the engine light started flashing and I immediately pulled over and called a tow truck to take to the dealers. It had 57,??? Miles on it. It has been at the dealers for almost 7 weeks now in dispute with the warranty company (I have 2 warranties) about replacing the engine. I’m told the piston rings are defective and caused scoring on the cylinders which caused oil leakage and excessive consumption. A known Kia defect that they have not issued a recall for. The Kia loyalty warranty is disputing with the dealer that they should have to fix it. The dealer disassembled the engine at the warranty company’s request. The warranty co. inspected it 2-3 times and seen that it was the piston rings. The dealer Suntrup Kia of St. Louis has the report. It is very unsafe to drive as I never know when it will occur again. Or if this time it will catch on fire. It occurred 3 times in approximately 6.5 months in all different conditions. I avoid driving on the highway and I get very nervous if a car is following too closely. I avoid having anyone else with me because this is an extreme life threatening problem.
Engine, Oct 18, 2022
The contact’s girlfriend owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact stated that soon after the vehicle was repaired, while his girlfriend was driving at an unknown speed, the engine started knocking and shaking. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH on the Interstate, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact was able to drive to a nearby gas station where she parked the vehicle. The contact opened the hood of the vehicle and verified that there was engine oil in the vehicle. The contact added oil to the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.