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, Aug 8, 2022
Traveling at low rate of speed, engine began knocking and car stalled. Had car towed to Kia dealership to be told engine seized. No engine lights ever came on. Dealer stated no warranty coverage by KIA because a product IMPROVEMENT update was not completed that would have warned about the upcoming engine failure. We NEVER received a Product IMPROVEMENT notice, we have checked the VIN on numerous web sites and not one sight shows a product recall. Kia dealership wants 8600. To install a salvage engine, Odometer is at about 74,000
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 85 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. The contact stated that the connecting rod went through the engine block. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 7, 2022
While driving to work vehicle oil light started flashing and vehicle started making metal on metal noises and vehicle would not accelerate. I pulled over, turned off the engine. The vehicle would not start again. Took vehicle to a mechanic and he told me that I needed a new engine. I went to the dealer when I found out about the recall. I was told they couldn't do anything for me because I never had the car serviced there.
Engine, Aug 5, 2022
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was a knocking and scrapping sound coming from the engine. The driver pulled over safely and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with complete engine failure due to a knock sensor detection system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to Kia Technical Service Bulletin: PI2002B. The approximate failure mileage was 65,548.
Engine, Aug 4, 2022, crash
I found a recall issued for my car in 2019, the dealership I bought it from told me it was repaired somewhere in New York in 2019, but it is having the same issues. I paid 2400 out of pocket to have the catalytic converters replaced, along with replacing the pcv and purge valves, as they were clogged due to the overheating. My oil consumption is crazy, about 5qt a week. If the 9V120000 recall WAS actually done, it wasn't successful or done properly because I am having the same issues and my engine could fail at any time. Due to stalling and acceleration issues, I think my pistons are beginning to go. I've already put thousands into this car I've only had for a year, and that is unacceptable. I need to know what can be done. I got in an accident with a pickup truck due to my engine stalling unexpectedly.
Steering, Aug 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, she heard a creaking sound coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that no failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 81,900.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and discovered that the engine was low on oil. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the dealer for a software update to be performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH the following day, the vehicle began to hesitate with the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded to drive and a dark colored smoke started coming from the engine as she pulled over and shut off the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to her home. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was called back and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,700.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the front end started shaking. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and there was a rough idling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and flashed on and off. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence, parked the vehicle, and inspected under the hood. The contact became aware that the radiator hoses were swollen, and the coolant reservoir cap was missing. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,145.
Engine, Aug 1, 2022
WHEN OIL CHANGED, BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NO OIL IN CAR. NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. OIL HAS TO BE ADDED BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE DUE. NOT ON RECALL LIST BUT HAVING SAME PROBLEMS AS OTHER 2016 KIA SOULS WITH IT BURNING OIL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER - BUT DOES NOT STAY ON.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2022
I just bought the car. Test drive went fine. I was driving the car when the engine rpms stopped working. I could not get the car to increase speed. I was going up a small hill at 35mph when the car just stopped dead in the road. Luckily I was not in traffic. I repeatedly tried to start the car . Finally it started but the driving was the same. I limped home with my flashers on and have not driven it since. I have an app on 8/5 with a kia dealer. They told me I had to drive the car there. I couldn't have it towed. Hopefully I will make it. This problem doesn't happen all the time. I have driven it when it starts up and no check engine light comes on and the rpms are normal and it drives fine. I feel if the engine heats up that's when the problem occurs. It car only stopped that one time. That was enough for me.
Engine, Jul 28, 2022
2016 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ACCELERATION ISSUE AND THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPON INSPECTION THE METALIC PARTICLES WERE MIXED IN WITH THE FUEL/ENGINE OIL.
Engine, Jul 27, 2022
Unknown
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 25, 2022
Cylinder 3 went out in the engine and car seized. Prior to this the car burned through oil very quickly and the entire car would shake. Kia of El Cajon said it was not an engine issue, my car was totaled and I sold it for scraps. Very disappointed with the service during this time.
Engine, Jul 25, 2022
The engine has an oil consumption issue. It cause the vehicle to run out of oil about 4000 miles after an oil change. This caused the a lose of power while I driving down the interstate. After speaking with the dealership and opening a case with Kia motors, they stated that consumption of 1 qt of oil ever 1000 miles is NORMAL. This most definitely is not normal and can cause premature wear and tear on the engine and the catalytic converter system.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and hesitating. The contact also had to top off the oil every two weeks. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with a faulty catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would not exceed 60 MPH. The contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor had failed. The contact also added two quarts of engine oil; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced under warranty. The dealer also informed the contact that an oil consumption test needed to be performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 114,300.
Engine, Jul 21, 2022
I am loosing coolant but no signs of coolant under or around the car. This has been going on for a few months. I dont drive my 2016 kia soul often because I don't trust it. Today I drove it and while sitting at a red light, the car started to overheat. So I pulled over at a gas station. As long as the car is moving it wont overheat but as soon as I stop for more than 5 minutes it begins to overheat. I let the car cool completely at a gas station and then took the radiator cap off and checked the water level and it wasn't visable. The overflow was full to the top. So i filled the radiator back up and cranked the car to top it off. I then noticed that bubbkes were forming in the radiator fill hole accessively. Before i got back home i had to make a stop at the bank and while sitting still i observed my temperature gauge start climbing. I immediately turned the car off. I was 5 miles from home so as soon as my transactions were made i cranked the car and the gauge was back to normal so i drove it home and parked it.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was stalling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over safely to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
Air bags, Jul 14, 2022
Airbag Control Model malfunction discovered during diagnostic test at inspection and confirmed at service center. Must be replaced. Safety compromised as airbag may not deploy in an accident.
Engine, Jul 14, 2022
I want you preface I had no indications via lights or sensors prior to incident. Nor was I informed of the recall that involved my vehicle. August 15th 2020 I was on my way to chehalis WA, driving up the back of Stevens pass as I-90 over snoqualmie was detoured that day. As I was driving about 55-60 up the mountain I noticed my car was losing acceleration I attempted to give it more gas and noticed a noise. Like a revving but no speed was happening. Then all the lights lit up on my dash. Engine and temp and oil. My temp gauge needle shot up to overheat and my car abruptly shut off as I was driving on a 3-4 lane highway up the mountain. I was able to pull over to a “shoulder” where I turned to the key to shut off my car. I was kind of in shock and was not sure what to do. I had 2 passengers in my car at the time. I waited a few minutes to turn it over. It started but I had to punch the gas to keep it from stalling and it was choking and barley staying on but I had to move because my shoulder wasn’t wide enough for a small car and we were at risk of being hit by passing cars. I was able to limp the car a little ways up and saw a pull off to a gate that led to one of the summits. There I rolled it and it shut off no longer turning over and it was smoking. There we sat 3 or 4 hrs til my sisters fiancé was able to locate us and take us to our planned destination. I left my car there til a tow truck picked it up later around 9pm.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and hesitated during acceleration. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that one of the catalytic converters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and escalated the case to arbitration. The failure mileage was approximately 104,600.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 13, 2022
my car starting making knocking noises and as im on the interstate my speed was 70 but I was not going 70 and I never had any trouble out of my car
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 13, 2022
Vehicle is constantly burning oil. I have zero engine leaks, no oil spots on engine. Where is the oil going. I took it to Kia. They said it was a catalytic converter. Oil loss and p040 code are incorrect. Misdiagnosed. Possible pcv problem. Bought from widrick in Watertown NY.
Engine, Jul 12, 2022
I bought vehicle in January 2022 Engine failed. Kia admits engine failed but denying coverage of replacement, due to previous owner not having a computer update done. Currently at dealership for 2 months. No warning lights came on. Driving on interstate at interstate speeds, car began losing acceleration. Eventually unable to move at all. Engine then began to knock. Also had an oil leak upon inspection.
Engine, Jul 10, 2022
Piston rod loose, broke rod bearings and is now making horrible noise and leaking oil