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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2022, crash
Trouble is when i get speed with the car and press the brake the system fail and i dont have any acceleration. Ex. When i go about 50mph or more and press the brake. The electrical system fail and show on dashboard "check ev system" and after restart or shutdown the car and power on again the system works normal
Engine, Feb 12, 2022
when i first checked my oil before i went on vacation. The oil dip stick showed no oil at all. i called the dealership and told them about it. I was informed that the 1026 kia souls had a issue with burning oil and that my car would have to go through a oil consumption test. over the course of the test my car burned over 2 1/2 quarts of oil and not counting how much the oil was down when i first brought it to them. the last time i brought it they said what kia sent out was that the oil is within the normal range of burning oil. my car had only 63,000 miles on it.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 20 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH while driving uphill. Additionally, the vehicle was overheating. The check engine and oil level warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with the catalytic converter needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The independent mechanic informed the contact of an unknown recall and suggested that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealer for repair. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who performed a multi-point inspection and software update however, no parts were replaced. The contact stated that the failure returned and that the vehicle was overheating with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,633.
Engine, Feb 9, 2022
Threw a piston through my engine block on the way to work dropped all the oil and lost all power and caused smoking from the exhaust pipe and engine bay on the freeway. Took it to a vehicle repair shop and thats what they diagnosed it as. I then took it to the dealer ship to have the same diagnoses.
Engine, Feb 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact stated that prior to losing power, the vehicle had started making a loud grinding sound coming from the engine. The vehicle rolled to stop and the contact placed the transmission into park. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence and then later had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was referred to the manufacturer by the dealer. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer also stated that the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 93,644.
Engine, Feb 1, 2022
I brought in car for a recall notice on the engine component the check engine light came on stop driving it and scheduled an appointment to have the car serviced and have the recall done and now the dealership is refusing to do the repairs associated with the recall because I did not get a software update in a timely manner but there is no stimulation saying that the recall is void if I do not get the software update I did not know about the software update I was never contacted about any of this and now the dealership is refusing to do the repair job
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 30, 2022, fire
Catalytic Converter overheated causing a fire beneath the car.
Power train, Engine, Jan 30, 2022
My car is exhibiting the same issue as the recall below but not on my VIN #. I have an open case with Kia Consumer Affairs which has been open for a couple months with zero feedback. I do not feel safe driving the car but as it stands I have no choice but my car as shown below and I was also told at the Kia dealership I purchased it from that it will need a new engine. Recall Subject: Engine and Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor Report Receipt Date: 02/22/2019 NHTSA Campaign: 19v120000 Summary 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. Consequence 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. Remedy 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. Notes Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2022
My catalytic converter has gone out 3 times! There has to be something wrong more than just normal wear and tear
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2022
There is an on going issue about the cold start. The light went off twice and came back on. It is still the same code. The code is P050A.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 15, 2022
The car lost power suddenly while I was on highway I had a semi truck almost hit me it's the second time it's happened and I had to replace catalytic converter twice and I just got it back from Kia dealership in hurst tx it's still making the ticking noise I heard after they replaced the catylic converter the first time they also didn't look into finding out why my Kia soul is using so much oil it burns up fast like in three days from an oil change I'm almost out completely I feel like I would like it if you guys could give me a more reliable car I have a child and I can't keep losing all power while on the highway
Engine, Jan 13, 2022, fire
DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY OTHER MOTORIST FLAGGED ME DOWN TO TELL ME i HAD A FIRE UNDER NEATH, FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED TO PUT OUT. TOWED TO AUTOMOTIVE SHOP WHERE THEY SAID THEY PUT ON SCAN TOOL TO PULL CODE CODE SHOWS SIGNS OF JUMPED TIMING, PUT UP ON HOIST AND FOUND ROD HAD BENT AND PUT HOLE IN ENGINE. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON
Engine, Jan 3, 2022
A broken connecting rod caused the Kia Soul 2016 engine to fail in a 2.0L engine, which seems to be the same issue as the 1.6L engine affected by a 2019 recall. The problem was diagnosed at a Kia Dealership by a mechanic. If the engine fail had happened on a highway rather than a neighborhood street, it could have definitely resulted in a crash and injury.
Engine, Dec 31, 2021
Loses power and dies also uses alot of oil and a day after oil change I have to get more oil in it the first month I had the car it died the first week and lost power on the highway the said the Cadillac converter was clogged
Engine, Dec 29, 2021
2016 Kia Soul. Car was very sluggish and after taking it in the engine needed to be replaced, this was covered under warranty. I think there was a recall on the engine as well. 1 day after getting my car back from the engine being replaced the engine light came back on. The dealership said it was a bad catalytic converter and would not cover it. it was clogged and would cost me over $1700. Me research revealed that the bad engine is more than likely the cause of the clogged Catalytic Converter. The dealership should have known this clog was there as well before returning my car to me. I have seem where this same issue with 2016 Kia Souls is happening to lots of people around the U.S. This part should last at least 10years, it's only been 6. Not reasonable for a 6yr old car to have this expensive and big issue especially before the 100,000 mile warranty is up. In good faith alone this issue should be recalled on this vehicle.
Engine, Dec 26, 2021
On December 20. 2021. I was driving my daughter home from college in Alabama when after roughly 2-1/2 hours we reached Meridian MS. While travelling on Interstate 20, we were surprised to hear a severe knocking suddenly & the engine began to die. I would like to reiterate we were on the Interstate at posted speed of 70 mph, when I was forced to maneuver through a number of Semi-Trucks while our speed was rapidly declining. Once towed to the dealership I was informed of a hole in the engine block and there is a "Product Improvement" PI20023 regarding the knock sensor. But this is not a recall, so since I didn't get the software update my car is not covered. What I am completely perplexed about is the fact they know there is a malfunction that can damage the engine while driving. This issue literally put mine and my daughters in jeopardy. How can this not be a safety recall.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle went into limp mode with reduced speed. The contact stated that while driving approximately 73 MPH the vehicle decelerated to 43 MPH. The vehicle lost power and shut off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where an oil change was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer; Kia Country of Charleston (2361 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29414, (843)573-2300) where the code was reset. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Engine, Dec 16, 2021
Prior to completing the Kia Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software upgrade to add a Knock Sensor Detections System (KSDS) on my 2016 Kia Soul, my engine completely failed. After towing the vehicle to an auto repair show, my mechanic told me he won't repair my Kia as it was under warranty. I then towed my Kia to the dealership, I was informed that my piston rod had catastrophic failure and I needed to purchase a new engine ($10,800). According to the product improvement campaign, the vehicle has the potential of suffering damage of the exact failure I had. Kia claims that because my engine failed prior to getting the software upgrade, that I am required to pay for a new engine. There was no deadline to complete the software upgrade, nor was I notified in the letter that if my engine failed prior to, I would be held liable. Kia has a known product defect (MFG Recall SC176; NHTSA Recall 19V-120). My engine failed in the exact same manner as described in the recall. My vehicle only has 86,000 miles on it. My Kia has been at the dealership since July 6, 2021. I did receive a copy of the recall notice in Sept. of 2021. I called the dealership again, and they said no, my engine isn't covered, but they could replace my engine for 6000$ now. Then I got a call from the dealership that they could not find an engine, and it would take 3 months to get an engine.
Power train, Engine, Dec 16, 2021
I took my car into the dealer for the COP logic recall with the ECU. Ever since that fix, every time I start my car when it’s cold outside it idles high. If the ambient temperature goes below 50 degrees or so when I turn the key to start the car the RPM jumps to almost 4K at cold it stays high for about a minute until it eventually settles around 1k. It only does this when it’s cold out and it never did it before that fix. Sometimes it will set off the MIL with the code P050A when this happens.
Electrical system, Seats, Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2021, fire
For a week or two when I turned the heated seat on I would often feel a very intense heat from the seat back when it started up for a period of time. I had just recently had a back injury so I thought perhaps my back was being overly sensitive. Finally on the 27th just after I started driving the car in the morning I felt the burning feeling on my back again and stuck my hand behind me to feel the seat. I felt burning on my hand and pain and yanked my hand away immediately, pulled over, and looked behind me at the seat, in time to see a curl of smoke coming out of a small hole on the back of the seat. I also found that the palm of my hand had a small mark beneath the base of my thumb where I had felt the burning pain. It took at least half an hour for the burning sensation to fade. I also detected an odor of smoke for a bit afterward. I had no warning that this was going to happen other than the burning feeling the heated seat had started to generate upon my back- no warning lights or such. I have not had any service done on the problem yet though I intend to contact Kia soon; so the car is currently in the same state although obviously I don't turn the heated seat on anymore since I don't want things in my car to be on fire.
Exterior lighting, Dec 5, 2021
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ALWAYS FLICKERS DURING USE. I CHANGE THE TURN SIGNAL BULB MONTHLY BUT IT NEVER LAST MORE THAN A FEW DAYS WORKING IF NOT AT ALL. I HAVE CONFIRMED THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BULBS AS I HAVE CHECKED THE BULB WITH THE LEFT SIDE.
Engine, Nov 23, 2021
Prior to completing the Kia Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software upgrade to add a Knock Sensor Detections System (KSDS) on my 2016 Kia Soul+, my engine completely failed. After towing the vehicle to the dealership, I was informed that my piston rod had catastrophic failure and I needed to purchase a new engine ($4,000). According to the product improvement campaign, the vehicle has the potential of suffering damage of the exact failure I had. Kia claims that because my engine failed prior to getting the software upgrade, that I am required to pay for a new engine. There was no deadline to complete the software upgrade, nor was I notified in the letter that if my engine failed prior to, I would be held liable. Kia has a known product defect (MFG Recall SC176; NHTSA Recall 19V-120), but my VIN isn't affected. However, my engine failed in the exact same manner as described in the recall. My vehicle only has 52,000 miles on it and out of factory warranty by 3.5 months when this occurred.
Engine, Nov 21, 2021
Having a problem since 4/2021 with engine light coming on, diagnosis showing catalytic converter issue (code P0420) engine and exhaust not performing correctly, dealer requested assistance due to known recall problem with system and Kia has not responded. Could be fire and crash risk due to the problem.
Engine, Nov 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. This was the fourth recurring failure where the dealer had replaced the catalytic converter on three separate occasions. The vehicle was towed a fourth time to the dealer. The dealer did not diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, Hutchinson Kia of Macon (3931 River Pl Dr, Macon, GA 31210) where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had melted and caused the engine to fail, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the only current recall was for the piston rod and that the vehicle did not meet the recall requirement or the warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2021
Catalytic converter failed after only ba few years, other VINS of the same year were recalled for this already