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.
Air bags, Aug 9, 2020, crash
I WAS REAR ENDED ON THE 91FREEWAY IN CALIFORNIA.I WAS ALMOST AT A COMPLETE STOP DUE TO TRAFFIC.I WAS HIT SO HARD FROM THE BACK THAT I WAS THROWN INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE IN THE CAR.MY CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS.NOT ONE SINGLE AIR BAG DEPLOYED.BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE ESCAPED WITH MINOR INJURIES.BY THAT I MEAN WERE ALIVE.
Power train, Aug 6, 2020
ON A HIGHWAY AT SPEED, SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER ACCOUNT PISTON CONNECTING ROD FAILURE WHICH PUNCTURED THE ENGINE BLOCK WITH TOTAL LOSS OF OIL WHICH GREATLY INCREASES RISK OF FIRE FROM HOT EXHAUST COMPONENTS. VERY SIMILAR TO KIA'S SC176 RECALL, BUT THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL.
Power train, Engine, Aug 5, 2020
WAS DRIVING CAR AND IT LOST POWER WHILE ON HIGHWAY. CAUSING CARS TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING ME. AFTER GOING TO SHOP FOUND OUT IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. CAR WAS ALSO BURNING OIL AND MISFIRING. HAD THE 3 AND 4 COIL RELPACED ,SPARK PLUGS , BUT STILL NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT US CAUSING OIL TO BURN. CAR HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES. KIA BASICALLY SAID THAT AFTER I FIX THE COILS CAR WOULD BE FINE . WELL IT'S NOT STILL DOING THE SAME THING. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT JUST NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. KIA HAS REFUSED TO HONOR WARRANTY.
Suspension, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 2, 2020
IT'S RUNNING DIFFERENT MAKES STRANGE NOISE AND HAS ENGINE LIGHT ON.
Engine, Jul 30, 2020
ENGINE LOSES OIL WITHOUT A LEAK OR ANY EXTERNAL INDICATION (SMOKE, SMELL, DRIVER CONTROLS). IT REQUIRES 1-2 QUARTS ADDED BETWEEN SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT CAN SEIZE ABRUPTLY WITHOUT NOTIFICATION. IT IS A CLEAR DESIGN FLAW.
Engine, Jul 30, 2020
ENGINE LOSES 3 QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES. STARTED AT AROUND 70K MILES AND IS GETTING WORSE (NOW AT 90K MILES). THERE IS NO INDICATION OF LOW OIL OR PROBLEM IN THE DRIVER CONTROLS. NO SMOKE FROM BURNING OIL. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE ENGINE CAN DIE SUDDENLY WITH NO WARNING. I HAVE TWO OF THESE CARS AND BOTH HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS THERE ARE MANY OF THESE CARS ON THE ROAD AND IT IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW.
Exterior lighting, Jul 28, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WITH HEADLIGHTS FLASHING INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE TEMPORARILY OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE RESIDENCE WITH THE HAZARD LIGHTS FLASHING. KIA OF BOWIE LOCATED AT 16620 GOVERNOR BRIDGE RD, BOWIE, MD 20716, (301)-820-7500 WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, A LOANER VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,770.
Engine, Jul 27, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND THE CONTACT DROVE TO HER DESTINATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED A WEEK LATER AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. TROPHY KIA DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES LOCATED AT 1945 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007, (213) 342-0802, WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Engine, Jul 15, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AT START-UP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC RETRIEVED A DTC FAULT CODE REGARDING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REACH THE MANUFACTURER BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,292.
Engine, Jul 6, 2020
I LEASED A 2016 KIA SOUL ! FOR MY DAUGHTER. AT THE END OF THE LEASE (AUGUST 2018), I PAID PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM THE KIA. 31 MAY 2019 WHILE DRIVING HER CAR THE ENGINE SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS TOWED TO DUTCH MILLER KIA OF CHARLOTTE. THE CAR HAD 51,188 MILES. AFTER A WEEK THE DEALER TOLD US THE CAR WASN'T GOING TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I THEN FILED A COMPLAINT WITH KIA CUSTOMER RELATIONS WHO REVIEWED THE CASE AND DID NOTHING TO HELP. I SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER, BRANT BLACKWELDER WHO AGREED TO SPEAK WITH THE DISTRICT SERVICE MANAGER TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANYTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. ON 26 JUNE, THEY STATED THEY WOULD EXTEND A "GOOD FAITH" OFFER OF REPLACING THE ENGINE, BUT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LABOR ($1,700 ESTIMATED). DURING THE 3 MONTHS IT TOOK TO REBUILD THE ENGINE, I WAS FORCED TO PAY FOR ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND PAID $1,517.47 IN RENTAL CAR AND LYFT FEES. THE CAR HAS HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES AS DIRECTED BY THE MAINTENANCE MINDER. THE LAST OIL CHANGE WAS IN JANUARY WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 44,586 MILES (6,6602 MILES AGO). THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS THE ENGINE WAS LOW ON OIL: THE MAINTENANCE MINDER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, NOR THE LOW OIL LIGHT EVER CAME ON. DURING MY CONVERSATION WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER ON 25 JUNE, HE ADMITTED THAT KIA ENGINES HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL EVEN AFTER AS LITTLE AS 2,000 MILES FROM AN OIL CHANGE. AT NO TIME DID KIA DISCLOSE THIS ISSUE OF ENGINES BURNING OIL TO ME OR OTHER OWNERS. WHILE THIS CAR HAS THE 2.0-LITER ENGINE THAT ISN'T CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL, I BELIEVE THIS IS A SIMILAR CASE TO THE 379,000 KIA 1.6-LITER ENGINES THAT HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY RECALLED. KIA IS SIMPLY PASSING THE BLAME ON TO CUSTOMERS FOR A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THEIR FAULTY ENGINES. THIS ISSUE IS SIMILAR TO THE 1.6L ENGINES NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.
Engine, Jul 4, 2020
MY CAR IS USING EXCESSIVE OIL. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF LEAKING EXTERNALLY (ON THE GROUND) OR IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I GO THROUGH ABOUT 4 QUARTS PER MONTH / 2500 MILES. THE OIL LIGHT HAS NEVER COME ON, EVEN WHEN I HAVE FORGOTTEN TO CHECK AND THE OIL DIPSTICK IS COMPLETELY DRY. THIS COULD BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IF THE ENGINE LOCKS UP AND THROWS A ROD IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.
Engine, Jul 1, 2020
KIA HAS 88K MILES AND RECENT OIL CHANGE AND CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPHON HIGHWAY AND NOW ENGINE MAKES KNOCKING NOISE FROM DETACHED RODS. IT WILL COST OVER $5000 TO FIX( EST.). BOUGHT CAR USED FROM KLAMATH FALLS SUBARU AT 58K MILES
Engine, Jun 29, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED ONE QUART OF OIL FOR EVERY 2,500 MILES DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF DAYTON LOCATED AT 8560 TROY PIKE, HUBER HEIGHTS, OH 45424, (877) 862-6928, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEXT TAKEN TO MATT CASTRUCCI KIA LOCATED AT 3013 MALL PARK DR, DAYTON, OH 45459, (855) 250-8987, AND REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND SHUDDERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND WAITING FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES BEFORE CONTINUING ON TO HER DESTINATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS OIL ON THE SPARK PLUGS, THERE WAS LOW COMPRESSION ON 3 CYLINDERS, AND THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.*DT*JB
Engine, Jun 29, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RIMROCK KIA LOCATED AT 4040 KING AVE W, BILLINGS, MT 59106, (866) 979-1682, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ECU SYSTEM SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 28, 2020
CAR BURNS OIL AND TODAY LOST ALL POWER TO ENGINEAND MAKES A HORRIBLE SOUND WHILE IN MOTION ON TOWN STREET.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 22, 2020
WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND JUST LOST ENGINE PRESSURE AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE DIED. POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW OIL ALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE MOTOR. TOWED IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE AND ITS NOT COVERED. SAW THE RECALL GOD THEM ABOUT IT AND THEY DID NOTHING BUT TELL ME THE COST. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 22, 2020
HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY WILL FLICKER, AFRAID THEY WILL STOP WORKING WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. I NOTICE IT WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 9, 2020
WHEN USING BLINKER WHILE IN MOTION WITH THE LIGHTS ON, THE LIGHTS MESS UP. SOMETIMES THE BRIGHTS WILL FLASH, SOMETIMES ALL VEHICLE LIGHTS WILL CUT OFF, SOMETIMES ALL VEHICLE LIGHTS WILL FLASH ALONG WITH BLINKER. THIS STARTED AFTER ABOUT 6 MONTHS OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 8, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE VEHICLE IDLING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE BATTERY AND STARTER FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Engine, Jun 4, 2020
2016 KIA ENGINE DIED WHILE ON CRUISE CONTROL ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH. PRIOR TO THE STRAIGHT AWAY THE ROUTE WAS A WINDING ROAD WITH WATER ON ONE SIDE AND A MOUNTAIN WALL ON THE OTHER. HAD THIS HAPPENED PRIOR TO THE STRAIGHT AWAY PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. KIA NEEDS TO BE COMPELLED TO FIX THEIR PRODUCT BEFORE IT HURTS SOME INNOCENT PERSON (S). *TR
Engine, May 28, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO RODEO KIA LOCATED AT 10685 PAPAGO FWY, AVONDALE, AZ 85323, (623) 298-1200) WHO WERE UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.
Steering, May 20, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAT PECK KIA (10611 BONEY AVE, D'IBERVILLE, MS 39540, (228) 679-5200) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.*BF CONSUMER STATED CAR WAS REPAIRED ONCE IN 2018 BUT MAKES THE NOISE WHICH THE MECHANIC SAYS ARE THE STRUTS.*JB
Engine, May 19, 2020
I WAS DRIVING AND EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. I PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE TO PICK UP MY KID FROM DAYCARE AND AS I WAS DRIVING BACK HOME THE VEHICLE STARTED TO STALL AND RUN HIGH RPMS. I WAS GOING ABOUT 20MPH BUT WAS AT 4,000 RPMS. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME AND PARKED THE CAR AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. AFTER CHECKING THE CAR THEY FOUND IT HAD A BAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND FAULTY BATTERY. THE CONVERTER WAS COVERED ON WARRANTY THANKFULLY BUT ENDED UP PAYING $600 FOR A BATTERY AND LABOR. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM THE DEALERSHIP WITH ONE PREVIOUS OWNER AND APPROXIMATELY 40K MILES ON IT. *TR
Power train, May 15, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TOWED TO DAYTONA KIA DEALER, LOCATED AT 510 N NOVA RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114, WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE AN ERROR CODE. THE CONTACT PERFORMED A VIN SEARCH AND BECAME AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER BACK AND WAS INFORMED THAT WITHOUT THE ERROR CODE, THAT ONLY THE ECU UPGRADE WOULD BE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE CODE (P0420) WAS NEEDED IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 119,000.
Power train, May 11, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 20 MPH INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO STEVE SCHMITT KIA LOCATED AT 11655 NEW HALLS FERRY ROAD, FLORISSANT, MO 63033, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.