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 and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that after a recent oil change, the vehicle began to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipes with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road before being able to drive the vehicle to the residence in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where the oil change was performed, and the mechanic discovered a leak in the engine and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The contact made an appointment with the dealer. The contact then stated that an abnormal odor started coming from the vehicle and chose to stop driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2025
I’m reaching out as my Catalytic Converter is needing to be replaced due to being faulty and my vehicle per VIN is not included in this recall for some reason however it is the exact issue all of the others have that are included in it. I have only had my vehicle for a year and it is an extremely expensive repair so I am asking if there is any help for this issue because I need it as well just as everyone else who has a recall for this issue
Engine, Jul 9, 2025
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. I have replaced my catalytic converter twice in the last year due to this issue. Engine is dumping oil into catalytic converter causing it to stop up. There was a recall for the 1.6 engine, mine is 2.0 and the issue is exactly the same. 19V-120 / SC176 Recall Summary#19V120000
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine hesitated while turning over, with black smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD2 scanner for an unknown error code related to the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to a local AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with a catalytic converter malfunction. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the VIN not being associated with any recalls. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Jul 2, 2025
My 2016 Kia Soul Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) showed a blinking check engine light and entered limp mode while driving. I had the code read and received P1326, which is a known issue in Kia vehicles related to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). This code indicates possible engine bearing wear or impending engine failure, which could result in engine stall or fire, creating a serious safety risk while driving. My car has under 115,000 miles, but I purchased it used from a non-Kia dealer and was told by Kia that it's not covered under warranty or recall. However, many vehicles with this issue received engine replacements or software updates under TSB PI2002 and other campaigns. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2016 Kia Soul, as it appears to be part of the larger engine defect trend affecting many Kia models. This vehicle should be included in any safety recall or extended warranty coverage related to this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 26, 2025
We purchased a 2016 Kia Soul with the GDI engine in October 2024 from Jim Shorkey Kia in Uniontown with 60K miles on it. We just had to have a whole new Catalytic Converter installed that cost us $1500 because the one on this car was completely messed up. It caused the car to stall, have no power and when my daughter was pulling into her parking space, this caused the brakes to stop working because the car was getting NO power. The converter was completely clogged and the whole thing had to be replaced (AT OUR EXPENSE)! This was a recall for the same year Kia Souls, but somehow this one is NOT on the recall list for the exact thing that these were being recalled. How does that work? We were left without a vehicle for days and we had to pay to have the car towed to a garage and repaired. Kia would do nothing, so we had to have it repaired at a reputable garage in our area! Only having the car of less than 8 months after buying it used from a KIA dealership, this is disheartening. How could they sell a car that obviously had issues with the catalytic converter, or they did just NOT check the vehicle out before they sold it to someone. I get that it was a used car but are we seriously going to sell a car to someone that obviously has an issue! So why exactly was this 2016 KIA Soul with the GDI engine, NOT recalled?? We should be reimbursed for this. This is crazy. My daughter could have been in a horrible accident. THANKFULLY she was only leaving her apartment and in the parking lot of her home! What do we do about getting this? This car clearly has issues and should have been recalled with the others!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 17, 2025
2016 Kia Soul engine burns excessive amounts of oil leading to constantly needing to top off oil and/or oil changes. When car accelerate white smoke comes from engines; mechanic has pictures of white ash on engine components. We have taken it to the dealership after it was purchased by Carmax in June 2024 the check engine light was displayed, but were told no codes came up. We have taken the car to multiple private mechanics and were told this is a common problem and there is a recall on these engines. Finally 2 weeks ago auto repair shop confirmed engine faulty took pictures of white ash on engine components and advised to tow car to dealership re: extended recall on these engines. Dealership states the car now needs a catalytic converter; however this is a direct result of oil deposits in the exhaust that damage the catalytic converter. We have been getting the runaround from the dealership that says no engine codes come up but when the car is driven the white smoke and rattling of the engine is apparent.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 12, 2025
CATALYIC CONVERTER IS DAMAGE
Engine, Jun 8, 2025
I had my crankshaft sensor replaced and it is still stalling on me. Engine has stalled while I was driving and this has put my life at risk and my job at risk.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 5, 2025
2 years ago Kia had a recall on the catalytic converter that I found out about after my car displayed the engine light and shut down and would not drive. I had to tow it and they told me it was the catalytic converter but it had a recall. I took it to Kia and They said they replaced it but I'm not sure they did it properly, as I drove to Sarasota and the engine light came on I pulled over and let the engine cool and continued on with no problems until on my way back it did the same. I called the dealership but they told me it was fine. Now I'm driving today to the bank and on the way back the car would not drive faster than 5 mph!!! I drove back the couple miles to the mechanic beside my warehouse and he said it's the catalytic converter as it was extremely hot. I called the dealership and they said there is no warranty
Engine, Jun 4, 2025
I was never informed about the issues with my 1.6 GI engine YEARS AGO. And now my engine went bad in my 2016 Kia soul and kia screwed me and won’t cover fixing my car. I’m so disgusted with kia and their customer service for not helping me or ever informing me.
Engine, Jun 2, 2025
On May 17, 2025, the engine in our 2016 Kia Soul seized up and was destroyed. It is within Kia’s 10 year/100,000 mile drivetrain warranty. They are refusing to honor the warrant stating there was a recall on the vehicle that we never got fixed. The only unrepaired recall on this vehicle involves the steering, nothing to do with the motor. They are trying to escape the responsibility that they have promised to the American consumer.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 9, 2025
Vehicle was taken to Clovis Kia to address recall NHTSA# 23V218 (SC267). Kia was unable to fix the issue and ordered a battery pack replacement (they replaced the current battery pack 2 years and roughly 20K miles previously). New battery pack was installed and the system still does not function properly. Multiple error codes present and car is undriveable. At the 1 month mark we demanded a loaner vehicle. They swapped the loaner for another one when the car neared 5k miles. After 4 months, our vehicle is still not operational. in 4.5 years of ownership, the car has sat at Kia Clovis for 6+ months to address multiple battery issues, safety recalls and electrical issues. We have requested updates and information but Kia corporate is not responsive. So we have documented for a California Lemon Law buyback and sent a demand message to Kia to buy back the vehicle since they can't return it to us in the same or better condition than when we dropped it off. The last in person conversation was to let us know the new loaner should be brought back when we've put 3K+ miles on it so they can trade it again. (it was obvious they had little faith in our car being repaired)
Engine, May 9, 2025, crash
My 2016 Kia soul had the engine white come on. I took it to have the computer read what the problem was. It came back engine knock sensor. I was told there was a recall on this and I needed to take it to an authorized Kia dealer. I took this to an authorized Kia dealer who told me that that was a faulty check engine light there was nothing wrong with the sensor, but my pistons were bad and I needed a new engine. Well, when I read further into the recall, it specifically said that this check engine sensor issue could affect the engine. My car just hit 100,000 miles. I had regular service. I now have a Kia who is sitting in front of my house not being able to be run. I truly feel that there is an issue that was not addressed when it was checked the check engine light indicated faulty knock sensor. This recall connected that there may be issues with the motor if this were the problem. I feel like I’m being taken advantage of. I am currently without any transportation and cannot get any help. Is there anything you can do to help me?
Engine, Apr 29, 2025
Car started rapidly slowing while on the highway and would not accelerate. After taking it to the dealership they said the catalytic converter is clogged and will need replaced. Seems to be a common issue with this vehicle that is not always covered by recall for whatever reason.
Engine, Apr 28, 2025
Car is making a knocking sound. Car is going thru more oil than normal. Causing the motor to get hot.
Engine, Apr 28, 2025
My engine failed in a2016 Kia Soul.It is available upon inspection. My safety was at risk because the engine went bad all of a sudden. The vehicle has been inspected by a repair facility.Yes I went to a dealership and ask about knocking noise they didn’t say anything about ksds and made me an appointment a week later.
Engine, Apr 28, 2025
My vehicle has stranded me twice due to the same issue—error code P1326, which I am regrettably too familiar with. It is apparently associated with the Knock Sensor Detection System and the possibility of defective piston oil rings
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal smoke odor entering the cabin of the vehicle with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, and the contact proceeded to pull over onto the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and an independent mechanic arrived to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the thermostat, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust manifold, and sensors were burned, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Engine, Apr 22, 2025
About a year ago I got my car serviced for the recall that was due to a potential issue with the catalytic converter overheating. High exhaust gas temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, potentially leading to abnormal engine combustion, piston damage, and even a fire. As of today 4/22/2025 I was told my catalytic converter needs to be replaced. I first noticed a check engine light 12/20/2024 and I got the code read from my local AutoZone. The code came back my catalytic converter. After doing some research I seen an active recall which I described as above. I scheduled an appointment at my local Kia Dealership which is also where I go the car. They got me in 01/2025 to service the recall. Here i am just a year past the recall and I've been told I need a whole new catalytic converter which is going to run me just over $1300.
Engine, Apr 21, 2025
Cadillac converter melted
Engine, Apr 21, 2025
In order to complete the Recall SC176 on my vehicle, I am required to submit comprehensive maintenance records. Since purchasing the car used in 2019, all routine maintenance—excluding tires and brakes—has been performed by the original selling dealership. However, that dealership is unable to provide the necessary documentation. As a result, the Kia dealership handling the recall is refusing to perform the required repairs, citing court-ordered terms that mandate maintenance record verification. Despite extensive discussions with Kia, there appears to be no alternative path forward without these records. This situation leaves me with two unacceptable options: continue driving a vehicle with a potentially hazardous, unrepaired engine, or reduce my household to a single vehicle—an outcome that would create significant hardship for my family. Additionally, because we are currently enrolled in a debt consolidation program, taking out any form of loan to replace this vehicle is not permitted. The lack of access to critical maintenance records, through no fault of my own, is now preventing the fulfillment of a safety recall and placing my family at risk. I am requesting immediate assistance in resolving this issue so that the recall repairs can proceed without further delay.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 12, 2025
engine rod bearing issues, check engine light is on due to engine knocking from rod bearing and i can't pass state inspection due to check engine light. when the check enging light is on the vehicle can only be driven at speed of 30m/h. took the vehicle to kia dealer at roosvelt ave, york pa 17404 and repaires denied under warranty
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal ticking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to a failure of the catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of an undisclosed recall repair; however, the recall repair had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while her husband was driving 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate until the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with internal failure in an exhaust manifold. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, approximately every 2,000 miles the oil warning light would illuminate. The contact stated that recently the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.