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, Mar 26, 2025
I have been having to put catalytic converter cleaner in my car to keep it running. The catalytic converter is bad more than one of them actually. I have also been having to add oil every week almost because it burns through oil so fast. I was on the highway today and my car went down to 30 miles an hour because of the catalytic converter problem.
Engine, Mar 23, 2025
I haven't had an incident happen yet but my 2016 KIA Soul with the GDI engine is excessively using oil to the point this time I had to put seven and a half quarts in between oil changes. I only have 79,412 miles on it, I mainly just drive it to work and back. The oil is not visible in the driveway, I don't see smoke coming out, I had some emergency oil light that I have never seen light up before come on two different times. I ended up taking it to KIA for an oil change and diagnostic test and they told me it had an oil leak at the oil pan, I had that fixed by someone else but that hasn't helped on the oil consumption. I took it for an oil change 2 days ago and had them make sure I didn't have a leak before they changed my oil and they said it was good. I have a friend whose 2015 KIA Soul caught on fire and blew up right on the interstate, she barely made it out of her car in time. I'm very uncomfortable driving my car now, it seems like I put oil in it just about every time I put gas in it now. I was wondering if my car would be added to the recall soon? Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 3, 2025
This was recalled on many kia souls except my VIN is not showing this recall yet I received a letter stating that the Catalytic converter were being recalled. I now have to replace my converter and reached out to kia as to why my veichle which is a 2016 kia soul is not included
Engine, Mar 2, 2025
The vehicle stalled on the Interstate. The engine seized and the oil came came out a hole in the crankcase. Fortunately the driver was able to coast the vehicle into the emergency lane. A Kia dealer diagnosed the failure as throwing a rod due to rod bearing failure. Per a class action settlement [XXX] ), the vehicle's warranty was extended to 15 years/150,000 miles to cover failure due to the connecting rod bearing. The warranty claim was denied because the vehicle had not received the KSDS update. However: 1) The vehicle was bought and sold by a Kia dealer at the end of 2023. As the KSDS update was available in 2020 [XXX] ), the update should have been installed by the Kia dealer before offering the vehicle for sale. The current owner purchased the vehicle in January 2024. 2) The current owner registered with Kia and pursued the anti-theft fix (Kia sent her a club). Kia did NOT notify her there were other updates that needed to be performed on the vehicle. Kia did not do due diligence to have the KSDS update installed, either when Kia was in possession of the car at a dealer or by notifying the new owner when she registered the car and sought updates. It appears Kia is intentionally not performing the update or notifying owners so they do not have to cover the repair under warranty. Functionality of the KSDS update would have lit the check engine light and entered the vehicle into limp mode before catastrophic engine failure occurred, thus avoiding the dangerous situation of a vehicle stalling on the Interstate. By withholding this update, Kia is endangering lives. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Feb 22, 2025
On 2/16/2025 I was on the Freeway when my check engine light came on and my car slowed down to 40 mph. I tired to get it to go faster and it did start to go faster but went right back to 40 mph. I got off the freeway as soon as possible. The car was towed to Kia dealer and was looked at the 2nd day after. I was told that it would probably need a new engine. They checked to see if the warranty was still good and I was told it was. When I came to pick up the car I was told it was fixed but that it would most likely brake down again and that Kia warranty would not fix it. I said to the service manager (so I am supposed to drive this car that is a safety issue because they won’t fix it and he said yes.). I still can’t believe that I was told to go ahead and drive my car!
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the vehicle was overheating, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut off after the engine became hot. The engine and oil lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the catalytic converters needed to be replaced. Additionally, there was oil leaking from the vehicle. The DTC displayed was P0240. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 11,322.
Engine, Feb 17, 2025
I have had my cat. Replaced and in 6 months it's clogged again. My car has no dash lights alerting for a problem but my cat. Keeps getting ruined and oil turns really black after having oil change done in a week. I'm unable to drive car it stalls out now that the cat. Is not working correctly. When it stalled out the first time was on freeway.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 13, 2025
Cruise control doesn't maintain speed, speed decreases. Car shakes under 10 mph and after 40 mph. Engine light starts blinking.
Exterior lighting, Feb 11, 2025
I leave for work early in the morning and several times the lights would start blinking and go out. The lights would come back on after blinking again. There were no warning signs and it makes me scared to drive the car. I took the car to a mechanic who told me he checked the recall list. My state does not require an inspection and I have not talked to my insurance company cause I need to and want to hear from KIA. A coworker told me he think it could be in the turn signal. I just need KIA to check my car for a recall or maybe try to check it for a defect.
Engine, Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was adding seven quarts of oil every 3,000 miles driven. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was leaking engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Jan 31, 2025
PAINT PEELING EXTENSIVELY TOP, HOOD, SIDES. PRIMER SHOWING IN THOSE SPOTS AND RUST BEGINNING TO SHOW
Engine, Jan 30, 2025
Engine seized up but everything is correct in the engine all the fluids and everything so it just seized up for no reason
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was smoking. There was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the catalytic converter message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the check engine warning light was illuminated due to the catalytic converter. There was an issue with the engine. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Jan 21, 2025
Engine issues, black oil, loud knocking noise. Engine locked up in 2023 130000 covered and replaced with a replacement engine 135000. Not quite over a year engine is doing same thing dealer told me it’s not covered by my warranty. Kia soul has a history of engine problems I don’t know what to do
Engine, Jan 20, 2025
Re: NHTSA Recall No. 19V120 / KIA Recall No. SC176 I just filed a report a few minutes ago and neglected to add the attachment referenced therein.
Engine, Jan 20, 2025
Re: NHTSA Recall 19V120 / KIA Safety Recall SC176. On 1/15/2024, I took my KIA to Premier KIA of Carlsbad. They said the engine needed to be replaced under the above safety recall campaign. I have attached the final invoice, showing the safety recall work was completed on 5/31/2024. I provided multiple copies of that invoice (and my rental car receipts) to KIA Customer Care since 6/4/24. The primary KIA Customer Care agent has been Casey M. Casey directed me to contact "the KIA team" handling my repair costs, a class-action law firm in Oregon. Counsel there was displeased at the attempted hand-off as my car clearly did not qualify. It took over two months to get the case out of that loop. It went back to Casey. Over one year later and tenacious follow up, two unresolved matters remain stuck. Everything is documented. 1. My VIN shows up as "Safety Recall Work Incomplete," which will be on my DMV registration, CarFax, etc. I still get notices of incomplete work from KIA. I have asked how to correct this. Casey says the dealership "knows the channels" and to ask them. I've reached out to Premier, been shuffled around, and left VMs as recently as today. Q: Can the NHSTA use the attached invoice as proof to remove the incomplete status from my VIN? What is needed and from whom? 2. Can the NHSTA help here? Premier said to rent a car (no loaners) as KIA covers recall-work rental costs. Premier had my car for 138 days. I rented a car for 127 of the days at a total cost of $7065. I had no option but use my credit card with compound daily interest that accrued for almost a year. Casey and I previously reviewed rental receipts correcting his 123 day count to 127. Enterprise overlapped days due to in/out times; we subtracted those. I sent email confirmation of our call and 127 day total. Finally, on 1/9/25, KIA issued payment of $5166 for 123 days at $42/day. I emailed and called Casey. He replied $5166 is the max and provided the same incorrect breakdown of 123 days.
Engine, Jan 16, 2025
The check engine light came on and started flashing, as soon as that happened, the car went into limp mode. It will not go over 2,400 rpms and the speed is limited to 60mph max. I had taken the car to a licensed mechanic shop, they have drained the oil and taken the oil filter apart and found little pieces of metal in the oil and oil filter itself. They have checked codes as well and what they found is that there is a throttle position sensor code and a knock sensor code. I had a Kia dealer ship do a crank bearing test and some how passed and they replaced the knock sensor as well. I have an appointment with Kia in a few days to have them inspect the engine as well as I will show them the bag the contains the taken apart oil filter to show them the metal particle inside of it. A code p1326
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 6, 2025
I am writing to formally express my concerns and dissatisfaction regarding the handling of Recall SC176 on my 2016 Kia Soul. The vehicle is currently at the Kia, yet there are significant discrepancies and unresolved issues related to the recall service history and the persistent problem described in the recall notice. Issues and Concerns: Lack of Recall Service Documentation: According to Kia Motors’ service line (800-333-4542), recall service for SC176 was reportedly performed on 12/13/2019 at 60,160 miles. However, I recently pulled the Carfax report, and there is no mention of any recall-related maintenance being performed on this date. Instead, the report lists unrelated services such as tire balancing, detailing, etc. Why is the recall repair not documented on Carfax, and why is there no proof of this critical work being completed? Persistence of Recall Issue: Despite the alleged completion of the recall work, the issue described in Recall SC176—excessive oil consumption—persists. The engine light remains on, and I have had to purchase oil by the case to maintain proper levels since taking the car into the shop on 4/7/2022. No corrections were made during this visit, and there was no mention of the recall despite the vehicle’s ongoing symptoms. Inadequate Responses from Dealership and Corporate: When I inquired at Greenway Kia North, I was informed that the recall would not be honored because "no goodwill was offered." This explanation is vague and unsatisfactory, especially given the seriousness of the issue and the safety implications of the recall. Safety Incident Due to Recall Issue: On [XXX], my vehicle stalled in the middle of the busy intersection. The car had to be towed to a trusted mechanic and later towed again to Greenway Kia when I learned of the recall which is not even listed on the car's official report. This dangerous incident underscores of the unresolved recall issue and the risk it poses to my safety and others on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Dec 22, 2024
The battery on this vehicle is absolutely worthless. If tales 8 hours to charge and on a full charge it will get 37 miles. The dealership refuses to replace it and the I owe over 10k on the vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the part free of charge but charged a fee for the labor. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH two weeks later, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, Raceway KIA of Conshohocken (402 Ridge Pike, Conshohocken, PA 19428), where it was diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the crankshaft was damaged due to a faulty recalled catalytic converter being installed on the vehicle during the previous repair. The dealer informed the contact that the previous dealer should have repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling), free of charge. The dealer determined that the catalytic converter and the crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,500.
Engine, Dec 2, 2024
Was driving my 2016 Kia Sol on [XXX] just past Nevada. Was accelerating to go around another vehicle and suddenly lost power, engine light came on and the car was making a loud rattling noise. Pulled off to the side of the highway. Turned the car off and checked engine oil and there was none registered. Car would not start at first. Had to tow the vehicle from Mesquite to Pahrump(149 miles home), which cost me $1500.00 . No warning lights ever came on. I had our mechanic inspected my vehicle and he said the engine is blown. I never got any recall notices but noticed there has been a recall on the engine. The Kia Sol is now sitting in my garage. I am going to contact my insurance company. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Engine, Nov 22, 2024
This complaint was originally sent to the State of NJ Dept. of Consumer Affairs. They forwarded this complaint to NHTSA with Complaint #1574092; Referral Packet for 24366900.OCP CRM:0446121. While I was driving, the vehicle’s engine ceased working, causing me to lose control of my vehicle’s power steering. I was on a busy State Highway but I managed to pull the vehicle into a parking lot. I then called my father, he arranged for AAA to have the vehicle towed to my auto repair shop. The next day, I was informed by my auto machanic that the engine had failed but that the vehicle had a Safety Recall from the manufacturer. I was surprised that it was a Total Engine Failure since I did not have any warning that something was wrong with the vehicle nor did I ever receive a Safety Recall Notice from Kia. I called Kia’s Customer Service to inquire about the Safety Recall on this vehicle but I was told this vehicle did not qualify under Kia’s Safety Recall because the recommended repairs required for the Safety Recall to be valid, we’re never performed. I explained that I had never received a Safety Recall Notice; therefore, I was not aware of required repairs. The Customer Service Representative said a Safety Recall Notice was sent to every vehicle owner. When I asked, How was this Notice sent? What address was this notice sent to? The Customer Service Representive told me that Kia did not send the Safety Recall Notice; therefore, there was no record of how the Notice was sent or where it was sent. How can I be responsible for a Safety related repair if I never received the Notice informing me the repair was necessary to ensure the Safety of the vehicle occupants which include my infant great granddaughter! This vehicle has only been inspected my mechanic, not by any other party; the vehicle is currently at my auto repair shop & can be inspected during normal business hours. Thank you for your help in this matter. I can reached via phone, text or email.
Structure, Nov 15, 2024
On Saturday, [XXX], I was driving from Daytona Beach to our home in Melbourne, Florida. The time was about [XXX]. The weather was characterized by strong and constant rain for the first 25 minutes of our trip home. The next day I noticed many areas on the roof and the rear driver's side quarter-panel where the paint had de-laminated. Our insurer denied a claim of weather related paint failure. Since then, I have examined scores of claims regarding premature paint failure on Kia vehicles. The descriptions of the paint de-lamination, as well as the proffered photos are/were identical to the paint failure on my Kia Soul. The passenger's side of the vehicle was repaired .and repainted following a 2022 deer strike in South Carolina. That whole repainted area was totally unaffected by the strong rain storm experienced on [XXX]. Only the original Kia factory applied paint exhibited multiple de-lamination failures. The paint designation is '1D'. Kia needs to steps up and take appropriate responsibility for the failures of their paint finishes. This vehicle is mostly garage kept. My wife and I are retired and this vehicle is always at home unless we are on an errand or Doctor's appointment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)