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, Nov 13, 2024
October 21st 2024 how was driving on freeway going 6 miles an hour and my check engine light was flashing. Pulled over and got towed to a Pep Boys where they replace catalytic converter and knock sensor. I was informed by their service Personnel to check engine light was sending a code p1326 which is a knock sensor range /performance issue. I made appointment to Kia dealership to have knock sensor software updated. On November 13th 2024 I sent my vehicle to have this issue resolved. I was informed by Kia service Personnel that was no recall for issue even though I was informed by KIA by mail to have this recall issue resolved.
Engine, Nov 4, 2024
Catalytic converter is clogged due to fast oil burning like other 2016 Kia soils involved in the recall. However my VIN isn’t accepted in the recall due to it being the + model but has the exact same issue. Make it unsafe to drive due to sudden power loss when going uphill. Yes an independent mechanic has recreated the issue and said it’s due to the fast oil burning. Problems began 6 months ago and have worsened. At first it was a very slight lack of power when accelerating. Now it completely jerks back when it’s trying to accelerate. Mechanic pulled a handful of dust out of the exhaust pipe. Over time this can cause total engine failure or fire according to mechanic due to excessive heat.
Engine, Nov 4, 2024
We’ve had our 2016 Kia Soul for the last 8 years, purchasing it brand new in 2016. We’ve kept the car maintained and last year it started to burn oil. We bought it into a dealership and they ran an oil consumption test and then did a clean out of the combustion chamber, after that, it stalled out pulling out of the dealership. They fixed it up and now recently, on October 27th, the car stalled out and it was towed into the dealership. They had it for a week and said there was no compression on cylinders 2 and 4 and it wasn’t covered under their extended warranty of 150,000miles under the recall that happened. We’ve been needing to top off a quart of oil weekly and this is a manufacturing defect that they are saying is not covered.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine warning light illuminated and was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ECU update was not enough to repair the vehicle. The dealer recommended that the fuel injector be replaced. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who confirmed that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. After further diagnostic testing, it was determined that there was no compression in cylinder #3 and the piston ring was blown. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer to check the electrical connections. The dealer offered to attach a used ECU. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to accelerate to highway speeds. The vehicle continuously went into LIMP Mode. The message for rod bearing failure was displayed on the display screen. The contact used a code reader and reset the system. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The knock sensor message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle had a salvage title and declined to perform the service. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 23, 2024
My wife was driving the 2016 KIA Soul EV and the car just shut itself off in the middle of the intersection. She was able to turn the car off and turn it back on, but nearly caused an accident. A few months later it did it again. After getting a new software update, I told KIA About the vehicle shutting down, and they told me that if it happens again that we will need to bring it it. So we brought it in. We believe we were able to narrow down the cause to be related to regenerative breaking on a full battery. On Newer EV models, when the battery is fully recharged, regenerative breaking is disabled to prevent overcharging the battery, I dont know what they do to these kias. When we brought it in they said it needed a new battery, but I am not sure if they are going to fix the vehicle shutdown issue. I think that the BMS may be shutting the car down to prevent the vehicle from overcharging the battery when we are going down hills. I've got tired of KIA and their lies. I read information about a battery recall, and they wouldn't recall the battery and replace it with the e400 battery. They said the battery was fine. They lied to me and my wife. The battery was proven recently to be defective and they were hoping the vehicle would make it past its warranty date so they wouldn't have to replace it. We took the vehicle to KIA to replace the battery, and a couple of weeks later they were able to put a battery in it, then driving it home I was bombarded with warnings, and the vehicle power was reduced by 50%, I was afraid something would happen. The vehicle also would not charge. KIA Techs came to our house and drove it back to the dealership, and it's been there ever since. They say the vehicle needs a new BMS. I think this issue with the vehicle shutting down like this is highly dangerous and needs to be reported. It even happened once when I was in the vehicle at the middle of an intersection, which could have caused an accident! (29k miles)
Engine, Oct 21, 2024
My kia has always used a lot of oil to the point I need to top it off regularly despite getting recommended oil changes and doing recommended maintenance. Recently My engine started misfiring so I replaced all spark plugs and ignition coils, but was still having issues. Found out today that catalytic converter is main issue and needs to be replaced. Dealer is requiring I bring in to determine if a warranty will cover. Never had a check engine light but very slow acceleration that created several dangerous situations for me on the road. My professional mechanic repaired other issues/diagnosed this problem.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, failed to accelerate, and stalled. The check engine warning light was flashing. The contact pulled over and checked the oil level. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the pistons were not operating correctly. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the engine. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Air bags, Oct 15, 2024, crash
STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. THE SIDE AIBAGS DID DEPLOYED. CAR WAS GOING 55MPH AND COLIDED INTO ANOTHER CAR WITH FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TOOK MAJORITY OF THE FORCE.
Engine, Oct 10, 2024
Engine coils needing replacing and knock system sensors were replaced, car continues to burn oil from engine until there is none left. The engine is reported as failed by mechanic. I constantly put oil in between the frequent oil changes.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was referred to the manufacturer who later referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Engine, Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check oil warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed. The dealer advised the contact to have a service treatment performed to the engine because of a possible oil consumption issue. The vehicle was serviced; however, the vehicle was consuming engine oil. The vehicle was returned to the dealer for service; however, the dealer declined to service the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,507.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 3, 2024
The contact called on behalf of a consumer who owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact pulled over and allowed the vehicle to cool down for several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto repair shop to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Engine, Oct 1, 2024
I've never had an issue with my car since I got it about 5 years ago. Then all of a sudden on Sunday the engine just went out and I lost power . Now it won't start unless it's charged and my mechanic says I need a whole new engine.
Engine, Sep 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that there was oil leaking from the front end of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,980. The VIN was not available.
Structure, Sep 27, 2024
Paint started peeling on the side mirrors, door handles within the last year and seems to have progressed really quickly. They are bubbling, cracking and then just chipping off to reveal the unfinished layer underneath. This seems like it will expose the car body to more elements and encourage rusting. I'd like to avoid that.
Engine, Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Engine, Sep 21, 2024
Catalytic converter is not working properly. Car lost power. Coral Springs Kia diagnosed but they say it is not warranted by factory. I have the contract where it says engine warranty until 100k miles or 10yr. This car has less than 90k miles in this moment. They are billing me 5,880 if I want they repair
Engine, Sep 20, 2024, fire
On July 8th at 12:15 am my 2016 Kia Soul Engine suddenly caught on fire while I was driving alone on the I-5 by the grapevine. I am a 25 year old woman and was stranded alone on the side of the highway in a very flammable remote area known for fires at 1am. I heard a strange knocking sound while driving and pulled over as it started smoking and it immediately caught fire under the hood while I was still in the vehicle. Cars were flying by and I was stranded alone in flip flops and pajamas as the glass windows were exploding and I threw my heavy luggage to the side of the road. I was 4 hours into a 6 hour drive away from anyone I know in the middle of the night in a dangerous situation. I texted my boss I wouldn’t be able to make it to work the next morning. My car was totaled and I had to pay $982.50 for towing and additional fees and my friend had to drive 2 hours to pick me up at 2am since my family lived 4 hours north and all my friends lives 2 hours south. No warning lights came on, it's been properly serviced with oil changes every December and July each year within less than 7,000-10,500 miles between each oil change. I was terrified I almost started a forest fire and I have a copy of my 911 call recording where I frantically called and panicked because I was so scared and alone. 16 other people called it in. I submitted a claim for the Kia engine fire risk settlement that was ironically due that day of the accident and my VIN# was a class action vehicle because the previous owner had the KSDS "knock detection sensor" service done on the car. My settlement claim was denied because they state there wasn't enough proof of a qualifying fire but I'm currently trying to sort this with Kia since it burst into flames without any warning other than a loud noise 20 seconds before. The firefighter's incident report states the fire started in the engine area and the police report says it was caused by an unknown mechanical issue in the engine.
Engine, Sep 16, 2024
The catalytic converter is damaged. The check engine light will come on but will reset when checked with a code reader. At the time of the initial incident, all but .5 quart of oil had been consumed by the engine and would not hold speed above 30mph. I did have a non Kia mechanic look at the car and was told that it fit under the recall and to have it serviced by Kia. I took it to Kia. They have told me that since it wasn't giving any codes, they would not replace the catalytic converter and denied the recall repair. The letter from Kia Corp. stated the catalytic converter would be replaced if there was damage. All of this took place from 7/29/2024 to 9/16/2024. On 9/16/2024, the dealership basically told me to drive an unsafe car until the check engine light came back on and then bring it back in to see if it will fall under the recall. I have attached the letter from Kia along with my notes from phone calls with them, and a the notes from the first mechanic.
Engine, Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, and the contact became aware that there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
My 2016 Kia soul 1.6 L engine has been serviced more than once within a month for the past year due to low oil. If not serviced then it could result in an engine lock up. The worker was concerned my engine might be on recall due to other Kia souls having the same problem.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 8, 2024
I believe my vehicle is apart of a recall that affects the same vehicle Yr./Mk./Mdl. as mine. When my VIN was searched by the service department at the dealer (same manufacture) it said no recall. I was told that the recall was for the vehicles from a different assembly plant. My vehicle seams to be having the same affect/issues as described in the recall. Recall in reference: Recall Date: April 17, 2019 Recall Number: SC176 Issue: 1) Car ran bad 2) Replaced Spark plugs and coil packs and the car ran good 3) Car ran bad 4) Replaced downstream 02 and the car ran good 5) Car ran bad 6) Replaced upstream O2 sensor and the car ran good 7) Car ran bad 8) Car spits oil out the exhaust pipe 9) Car no longer operable
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and attempting to accelerate, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road to restart the vehicle; however, the engine failed to turn over. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired due to the Knock Sensor repair not being performed. The contact stated that the notice was sent to the incorrect address and the repair was not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate independently. The contact pulled to the side of the road and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact waited approximately 30-minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle started but lost power immediately thereafter. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed. The contact was informed that the engine was consuming one quart of engine oil per 150 miles driven. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.