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2016 Kia Soul

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Soul years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Soul are substantially higher than the model-year median of 225.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

362 reports with mileage · 448 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 555 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports35 fire reports17 injury reports

Engine complaints

555 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2024
Engine

Catastrophic engine failure. 2016 Kia soul 2.0, (120000 miles) traveling 35 mph when the check engine light started blinking and the engine started making a rattling sound. Engine lost power and had trouble accelerating. If I was in an intersection or pulling out in front of on coming traffic it could have caused a sever acciden…

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Catastrophic engine failure. 2016 Kia soul 2.0, (120000 miles) traveling 35 mph when the check engine light started blinking and the engine started making a rattling sound. Engine lost power and had trouble accelerating. If I was in an intersection or pulling out in front of on coming traffic it could have caused a sever accident. Kia needs to be held responsible for this common engine failure. It has been reported and complained about numerous times on multiple websites and Kia says it is not their problem. Please investigate Kia motors. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11581034

90,000 miles · Mar 29, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contacted stated that the check engine warning light illuminated; and the contact's parents took the vehicle to the dealer where it was repaired; however, the check engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence and the contact took the vehicle to the dealer w…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contacted stated that the check engine warning light illuminated; and the contact's parents took the vehicle to the dealer where it was repaired; however, the check engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence and the contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a catalytic converter failure. The contact found info of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #11580134

Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Within the first year of purchase, vehicle was emitting large amounts of smoke from tailpipe while going uphill while accelerating. The smoke would completely envelope the car behind. Mr. Friendly Kia (now Ken Ganley Kia) of New Port Richey, Florida, would not repair because "they could not reproduce the event in their shop". …

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Within the first year of purchase, vehicle was emitting large amounts of smoke from tailpipe while going uphill while accelerating. The smoke would completely envelope the car behind. Mr. Friendly Kia (now Ken Ganley Kia) of New Port Richey, Florida, would not repair because "they could not reproduce the event in their shop". I made several requests to fix the problem. Vehicle eventually started to have lessened power upon accelerating from a stop light. Took it to other repair shops, since Kia wouldn't fix it, but vehicle did not produce any repair codes. Vehicle was always serviced with oil changes, etc. In 2022, with acceleration issue getting much worse, vehicle ran completely out of oil, but didn't produce any oil light or codes. Oil started appearing very dark, blackish. Late 2023, and several trips to repair shop later, still with no codes, vehicle started to exhibit periodic flashing oil light while driving, but upon oil check oil showed full. Vehicle does not seem to shift passed 2nd gear, and makes banging sounds below the middle passenger's side underneath the car if foot pedal is pushed more than halfway down. Vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph, which reduced to 25-30 mph in Feb 2024. Very dangerous! Gas mileage dropped to around 5-10 mph. Took it to the shop again, and no codes. Replaced parts piecemeal such as spark plugs, coils, battery, etc. All along, still producing the periodic smoke out of the tailpipe. Called Ken Ganley Kia again in Feb 2024. They said they have never heard of this problem happening to a Kia Soul and it would cost $180 to diagnose. They also tried to upsell several hundred dollars of "flushes". The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been independently confirmed, just unknown what the problem is? It is very dangerous to drive 25 mph, but even more dangerous that the vehicle isn't producing even basic warning lights, let alone isn't producing codes on repair shop code readers.

NHTSA ODI #11578310

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

I had recently acquired my 2016 Kia soul from a used dealership, and as I had gotten it, inspected by a mechanic, the back rear brake was locked. The Penrod was missing on one of them, and my driver side door lock was broken and I thought that was simple issues that could be repaired. You know that’s a used car whatever as I sta…

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I had recently acquired my 2016 Kia soul from a used dealership, and as I had gotten it, inspected by a mechanic, the back rear brake was locked. The Penrod was missing on one of them, and my driver side door lock was broken and I thought that was simple issues that could be repaired. You know that’s a used car whatever as I started driving it not even a month later I start feeling heavy acceleration when barely hitting the gas and trying to shift because it is a manual and loss of power on first and second gear, like it was going to stall out without even rubbing the RPMs to get it to move. I did some research found out that there was multiple recalls on the catalytic converter and it’s causing a fire the ECUs and also the antitheft system so I am a single mom. I work constantly and my only vehicle with 4kids, so a full month mark my Oil light all of a sudden started coming on but flickering I pulled over there’s no smell of burning oil no leaks no high temp I checked my oil stick. It was fine a thick drip on it. I Thought everything was fine, but the light still kept coming on and flickering when I would accelerate it would go off when I would decelerator push clutch in it would stay. I called kia dealer had it taken, did the recall orders on it but they told me they wouldnt do an oil check or do a code diagnostics for it unless I paid over $200 for just that diagnostics after they did all the recall orders I picked up the car over a day later. started having misfires the car was driving worse then when I took it to the dealership, i would drive up hill I’d lose power. Shifting gears from 1-4 it sounds like the whole engine was shaking like it was gonna fall out of the car I called the dealership and told them what was goin on. They were really rude to me and told me an hour later it was throwing codes of misfires an again have to pay for it, they stated the oil an misfires werent their fault doin the recalls. ECU an ANTITHEFT, I am worried for my kids safety!!!!!

NHTSA ODI #11577452

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2024
Engine

UNKNOWN. I was driving uphill on the freeway and the vehicle was decelerating rather than accelerating. The vehicle was sluggish and there was a noticeable loss of power and a ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning lamps or messages. I took it to the workshop for diagnostics and was informed that the catalyti…

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UNKNOWN. I was driving uphill on the freeway and the vehicle was decelerating rather than accelerating. The vehicle was sluggish and there was a noticeable loss of power and a ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning lamps or messages. I took it to the workshop for diagnostics and was informed that the catalytic converter was clogged and affecting the exhaust. I have been told that it would cost approximately $3800 to repair.

NHTSA ODI #11576724

Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2024
Engine

Engine loss power when driving, specially when going up on bridges way. If I’m driving 30mph then get to 20 mph even less. Since that, it’s been bad

NHTSA ODI #11576360

Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2024
EngineUnknown Or Other

The PCP valve is coming apart causing the vehicle to lose oil. There is wet oil on the spark plugs. Oil is getting into the cylinders. The catalytic converter is clogged. The engine is having issues which I will find out more about soon. The car is still in the shop. I had to leave it 2.5 hours away and find a ride home because …

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The PCP valve is coming apart causing the vehicle to lose oil. There is wet oil on the spark plugs. Oil is getting into the cylinders. The catalytic converter is clogged. The engine is having issues which I will find out more about soon. The car is still in the shop. I had to leave it 2.5 hours away and find a ride home because the car would not accelerate over 40 mph on my way back from a trip. I almost got slammed into on a hill on the highway TWICE because the car would not speed up. It has been in the shop for this same issue three times. All three times it gave out on me on the highway. There was NO engine light or light on the dash any of the times it failed me, and there have never been any codes. This issue falls under the recall even though my VIN does not. At the current shop visit I have been told my catalytic converter and possibly engine must be replaced. I am already up to $650 in diagnostic fees for this shop visit and have spent over $800 the last two visits to the shop for this issue . This car is only EIGHT years old with just over 100,000 miles. I have included receipts from the last two visits. The car is still in the shop for the current visit. I will not be paying to replace the catalytic converter or engine. Kia needs to step in and do what is RIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #11575661

Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2024
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received an unknown recall notice for piston rings and engine rod bearing failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received an unknown recall notice for piston rings and engine rod bearing failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle failed to start 3 months later. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer charged a repair fee. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11575341

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2024
Engine

My daughter was taking my son (her little brother) to school on 2/6/2024 and as she starts uphill she starts noticing she was loosing her speed. They have to pull over on the side of a busy interstate to call me i get to them the car is running rough and sounded like it was missing or like the exhaust was muffled or clogged no c…

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My daughter was taking my son (her little brother) to school on 2/6/2024 and as she starts uphill she starts noticing she was loosing her speed. They have to pull over on the side of a busy interstate to call me i get to them the car is running rough and sounded like it was missing or like the exhaust was muffled or clogged no check engine light was on but in have a diagnostic machine you plug in to the car and tells you what is exactly going without a check engine light having to be on an it said it was catalyst system.

NHTSA ODI #11574336

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2024
Engine

There was a recall on my engine in 2019 two years prior to me owning the vehicle. 2/20/24 my check engine light came on and my vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph. It left me stuck in my work parking lot. I had it towed to a mechanic and they said it was the knock sensor that I had updated 6/27/23. They told me I needed a m…

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There was a recall on my engine in 2019 two years prior to me owning the vehicle. 2/20/24 my check engine light came on and my vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph. It left me stuck in my work parking lot. I had it towed to a mechanic and they said it was the knock sensor that I had updated 6/27/23. They told me I needed a motor replacement. The car was owned by three dealerships prior to me purchasing the vehicle but no repairs were done according to the consumer report. Nothing was notified to me that there was a recall or recall extension and needed to be addressed prior to 150k miles.

NHTSA ODI #11573927

Official recalls

2

19V120000 · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

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.

17V608000 · Steering

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21003 · Engine Fires

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.  The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.  Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia.  The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio.  The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires.  In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension.  For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied.  Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates.  To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years.  In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires.  Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis.  Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023).  The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.  To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.