2016 Kia Soul

My 2016 Kia Soul is now consuming oil excessively and emitting smoke from the exhaust. These symptoms only began after a dealership performed recall-related work (knock sensor replacement and KSDS software update). The vehicle is covered under Kia’s Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev. 7, Feb. 2025), which lists the Kia Soul (2012–2024) as eligible for evaluation and repair of oil consumption due to piston oil ring failure. This bulletin requires that a sealed oil consumption test be performed when customer complaints of oil consumption or smoke are verified. Despite this, Kia America has denied warranty coverage, stating the vehicle passed the rod bearing clearance test (BCT) and therefore does not qualify for an engine replacement under the class action settlement. This is misleading and incomplete because: The oil consumption issue is a separate covered defect under TSB ENG222. My vehicle is within the mileage (94k) and time limit (15 years/150k miles). Kia has refused to authorize the required oil consumption test. The smoking and oil consumption symptoms only began after the dealer performed recall service. This denial leaves me with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive due to risk of sudden engine failure, increased emissions, and potential fire hazard from oil burning. Kia is not following its own published service procedures, leaving consumers without protection despite official warranty extensions. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of oil consumption claims under ENG222, as owners are being denied the mandated oil consumption test and warranty repairs even when they clearly qualify.

The check engine light has come on multiple times, indicating an engine failure defect, a known and recurring issue among this vehicle’s model. The problem first occurred on [XXX], again on [XXX], and is ongoing since [XXX]. The vehicle has been inoperable since [XXX], and remains at the dealership. The defect puts the safety of the driver and others at risk because the vehicle can become inoperable without warning while driving. The issue has been inspected and documented by the dealership each time it occurred, but repairs under warranty have failed to resolve the defect. Prior to the failures, the check engine light illuminated as a warning. The recurring nature of the problem and its continued presence despite recommended maintenance indicate a systemic engine defect that has not been adequately repaired or addressed by the manufacturer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2016 KIA SOUL- While driving, vehicle lost power, check eng light came on and vehicle would not accelerate, engine started making noise- pulled over and shut car off. Had vehicle towed to independent shop and was diagnosed with bad catalytic (manifold) convertor- they changed oil and filter and also found metal in oil, which I never experienced till this incident- upon research i found that there was a recall on that convertor, i called dealer, had towed there- diagnosed as convertor, was told covered one day, then called next and told it was not. Evidently, looking at reviews and complaints, there are many people driving 2016 kia souls that were not covered under this catalytic recall. Seems that Kia never fixed the original issue. Warning DON'T BUY A KIA- I have contacted Kia customer care, case [XXX] and they have said car did not have recall and are not giving any assistance. To edit, this is [XXX] vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2016 Kia Soul is experiencing severe oil consumption, piston ring failure, and smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is covered under Kia’s engine warranty extension (Product Improvement Campaign PI2002B and subsequent updates), which extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles on the engine short block/long block assembly. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to piston oil rings, but Kia America has denied warranty coverage, stating that because the rod bearing clearance test passed, the repair is not covered. This denial contradicts Kia’s own documentation, which defines the covered “short block assembly” as including pistons and piston rings, in addition to bearings and connecting rods. By refusing coverage, Kia is effectively narrowing the warranty in a way that leaves consumers unprotected, despite the campaign language. This issue raises a safety concern because excessive oil consumption and piston ring failure can lead to: Engine smoke and emissions problems, Sudden power loss, and Increased risk of engine failure while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of piston ring and oil consumption failures under the engine warranty extension, as Kia appears to be limiting coverage only to rod bearing failures, despite covering the entire short/long block assembly on paper. Summary: VIN covered under PI2002B/KSDS update. Engine is consuming oil and smoking due to piston ring failure. Kia refuses coverage because rod bearings passed the clearance test. Piston rings are part of the short block, yet warranty is being denied. Safety issue due to risk of engine failure and increased emissions.

While driving my 2016 Kia Soul Plus on the highway, smoke began coming from the rear of the vehicle. Within seconds, flames were visible. Other drivers flagged me down, and I was able to pull over. I evacuated three dogs from the car, but the vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames and was a total loss. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire. There were no warning lights or unusual performance issues immediately before the fire started. The vehicle had not been modified and was in regular use. This incident posed a severe risk to my safety, the safety of my pets, and others on the road. My VIN currently shows no active recalls, but Kia has issued recalls for engine and electrical fire risks in other Soul models. The fire appears related to engine, electrical, or fuel system malfunction. I strongly believe this defect should be investigated for inclusion in Kia’s fire-related recalls.