The vehicle contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety or does not comply with an applicable federal motor vehicle safety standard ENGINE REPLACED THRESHOLD REPLACED CATALITIC CONVERTER BLEW ECU COMPLETED AIRBAG WARNING DOES NOT CLEAR INACCURATELY REPORTED/ COMPLETED VEHICAL MALFUNCTIONING LOSS OF POWER
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Soul years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Power Train complaints
61 reportsIt been buckling at low speeds, acceleration is not consistance with how much gas I press. If I have the car at stop sign or red light. It completely stalls out with the battery and oil light comes on. This happen 5 times in a 40 minute drives it would have happen more if I didn't notice it was happening cause of the issue was g…
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It been buckling at low speeds, acceleration is not consistance with how much gas I press. If I have the car at stop sign or red light. It completely stalls out with the battery and oil light comes on. This happen 5 times in a 40 minute drives it would have happen more if I didn't notice it was happening cause of the issue was going on at lower speeds. I notice the heat was higher, also was fumes coming into the car while on highway. There was a moment where the car started to stall on highway, but quickly regain. Very stressful and dangerous situation.
1. On 1/30/23 I was heading home from work when my engine and oil light came on. I after parking at turning my car off, the engine began to shake and make clicking noises continuously. I got an oil change that day thinking that may help the issue. On 1/31/23 I took my car to another mechanic who notified me that they have seen m…
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1. On 1/30/23 I was heading home from work when my engine and oil light came on. I after parking at turning my car off, the engine began to shake and make clicking noises continuously. I got an oil change that day thinking that may help the issue. On 1/31/23 I took my car to another mechanic who notified me that they have seen many Kia Souls and Optimas with this problem and many engines have been recalled. Upon my way home which was 2 miles away, my engine entirely blew up on interstate 15. 2. My safety was put at risk by my car engine blowing up on the freeway and losing power within seconds as traffic was going at 70 mph. I then ended up right in front of an on-ramp and had a small area to park at as was within 1 foot of oncoming highway traffic for 30 minutes - in freezing temperatures. Something also blew out from under my car and almost his a vehicle behind me. 3. Kia stated this has been an issue and that I need to take it to a Kia dealer for inspection. 4. My vehicle has been towed to Young Kia of Layton UT for inspection.
Check engine light came on and I had it read. It came back as P050A - Cold Start Idle Air Control System Performance. I saw online that there is an existing service action fix: SERVICE ACTION: 1.6L GDI WITH MIL ON DTC P050A ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA485). The dealership informed me that although my car is a 2016 Kia Soul it i…
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Check engine light came on and I had it read. It came back as P050A - Cold Start Idle Air Control System Performance. I saw online that there is an existing service action fix: SERVICE ACTION: 1.6L GDI WITH MIL ON DTC P050A ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA485). The dealership informed me that although my car is a 2016 Kia Soul it isn't part of this service action. However, seeing as how I am getting the check engine error code associated with this service action fix, I believe that my vehicle SHOULD be included.
On 12/27/22, was driving on highway in the evening, engine light illuminated and vehicle slowed down and unable to drive beyond 40mph. Was able to make it home safely, notified dealership on 12/28/22 and used AAA service for vehicle tow. Recv'd call from dealership on 1/3/22 that vehicle was inspected and was ready for pickup.…
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On 12/27/22, was driving on highway in the evening, engine light illuminated and vehicle slowed down and unable to drive beyond 40mph. Was able to make it home safely, notified dealership on 12/28/22 and used AAA service for vehicle tow. Recv'd call from dealership on 1/3/22 that vehicle was inspected and was ready for pickup. Issue was code P1326 related to KSDS (knock sensor detection system) & connector rod bearings, so they did an ECU update & bearing clearance test. (While waiting for info I did online research & learned of the issue with KIA's GDI engine failures/fires). I asked dealer rep if the issue with my vehicle was related to this and was told yes, that this was the first step in Kia's protocol for the issue. I raised concern over driving the vehicle knowing that there is a possibility of engine failure or fire. He acknowledge the concern, but reiterated that this was all they would do for now. I asked for a copy of the repair/service protocol and was told he would try to get me one. Am scheduled to pick up vehicle in a few hours and am sure there will be more issues & concerns to follow.
I purchased my vehicle back in 2021 and I notice that the recall for the catalytic converter so I check my car reports and don’t see where it was replaced or service I recently went to get a check engine diagnostic and the code read p0420 which is problems with catalytic converter no one has been the owner of the vehicle since 2…
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I purchased my vehicle back in 2021 and I notice that the recall for the catalytic converter so I check my car reports and don’t see where it was replaced or service I recently went to get a check engine diagnostic and the code read p0420 which is problems with catalytic converter no one has been the owner of the vehicle since 2018 and I’m not sure if it was replace or replace incorrectly I shouldn’t be experiencing difficulties and I haven’t reached over 100,000 miles since the previous mileage @ the timing of the recall “fixture”
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Cadalic converter we clogged due to carbon emissions. Oil is low and light flashes when below 15 mph even though the oil was changed at a Kia dealership less than 3 weeks ago. Oil leak is visible on engine. The car will also shak…
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Cadalic converter we clogged due to carbon emissions. Oil is low and light flashes when below 15 mph even though the oil was changed at a Kia dealership less than 3 weeks ago. Oil leak is visible on engine. The car will also shake and jerk when driving. It would be available depending on the day. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My wife and kids have been stuck on the road twice now due to this issue during heave traffic. The car started shaking and my wife had trouble controlling the car. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealership said the issue was with the gdi (gasoline direct engine), that it was clogged due to heavy carbon emissions and needed to be cleaned. We paid for the cleaning and sill have the problem. They also stated they have seen this issue before. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes the dealership has looked at the car. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The oil light will flash on and off. So the engine like will come on at times.
My car is exhibiting the same issue as the recall below but not on my VIN #. I have an open case with Kia Consumer Affairs which has been open for a couple months with zero feedback. I do not feel safe driving the car but as it stands I have no choice but my car as shown below and I was also told at the Kia dealership I purch…
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My car is exhibiting the same issue as the recall below but not on my VIN #. I have an open case with Kia Consumer Affairs which has been open for a couple months with zero feedback. I do not feel safe driving the car but as it stands I have no choice but my car as shown below and I was also told at the Kia dealership I purchased it from that it will need a new engine. Recall Subject: Engine and Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor Report Receipt Date: 02/22/2019 NHTSA Campaign: 19v120000 Summary 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. Notes Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
I took my car into the dealer for the COP logic recall with the ECU. Ever since that fix, every time I start my car when it’s cold outside it idles high. If the ambient temperature goes below 50 degrees or so when I turn the key to start the car the RPM jumps to almost 4K at cold it stays high for about a minute until it eventua…
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I took my car into the dealer for the COP logic recall with the ECU. Ever since that fix, every time I start my car when it’s cold outside it idles high. If the ambient temperature goes below 50 degrees or so when I turn the key to start the car the RPM jumps to almost 4K at cold it stays high for about a minute until it eventually settles around 1k. It only does this when it’s cold out and it never did it before that fix. Sometimes it will set off the MIL with the code P050A when this happens.
My soul is having same problems as others with catalytic converter and engine. Had to replace throttle body that showed bad code to pass inspection. Turned out to be a needed software update to computer not bad throttle body. I'm out $600. Now getting p0420 code. Car stall out around 9/22/21. Another software update given on 10/…
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My soul is having same problems as others with catalytic converter and engine. Had to replace throttle body that showed bad code to pass inspection. Turned out to be a needed software update to computer not bad throttle body. I'm out $600. Now getting p0420 code. Car stall out around 9/22/21. Another software update given on 10/2/21. Reset, still getting code. Car is also losing oil with no sign of leak. Possibly causing code. Damage may already be done to engine. Telling me I have to pay for repairs if needed.
Official recalls
219V120000 · 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
1EA21003 · 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.
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