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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

810 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other

KIA SOLD ME A 2016 KIA SOUL THAT DOES NOT HAVE "IMMOBILIZER" SOFTWARE. KIA'S CHEEZEY SOLUTION IS A STEERING WHEEL LOCK. OF NOTE, HYUNDAI IS NOW OFFERING SOFTWARE UPDATES THAT INSTALL IMMOBILIZER FUNCTION. THOUGHT KIA AND HYUNDAI ARE ONE COMPANY. SO, I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT CAN EASILY BE STOLEN IF I PARK IT ANYWHERE EXCEPT IN MY L…

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KIA SOLD ME A 2016 KIA SOUL THAT DOES NOT HAVE "IMMOBILIZER" SOFTWARE. KIA'S CHEEZEY SOLUTION IS A STEERING WHEEL LOCK. OF NOTE, HYUNDAI IS NOW OFFERING SOFTWARE UPDATES THAT INSTALL IMMOBILIZER FUNCTION. THOUGHT KIA AND HYUNDAI ARE ONE COMPANY. SO, I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT CAN EASILY BE STOLEN IF I PARK IT ANYWHERE EXCEPT IN MY LOCKED GARAGE. THUS FAR, NO GOOD SOLUTION FROM KIA NOR FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY 2016 SOUL. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN GOOD FAITH WHICH NOW IS CRUMBLING.

NHTSA ODI #11552647

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2023
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Motor burns excessive oil; took vehicle to Kia dealership in October 2023. I told to get a full.synthetic oil change, and to return in 1000 miles to check the oil consumption. After an oil consumption test, if the vehicle is burning excessive oil, I told that my vehicle to my dealership to file a claim under the manufacturer's…

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Motor burns excessive oil; took vehicle to Kia dealership in October 2023. I told to get a full.synthetic oil change, and to return in 1000 miles to check the oil consumption. After an oil consumption test, if the vehicle is burning excessive oil, I told that my vehicle to my dealership to file a claim under the manufacturer's warranty to replace my motor/ engine needs to have a top engine cleanout at $500. If my vehicle fails this test, I am to return the vehicle to receive a new motor/ engine under the manufacturer's warranty. This is preposterous!

NHTSA ODI #11552309

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2023
Power TrainService Brakes

I put the car in park, and exited the car to do something, and it started to move forward on its own. I jumped back in the car and stepped on brakes, and shut the engine off. I was to the side of the car, so did not get injured. On a different occasion I was parking the car in the carport, and put the car into park. When I rel…

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I put the car in park, and exited the car to do something, and it started to move forward on its own. I jumped back in the car and stepped on brakes, and shut the engine off. I was to the side of the car, so did not get injured. On a different occasion I was parking the car in the carport, and put the car into park. When I released the foot brake, the car started moving forward on its own again. I put on the brake, put the car into reverse to reverse to the parking spot, put the car into park and put the parking brake on. Others were around the car, but not directly in front of the car so no one was injured. The car has not been taken to the dealer yet for this issue, not has anyone inspected it for this problem. I have an appointment soon for an inspection by the dealer. These incidents happened without warning.

NHTSA ODI #11551907

79,000 miles · Oct 25, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to properly respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to properly respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty catalytic converter. The vehicle had not been repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

NHTSA ODI #11551782

125,147 miles · Oct 19, 2023
Engine

--Check engine light has come on and suggests the catalytic converter is an issue but there is also emission of excessive smoke from exhaust that appears consistent with faulty engine components --exhaust may no longer meet EPA standards of approval --problem has been diagnosed by an independent service center --dealer has refer…

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--Check engine light has come on and suggests the catalytic converter is an issue but there is also emission of excessive smoke from exhaust that appears consistent with faulty engine components --exhaust may no longer meet EPA standards of approval --problem has been diagnosed by an independent service center --dealer has referred me to THIS website but says to call back only if recall is confirmed by NTHSA --Check engine light appeared recently and I immediately brought it to independent service agent who stated my vehicle might be included in the broad recall and recommended contacting the Dealer which I have done and has referred me here.

NHTSA ODI #11550803

Mileage unknown · Oct 16, 2023
Engine

Catalytic converter is overheating resulting in a check engine light. The code is P0420.

NHTSA ODI #11550234

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2023
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11548263

33,000 miles · Sep 26, 2023
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the vehicle was not calculating accurate EV range and was fluctuating abnormally. After closer observation, the contact became aware that the vehicle was unable to reach a FULL charge and would only reach 80% charge. …

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the vehicle was not calculating accurate EV range and was fluctuating abnormally. After closer observation, the contact became aware that the vehicle was unable to reach a FULL charge and would only reach 80% charge. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the charging system. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 33,000.

NHTSA ODI #11546581

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2023
Unknown Or Other

Car has less than 89,000 miles on it. Both catalytic converters went out starting on July 2023. Contacted Kia. Brought it in the the dealership I bought it from. Kia denied the claim stating it's out of warranty. I bought the car little over a year ago. Kia will only fix the car if I pay $2400.00. Contacted Kia customer support.…

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Car has less than 89,000 miles on it. Both catalytic converters went out starting on July 2023. Contacted Kia. Brought it in the the dealership I bought it from. Kia denied the claim stating it's out of warranty. I bought the car little over a year ago. Kia will only fix the car if I pay $2400.00. Contacted Kia customer support. Was still denied. Every mechanic I spoke with said the cats should not have gone out. Contacted Kia again for a reconsideration. Have not heard back.

NHTSA ODI #11545512

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2023
EngineUnknown Or Other

I have had a catalytic convert failure 3 times in 4 years. The first was repaired with the recall on may of 2019. It was replaced at a Kia dealership, with Kia parts. I had my vehicle at the dealership a month prior due to it not running correctly. The second replacement of the catalytic converter was on November of 2020. I was…

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I have had a catalytic convert failure 3 times in 4 years. The first was repaired with the recall on may of 2019. It was replaced at a Kia dealership, with Kia parts. I had my vehicle at the dealership a month prior due to it not running correctly. The second replacement of the catalytic converter was on November of 2020. I was driving on the interstate very early in the morning when my vehicle slowed to 15 mph, no warning lights came on. I had several other vehicles come very close to hitting me. I was able to exit the interstate which took a lengthy amount of time due to my vehicle slowly losing speed. When I was able to pull over to a safe spot my vehicle quit all together. I had it towed to the same Kia dealership. They looked it over and found the converter failed again. It was replaced with Kia parts. I have taken my vehicle in once again due to it stopped running while I was at work. The same dealership has found that for the 3rd time my catalytic converter has failed. I have also replaced all spark plugs and coil packs on this vehicle twice in less than a year due to it misfiring. My engine is also somehow burning oil exponentially. This leads me to believe there is something wrong with my vehicles engine. I also believe something is wrong with Kia parts that they only last a little over a year.

NHTSA ODI #11545363

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.