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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 · Sep 18, 2021
EnginePower Train

Catalytic converter, recall SC176? Have issues with code: p0420, replaced the Catalytic converter once and code appears again with engine light on, Kia dealership says they won't perform recall since car is slightly over 80,000. Also oil is constantly running out, not noticing a leak on the ground so must be burning away?

NHTSA ODI #11433460

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower TrainFire

On Monday September 6, 2021 at about 11:30 pm, I was driving home east on interstate 90, just east of Roselle rd. near Schaumburg, Illinois. When the car began to violently shake. The dash board lights began to flash and the engine just stopped. We managed to steer the car to the side of the express way, in an attempt to restar…

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On Monday September 6, 2021 at about 11:30 pm, I was driving home east on interstate 90, just east of Roselle rd. near Schaumburg, Illinois. When the car began to violently shake. The dash board lights began to flash and the engine just stopped. We managed to steer the car to the side of the express way, in an attempt to restart the car with no luck. A Illinois Dept. of Transportation road side assistance driver tried to start the car when the car explored into fire, the driver put the fire out and provided us with the number of a toe truck , which we had the car toed to the Schaumburg Kia Dealer, located at 1100 East Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173, phone No. is (847) 908-0502, where the dealer is trying to determine the cause of the fire and the amount of damage, if the car is a total loss or not. My car is a 2016 Kia Soul. At this point I have not heard from the dealer after a week, I have called the dealer several times with no reply at all.

NHTSA ODI #11432731

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2021
Engine

After having my oil and filter changed at jiffy lube in approximately 3 weeks my oil light came on. Had to add 3 quarts. Have had to add 1 quart every 400 miles since. Never had to add oil before the last change. No signs of leak/burning etc. Making an appointment with Kia dealer to investigate - also having them perform th…

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After having my oil and filter changed at jiffy lube in approximately 3 weeks my oil light came on. Had to add 3 quarts. Have had to add 1 quart every 400 miles since. Never had to add oil before the last change. No signs of leak/burning etc. Making an appointment with Kia dealer to investigate - also having them perform the WCU upgrade related to Kia Product Improvement Campaign dated 8/20/20. I was never notified. I have read a number of complaints and quite a few are related to both oil and knock sensor issues. I will update after visit to Kia Dealer.

NHTSA ODI #11432721

99,000 miles · Sep 9, 2021
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then discovered that her vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called a dealer and s…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then discovered that her vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called a dealer and scheduled an appointment to have the vehicle serviced. A few days after the appointment was made, the vehicle shut-off without warning while driving at 45 MPH. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle would not accelerate or shift out of first gear. The contact called the dealer and she was instructed to bring in the vehicle to have the recall service. A few days later, the contact was informed by the dealer that the resonator had become defective and was not covered under the recall; therefore, she had to pay for the resonator replacement. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and agreed with the diagnostic result from the dealer. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ODI #11432354

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2021
EngineVehicle Speed Control

My newly permitted driver was driving when after crossing highway my car all of sudden was halted to an almost complete stop. the motor stalled in the middle of the highway, thankfully no oncoming traffic was coming. I took the vehicle to mechanic and they said i could have a recall on catalytic converter, called dealership an…

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My newly permitted driver was driving when after crossing highway my car all of sudden was halted to an almost complete stop. the motor stalled in the middle of the highway, thankfully no oncoming traffic was coming. I took the vehicle to mechanic and they said i could have a recall on catalytic converter, called dealership and they state that my car was not in the recall. However my car did exactly what the recall states. now i'm looking at anywhere from 2000-3000 to fix my car is only 5 years old with 75,000 miles. I'm a very dissapointed customer as i was looking to purchase the new telluride however I think I will stay clear from all Kia Products. Concerned Customer LA

NHTSA ODI #11432337

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Three issues: 1) Upon stepping on the gas from a stop, the car often takes 4 or more seconds to actually move. This more than once has gotten me almost hit in the back by the other cars. 2) The car often makes "tractor noises" that are extremely loud and annoying. 3) The mechanic at the shop I took it to said that there's a craz…

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Three issues: 1) Upon stepping on the gas from a stop, the car often takes 4 or more seconds to actually move. This more than once has gotten me almost hit in the back by the other cars. 2) The car often makes "tractor noises" that are extremely loud and annoying. 3) The mechanic at the shop I took it to said that there's a crazy amount of oil going though the exhaust system. This could result in hat accumulation in the engine and jam it up (at best) or actually lead to a spontaneous fire. I am afraid of getting stranded so I haven't been driving very much. The KIA dealership said that there's nothing they can do. are you kidding me?

NHTSA ODI #11431519

113,000 miles · Sep 1, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine started knocking. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was inf…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the engine started knocking. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ODI #11431426

Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2021
Engine

On/around August 13, 2021 I went to get an oil change and Safety recall performed for the 1.6L engines to protect it from excessive connecting rod bearing damage at a Kia Dealer. It was performed in the AM drove it pretty much all day. the next morning 8.14.21 in the AM drove it for roughly 1hr parked then decided to move the ca…

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On/around August 13, 2021 I went to get an oil change and Safety recall performed for the 1.6L engines to protect it from excessive connecting rod bearing damage at a Kia Dealer. It was performed in the AM drove it pretty much all day. the next morning 8.14.21 in the AM drove it for roughly 1hr parked then decided to move the car out of the sun the car would not start. I could put it in the ACC and ON positions to work the radio and windows etc. but it would not start. I was there for 1.5 hrs. then I tried the car again and it started as if nothing was wrong. I drove it for 1 week no issues, then on 08.21.21 I was waiting at a red light when the light turned green I could not move as the car shut down with no warning or warning lights. I put the car in park and then tried turning on the vehicle again it started no issues, I was nervous and scared because we, my daughter and I, were at a very busy intersection not knowing if the car was going to start again. On 08.22.21 I tried starting the car and it took a while for it start as well but started. On 08.23.21 I called the KIA dealer and let them know what happened and took it to them on 8.24.21 in the AM. They were not able to replicate the problem but adjusted the values and said that there were no shut off codes indicated and that was a good sign. I was able to drive it all morning then at 3:15pm it would not start then at around 4:45pm I tried it again and the car started. When it started the stability control light was on and pressing the button to turn it off would not turn it off. I drove it about 5 minutes parked it turned the car off, when I started the car again the stability control light did not come on. I drove it around for a little then called a different KIA dealer and explained the situation so I dropped the vehicle off to the dealer on 8.24.21 in the overnight drop where it currently is where they are charging 139 dollars to diagnose the problem the car has approx 162329 miles

NHTSA ODI #11430418

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2021
Engine

My husband was exiting the highway when the engine began to sputter and then "explode" into a cloud of smoke from the engine and tail pipe. There was a oil smell. The car was towed to the local Firestone where my husband was told the engine now has a hole in it. Just a few months ago the engine was worked on because one of th…

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My husband was exiting the highway when the engine began to sputter and then "explode" into a cloud of smoke from the engine and tail pipe. There was a oil smell. The car was towed to the local Firestone where my husband was told the engine now has a hole in it. Just a few months ago the engine was worked on because one of the cylinders had frozen. Recalls were taken care of prior to our moving to Dallas from San Antonio. If there were more needed, we received no notification despite having service done on this vehicle several times over the past year. My husband could have been on the highway when the engine blew and ended up in a major accident. There were no warning lights to indicate the car had a problem before it blew.

NHTSA ODI #11428732

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

My car just stopped without warning.. Kia dealership states it need a catalyst converter and 02 sensor.. no engine light came on.. it just stopped.. after they put an software for 50000 incase the engine fail.. well my catalyst converter fail.. without any warning

NHTSA ODI #11427312

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.