← New search

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

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

105 reports
Clear category filter
110,000 miles · Apr 22, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that she was constantly adding oil in the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and an unknown software update was performed and the DTC code was erased. The contact b…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that she was constantly adding oil in the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and an unknown software update was performed and the DTC code was erased. The contact believed that the failure was related to the catalytic converter. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #11461760

125,000 miles · Mar 30, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate. The contact depressed the accelerator and the vehicle did not respond. The contact was able to safely pull off of the roadway. The contact turned the vehicle off and on and continued driving until the vehicle…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate. The contact depressed the accelerator and the vehicle did not respond. The contact was able to safely pull off of the roadway. The contact turned the vehicle off and on and continued driving until the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil level was very low. The independent mechanic refilled the engine oil reservoir. The contact noticed that the oil level was dropping continually by checking the oil dip stick. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #11459026

156,000 miles · Mar 17, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that it took approximately 20-25 minutes to refuel the vehicle because the nozzle would frequently stop pumping gas. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that it took approximately 20-25 minutes to refuel the vehicle because the nozzle would frequently stop pumping gas. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local Pep Boys who diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and informed the contact that her VIN was included in a recall that was associated to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the catalytic converter was replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, she was able to pump gasoline into the vehicle with no issues. The contact stated that eight months after the repair, the check engine warning light illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the Pep Boys who informed the contact that the failure was associated with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be repaired and an appointment was scheduled. The contact stated that upon returning to the dealer for the vehicle repair, the dealer informed the contact that the catalytic converter would not be repaired; however, the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic software would be updated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that the catalytic converter needed to be repaired and she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not reach a representative at the dealer. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

NHTSA ODI #11457108

89,000 miles · Mar 16, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was consuming one quart of oil per 3,000 miles. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was notified of several trouble codes. The ve…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was consuming one quart of oil per 3,000 miles. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was notified of several trouble codes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and an oil change service was performed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned that the dealer was adding too much oil to the vehicle. Additionally, the contact was concerned about being stranded. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000. The dealer stated they would replace the engine but the contact had to replace the catalytic converter.

NHTSA ODI #11457003

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling

Catalytic converters are plugged. Vehicle slowed down. Unable to keep speed up on highway.

NHTSA ODI #11455051

112,633 miles · Feb 9, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 20 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH while driving uphill. Additionally, the vehicle was overheating. The check engine and oil level warning lights were illuminated. The…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 20 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 20 MPH while driving uphill. Additionally, the vehicle was overheating. The check engine and oil level warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with the catalytic converter needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The independent mechanic informed the contact of an unknown recall and suggested that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealer for repair. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who performed a multi-point inspection and software update however, no parts were replaced. The contact stated that the failure returned and that the vehicle was overheating with the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,633.

NHTSA ODI #11451232

Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2021
Engine And Engine Cooling

Catalytic converter failed after only ba few years, other VINS of the same year were recalled for this already

NHTSA ODI #11438975

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2021
Engine And Engine Cooling

Driving along on highway, the vehicle struggles to go uphill. Loses acceleration and have difficulty revving to next gear. Brought the vehicle to dealer. Dealer states the catalytic converter is clogged. This is the third time in three years that this has happen. First time, I paid full price to replace because vehicle was out o…

Read full complaint

Driving along on highway, the vehicle struggles to go uphill. Loses acceleration and have difficulty revving to next gear. Brought the vehicle to dealer. Dealer states the catalytic converter is clogged. This is the third time in three years that this has happen. First time, I paid full price to replace because vehicle was out of its warranty. Second time, Kia did a good-faith repair, replaced catalytic for free. Now it is happening again. Oil consumption is high. Would have to top off oil after two gas fill-ups. The vehicle is regularly maintain with oil and filter changes. I seen many posts of owners with same vehicle having the same issues. Kia dealer wants to charge $2600 to replace converter. They also suggests an oil consumption test that will cost around $500+. Never have any warnings that the oil is low. If I was not diligent in checking my oil levels, I could be driving the vehicle with no oil and potentially damaging the engine or worse a fire will break out. This vehicle needs to be recalled.

NHTSA ODI #11437305

111,000 miles · Sep 22, 2021
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine seized and needed to be replaced. Th…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine seized and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

NHTSA ODI #11433966

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…

Read full complaint

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

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.