IllustrationEXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. KIA DEALER STATES AFTER PERFORMING TWO OIL CONSUMPTION TESTS BACK TO BACK AT 1000 MILES EACH THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED. KIA WILL NOT REPLACE ENGINE AS VEHICLE HAS NOW PASSED THE 60,000 MILE ENGINE WARRANTY. VEHICLE HAS 65,000 MILES. DEARLER STATES THAT I HAVE TO PAY.
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
320–25K
3825–50K
7750–75K
9375–100K
108100–150K
14150K+
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 reportsMY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE WHOLE CAR IS DAMAGED. THERE IS NO FRONT THE INTERIOR IS GONE. I HAVE STARTED A CASE WITH KIA. MY VEHICLE WAS GOING UP A HILL ABOUT 30 MINKES AN HOUR WHEN IT STARTED SMOKING. IT WAS PULLED OVER AND THE HOOD WAS POPPED. THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. SOON THE WHOLE FRONT AND MIDDLE OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THIS …
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MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE WHOLE CAR IS DAMAGED. THERE IS NO FRONT THE INTERIOR IS GONE. I HAVE STARTED A CASE WITH KIA. MY VEHICLE WAS GOING UP A HILL ABOUT 30 MINKES AN HOUR WHEN IT STARTED SMOKING. IT WAS PULLED OVER AND THE HOOD WAS POPPED. THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. SOON THE WHOLE FRONT AND MIDDLE OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THIS WAS AT 14000 JERICHO STREET AT THE ENTRANCE OF BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY IN BOWIE MD. POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED.*DT*JB*DT*DT
PANORAMIC SUNROOF WON'T CLOSE
WHILE DRIVING ON THE NJ TURNPIKE AT NIGHT TIME, I WENT TO CHANGE FROM THE RIGHT LANE INTO THE MIDDLE LANE AND THE CAR STALLED NOT ABLE TO PICK UP SPEED. AS THE CAR STALLED THERE WAS A FAST MOVING TRUCK WHICH WAS COMING AND THAT WAS ABLE TO SWITCH LANES FORCING ME TO MOVE INTO THE LAST LANE WHICH MADE THE CARS BEHIND ME HAVE TO C…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE NJ TURNPIKE AT NIGHT TIME, I WENT TO CHANGE FROM THE RIGHT LANE INTO THE MIDDLE LANE AND THE CAR STALLED NOT ABLE TO PICK UP SPEED. AS THE CAR STALLED THERE WAS A FAST MOVING TRUCK WHICH WAS COMING AND THAT WAS ABLE TO SWITCH LANES FORCING ME TO MOVE INTO THE LAST LANE WHICH MADE THE CARS BEHIND ME HAVE TO COME TO A SUDDEN STOP. I THEN HAD TO PUT ON MY HAZARDS AND SLOWLY MOVE BACK OVER TO THE SHOULDER. ONCE COMPLETELY STOPPED I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. AFTER WAITING FOR SOME TIME I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN, BUT NOTHING CHANGED. I REMAINED IN THE RIGHT LANE WITH HAZARDS ON AND DROVE THE CAR NOT BEING ABLE TO GO ABOVE 40 MPH. EVENTUALLY THE CAR GOT BACK TO DRIVING NORMAL RIGHT BEFORE ARRIVING HOME WHICH WAS ABOUT A 40 TO 50 MINUTE RIDE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I LEARNED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS AFTER TAKING THIS CAR TO BE LOOKED AT TWICE AND BEING TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING FOUND. NOW I FIND THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CAR (NHTSA ID: 19V120000), BUT IT SAYS THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT AMONGST THE VEHICLES RECALLED.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON MORE THAN OFF OR SO IT SEEMS. ENGINE CODE P0S0A. DEALER ATTEMPTS TO FIX. CODE COMES BACK
I HAD A NEW ENGINE PUT IN APRIL 2020. MY CAR IS NOW DOING THE SAME THING AS BEFORE. MY OIL LIGHT FLASHES WHILE IT IS IDLE OR WHEN PRESSING BREAKS AND STARTS TO MISS OUT.
THE FRONT END CREAKS EVERY TIME I SLOWLY RIDE OVER A SPEED BUMP OR EXPERIENCE DIP IN THE ROAD. I ORIGINALLY REPORTED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK THE MECHANIC ON A RIDE WITH ME IN THE VEHICLE SO HE COULD HEAR THE NOISE. HE AGREED SOMETHING WAS WRONG, PROBABLY WITH THE SUSPENSION. AFTER SEVERAL VISITS…
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THE FRONT END CREAKS EVERY TIME I SLOWLY RIDE OVER A SPEED BUMP OR EXPERIENCE DIP IN THE ROAD. I ORIGINALLY REPORTED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK THE MECHANIC ON A RIDE WITH ME IN THE VEHICLE SO HE COULD HEAR THE NOISE. HE AGREED SOMETHING WAS WRONG, PROBABLY WITH THE SUSPENSION. AFTER SEVERAL VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY COULD NOT TARGET THE REASON FOR THE CREAKING NOISE. THEIR ONLY QUICK-FIX-TEMPORARY ANSWER WAS TO SPRAY THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE WITH LUBRICANT. THAT ELIMINATED THE ISSUE FOR A BRIEF COUPLE MONTHS, BUT THE CREAKING NOISE QUICKLY RETURNED, AND THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY.
WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THEN STALLED AND TURNED OFF. IT WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND THEN LATER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE IT BEGAN TO STOP ACCELERATING WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER FROM THE LEFT LANE AS CAR SLOWED TO A STOP AND THE BREAK PEDAL LOCKED UP. …
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WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC MY CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THEN STALLED AND TURNED OFF. IT WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND THEN LATER WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE IT BEGAN TO STOP ACCELERATING WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER FROM THE LEFT LANE AS CAR SLOWED TO A STOP AND THE BREAK PEDAL LOCKED UP. THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON ANY MORE. AFTER MECHANIC INSPECTION, THEY REPORTED THAT A PISTON HAD MELTED IN THE ENGINE AND BECAUSE THE OIL HAD DRIED UP, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAD ITS LAST OIL CHANGE TWO MONTHS AGO.
2016 KIA SOUL /W 2.0 LITER LONG BLOCK ENGINE. APPROXIMATELY 85K MILES AT THE TIME OF ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO SPONTANEOUS OIL LOSS. VEHICLE HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES. DEALERSHIP AND KIA CORPORATE REFUSE TO PROVIDE ANY CONSIDERATION THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO MFG. DEFECT DESPITE NUMEROUS REPORTED INCIDENTS OF…
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2016 KIA SOUL /W 2.0 LITER LONG BLOCK ENGINE. APPROXIMATELY 85K MILES AT THE TIME OF ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO SPONTANEOUS OIL LOSS. VEHICLE HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES. DEALERSHIP AND KIA CORPORATE REFUSE TO PROVIDE ANY CONSIDERATION THAT THE FAILURE IS DUE TO MFG. DEFECT DESPITE NUMEROUS REPORTED INCIDENTS OF THIS EXACT FAILURE.
CAR HAS ONLY 34K MILES. HAD IT FOR TWO MONTHS NOW. HASN'T HAD IT'S FIRST OIL CHANGE. HOWEVER, THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON AND BLINKS THEN SHUTS OFF, DOES THIS EVERY TIME I DRIVE OR IN IDLE. I PUT 4 QTS OF OIL IN THE CAR A WEEK AGO. THERE IS NO REASON THE OIL NEEDS TO BE FILLED AGAIN. I'M GOING TO HAVE TO PUT ADDITIONAL 4 QUARTS OF O…
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CAR HAS ONLY 34K MILES. HAD IT FOR TWO MONTHS NOW. HASN'T HAD IT'S FIRST OIL CHANGE. HOWEVER, THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON AND BLINKS THEN SHUTS OFF, DOES THIS EVERY TIME I DRIVE OR IN IDLE. I PUT 4 QTS OF OIL IN THE CAR A WEEK AGO. THERE IS NO REASON THE OIL NEEDS TO BE FILLED AGAIN. I'M GOING TO HAVE TO PUT ADDITIONAL 4 QUARTS OF OIL AGAIN. THERE IS NO LEAKS, NO BURNING OR ANYTHING ELSE. I'M WORRIED ABOUT THE ENGINE BLOWING UP OR CATCHING ON FIRE. THERE WAS A RECENT RECALL ON THIS CAR BUT I HAVE NO IDEA WHY I AM NOT BEING TOLD, OR INFORMED. THE ENGINE IS USUALLY QUIET, BUT WHEN THE OIL LIGHT BLINKS, IT'S ALSO ACCOMPANIED BY A KNOCKING SOUND. KIA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND WE'RE SUED BY CUSTOMERS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM THAT KIA HAS NOT ATTEMPTED TO REDRESS. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING UP TO AND OVER 40MPH, WHILE AT A STOP, AND WHILE DRIVING UNDER 10MPH
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.