2016 Kia Soul Engine

I have put my 3rd Catalytic Convertor on this car. It looses power going uphill. Which is not safe. Just had 3rd on replaced yesterday Feb. 9, 2026. The mechanic said there is too much oil going to the engine. Mechanic said next thing would be replacing the engine. Why does my 2016 not have a recall on the engine.

The vehicle is suffering from excessive oil consumption (over 1 quart per 1,000 miles) and a recurring P0420 (Catalyst Efficiency) code. This is a documented precursor to catastrophic engine failure and engine compartment fire in the 2.oL Nu GDI engine. The engine's oil consumption is poisoning the catalytic converter, causing it to clog. This creates extreme exhaust backpressure, leading to sudden loss of motive power (stalling) while driving. This defect poses an unreasonable risk of a high-speed collision and fire if oil comes into contact with the hot exhaust manifold. Due to current extreme winter conditions (-20F with wind chill), a sudden engine stall or seizure creates a life-threatening emergency. I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle, as an engine failure in these temperatures could leave me stranded without heat in sub-zero weather.

Engine knock engine failure

Greetings, I have a base 2016 kia soul manual transmission that I thought was under safety recall for its engine, but when I search it says 0 unrepaired recalls, when I look this up it does claim my vehicle had this problem, but I never had a dealer fix it, I did contact the one I got it from a couple of years ago and asked if my vehicle qualified for the recall since it already has 200,000 miles on it but they never got back to me, did they just claim to fix it, because it has not been worked on. Still runs great at 300,000 miles but if the engine has a safety issue that might catch on fire then I want to get it addressed regardless of its high mileage

A. Safety Defect and Failure Sequence I am filing this complaint because my Kia Soul, which is subject to the widespread engine defect and extended warranty under the Hyundai/Kia Class Action Settlement, suffered a catastrophic failure immediately following dealership intervention. Responsible Action: I brought the vehicle to the authorized Kia dealership on September 25th the instant the Check Engine Light illuminated for the very first time. The vehicle was driven to the dealership under its own power. Triggering Event: The dealership performed the required engine-related software update (Knock Sensor Detection System, KSDS) and routine service. Immediately following this service, the engine went into limp mode and ceased functioning, requiring a complete engine replacement. This sequence strongly suggests the failure was either caused by the known defect covered by the recall or was triggered by the software update itself. Manufacturer Denial: Kia is denying the claim under the Class Action Extended Warranty (which provides a lifetime or 15-year/150,000-mile warranty) using the unsubstantiated and unjustifiable excuse of "damage done prior to bringing the car in." B. Manager Misconduct and Manufacturer Bad Faith The Service Manager, Braden Anaya, has demonstrated calculated deception and bad faith, resulting in severe financial and logistical harm: Fraudulent Promise: The manager explicitly promised me the engine replacement would be approved if I titled, registered, and insured the vehicle. Relying on his direct word, I incurred a financial loss of $800 in fees for an unusable vehicle. Documented Deception: After a long delay, Mr. Anaya sent a formal denial email on December 5th confirming Kia would not cover the engine replacement. Despite this formal denial, he then contacted me and demanded "trust and patience," claiming he was actively fighting the claim for the following three weeks. This was an intentional stall and clear act of deception. Logistical Negli

My 2016 Kia Soul is experiencing severe oil consumption, piston ring failure, and smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is covered under Kia’s engine warranty extension (Product Improvement Campaign PI2002B and subsequent updates), which extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles on the engine short block/long block assembly. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to piston oil rings, but Kia America has denied warranty coverage, stating that because the rod bearing clearance test passed, the repair is not covered. This denial contradicts Kia’s own documentation, which defines the covered “short block assembly” as including pistons and piston rings, in addition to bearings and connecting rods. By refusing coverage, Kia is effectively narrowing the warranty in a way that leaves consumers unprotected, despite the campaign language. This issue raises a safety concern because excessive oil consumption and piston ring failure can lead to: Engine smoke and emissions problems, Sudden power loss, and Increased risk of engine failure while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of piston ring and oil consumption failures under the engine warranty extension, as Kia appears to be limiting coverage only to rod bearing failures, despite covering the entire short/long block assembly on paper. Summary: VIN covered under PI2002B/KSDS update. Engine is consuming oil and smoking due to piston ring failure. Kia refuses coverage because rod bearings passed the clearance test. Piston rings are part of the short block, yet warranty is being denied. Safety issue due to risk of engine failure and increased emissions.

Car was purchased from dealership August 25, 2025 on September 19, 2025 at about 9:38 PM. Car experienced catastrophic engine failure due to an active recall/campaign that was not disclosed to buyer for an ECU problem. This problem caused total brake failure in the power brake system, forcing buyer to swerve across three lanes of traffic into breakdown lane.

Had 3 oil consumption test 2 oil leak repairs, low to no oil each time, now car is stalling , Catalytitic Converter problem, yellow engine light is blinking, Kia of Newton New Jersey need to fix my car.

Catalytic converter may become damaged due to overheating caused by and excessive increase of exhaust gas temperatures.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure recurred, and the contact parked the vehicle. The vehicle was no longer being driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,157.

I was on my way home from work and the car just cut off .it wont move forward or backwords..the lights,radio all was on the car just wouldnt move ..i turned the key off and tried to start it up..it did nothing ..waited bout 10 minutes it started back up ..i looked up the recalls .SC176 sounds like what happen to it

My 2016 Kia Soul is now consuming oil excessively and emitting smoke from the exhaust. These symptoms only began after a dealership performed recall-related work (knock sensor replacement and KSDS software update). The vehicle is covered under Kia’s Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev. 7, Feb. 2025), which lists the Kia Soul (2012–2024) as eligible for evaluation and repair of oil consumption due to piston oil ring failure. This bulletin requires that a sealed oil consumption test be performed when customer complaints of oil consumption or smoke are verified. Despite this, Kia America has denied warranty coverage, stating the vehicle passed the rod bearing clearance test (BCT) and therefore does not qualify for an engine replacement under the class action settlement. This is misleading and incomplete because: The oil consumption issue is a separate covered defect under TSB ENG222. My vehicle is within the mileage (94k) and time limit (15 years/150k miles). Kia has refused to authorize the required oil consumption test. The smoking and oil consumption symptoms only began after the dealer performed recall service. This denial leaves me with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive due to risk of sudden engine failure, increased emissions, and potential fire hazard from oil burning. Kia is not following its own published service procedures, leaving consumers without protection despite official warranty extensions. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of oil consumption claims under ENG222, as owners are being denied the mandated oil consumption test and warranty repairs even when they clearly qualify.

The check engine light has come on multiple times, indicating an engine failure defect, a known and recurring issue among this vehicle’s model. The problem first occurred on [XXX], again on [XXX], and is ongoing since [XXX]. The vehicle has been inoperable since [XXX], and remains at the dealership. The defect puts the safety of the driver and others at risk because the vehicle can become inoperable without warning while driving. The issue has been inspected and documented by the dealership each time it occurred, but repairs under warranty have failed to resolve the defect. Prior to the failures, the check engine light illuminated as a warning. The recurring nature of the problem and its continued presence despite recommended maintenance indicate a systemic engine defect that has not been adequately repaired or addressed by the manufacturer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Check engine light came on. 4 new engine coils and spark plugs. Carb cleaner in gas. Check engine light on again then while driving car jerked and check engine light blinking. Code 420 catalytic converter. This vehicle was under recall for same issue but was ok at time of recall. Was checked at Kia dealership u see recall time.

Engine has lower end knocking noise,internal failure

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine hesitated while turning over, with black smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD2 scanner for an unknown error code related to the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to a local AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with a catalytic converter malfunction. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the VIN not being associated with any recalls. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

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. I have replaced my catalytic converter twice in the last year due to this issue. Engine is dumping oil into catalytic converter causing it to stop up. There was a recall for the 1.6 engine, mine is 2.0 and the issue is exactly the same. 19V-120 / SC176 Recall Summary#19V120000

My 2016 Kia soul had the engine white come on. I took it to have the computer read what the problem was. It came back engine knock sensor. I was told there was a recall on this and I needed to take it to an authorized Kia dealer. I took this to an authorized Kia dealer who told me that that was a faulty check engine light there was nothing wrong with the sensor, but my pistons were bad and I needed a new engine. Well, when I read further into the recall, it specifically said that this check engine sensor issue could affect the engine. My car just hit 100,000 miles. I had regular service. I now have a Kia who is sitting in front of my house not being able to be run. I truly feel that there is an issue that was not addressed when it was checked the check engine light indicated faulty knock sensor. This recall connected that there may be issues with the motor if this were the problem. I feel like I’m being taken advantage of. I am currently without any transportation and cannot get any help. Is there anything you can do to help me?

I had my crankshaft sensor replaced and it is still stalling on me. Engine has stalled while I was driving and this has put my life at risk and my job at risk.

On our way to Florida, our car broke down on the highway. When we were able to get our car towed to a mechanic, the mechanic stated that the issue was a rod bearing went out which matches the kia recall reasons for the same vehicle as ours. We took the car to Kia and they tested it and the rod bearing was the issue. We had no warning lights prior to our car breaking down and it was taken for an oil change just 5 days before. See below for more info on the recall: The 2016 Kia Soul, specifically models with the 1.6L GDI engine, was included in a Kia product improvement campaign related to connecting rod bearing wear. This campaign involved a software update for the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to implement a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The KSDS is designed to detect early signs of bearing wear and alert the driver via a blinking Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and Limp Home Mode. This prevents severe engine damage, including potential engine failure. Some 2016 Kia Souls with the 1.6L GDI engine experienced excessive connecting rod bearing wear, potentially leading to engine damage.

Check engine light came on 6months ago the code was P0420 I took it to a Kia dealership they said my catalytic converter was worn out and it would be $1500 to replace it I brought up how there was a recall he told me the vehicle already had the recall taken care of from the previous owner of the vehicle and would not fix it again i have no proof they fixed the recall and if they did it obviously didn’t work now that car don’t drive at all the catalytic converter is clogged I’m still making payments on the car this hell for me having hard time getting to work now with no transportation I need some guidance it’s not fair they can just tell me the previous owner got it fixed and even if they did it didn’t work or they didn’t do it right is there anything I can do?

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the engine overheated. The contact turned off the vehicle and allowed the engine to cool down. The contact performed an inspection under the hood and noticed that the oil pressure was low. The contact drove the vehicle to the nearest gas station and added oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light then turned off; however, two days later, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and oil needed to be added every two to three days. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that in March 2025, the catalytic converter failed and was replaced. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle had been taken to several dealers and independent mechanics for diagnostic testing. The independent mechanic informed the contact that, upon inspecting the spark plugs and the pistons, there was oil residue was visible on the spark plugs and pistons; however, there was no visible indication of an oil leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot at approximately 10 MPH, the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to a nearby parking space, where the vehicle lost power and shut off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The mechanic suggested that the engine be replaced. The contact became aware of a Software Update Program with an extension for an engine replacement. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and confirmed the diagnostic result. The dealer informed the contact that the engine would not be covered by Kia because the Software Update Program update was not being completed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed the decision made by the dealer. The manufacturer stated that the NHTSA was responsible for issuing and informing vehicle owners of a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

I own a 2016 Kia Soul, VIN [XXX] . The vehicle suffered engine failure and is currently at Kia of Bradley in Illinois. My vehicle is covered under Recall SC176 (NHTSA #19V120) for a known defect that can cause engine damage and fire risk. Kia has denied my recall claim, stating that I did not receive the ECU update and that there is “sludge” under the oil cap. I was never properly notified that failure to receive the update would void my recall protection. Sludge presence is not proven to be the cause of the failure, and no oil analysis or inspection has been performed. The recall mandates free repair or replacement of the engine if damage is present, and this has not been honored. Kia is attempting to charge $600 just for diagnostics and has refused to repair the safety issue despite the engine failing. I am asking NHTSA to investigate Kia’s denial and ensure that the recall obligations are enforced. This is a serious safety concern and financial burden on the consumer. *I purchased the car from a Kia dealership after the recall, the ECU Update should have been done prior to anyone purchasing the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that after a recent oil change, the vehicle began to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipes with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road before being able to drive the vehicle to the residence in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where the oil change was performed, and the mechanic discovered a leak in the engine and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The contact made an appointment with the dealer. The contact then stated that an abnormal odor started coming from the vehicle and chose to stop driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.