16 complaints reported

2016 Kia Soul POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
16
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jun 2023

Bought 2016 Kia Soul one year ago (May 2022) with 79k miles. Feb 2023 engine light came on. Took it to Kia service center & they reset it and told us to come back if light came back on. It did along with oil change light (June 2023, 92k miles). We were told it had no oil, it was consuming oil, sludge in motor and there was nothing they could do. Service mgr told us to check oil level regularly, top it off as needed and get regular oil changes and if/when it failed, then they would replace engine under new lawsuit settlement (extended warranty to 15yr/150k). We consulted another mechanic and he said it is faulty piston rings that caused oil consumption, that caused low oil and that ultimately caused possible sludge. Why aren't they fixing the problem instead of waiting until the engine fails? Probably because they were waiting to see if your engine fails after 15yr/150k mile warranty expires. New lawsuit in the works regarding oil consumption because it's happening to a lot of KIAs.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2023
Jun 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated violently and lost motive power. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic failed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2023
Apr 2023

On 12/27/22, was driving on highway in the evening, engine light illuminated and vehicle slowed down and unable to drive beyond 40mph. Was able to make it home safely, notified dealership on 12/28/22 and used AAA service for vehicle tow. Recv'd call from dealership on 1/3/22 that vehicle was inspected and was ready for pickup. Issue was code P1326 related to KSDS (knock sensor detection system) & connector rod bearings, so they did an ECU update & bearing clearance test. (While waiting for info I did online research & learned of the issue with KIA's GDI engine failures/fires). I asked dealer rep if the issue with my vehicle was related to this and was told yes, that this was the first step in Kia's protocol for the issue. I raised concern over driving the vehicle knowing that there is a possibility of engine failure or fire. He acknowledge the concern, but reiterated that this was all they would do for now. I asked for a copy of the repair/service protocol and was told he would try to get me one. Am scheduled to pick up vehicle in a few hours and am sure there will be more issues & concerns to follow.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2022
Jan 2023

1. On 1/30/23 I was heading home from work when my engine and oil light came on. I after parking at turning my car off, the engine began to shake and make clicking noises continuously. I got an oil change that day thinking that may help the issue. On 1/31/23 I took my car to another mechanic who notified me that they have seen many Kia Souls and Optimas with this problem and many engines have been recalled. Upon my way home which was 2 miles away, my engine entirely blew up on interstate 15. 2. My safety was put at risk by my car engine blowing up on the freeway and losing power within seconds as traffic was going at 70 mph. I then ended up right in front of an on-ramp and had a small area to park at as was within 1 foot of oncoming highway traffic for 30 minutes - in freezing temperatures. Something also blew out from under my car and almost his a vehicle behind me. 3. Kia stated this has been an issue and that I need to take it to a Kia dealer for inspection. 4. My vehicle has been towed to Young Kia of Layton UT for inspection.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2023
Jan 2022

My car is exhibiting the same issue as the recall below but not on my VIN #. I have an open case with Kia Consumer Affairs which has been open for a couple months with zero feedback. I do not feel safe driving the car but as it stands I have no choice but my car as shown below and I was also told at the Kia dealership I purchased it from that it will need a new engine. Recall Subject: Engine and Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor Report Receipt Date: 02/22/2019 NHTSA Campaign: 19v120000 Summary 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. Notes Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2021
Dec 2021

I took my car into the dealer for the COP logic recall with the ECU. Ever since that fix, every time I start my car when it’s cold outside it idles high. If the ambient temperature goes below 50 degrees or so when I turn the key to start the car the RPM jumps to almost 4K at cold it stays high for about a minute until it eventually settles around 1k. It only does this when it’s cold out and it never did it before that fix. Sometimes it will set off the MIL with the code P050A when this happens.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2021
Sep 2021

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?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2021
Jul 2021

BLOWN ENGINE AFTER SOME WORK WAS DONE UNDER CURRENT RECALL (CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2020
Apr 2021

A FEW MONTHS AGO CAR INTERMITTENTLY STARTED BUCKING AS IF WATERY FUEL OR FUEL DEPLETION WAS OCCURRING ACCOMPANIED WITH A LOUD SOUND AS OF GRINDING METAL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR A SHORT WHILE AND THEN GO OFF AGAIN. BRAKING AND SLOWING WOULD TEMPORARILY STOP IT UNTIL IT RECURRED. WITH TIME THOSE EPISODES GREW MORE FREQUENT. I CONSULTED MARTIN KIA OF BOWLING GREEN, KY FROM WHOM I BOUGHT THE CAR WHOSE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEEMED TO OFFER NO SUGGESTION AS TO THE DEFECT. TWO AUTOZONE STORES TESTED THE ENGINE, ONE WITH WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OFF AND ANOTHER WITH IT ON, AND BOTH TESTS AGREED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS MALFUNCTIONING. TESTS AT THE ABOVE KIA DEALER CONFIRMED THAT FINDING AND REPLACED THE CONVERTER AT A TOTAL COST OF ALMOST $1300.00 SAYING ITS 98000 MILES WAS OUT OF EMISSIONS WARRANTY. PROBLEM IS, THE INTERMITTENT BUCKING AND GRINDING PERSISTS. ONLINE I THEN READ THAT THIS IS LIKELY A RECALL CASE ALREADY RECEIVING 147 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND THAT SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAD BEEN FINALLY TOTALLY DESTROYED BY AN ENGINE FIRES. IT HAS BECOME A FEARFUL THING TO DRIVE IT WITH THAT KNOWLEDGE. WHAT IS YOUR ADVISED COURSE FOE A REMEDY?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2021
Apr 2021

My soul is having same problems as others with catalytic converter and engine. Had to replace throttle body that showed bad code to pass inspection. Turned out to be a needed software update to computer not bad throttle body. I'm out $600. Now getting p0420 code. Car stall out around 9/22/21. Another software update given on 10/2/21. Reset, still getting code. Car is also losing oil with no sign of leak. Possibly causing code. Damage may already be done to engine. Telling me I have to pay for repairs if needed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2021
Dec 2020

LAST MONTH I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN ECU UPDATE WHICH KIA IS CALLING A 'PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN' FOR THE CARS COMPUTER SYSTEM TO PUT IT INTO LIMP HOME MODE, NOW A MONTH LATER WHILE ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WHEN I TURNED ONTO A STREET 2 NIGHTS IN A ROW THE OIL LIGHT WAS FLASHING BUT WENT OFF AFTER I MADE IT THROUGH THE TURN, AND I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL THE SECOND NIGHT AND THE DIPSTICK HAD LITTLE TO NO VISIBLE OIL ON IT BUT THE OIL LIGHT STILL DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN DRIVING OR WHEN IDILING ONLY WHEN TURNING WITH MOMENTUM, BUT THE 2.0 ENGINES ARE KNOWN TO DESTROY THEMSELVES DUE TO ROD BERING DAMAGE AND THAT UPDATE THEY DID SERVED TO FIVE AND EARLY ALERT AS TO WHEN IT DETECTS KNOCK BUT THESE ENGINES ARE ALSO KNOWN TO BURN OIL AND THE 2014-2015 MODEL YEARS ARE RECALLED FOR ENGINE FIRES BUT KIA SHOULD RECALL ALL THESE ENGINES SINCE THEY BURN OIL AND ARE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE OIL LIGHT IS NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE OIL IS CRITICALLY LOW AND NOW ENGINE DAMAGE MAY ALREADY BE PRESENT ON TOP OF THE KNOWN DEFECT IN THESE ENGINES.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2020
May 2020

WAS DRIVING CAR AND IT LOST POWER WHILE ON HIGHWAY. CAUSING CARS TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING ME. AFTER GOING TO SHOP FOUND OUT IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. CAR WAS ALSO BURNING OIL AND MISFIRING. HAD THE 3 AND 4 COIL RELPACED ,SPARK PLUGS , BUT STILL NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT US CAUSING OIL TO BURN. CAR HAD REGULAR OIL CHANGES. KIA BASICALLY SAID THAT AFTER I FIX THE COILS CAR WOULD BE FINE . WELL IT'S NOT STILL DOING THE SAME THING. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT JUST NEEDS A NEW ENGINE. KIA HAS REFUSED TO HONOR WARRANTY.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2020
Apr 2020

THE VEHICLE HAS 59,000 MILES AND IS CONSUMING OIL AT A HIGH RATE. A FAULT LIGHT CAME ON PUTTING THE CAR IN LIMP MODE WHERE IT REFUSES TO ACCELERATE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE VEHICLE WITH NO RESOLUTION FOR NEARLY A MONTH. THERE ARE REPORTS OF FIRES AND OTHER FATALITIES WITH THIS MODEL AND THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED IN ORDER TO FORCE KIA MOTORS TO BUY-BACK THESE CARS.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2020
Apr 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY SLOWED DOWN TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CHECK ENGINE AND OIL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2019
Jan 2019

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND CAR STARTED SLIPPING GEARS AND HAVING TROUBLE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND IT HAD NO OIL, ADDED PROPER AMOUNT AND TYPE OF OIL. WHEN IDLING CHECK OIL LIGHT FLASHES RED EVEN WITH PROPER OIL LEVEL. DEALERSHIP STATES SOUNDS LIKE, THEY CURRENTLY ARE CHECKING IT, ENGINE AND ROD ISSUE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2019
May 2018

TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHILE DRIVING. THEN TRANSMISSION SLIPPED WHILE GOING 45 AND ENGINE RED LINED THEN DIED. WOULD NOT RESTART.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2018

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Kia Soul has 16 POWER TRAIN,ENGINE complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.