42 complaints reported

2016 Kia Soul UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

Reports
42
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Dec 2025

I went into the store come out of the store and got in the driver seat shut my door and the rear windshield exploded. I looked it up online and there are other customer complaints of the Kia soul with the same issue of the rear window exploding I called Kia and they told me even if the warranty was still good on my vehicle that it would have to go under inspection and it still would be an if he situation because other factors could be making the windshield explode Kia was unhelpful rude and did not want to help with the problem

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Dec 2025
Oct 2025

I was driving on Interstate I-40 when the closed sunroof spontaneously shattered. Nothing external or internal hit the sunroof. Due to the explosive noise, I was distracted and almost wrecked. Luckily, no one was injured, and no property was destroyed other than the shattered sunroof. This is an extremely unsafe issue and needs prompt attention to rectify before someone gets seriously hurt!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2025
Dec 2024

My vehicle showed a code for the catalytic converter and while driving the vehicle it started revving up really high and then smoke came out the back and it started knocking. I had to pull over on the interstate and have my car towed back to my residence with AAA which cost $490. Went to Kia to speak with them about the recall and they said they would not fix it because it was not a recall recognized in their system. But there are other recalls in their system they will fix those. My vehicle is undrivable. It's sitting in my driveway and I don't have the Ability to just purchase a new vehicle. This is leaving me stranded with no ability to even get to work without having to get a ride.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2024
Mar 2024

Kia issued an interim recall on ([XXX]) for a potential battery fire: [XXX] It has been 10 months; I called Kia and they have no remedy and no ETA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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

Car has less than 89,000 miles on it. Both catalytic converters went out starting on July 2023. Contacted Kia. Brought it in the the dealership I bought it from. Kia denied the claim stating it's out of warranty. I bought the car little over a year ago. Kia will only fix the car if I pay $2400.00. Contacted Kia customer support. Was still denied. Every mechanic I spoke with said the cats should not have gone out. Contacted Kia again for a reconsideration. Have not heard back.

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

The panoramic sunroof exploded while the vehicle was being driven. Thankfully the cover was closed so the glass did not fall down on the passenger of the vehicle.

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

I have been having issues with oil consumption since early fall 2022. I am the sole owner of my Kia Soul Plus and have had multiple oil consumption tests performed. I found out I had an oil consumption problem when my car shut off WITHOUT WARNING on the highway. Luckily this happened around midnight when there wasn't a lot of traffic. I contacted the dealer and they did an oil consumption test, which it "passed" because the dipstick indicated there was still oil in the engine. After the first one, I started to monitor my car and it seems like a little past the 1k mark does the dipstick indicate there's no oil. I've done like 3 tests with the dealer, and I think the last one that was performed I think they put too much oil in it. I say this because when I checked the oil -- when the car sat for awhile to cool off-- there was oil past the fill line on the dipstick. When I asked about it, they made it seem like I invalidated the test because I simply checked the oil. I was also told to not check the oil when the car has been sitting. So now, I check it at different times; when it has and has not been sitting (when I get gas). What ended up happening was the guy just read the dipstick right there in front of me, said it was fine, topped of the oil and said I was good to go. I think they did this the second time as well but didn't think to check the oil level then. I also noticed oil stains/residue on my engine cover and asked the dealer about it, but received no answer. It seems like the oil stains are getting worse -- more prominent. My car currently has 92k miles on it and have been trying to figure out the issue as this is a HUGE safety issue to me and my family. On multiple occasions I have found that my car has had low oil in it and carry oil in the back of my car just in case. After doing research, I'm glad to see I'm not alone but also that this is a known issue but I feel like the dealer is waiting for my warranty to expire before anything gets taken seriously.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2022
Dec 2022 Crash

Trouble is when i get speed with the car and press the brake the system fail and i dont have any acceleration. Ex. When i go about 50mph or more and press the brake. The electrical system fail and show on dashboard "check ev system" and after restart or shutdown the car and power on again the system works normal

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Oct 2021
Nov 2022

The paint of the vehicle has just started to come off the car in chunks.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Nov 2022
Sep 2022 Fire

VEHICLE STARTED FIRE. while driving we smelt a weird burning smell but went away we got off the highway and smelled it again but couldn't figure it out opened the hood and flame came up from back side of engine I was able to dump water on it and extinguish the fire then I noticed the cause of the fire the rubber strip under the hood towards back side of the motor somehow came off and fell into engine compartment laying across front pipe and exhaust manifold. Luckily no damage to vehicle

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Jun 2022

My car has been shaking some while I’m sitting still at for example a red light. My car does not shift properly when I’m trying to increase speed. There is no check engine light on but it’s definitely something wrong with my car.

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

The Catalytic Convertor clogged and issues with excess oil consumption This is an issue I have seen and heard of from many other Kia Soul owners as well. I have the repair bill if needed

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2022
Feb 2022

My car went out on me and was towed to the shop on Thursday 9/1/2022. I was told by the shop that I have been taking my car to for 15 years the catalytic converters were stopped up. I got online and looked up my car and found there was a recall issued on it. I never received anything telling me there had been or I would have taken it in for repair. This is what I found online.... MARCH 4, 2019 Kia is recalling 2012-2016 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, damage to the engine's pistons, and possible piston connecting rod failure. Engine damage can also stall the engine or result in an oil leak, which increases the risk of vehicle fires. I called Kia Covington Pike and talked with the service department and was told there was nothing they could do. I also talked to a supervisor there and was told the same thing and that the warranty had expired. I looked up do car recalls ever expired and this is what I found. When a manufacturer issues a recall for a car because of factory errors or faults, it fixes all affected vehicles for free. But what happens if you only learn that they recalled your vehicle several years after the recall announcement? You may be worried that the dealer would charge you for the repair since the recall was announced a while ago. Car recalls don’t expire. So according to this my car is still covered under the recall. Since Kia did not offer for me to bring it in and have them take care of the repair at no charge, I am asking when I get the bill for having my car repaired that Kia reimburse me for their error. I am writing to the Consumer Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation to file a complaint. This repair is costing me $1500.00 which I had to borrow from the company I work because I didn't have the money.

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

My catalytic converter has gone out 3 times! There has to be something wrong more than just normal wear and tear

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

There is an on going issue about the cold start. The light went off twice and came back on. It is still the same code. The code is P050A.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2021
Jan 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, when he heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. When the contact arrived at home the vehicle shut down and would not restart. The battery was replaced but the failure reoccurred again. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer or the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 126,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
May 2021

On a partly cloudy, warm day, I got in my vehicle and closed my driver door; upon the driver door closing, the rear passenger door window exploded, shattering all over the back seat and floor of the car.

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

PANORAMIC SUNROOF WON'T CLOSE

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

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the vehicle began to jerk upon depression on the accelerator pedal as the check engine warning light. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. Upon startup of the vehicle the next day, the contact stated that an abnormal knocking sound was emitted from the engine. The contact called her independent mechanic who informed her that her vehicle may have been placed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and referred her to a local dealer. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer but was informed that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no further assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 61,056.

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

AFTER THE RECENT RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE'S COMPUTER ISSUE, I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE REPAIR. MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN USED MUCH THIS WINTER DUE TO COVID-19. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS RECENTLY TURNED ON WITH CODE PO50A (COLD START IDLE AIR CONTROL). THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR MANY AFTER THE RECALL. KIA SAYS THAT THE RECALL TRIGGERED THIS FAULTY ENGINE LIGHT AND IT WON'T TURN OFF.

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

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate above 5 mph and would stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

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

Check Engine Light came on day before I took it in for KIA recall 4/27/2021. It was off after service done. 2 weeks later light came on again and went off 5 days later. Light came on again 2 weeks later- I went Auto Zone and Firestone to have code scan. Both scans showed code P050A----PCM has detected a problem with the idle air control. When I called Montrose KIA Sheffield Lake, Ohio Chris in service said they don't trust Auto Zone codes and wanted to charge me $129.99 for them to check code. He told me if the light was steady don't worry about and was very rude and unprofessional. While investigating code info online I found it was a known problem to KIA and nothing could be done-problem in ECU logic -no fix-expecting software update. If I went to dealership who knows what they would of done and charged me for.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2021
Oct 2020

VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING, DELAYING FORWARD MOTION FOR A COUPLE SECONDS. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM STOP OR WHEN TURNING EITHER DIRECTION. THIS HAS BEN REPORTED TO DEALER SINCE WE BOUGHT IT NEW AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE IT OR FIND ANY PROBLEM. WE HAD A 2015 KIA SOUL & TRADED IT BECAUSE IT DID IT EVEN MORE OFTEN THAN THIS ONE. WE THOUGHT IT WAS JUST THAT ONE CAR, BUT THIS ONE DOES IT TOO BUT NOT QUITE AS OFTEN. IT DID IT AGAIN 3 TIMES YESTERDAY, BUT MAY NOT DO IT FOR WEEKS AT A TIME SO VERY DIFFICULT TO DIAGNOSE. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT OTHER OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. IT HAPPENS AFTER STOPPING, LIKE AT A STOP SIGN, OR MORE OFTEN WHEN TURNING EITHER DIRECTION AFTER WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING. I HAS ALMOST CAUSED US TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT SEVERAL TIMES, EITHER REAR-ENDED OR BROADSIDED WHILE TURNING.

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

HAD TO REPLACE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AT 80100 MILES EVEN AFTER RECALL WORK HAD BEEN SATISFIED

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

STEVENS CREEK KIA IS DENYING TO FIX MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER EVEN THOUGH IT'S PART OF THE RECALL. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $250 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND TO FIX THE CONVERTER. THE RECALL DETAILS STATES THE DAMAGED CONVERTER WILL BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER BUT THEY ARE DENYING ANY SERVICE UNLESS I PAY. I NOTIFIED KIA AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. STEVENS CREEK KIA LIED TO ME THAT MY RECALL WAS DONE ON TUESDAY 12-8-20 AND WHEN I SHOWED UP MY CAR WAS STILL NOT RUNNING, THEY STILL GAVE ME MY KEYS AND TOLD ME IT WAS ALL GOOD TO GO. THEY PUT MY IN DANGER, MY CAR WOULD'VE BLOWN. THEY KNEW MY CAR WASN'T RUNNING AND STILL DIDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND LIED TO ME IT WAS READY AND WHEN I TOLD THEM THEY HAD TO CHECK THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AS A PART OF THE RECALL BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THE RECALL DETAIL STATES THEY COMPLETELY DENIED AND SAID IF I DON'T PAY FOR EVERYTHING THEY WON'T BE CHECKING OR FIXING ANYTHING. THE MANAGER AT STEVENS CREEK KIA HAS NO RESPECT OR REGARDING FOR CUSTOMER SAFETY HE HANDED ME MY CAR NOT RUNNING PAST 10 MILES WITH A BAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER EVEN THOUGH THAT'S WHAT THE RECALL SAYS TO REPLACE. I NEED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ON THE PHONE TO FURTHER EXPLAIN EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED AND EXPLAIN IN MUCH GREATER DETAIL. I DON'T FEEL SAFE OR COMFORTABLE STEVENS CREEK KIA HANDLING MY VEHICLE AT THIS POINT. THEY DON'T CARE TO FIX MY RECALLED CAR.

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

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Kia Soul has 42 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. 2 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.