30 complaints reported

2016 Kia Soul UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

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

Reports
30
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Nov 2026

They have a recall on the catalytic converters for the 1.6 engines but not the 2.0. I have had to have mine replaced two times in a year. There is definitely a problem. The second time it almost caught fire due to glowing red cause it got so hot. The same problem is happening to the 2.0 engines just like the 1.6 engines, but nothing is being done.

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

engine rod bearing issues, check engine light is on due to engine knocking from rod bearing and i can't pass state inspection due to check engine light. when the check enging light is on the vehicle can only be driven at speed of 30m/h. took the vehicle to kia dealer at roosvelt ave, york pa 17404 and repaires denied under warranty

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2024
Nov 2025

While driving my 2016 Kia Soul on the highway, the vehicle suddenly began shaking and immediately lost power. The check engine light came on and the car would not accelerate, even when pressing the gas pedal. This happened with no prior warning. I had to coast to the shoulder in moving traffic, which created a safety concern. The engine then stalled completely and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to Findlay Kia in Las Vegas. Their technicians diagnosed a major internal engine failure. The repair report shows zero compression in cylinder 2, a cracked intake valve, oil contamination, and extensive internal engine damage requiring a full engine replacement. Diagnostic trouble codes included P0300, P0302, P0303, and P0326. There were no earlier symptoms, no overheating, and the vehicle has been properly maintained. The failure was sudden and left the car completely inoperable. I opened Case #[XXX] with Kia Corporate. They reviewed all documents, service records, and the dealer’s findings. Although they did provide assistance in reviewing the case, the final outcome was not in my favor, and they declined to cover the repair. This is concerning given the history of engine-related issues and recalls involving Kia Souls from similar model years, particularly involving sudden engine failure and loss of power. My vehicle remains inoperable at the Kia dealership. The sudden loss of power while driving presents a clear safety risk. Based on my experience and the dealership’s findings, I believe this engine failure is safety-related and should be evaluated further by NHTSA. 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: Oct 2025
Jun 2025

2016 Kia Soul engine burns excessive amounts of oil leading to constantly needing to top off oil and/or oil changes. When car accelerate white smoke comes from engines; mechanic has pictures of white ash on engine components. We have taken it to the dealership after it was purchased by Carmax in June 2024 the check engine light was displayed, but were told no codes came up. We have taken the car to multiple private mechanics and were told this is a common problem and there is a recall on these engines. Finally 2 weeks ago auto repair shop confirmed engine faulty took pictures of white ash on engine components and advised to tow car to dealership re: extended recall on these engines. Dealership states the car now needs a catalytic converter; however this is a direct result of oil deposits in the exhaust that damage the catalytic converter. We have been getting the runaround from the dealership that says no engine codes come up but when the car is driven the white smoke and rattling of the engine is apparent.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2025
Aug 2024

I believe my vehicle is apart of a recall that affects the same vehicle Yr./Mk./Mdl. as mine. When my VIN was searched by the service department at the dealer (same manufacture) it said no recall. I was told that the recall was for the vehicles from a different assembly plant. My vehicle seams to be having the same affect/issues as described in the recall. Recall in reference: Recall Date: April 17, 2019 Recall Number: SC176 Issue: 1) Car ran bad 2) Replaced Spark plugs and coil packs and the car ran good 3) Car ran bad 4) Replaced downstream 02 and the car ran good 5) Car ran bad 6) Replaced upstream O2 sensor and the car ran good 7) Car ran bad 8) Car spits oil out the exhaust pipe 9) Car no longer operable

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2024
May 2024

The PCP valve is coming apart causing the vehicle to lose oil. There is wet oil on the spark plugs. Oil is getting into the cylinders. The catalytic converter is clogged. The engine is having issues which I will find out more about soon. The car is still in the shop. I had to leave it 2.5 hours away and find a ride home because the car would not accelerate over 40 mph on my way back from a trip. I almost got slammed into on a hill on the highway TWICE because the car would not speed up. It has been in the shop for this same issue three times. All three times it gave out on me on the highway. There was NO engine light or light on the dash any of the times it failed me, and there have never been any codes. This issue falls under the recall even though my VIN does not. At the current shop visit I have been told my catalytic converter and possibly engine must be replaced. I am already up to $650 in diagnostic fees for this shop visit and have spent over $800 the last two visits to the shop for this issue . This car is only EIGHT years old with just over 100,000 miles. I have included receipts from the last two visits. The car is still in the shop for the current visit. I will not be paying to replace the catalytic converter or engine. Kia needs to step in and do what is RIGHT.

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

Car is burning oil, catalytic converter is failing, engine is failing, as with several hundred thousand of this year, make and model, yet mine does not seem to be covered by the recall

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2024
Dec 2023

Experiencing issues with the catalyst or catalyst converters. Misfire and codes as well as check engine light present

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

KIA SOLD ME A 2016 KIA SOUL THAT DOES NOT HAVE "IMMOBILIZER" SOFTWARE. KIA'S CHEEZEY SOLUTION IS A STEERING WHEEL LOCK. OF NOTE, HYUNDAI IS NOW OFFERING SOFTWARE UPDATES THAT INSTALL IMMOBILIZER FUNCTION. THOUGHT KIA AND HYUNDAI ARE ONE COMPANY. SO, I HAVE A VEHICLE THAT CAN EASILY BE STOLEN IF I PARK IT ANYWHERE EXCEPT IN MY LOCKED GARAGE. THUS FAR, NO GOOD SOLUTION FROM KIA NOR FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED MY 2016 SOUL. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN GOOD FAITH WHICH NOW IS CRUMBLING.

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

I have had a catalytic convert failure 3 times in 4 years. The first was repaired with the recall on may of 2019. It was replaced at a Kia dealership, with Kia parts. I had my vehicle at the dealership a month prior due to it not running correctly. The second replacement of the catalytic converter was on November of 2020. I was driving on the interstate very early in the morning when my vehicle slowed to 15 mph, no warning lights came on. I had several other vehicles come very close to hitting me. I was able to exit the interstate which took a lengthy amount of time due to my vehicle slowly losing speed. When I was able to pull over to a safe spot my vehicle quit all together. I had it towed to the same Kia dealership. They looked it over and found the converter failed again. It was replaced with Kia parts. I have taken my vehicle in once again due to it stopped running while I was at work. The same dealership has found that for the 3rd time my catalytic converter has failed. I have also replaced all spark plugs and coil packs on this vehicle twice in less than a year due to it misfiring. My engine is also somehow burning oil exponentially. This leads me to believe there is something wrong with my vehicles engine. I also believe something is wrong with Kia parts that they only last a little over a year.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 KIA SOUL, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2020
Aug 2023

I have a 2016 Kia Soul with 1.6L engine. I am the 2nd owner. The previous owner got the knock sensor update but the catalytic converter still failed after the update. Now I have a flashing engine light and P1326 code along with the P40 code for faulty catalytic converter. There is a recall for 2016 Kia Soul engines but when I go to the Kia site and type in my VIN there is no recall showing for my VIN even though I own a 2016 Kia Soul. I think this is wrong and should be corrected. Also Kia keeps telling me that they won't fix my catalytic converter because it falls outside the 80k mile warranty. I am at 90k miles. Yet, the knock sensor was updated and there is currently a recall. The recall should supercede the warranty in this instance. Also I took the car in to have the Kia dealer diagnose my knocking engine and 1326 code. They are saying that even though my car isn't drivable and The engine is malfunctioning, because my car didn't fail the piston ring test I don't qualify for the engine recall repair. All of this is unfair. If my car is exhibiting all the signs that the engine is about to blow why do I have to drive my car until it actually does blow before something can be done? This is unsafe not only for me but others as well. Not to it's completely unfair to me as a consumer who purchased this car in good faith. Kia needs to update ALL Vin numbers instead of consumers having to find out the hard way that there is indeed a recall on their vehicle. Dealerships should be part of the process of updating the manufacturer of new owners information so that new owners can be notified of any recalls. It makes no sense that only the first owner gets information regardless if they still own the vehicle or not. Lastly I would like to reiterate; Kia telling people they have zero recalls on cars that ARE actually part of a recall is outright lying. Kia needs to post ALL recall information to their website regardless to if you input your VIN # By not doing this they Lie

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

The car continues to lose oil. The catalytic converter was replaced. An Independent service area made note of oil leakage. No parts were necessary to correct this problem. The oil pan and any seals were intact. Car maintenance is on time and up to date. Many Oil changes were performed at KIA dealership. The car started making a knocking noise and was unable to accelerate over 20 mph. My check engine light then came on after the occurrence. There was no warning. I was on a highway with speeds of 45 mph when my car started to malfunction. Emergency lights were immediately turned on to prevent rear-end collision. I was alone and stranded at 10:00 p.m. I will obtain receipts of repair and submit as soon as possible.

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

2/17/23 Car was disabled on highway lost speed in the middle of traffic and could not go over 20MPH at dealership- it was confirmed that catalytic convertor went out. 2/23/23 Car CC was replaced picked it up and noticed weird sound from engine 2/24/23 Car returned to dealership 3/3/23 Dealership stated the engine was bad 3/13/23 We were informed that KIA would not cover the repairs and we had to pay $5700 4/3/23 Dealership called and said car was ready to be picked up Car has 78,000 miles on it and has been well maintained - we have all of the service records We understand there is a class action lawsuit where high exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic convertor, resulting in abnormal engine combustion damaging the engine. We have been told that our engine did not qualify under the VIN number that we had. KIA has had known engine problems for over 12 years and we feel that the CC damaged the engine and this is what caused the failure. There were no warning signs, no smoke out of the exhaust etc We just keep getting the run around saying that our VIN was not part of the recall even though our engine had only 78,000 miles and it was very well maintained. Please let us know if we can get any help in paying for this huge expense

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

My car has a recall and a class action suit. I had my Kia serviced on Sept 19th, 2022 at Tire Kingdom, to include a full synthetic oil change, cabin filter replaced, engine filter replaced, new brakes, and tires. On Oct 18th as I drove into my home the oil light came on. I checked the oil and it was very low. I contacted Tire Kingdom and they said add oil and bring it in on Oct 21st 2022 at 10:00 AM. After buying oil, I was driving to Tire Kingdom. I entered Hwy 582 and in approx 2 to 3 miles all the gauges came on and the temperature gauge was on High. I immediately lost power and thankfully I was able to get off the highway as smoke completely blocked my visibility. It was cold and rainy and very dangerous as cars flew by me and my dog. Finally, the tow truck came. My vehicle is currently at Kia East in Orlando and they are charging me 250.00 to diagnose my car. My 2016 Kia Soul Vin number [XXX] has several recalls and a civil lawsuit. I have taken very good care of my car and this is very serious. I do not feel that I should be responsible for rebuilding or replacing my engine. The recall describes exactly what happened to my car. 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: Nov 2022
Sep 2022

Catalytic converter is bad

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

Check engine on. Code of catalytic converter. It was changed at Velazquez auto repair in Milwaukee WI, but now the engine is burning oil fast it lasts less than 2000 miles after each oil and filter change. I can't afford another car and Im disabled. My VIN is not included in the recall but my car was impacted, I've spent $1,780 on the catalytic converter already.Please help!

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

Vehicle is constantly burning oil. I have zero engine leaks, no oil spots on engine. Where is the oil going. I took it to Kia. They said it was a catalytic converter. Oil loss and p040 code are incorrect. Misdiagnosed. Possible pcv problem. Bought from widrick in Watertown NY.

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

While driving to work vehicle oil light started flashing and vehicle started making metal on metal noises and vehicle would not accelerate. I pulled over, turned off the engine. The vehicle would not start again. Took vehicle to a mechanic and he told me that I needed a new engine. I went to the dealer when I found out about the recall. I was told they couldn't do anything for me because I never had the car serviced there.

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

I received a notice from Kia that my car was part of a recall affecting the engine. I brought my car into the nearest Kia dealership to me and they confirmed that my car had a recall in which they were to run a program and check the catalytic converter and engine. I confirmed before and after this visit that they checked everything and was told that yes they checked the catalytic converter and everything was fine and they updated the engine program that was called for by the recall. I have brought my car in atleast 3 times and never having any issue previously was insured that my car would be covered under the recall but that we had to essentially wait for the engine to fail before that could be done. My car has lost power suddenly on the highway twice since this program has been run. Every visit i was told that my car was safe to drive. The most recent visit - which happened less than 30 days from the previous one where I was told my vehicle was safe to drive - has resulted in me being told that my catalytic converter has suddenly become clogged and that “my vehicle is not effected by this recall”. The visit before no such issue was mentioned in fact I was only informed my engine had “some codes and a few misfires” - again this was less than 30 days before my catalytic converter suddenly clogged. It is important to mention that this all happened with 6 months from the time the program was ran until today. I have the receipts of all of my visits to Kia. This most recent visit on May 19, 2022 in which I was told about the catalytic converter was the result of the second loss of power on the highway dropping from 70mph to 40mph suddenly and then continuing to decrease as I tried to navigate to the side of the road while traffic continued at normal speed around me; putting me, my child and others on the road at great risk of accident and injury. This is unacceptable.

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

as i was heading home from work , about 12 miles into road, vehicle started loosing power, and at it would turn engine off at stop lights, and it would turn back on, and started shaking and running under 40 miles an hour, the next day , warranty was able to tow it to the manufacture dealership service, the service adviser called and said it was the engine, its been three weeks and the issues has not been resolved due to warranty not wanting to pay for repairs.

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

Coming home from town our 2016 Kia Soul lost power. The engine light came on flashing then we could not accelerate the gas pedal. It would not go over 55 mph even if I had the pedal to the floor. I checked recall and it says none. I was reading the other complaints from Kia owners. They are having the same issue. It should be a recall. This needs investigated. We’ve only had ours since May 2022. Kia needs to make this right. I know I probably won’t buy another Kia.

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

CATALYTIC OVERHEATING, BURNT OUT THE SPARK PLUGS AND HARNESS. CAR LOST ALL POWER AND WOULD NOT GO FASTER THAN ABOUT 20MPH WHICH WAS VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. ALL OTHER 2016 KIA SOUL WITH 1.6L I-4 DOHC GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION (GDI) HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALL TO FIX THIS ISSUE AND THIS SERIES OF VIN SHOULD BE INCLUDED AND COVERED AS WELL. CAN LEAD TO TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE AND REPLACEMENT NECESSARY. DEALERSHIP NOW WANTS $2000 TO FIX THIS ISSUE THAT MAY HAVE ALREADY DONE PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THIS WOULD LEAVE US FOOTING THE BILL FOR REPLACEMENT ENGINE THAT IS NEEDED LATER BECAUSE OF DAMAGE DONE WHEN MOTOR WAS BURNING GAS TOO HOT. THIS KIA SOUL NEEDS TO BE ADDED TO THE RECALL ALREADY IN INSISTENCE.

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

The engine light is starting to appear more frequently this started about two years ago and every few months would appear and the oil would be a little low and more recently after oil changes... I had brought the car in late last year to check on the recall of the engine & mentioned concern... I was told everything was fine and this problem started occurring while before I reached 100,000 miles... I've been waiting over two weeks for an appointment and have one scheduled for July 14 which I made over two weeks ago when the problem occurred once again and I had my mother in the car 90 year old... I've been told by the Kia dealership that everything was good however it appears that this is put me in a situation that could be extremely dangerous if all the oil burns off or there are other issues similar to the below ...Optima Hybrid, 2012 Sportage, 2012–2013 Sorento, and 2012–2013 Forte and Forte Koup with the 2.4-liter Theta II engine; and the 2014–2015 Forte, Forte Koup, and Soul with the 2.0-liter Nu engine. Kia will notify owners starting on January 27, 2021. Dealers will inspect the engine compartments of affected vehicles, make repairs, and potentially replace engines. Kia also intends to carry out a software update to add a Knock Sensor Detection System as soon as possible, and the NHTSA report states that Kia will provide 15-year/150,000-mile warranty coverage for engine repairs needed "due to connecting-rod bearing damage." Kia will also reimburse owners for any repair expenses already incurred related to the problem, NHTSA's report says...Just to recap we can't get an appointment till the 14th they're trying to squeeze me in earlier I'll know next Tuesday however I have just paid off my Kia after five years and was hoping to enjoy many more years... I'm very disappointed that the safety of the car and the drivers and the owners are not of the upmost importance Something should be done immediately for their loyal customers... Call [XXX] [XXX] 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: Nov 2019
Oct 2020

AUGUST 28, 2020 I RECIEVED A LETTER FROM KIA CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS STATING A RECALL ON A 2014 - 2016 KIA SOUL CONDUCTING SOFTWARE UPDATE ON ENGINE TO PROTECT THE ENGINE. GOT THAT COMPLETED AND SEVERAL WEEKS LATER WENT BACK TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP FOR AN OIL CHANGE, WAS ASKED DID I GIVE A GOOD REVIEW FOR KIA AND THE GUY APPEARED UPSSET, ANYWHO AFTER THAT OIL CHANGE MY KIA STARTED TO RUN SLOW AND WOULD NOT ACCERATE TO THE NORMAL SPEED OR SEEMS TO STOP. ASK A MECHANIC AND SAID IT SOUNDS LIKKE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I LOOK UP INFORMATION ON KIA AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR CATALYTIC CONVERTER, HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP IS CHECKING FOR OTHER THINGS. HOW DO I PROTECT MY CAR?

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

WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND JUST LOST ENGINE PRESSURE AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE DIED. POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW OIL ALL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE MOTOR. TOWED IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE AND ITS NOT COVERED. SAW THE RECALL GOD THEM ABOUT IT AND THEY DID NOTHING BUT TELL ME THE COST. *TR

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

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Quick Summary

The 2016 Kia Soul has 30 UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.