Kia Soul Complaints (2016)

825 consumer complaints on file.

#11444602December 21, 2021
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle went into limp mode with reduced speed. The contact stated that while driving approximately 73 MPH the vehicle decelerated to 43 MPH. The vehicle lost power and shut off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where an oil change was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer; Kia Country of Charleston (2361 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29414, (843)573-2300) where the code was reset. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443964December 16, 2021
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444029December 16, 2021
ENGINE
Prior to completing the Kia Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software upgrade to add a Knock Sensor Detections System (KSDS) on my 2016 Kia Soul, my engine completely failed. After towing the vehicle to an auto repair show, my mechanic told me he won't repair my Kia as it was under warranty. I then towed my Kia to the dealership, I was informed that my piston rod had catastrophic failure and I needed to purchase a new engine ($10,800). According to the product improvement campaign, the vehicle has the potential of suffering damage of the exact failure I had. Kia claims that because my engine failed prior to getting the software upgrade, that I am required to pay for a new engine. There was no deadline to complete the software upgrade, nor was I notified in the letter that if my engine failed prior to, I would be held liable. Kia has a known product defect (MFG Recall SC176; NHTSA Recall 19V-120). My engine failed in the exact same manner as described in the recall. My vehicle only has 86,000 miles on it. My Kia has been at the dealership since July 6, 2021. I did receive a copy of the recall notice in Sept. of 2021. I called the dealership again, and they said no, my engine isn't covered, but they could replace my engine for 6000$ now. Then I got a call from the dealership that they could not find an engine, and it would take 3 months to get an engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11442951December 7, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
For a week or two when I turned the heated seat on I would often feel a very intense heat from the seat back when it started up for a period of time. I had just recently had a back injury so I thought perhaps my back was being overly sensitive. Finally on the 27th just after I started driving the car in the morning I felt the burning feeling on my back again and stuck my hand behind me to feel the seat. I felt burning on my hand and pain and yanked my hand away immediately, pulled over, and looked behind me at the seat, in time to see a curl of smoke coming out of a small hole on the back of the seat. I also found that the palm of my hand had a small mark beneath the base of my thumb where I had felt the burning pain. It took at least half an hour for the burning sensation to fade. I also detected an odor of smoke for a bit afterward. I had no warning that this was going to happen other than the burning feeling the heated seat had started to generate upon my back- no warning lights or such. I have not had any service done on the problem yet though I intend to contact Kia soon; so the car is currently in the same state although obviously I don't turn the heated seat on anymore since I don't want things in my car to be on fire.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11442750December 5, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ALWAYS FLICKERS DURING USE. I CHANGE THE TURN SIGNAL BULB MONTHLY BUT IT NEVER LAST MORE THAN A FEW DAYS WORKING IF NOT AT ALL. I HAVE CONFIRMED THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BULBS AS I HAVE CHECKED THE BULB WITH THE LEFT SIDE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11441496November 23, 2021
ENGINE
Prior to completing the Kia Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software upgrade to add a Knock Sensor Detections System (KSDS) on my 2016 Kia Soul+, my engine completely failed. After towing the vehicle to the dealership, I was informed that my piston rod had catastrophic failure and I needed to purchase a new engine ($4,000). According to the product improvement campaign, the vehicle has the potential of suffering damage of the exact failure I had. Kia claims that because my engine failed prior to getting the software upgrade, that I am required to pay for a new engine. There was no deadline to complete the software upgrade, nor was I notified in the letter that if my engine failed prior to, I would be held liable. Kia has a known product defect (MFG Recall SC176; NHTSA Recall 19V-120), but my VIN isn't affected. However, my engine failed in the exact same manner as described in the recall. My vehicle only has 52,000 miles on it and out of factory warranty by 3.5 months when this occurred.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11441189November 21, 2021
ENGINE
Having a problem since 4/2021 with engine light coming on, diagnosis showing catalytic converter issue (code P0420) engine and exhaust not performing correctly, dealer requested assistance due to known recall problem with system and Kia has not responded. Could be fire and crash risk due to the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11440278November 12, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. This was the fourth recurring failure where the dealer had replaced the catalytic converter on three separate occasions. The vehicle was towed a fourth time to the dealer. The dealer did not diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, Hutchinson Kia of Macon (3931 River Pl Dr, Macon, GA 31210) where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had melted and caused the engine to fail, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the only current recall was for the piston rod and that the vehicle did not meet the recall requirement or the warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11438975November 1, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Catalytic converter failed after only ba few years, other VINS of the same year were recalled for this already
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11437441October 20, 2021
ENGINE
My check engine light was continually going on and off for a month took it t get it check found out it was converter and their a recall for converter . Took to the Kia dealership with check engine light on to have this taken care they did only a reboot of the engine and light was off so I thought the problem was solve bit the very next day the light was back on went again to the check engine light and again they said it was the catalyst converter took it back to dealership and told their was no more recall on my vehicle I told them about the problem and recall they didn't fix and was told it cost me to do diagnostic test and I week to do that I told I can't be with out a car that long so it was nothing they can do I left and now my check engine light coming on more frequently I might have this fix myself I don't want more engine or worst but why should I pay when this was be taken of them I received a recall notice for same thing 2 days ago and they still won't fix it free of charge what going on and now what shall I do?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11437305October 19, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Driving along on highway, the vehicle struggles to go uphill. Loses acceleration and have difficulty revving to next gear. Brought the vehicle to dealer. Dealer states the catalytic converter is clogged. This is the third time in three years that this has happen. First time, I paid full price to replace because vehicle was out of its warranty. Second time, Kia did a good-faith repair, replaced catalytic for free. Now it is happening again. Oil consumption is high. Would have to top off oil after two gas fill-ups. The vehicle is regularly maintain with oil and filter changes. I seen many posts of owners with same vehicle having the same issues. Kia dealer wants to charge $2600 to replace converter. They also suggests an oil consumption test that will cost around $500+. Never have any warnings that the oil is low. If I was not diligent in checking my oil levels, I could be driving the vehicle with no oil and potentially damaging the engine or worse a fire will break out. This vehicle needs to be recalled.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11435917October 7, 2021
ENGINE
The component that has failed on this vehicle is the catalytic converter. Two weeks before taking the vehicle in, I noticed that the check engine indicator light was on. As of this writing, the vehicle was taken into Car town Kia ( Oct. 6, 2021) for inspection and computer upgrade but vehicle was not fixed to solve the problem. There was a recall for this particular item but the vehicle still was not fixed. 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 but yet, the vehicle has not been fixed. I am afraid that this vehicle will probably catch fire while I am driving it while family members are in the vehicle. I believe my safety as well as the general public can/could be jeopardized if the vehicle were to catch fire. I have no actual confirmation that the vehicle was actually inspected. Kia service managers take no responsibility for the matter and I have been told to resolve the complaint with KIA general management. This issue is a safety hazard and there have been many instances of these vehicles electrical/engine components catching fire while someone is driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11435607October 5, 2021
FIRERELATED
The contact owned a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at 25 - 30 mph, there was smoke coming from the engine. The contact's daughter pulled over and exited the vehicle. The vehicle then caught on fire. The police and fire department was called, and the fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. No medical attention was received. No injury was sustained. The vehicle remained at the scene of the failure and was not towed. The insurance company had not deemed the vehicle totaled. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11435370October 4, 2021
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11434989September 30, 2021
ENGINE
Was told by my dealership where I bought the car new. That there have been issues with them burning oil. I checked the oil dip stick and showed no oil and called them and that's what they told me. I was never told or received any kind of notice about this issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11433966September 22, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine seized and needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11433588September 20, 2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When switching from AC to heat, moisture starts spraying from vents, rapidly dripping on floor and completely fogging up windows causing zero visibility. I was forced to pull off roadway for fear of a collision. It then takes at least ten minutes for the moisture to stop and the windows to clear. This happened a year ago at the same time when the weather is changing from warm days using the ac and then using the heat on cold mornings. The dealership charged me to replace the cabin air filter which did not fix the problem. I have seen this complaint by other KIA Soul owners on a number of public internet sites.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11433615September 20, 2021
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
My Kia Soul's engine failed when we were exiting the highway. The car started making awful grinding sounds and went into "limp mode." When I tried to restart the vehicle, the oil lamp and check engine lamp illuminated. The car had shown NO issues the entire day and I had put oil in it earlier that morning because I noticed it was low (I try to check the oil every time I get gas). I had my partner and our dogs in the car with us and had to walk down the highway to the gas station to call somebody since we didn't have service. It was also 110 degrees outside, so the car failing put us in a pretty dangerous situation. We had JUST gotten the recall notice for the vehicle's engine a week before (it looked like it had gotten lost in the mail) and had called around to the Kia Dealerships in the area and none could see us for over a month, which was a problem because we were going to be moving back to the PNW from Death Valley (we had to relocate because I was laid off due to COVID) in less than a month. The closest dealerships were also 100+ miles away. We towed the car with us to WA and got it into a dealership ASAP and they confirmed that the engine had a knock, but Kia refused to fix the issue, stating that because the Knock Sensor Detection Software hadn't been installed, it was not under warranty. The car got serviced at least once every 4 months (I have service records), and I would check and fill the engine oil regularly because the car would burn through it like crazy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11433460September 18, 2021
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
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?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11432721September 13, 2021
ENGINE
After having my oil and filter changed at jiffy lube in approximately 3 weeks my oil light came on. Had to add 3 quarts. Have had to add 1 quart every 400 miles since. Never had to add oil before the last change. No signs of leak/burning etc. Making an appointment with Kia dealer to investigate - also having them perform the WCU upgrade related to Kia Product Improvement Campaign dated 8/20/20. I was never notified. I have read a number of complaints and quite a few are related to both oil and knock sensor issues. I will update after visit to Kia Dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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