Kia Soul Complaints (2016)

825 consumer complaints on file.

#11774466October 29, 2026
ENGINE
Issues with catalytic converters , manifold, fuel 02 sensor. Have had to replace multiple times. Not listed as a recal vin.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773682October 26, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle won't go faster than 60mph. It will go in limp mode. Vehicle should be part of the engine replace campaign, but it is not showing up on the NHTSA website.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768610October 2, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle suffered a sudden, dangerous loss of power on the highway at 70 mph, dropping immediately to 20 mph, creating a severe safety risk. The vehicle has an active P0420 code. The official NHTSA database confirms that Safety Recall SC176 (Campaign 19V120) is INCOMPLETE for this vehicle. However, the KIA dealership and KIA corporate are actively refusing to honor the federal recall, falsely claiming the vehicle is past an 8-year/80,000-mile emissions warranty limitation. They are also forcing a $249 diagnostic fee to investigate an open, incomplete safety campaign.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768077September 30, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE A 2016 KIA SOUL THAT HAS BEEN HAVING DRINKING OIL EVERY 2-3 WEEKS BUT THERE ISNT ANY OIL LEAKING ON THE GROUND.LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING HOME AND MY CAR WOULNT GO OVER 20MPH I TOOK IT TO KIA AND THEY SAID I NEED A CATALYTIC CONVERTER THE OIL IS STILL ESCAPING SOMEWHERE AND WHEN I LOOKED AT THE RECALLS MY VIN DIDNT SHOW I HAD ANY BUT MY CAR IS SOMEHOW HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AND I HAVE 108,000 MILES
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767274September 27, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dear Kia Customer Care, I am writing to formally express my disappointment and serious concern regarding my 2016 Kia Soul, VIN [XXX], its engine failure, the applicable engine recall/warranty coverage, and my experience obtaining assistance and repairs through Kia. Most importantly, this situation involved more than an inconvenience or ordinary mechanical problem. My son's safety was placed at serious risk when my Kia abruptly lost power and became disabled in high-speed freeway traffic. XXX – Dangerous Freeway Breakdown On Saturday, XXXX, at approximately 9:30 p.m., my son, [XXX], was driving my Kia Soul on the [XXX] from [XXX] toward [XXX], for his 11:00 p.m. work shift. According to [XXX], the vehicle abruptly began losing speed and eventually came to a complete stop near the freeway median. The vehicle was left in an extremely dangerous position with high-speed traffic approaching nearby. [XXX] noticed that the check-engine light had illuminated. He repeatedly attempted to restart the vehicle, but it would not start. When [XXX] called me for assistance, I panicked because of the dangerous circumstances. My immediate concern was that my son or another motorist could be seriously injured. I contacted AAA for emergency roadside assistance. Because of the hazardous location, AAA contacted the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to assist until the tow truck arrived. [XXX] was instructed not to leave the vehicle because of the high-speed traffic surrounding him. AAA ultimately towed my Kia Soul to Kia Cerritos because it was the closest Kia dealership I could locate that offered an overnight vehicle drop-off. XXXX – Vehicle Received by Kia Cerritos On Sunday, XXX, a service representative contacted me to confirm that Kia Cerritos had received my vehicle. I was asked what had occurred the previous evening, and I explained the incident in detail. XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767031September 25, 2026
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI has an unresolved engine-related safety and recall concern. The vehicle is associated with safety recall SC176 / NHTSA 19V120, which remains identified as incomplete in the vehicle’s recall records. Kia also sent a recall renotification stating that the recall had not been completed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealership after experiencing engine knocking, difficulty accelerating, and a no-start condition. Repair Order #544458 documents the reported engine knocking, trouble accelerating, and inability to start. The repair order also states that the vehicle was towed out because Kia Techline declined the engine request due to related recall work not having been performed. The vehicle was released without the requested engine replacement or a completed resolution. The concern is that the vehicle experienced serious engine-related symptoms while an applicable safety recall was listed as incomplete, and the manufacturer’s authorization process did not result in a completed recall-related remedy. The vehicle was subsequently removed from the dealership. I request that NHTSA document and review this complaint, including whether the recall remedy and engine-related concerns are being appropriately addressed. The vehicle and supporting records may be available for inspection upon request. Supporting documentation includes the Kia recall letter, recall verification, dealership repair order, and communications concerning the manufacturer’s review.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766582September 24, 2026
ENGINE
The engine long-block assembly suffered a catastrophic, terminal internal collapse and sudden stall due to abrasive substrate particle ingestion from a previously failed, melted manifold catalytic converter under Safety Recall SC176 (NHTSA Campaign 19V120000). The vehicle has been extracted to preserve evidence and is available for immediate physical inspection. The vehicle suffered a complete, sudden loss of motive power and stalled while traveling at high speeds on a busy public highway. It went into an un-accelerated limp mode, creating an immediate hazard of a high-speed rear-end collision on the highway shoulder. Authorized franchise facility Garden Grove Kia officially confirmed the terminal block failure under Repair Order #6238999. A diagnostic scan confirmed multi-cylinder misfires (P0300–P0304). A physical compression test confirmed a terminal drop to 59.6 psi in Cylinder 2, and an internal camera borescope confirmed a catastrophic internal Cylinder 2 wall crash damage not sealing alongside a fractured spark plug tip inside Cylinder 4. The dealership officially recommended a total engine replacement. The vehicle was inspected by a certified franchise dealer technician representing the manufacturer. A formal enforcement case has been opened regarding this vehicle asset and documentation file with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) under Reference Case #669B-C5PDRP
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764698September 16, 2026
ENGINE
My car is under 130000 miles and about two years ago I already had to replace one catalytic converter. The past six months the oil usage of my car, which has always been high and requires frequent topping off and more frequent oil changes at my mechanic, has gotten even worse. A check engine light came on a few weeks ago due to a catalytic converter fault. While car is still functional my mechanic expects the second converter will have to be replaced soon. These are all signs of an engine and system that is not functioning properly and could cause an issue at any time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764721September 16, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately and lost motive power while driving. The contact was able to continue driving at reduced power. Additionally, there were abnormal sounds coming from under the hood, excessive engine oil consumption, and a plastic burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where the crankshaft position sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Kia Store Clarksville (826 E Lewis and Clark Pkwy, Clarksville, IN 47129), where Voluntary Service Campaign: SC334 (Service Brakes), Technical Service Bulletin: SA485 (ECM Logic Improvement), and Customer Satisfaction Program: CS2311 (Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector & Decal Installation) were performed. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the first dealer, who diagnosed that the catalytic converter had melted. The vehicle was then taken back to Kia Store Clarksville, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had melted, the engine cylinders were scored, and the pistons had failed; however, no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) were retrieved as required for engine and catalytic converter replacement. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 139,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764798September 16, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Component or system: Catalytic converter (exhaust emissions system). The converter is physically restricted due to substrate damage consistent with the defect identified in NHTSA Campaign 19V120 / Kia Recall SC176. The restriction limits engine RPM to approximately 3,000 under all conditions. The vehicle is available for inspection at any authorized Kia dealership. No DTC is stored because the restriction has not yet degraded catalytic efficiency below the ECU's threshold — the catalyst is still chemically functional but physically blocked. Safety risk: The RPM limitation prevents the vehicle from accelerating past ~3,000 RPM, creating a significant hazard when merging onto highways, passing in traffic, or climbing grades with risk of fire. The recall notice identifies the risk as "abnormal engine combustion and damage to pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure," which can result in sudden engine stall while in motion. The restriction is progressive and will worsen, increasing the likelihood of complete power loss. Reproduced or confirmed by a dealer: The vehicle was inspected at an authorized Kia dealer. The dealer scanned for DTCs, found none, and declined to perform the recall remedy (catalytic converter replacement) on the basis that P0420 had not been stored. The dealer confirmed catilitic converter was clogged.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764497September 15, 2026
ENGINE
On December 4, 2025, I presented my vehicle to Kia Carriage of Woodstock with the following symptoms: • Continuous check‑engine warning • Rattling engine noise • Oil leakage • Strong burning‑oil smell while driving These symptoms are consistent with rod bearing failure, a known Kia safety defect covered under the extended warranty and KSDS settlement. Kia’s own records confirm: • KSDS update completed on 4/10/2021 • Vehicle qualifies for the 15‑year / 150,000‑mile extended warranty • Rod bearing failure requires full engine replacement under warranty Despite this, the dealership refused warranty coverage and attempted to charge me $6,000 for an engine replacement, while also charging $300 for a diagnostic that did not resolve or address the safety issue. --- Dealer Misconduct and Warranty Avoidance Kia Carriage of Woodstock engaged in the following misconduct: • Refused to honor the extended warranty • Returned the vehicle in unsafe condition • Attempted to upsell me into purchasing another vehicle • Sales manager admitted the car “was not pumping oil” and that this was “a Kia problem” • Still refused warranty repair This behavior is predatory, unsafe, and violates Kia’s warranty obligations. --- Consumer Affairs Contradictions and Failure to Escalate On August 11, 2026, I opened Case No. 263276699. On the phone, a Consumer Affairs representative initially confirmed my vehicle is under warranty. After I referenced the denial letter I received, the representative changed her position and stated the rod bearing failure “is not covered,” citing a “multi‑point inspection” from December 2025. A multi‑point inspection does not diagnose rod bearing failure and cannot be used to deny warranty coverage. Consumer Affairs has: • Provided contradictory information • Refused to escalate the case • Relied solely on the dealership’s statements • Failed to address a clear safety hazard This is unacceptable and requires executive intervention. --- Current Statu
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763887September 13, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
Was driving car lost power of steering and brakes black smoke filled vehicle I jumped out of the car and it went up in flames . The vehicle behind me said the flames were coming out of my front engine
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763808September 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Whistling noise and problem with acceleration over 35mph and drifting uphill. Although VIN number did not appear on the listed recall, the repair work recommended and partially completed by Kia repair dealer points directly to the description of an oil consumption problem that includes the 2016 Kia Soul. Some repairs done at Kia XXX and some done at Scott Kia in [XXX] (where I reside). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762652September 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI with approximately 108,956 miles. The vehicle is consuming approximately 1/2 quart of engine oil every 1,000 miles. There is no obvious external oil leak. I am concerned about excessive oil consumption and possible internal engine damage. The vehicle also produces a very loud exhaust-type noise from the front of the vehicle when starting, which appears to be coming from the front exhaust/manifold/catalytic-converter area. The vehicle currently has no check-engine light. I checked the VIN through NHTSA and it shows zero unrepaired recalls. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether these symptoms could indicate a safety-related defect affecting this vehicle or other Kia Soul vehicles with the same engine. It is getting worst and loud
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762841September 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a white 2016 Kia Soul Exclaim with 55,150 miles on it. About 3 months ago the paint started bubbling around the panoramic sunroof and has peeled off showing the gray undercoating. Ive read that this is an ongoing issue. I am the original owner and would like to have this issue fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761209September 1, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My white paint is bubbling off and peeling down to the metal and it is all over and continues to do so more and more everyday. I am afraid to wash it for fear of having it all come off. It looks terrible and will really look ugly and value comes down quick enough on these cars as it is. It needs to be fixed or something. Can a lemon law be done on the manufacture or something? I still owe on this car and it will be really ugly in a month or so. Something needs to be done about these cars.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759778August 26, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle won't pass emissions test the SC176 CATYLIC CONVERTER I've exceeded the 3 per year Temporary tags and my vehicle is a recall due to no pass emissions test . My temporary tags are expired and I got a ticket
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759179August 24, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Incident Overview & Vehicle Record Vehicle: 2016 Kia Soul Purchase Date: June 30, 2024 (Purchased from AutoNation Plano as 2nd owner) Incident Date: June 19, 2025 (Stalled on road at 113,000 miles) Current Location: Group1 Kia South Austin (Towed on July 8, 2025) Diagnosis: Severe internal engine failure (rod bearing defect) Current Status: Warranty extension claim denied by dealership due to missing Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update. We are 2nd user and this defects is due to manufectuer problem not user. Kia never issued recall regarding this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758898August 23, 2026
ENGINE
I am filing a formal safety compliance complaint regarding my 2016 Kia Soul (1.6L GDI engine) and a structural failure of the exhaust/catalytic converter system related to NHTSA Campaign 19V120000 / Recall SC176. The vehicle has thrown a persistent P0420 Check Engine Code (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) and is experiencing unsafe driving conditions, including severe power loss and sudden engine stalling in active traffic. Authorized franchise Valley Kia of Modesto has refused to honor the safety recall framework. They have denied federal compliance by refusing to perform the mandated exhaust inspections, engine combustion tests, or hardware replacement under the open recall guidelines, falsely claiming prior software updates absolve them of replacing the failed physical hardware. Corporate Case #26299283 was opened on August 19, 2026, but the franchise continues to operate in complete non-compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards, leaving an active fire and stalling hazard unresolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758578August 21, 2026
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia Soul with the 1.6L GDI engine lost power. On 08/21/2026 at 107,547 miles I took it to Grand Kia, 1950 West 104th Avenue, Thornton, Colorado, repair order 137483, service advisor Patricia Palmas. The dealer performed a cylinder compression test and a leak-down test and documented on the repair order that the engine has scored cylinder walls, with cylinder number 3 identified as the affected cylinder. They also performed a rod bearing clearance test, which passed. They pulled down the exhaust to inspect the downstream catalytic converter and recorded that inspection as okay. They noted new spark plugs with no signs of fouling. Despite recording scored cylinder walls on their own repair order, the dealer told me the vehicle was fine and took no further action. No diagnostic trouble code was present. I was not given a written reason for the refusal, no technical assistance or Techline case was opened that I am aware of, and no engine inspection under any campaign was offered. I was charged nothing and sent away with a vehicle that has documented internal engine damage. This vehicle is within the population covered by Kia safety recall SC176 (NHTSA campaign 19V120), which covers all 2012-2016 model year Souls with the 1.6L GDI engine. That recall describes a failure mode in which the catalytic converter is damaged by overheating, substrate particles enter the engine combustion chamber, and continuous abnormal combustion results in damage to one or more of the engine's pistons, which can cause connecting rod breakage and puncture the engine block, allowing oil to contact hot exhaust surfaces. The stated remedy includes upgrading the ECU logic, replacing the catalytic converter if damaged, and replacing the engine depending on the extent of damage. Scored cylinder walls on a single cylinder is consistent with the damage mechanism that recall describes. The recall states there are no restrictions on owner eligibility. Nevertheless, no evaluation under SC176
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Soul