2016 KIA SOUL Engine Problems
531 NHTSA complaints on file
All Engine Complaints — Page 4
NHTSA - I own a 2016 Kia Soul that has a damaged failing engine; the problem is excessive oil consumption. This defect is causing motor oil to migrate into areas of the engine that it shouldn't be, thus inevitably causing a catastrophic failure; rendering the engine inoperable and irreparable. The oil pressure warning light came on only after the damage was done. Horne Kia in Gilbert Arizona, where I purchased the vehicle, inspected it and found this to be true. However Horne Kia and Kia corporate will not repair or authorize repair, respectively. I was told to continue driving it until the engine is completely destroyed in order to have it repaired...WHAT. So I'm being told that the engine will definitely seize-up and fail leaving me stranded; this is a safety nightmare. What if I'm driving on a highway when this happens. What if the engine failure causes me to...
Second time the catalytic converter has failed on a 2016 Kia Soul. The vehicle has had all of the recall items installed and still the catalytic converter has failed. Vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power followed by a P0420 error code. After scheduling an service inspection (5 weeks out was the soonest appointment available), it was determined the catalytic converter had failed again (It was replaced under warranty about 45,000 miles ago). I have called KIA repeatedly for over a month now to get a warranty approval but it is still under "management review". I have talked to several people at Kia corporate with no results. I have been forward to the supervisor's email twice but they will not call me back.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle had consumed a rapid amount of oil soon after an oil change. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where he was informed that an oil consumption test and a top engine cleaning would need to be performed to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 91,326.
Check engine light came. Took it to my mechanic and diagnostics was done, and it showed code PO40 ???. That's when found out about a recall that was issued back in 2019, to prevent what happened to the catalytic converter in my car.
While driving it lost power. Went into limp mode. Towed to Kia said it was Cadillac Convertor.
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.
Traveling on the interstate five days ago, the vehicle (2016 Kia Soul) started knocking and I could not accelerate. Was able to safely get off the road and had the vehicle taken to the closest dealership. Vehicle has had significant oil consumption. Diagnostic test concluded ignition coil replacement was needed due to code P0302. Other recommended action was fuel induction service. I've read online these are short term measures that generally do not work and that the knocking, inability to accelerate, and the check engine light coming on will recur. Last November, I had the software patch PI20002B ECU update. Since February of 2023, I have had three incidents due to the known problems with the engine for this model year. Why won't Kia and the dealers simply replace the darn engine?
Motor burns excessive oil; took vehicle to Kia dealership in October 2023. I told to get a full.synthetic oil change, and to return in 1000 miles to check the oil consumption. After an oil consumption test, if the vehicle is burning excessive oil, I told that my vehicle to my dealership to file a claim under the manufacturer's warranty to replace my motor/ engine needs to have a top engine cleanout at $500. If my vehicle fails this test, I am to return the vehicle to receive a new motor/ engine under the manufacturer's warranty. This is preposterous!
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to properly respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty catalytic converter. The vehicle had not been repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
--Check engine light has come on and suggests the catalytic converter is an issue but there is also emission of excessive smoke from exhaust that appears consistent with faulty engine components --exhaust may no longer meet EPA standards of approval --problem has been diagnosed by an independent service center --dealer has referred me to THIS website but says to call back only if recall is confirmed by NTHSA --Check engine light appeared recently and I immediately brought it to independent service agent who stated my vehicle might be included in the broad recall and recommended contacting the Dealer which I have done and has referred me here.
Catalytic converter is overheating resulting in a check engine light. The code is P0420.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
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...
I took my 2016 Kia Soul to Fredy Kia back in June because it had been misfiring and dying while driving. They said the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. I had taken my car in for the ECU update because of the possible rod bearing piston engine failure due to catalytic converter failure. They would not do a good faith coverage for the repair even though it was just over warranty and they have a massive settlement going for the rod bearing damage on engines and I am seeing massive talk online with other Kia Soul owners having the same issues with the catalytic converter. These cars are catching fire eventually and dying on the freeway. This is a massive safety issue and I cannot believe they aren't including the catalytic converter under it. Furthermore, the service manager at Fredy Kia liedto me and said I had to contact...
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was making a rattling noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 99,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a ratting sound coming from under the hood. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the catalytic converter and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the remedy for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) had failed to prevent the failure. The engine was replaced but the catalytic converter was not replaced due to the vehicle being out of warranty. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 90,800.
My 2016 Kia Soul was part of the Kia Engine Recall. In reading about the recall it says that if the catalytic converter was also damaged as a result of the engine failure that it would also be replaced free of charge. Kia is denying my catalytic converter replacement siting it is out of warranty. But the Warranty and the Recall are two separate things. The Recall actually supersedes the warranty because it does not expire. Perhaps there needs to be a separate recall on the catalytic converter since Kia seems to want to weasel their way out of taking responsibility for their faulty engine components.
My engine light malfunctioned, never lit up to report a clogged catalytic converter.
NHTSA - I own a 2016 Kia Soul that has a damaged failing engine; the problem is excessive oil consumption. This defect is causing motor oil to migrate into areas of the engine that it shouldn't be, thus inevitably causing a catastrophic failure; rendering the engine inoperable and irreparable. The oil pressure warning light came on only after the damage was done. Horne Kia in Gilbert Arizona, where I purchased the vehicle, inspected it and found this to be true. However Horne Kia and Kia corporate will not repair or authorize repair, respectively. I was told to continue driving it until the engine is completely destroyed in order to have it repaired...WHAT. So I'm being told that the engine will definitely seize-up and fail leaving me stranded; this is a safety nightmare. What if I'm driving on a highway when this happens. What if the engine failure causes me to...
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...
The contact’s friend owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no indication of a leak or burning oil. The driver added 3 quarts of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who performed a leak test. The dealer informed the contact to bring the vehicle back after driving 1,000 miles for additional testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,659.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud popping or banging sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering was inoperable however, the braking system was functional. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle off the roadway; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
While driving the vehicle the car shuts off
P0420 Code. I have replaced both oxygen sensors with genuine KIA parts. I even had a tune up and replaced the engine air filter. All of the parts were replaced with KIA genuine parts. The code is still coming on. I only have 84889 miles on this car.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the contact had to remove his foot from the accelerator pedal for the vehicle to shift gear. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was a slight delay before the vehicle responded. The contact then stated that he smelled an abnormal odor from the exhaust throughout the vehicle once the RPMs were at 2,500 to 3,000 RPM. The contact stated there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. Additionally, the contact stated that every second tank of fuel, he had to add 2 quarts of engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that...
My safety and the safety of others is put at risk when someone is attempting to steal my vehicle. I am not eligible for the antitheft software upgrade since I don't have a factory installed alarm system.
Check Engine Light won't turn off - I have had the catalitic converter replaced and the engine light has not turned off.
Engine stalled on me while going 60mph on the freeway to almost 20 mph. Check Engine light flashed twice. Engine is now knocking.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine stall duo to faulty Piston rods. Probable cause of faulty Piston Rods is insufficient oil level. May also damage the crankshaft and cause the engine to seize. I have proof of oil changes on time and the car has only 92000 mile on it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle may stall and shut off in the middle of the road unexpectedly which may cause an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
We have a p0420 code with check engine light on (catalyst below threshold) with unusual oil consumption. We have been refused a replacement of the catalytic converter which is failing and may or may not have caused severe engine damage. Engine is going through an unusual high amount of oil with no oil leaks. Contacted Kia NA on July 21st and was told the cat was not covered even though it's failing and we have recall notices coming in the mail.
I have a Kia Soul that is under the engine warranty recall. I was able to drive my vehicle while working with Kia to document issues with my engine. Today I was informed that my catalytic converters are clogged and that is what is causing my vehicle issues, not my engine. The only way my catalytic converters could be clogged would be from faulty engine, but Kia is denying any issue with my engine (that is under warranty) and instructing me to continue driving my vehicle. My vehicle is unable to maintain speed, shakes violently after running 5 minutes, and dies frequently. It is not a safe vehicle to drive on the road.
The check engine light came on a day after i bought the car and never went off it read for several code’s including a catalytic converter fuel cap timing solenoid all which I replaced and the light still was on after oil changes it was discovered there is a low oil condition and the engine needed to be replaced and a few months later the car stopped running and it needs a new engine the dealership knowingly sold that vehicle to me in that condition and they won’t even fix it.
Due to no warning of a recall on my 2016 Kia soul both catalytic converters stopped up. Tried for weeks to get assistance with Kia motors but no assistance brought my car in twice when they said they would fix it sat at the dealership from 8am when they opened until approximately 4 pm before they closed only to be called and asked to return for a second all day long wait. Due to no warnings that my car had a recall and no assistance from the company I've had nothing but issue after issue and can no longer afford to completely fix the car. One issue including being stranded 10 hours away from home!
The catalytic system began breaking apart and throwing an engine light error. The system progressively got worse until it lead to complete failure not allowing the fuel system to work nor the vehicle to be able to accelerate.
The vehicle suddenly stalls while in traffic without notice. It has to be put in on park, turned completely off, and then restarted. People behind my car almost rear end my vehicle causing a collision. Highly unsafe. This has happened numerous times usually after being stopped at a traffic light or stop sign.
Ive gotten 3-4 tuneups every year for the past 4 years. Each year the car randomly shuts off and start running rough they change the coil packs and the spark plugs but every year I drive locally and not far yearly but I still have to get tune ups, 3rd party insurance and state farm spent a total of 12-14k of electrical wiring the doors were controlling the A/C the lights would flicker when trying to turn on A/C. The windows stopped working wouldnt go up or down, the A/C heat wouldnt work this was work everything new and rewired Kia of Anderson kept the car for 4-5 weeks and I had to turn around 2 days later bring it back because the doors and A/C and heat repeated the same thing, they changed the door panel on driver side and 4-5 months ago A/C heat stopped working randomly while...
Engine is consuming large amounts of oil. One quart every 500 miles and getting worse.
My 2016 soul burst into flames following a loud explosion in the engine compartment. The vehicle is a total loss; but, the fire department extinguished the fire before the flames reached the fuel tank. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine and No How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Could have easily been killed had I not recognised the symptoms immediately and had the time to react. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Irrellavent. The vehicle caught fire. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. There is nothing left to inspect. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Only seconds before.
Excessive oil consumption-1 quart of oil every 400-600miles. This had been verified by a certified mechanic. The excessive oil consumption has destroyed the catalytic converter, code 420. The check engine light has been on since 95k miles. Spark plugs had to be replaced sooner than normal because they were covered w oil. Tail pipe has oil encrusted on the inside. While starting from a complete stop after 15 minutes of driving the car lost power and would not go over 45mph. Going up hill dropped to 15 mph. This has been replicated by a mechanic.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact checked the oil level and became aware that the vehicle was low on oil. The contact added oil, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 151,748.
Vehicle is experiencing oil &/or carbon-like debree exiting out of the exhaust system. There are no warning indicators of any kind displaying. The car has regularly been taken to the dealership for service and maintenance problems. Motor has documented record of oil consumption due to testing at dealership. This is currently the second catalytic converter to be replaced. I have all receipts for work performed.
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...
Catalytic converters needed to be replaced
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly shifted into LIMP Mode and decelerated to approximately 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the oxygen sensor and catalytic convertor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The oxygen sensor and catalytic convertor was replaced on three separate occasions however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic convertor. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The contact investigated and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
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.
Catalytic converter recall not being honored by warranty or original dealership where vehicle was purchased. Car engine making knocking sound and burning oil
January 2021 starting burning engine oil. Have been to the kia dealership numerous times complaining. Negative results regarding the situation. Engine spits - hisses - hiccups and dies. Car hopped forward and rolled backwards into traffic on the highway. Car burned through three quarts of oil within a three week time period. Check engine light is on again. Do not feel safe Respectfully request to have the item researched Thank you
Other 2016 KIA SOUL Problem Areas
Unknown Or Other
110 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
77 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
59 complaints
Power Train
57 complaints
Electrical System
53 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
38 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
29 complaints
Steering
28 complaints
Air Bags
16 complaints
Structurebody
16 complaints
Service Brakes
15 complaints
Exterior Lighting
13 complaints
Suspension
8 complaints
Visibilitywiper
7 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
6 complaints
Exterior Lightingheadlights
4 complaints
Seat Belts
4 complaints
Seats
4 complaints
Firerelated
2 complaints
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
1 complaint
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
1 complaint
Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftimmobilizerproximitykeysender
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubrication
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
1 complaint
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
1 complaint
Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings
1 complaint
Interior Lighting
1 complaint
Power Trainaxle Assembly
1 complaint
Steeringcolumn
1 complaint
Steeringsteering Wheel Handle Baryawangle Sensor
1 complaint
Structurebodydoor
1 complaint
Tires
1 complaint
Traction Control System
1 complaint
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
1 complaint