What 802 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Soul EV

1. On 1/30/23 I was heading home from work when my engine and oil light came on. I after parking at turning my car off, the engine began to shake and make clicking noises continuously. I got an oil change that day thinking that may help the issue. On 1/31/23 I took my car to another mechanic who notified me that they have seen many Kia Souls and Optimas with this problem and many engines have been recalled. Upon my way home which was 2 miles away, my engine entirely blew up on interstate 15. 2. My safety was put at risk by my car engine blowing up on the freeway and losing power within seconds as traffic was going at 70 mph. I then ended up right in front of an on-ramp and had a small area to park at as was within 1 foot of oncoming highway traffic for 30 minutes - in freezing temperatures. Something also blew out from under my car and almost his a vehicle behind me. 3. Kia stated this has been an issue and that I need to take it to a Kia dealer for inspection. 4. My vehicle has been towed to Young Kia of Layton UT for inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11504938

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat and there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle then caught on fire. The contact stated that a significant amount of oil had leaked underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report or police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall as the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11503677

Car would not accelerate over 35 mph and started knocking had to pull over to let other vehicles pass. Turned around went back home a 1/2 mile checked alternator current, added 1/2 quart of oil. Started engine knocking continued oil was low again after running engine a few minutes. No smoking from exhaust, no oil in radiator, no dripping or leaking oil.

NHTSA ODI 11503392

I was driving on the Interstate, going about 65-70mph when my car make a "tick noise," I immediately noticed white smoke out the back, my car started to decelerate, and I could no longer accelerate when applying the gas. Luckily I was able to get over to the right shoulder and pull off on the side and stop. After taking it to my mechanic, he told me my engine was knocking and that Kia has all these recalls and class actions on these engines (for this EXACT issue) and that Kia extended their warranty for these vehicles to 150k. I take it to Kia and they tell me they won't cover it because I didn't get a KSDS software update. I bought this car Certified Pre-Owned from a Kia dealership. When a recall notice came through in 2019 I took it in to Kia to get it "fixed." Kia has been aware of this issue since at least 2018, so if this was such a problem, I'm not sure why it wasn't taken care of when I took my car in for the recall alert, which I believe was for the ECU update. The only other notice I received from Kia was a survey, not a recall! As you can see on the VIN profile that I have ZERO unrepaired recalls. I have maintained maintenance on my car: Oil changes, tire rotation, brake pad replacements, tire replacements, etc. For some reason, though, this oh so important software update for the the KSDS, which I've learned doesn't actually make their faulty engines....not faulty, seems to be their "get out of jail free card" to stick their customers with a faulty engine and a high price tag to get their car back to working order. Kia knew about this issue and are now shirking their responsibility by making this update their way to get out of paying to fix THIER faulty product. The contact stated that there are plenty of other similar complaints and no longer needs this one.

NHTSA ODI 11502457

The contact’s father owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his father was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to make a knocking sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was hauled back to his father’s residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, no diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,024.

NHTSA ODI 11502241

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The dealer replaced the catalytic converter; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, who replaced the catalytic converter on two separate occasions. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was then towed to The Kia Store (5327 Preston Hwy, Louisville, KY 40213) where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter and engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

NHTSA ODI 11500089

On 12/27/22, was driving on highway in the evening, engine light illuminated and vehicle slowed down and unable to drive beyond 40mph. Was able to make it home safely, notified dealership on 12/28/22 and used AAA service for vehicle tow. Recv'd call from dealership on 1/3/22 that vehicle was inspected and was ready for pickup. Issue was code P1326 related to KSDS (knock sensor detection system) & connector rod bearings, so they did an ECU update & bearing clearance test. (While waiting for info I did online research & learned of the issue with KIA's GDI engine failures/fires). I asked dealer rep if the issue with my vehicle was related to this and was told yes, that this was the first step in Kia's protocol for the issue. I raised concern over driving the vehicle knowing that there is a possibility of engine failure or fire. He acknowledge the concern, but reiterated that this was all they would do for now. I asked for a copy of the repair/service protocol and was told he would try to get me one. Am scheduled to pick up vehicle in a few hours and am sure there will be more issues & concerns to follow.

NHTSA ODI 11500166

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter was clogged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11497234

Our car was sold to us not knowing about a recall. It was taken to a local Kia. The car dealership says they didn’t know. It’s already had a replaced catalytic converter and didn’t fix the problem. Our engine light, ABS light and a skidding light come on and off. No one will listen to us. We don’t know what to do next.

NHTSA ODI 11496510

Catalytic converter failing on 2016 Kia soul. Was not part of the vin numbers for for original recalls. Has original catalytic converter

NHTSA ODI 11496236

This issue happened with regular 3500 - 4000 mile oil changes. Oil burnt 100% away and the oil light indicator came on then and only when turning left. Filled oil back up. Oil Changed. Then oil burned away again. Same issue with oil light. This time the engine failed. The bearings are knocking and the engine needs replaced. Spoke with dealership, was told I should have got a software update and that would have placed a warranty on the motor. Never was I told, received mail or during an inspection was informed of needing a software update.

NHTSA ODI 11496030

On Sept 19th I took my 2016 Kia Soul in for a Full Synthetic oil change, cabin filter and engine filter changed, brakes replaced, new tires, all fluids topped off, and allignment. My car was running perfect no issues. Approximately 11/15/2022 I thought I smelled oil burning but didn't think much about it because I've never had problems with my car. Oct 20th my oil light came on and I quickly stopped and found their was very little oil in my car. I called Tire Kingdom and they said put oil in it and bring it in, and I did as told. My car didn't seem to have power and I looked down and then all the various lights came on the dash and then a huge amount of smoke came from the engine fortunately I was able to get off this busy Hwy. I had my car towed home and put water in the radiator in which went straight to the engine. The water did not puddle under the car it went straight into the motor. This safety recall describes in detail what could happen and that's exactly what happened to me. The dealership has had my car for 8 days and will not tell me anything. I called Kia motors and made a complaint and they said they would call me but never did. It appears the dealership does not want to repair my non running car in which I'm still paying for. Its a mess!! I am so disappointed in KIA East dealership and Kia motors. Please help me with this matter. I do have the itemized reciept from Tire Kingdom.

NHTSA ODI 11495533

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).

NHTSA ODI 11494737

I purchased my vehicle back in 2021 and I notice that the recall for the catalytic converter so I check my car reports and don’t see where it was replaced or service I recently went to get a check engine diagnostic and the code read p0420 which is problems with catalytic converter no one has been the owner of the vehicle since 2018 and I’m not sure if it was replace or replace incorrectly I shouldn’t be experiencing difficulties and I haven’t reached over 100,000 miles since the previous mileage @ the timing of the recall “fixture”

NHTSA ODI 11493793

I began having oil consumption issues with my car in December 2020. I took my car in for inspection and the product improvement campaign that I was notified about. Since that time, I have had my car in the Kia shop numerous times for increasingly worse oil consumption issues. They always claim the oil consumption is fine, even though when I check it there is a problem. Now I am being told my catalytic converter is clogged, but my engine is fine and my oil consumption is acceptable. The catalytic converter is clogged because there is oil leaking through my exhaust system. No oil is ever leaking from my car because there is no leak; however, it is burning through my engine and exhaust. This is causing my car to lose power when driving, which is a safety concern for not only myself and my children, but other drivers as well. Kia is aware of the issue and refuses to acknowledge a problem at the local shop or at corporate offices. I am filing this complaint so that in the event of any serious bodily injury or death to myself, my family, or other passengers on the road there is documentation regarding their negligence in repairing their faulty vehicles. Also, their solution was for me to trade my car in for a new vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11493214

We purchased a 2016 Kia Soul in June 2022, in November 2022 while driving across a highway the engine started knocking, went into limp mood and suddenly stopped almost causing my daughter and her younger sibling to get in severe accident. We had it immediately towed to Edwards Kia in Council Bluffs to have a diagnostic test run, they came back and said it would cost us $8,834.02 for an engine rebuild/replacement and that our car was no longer under the extended warranty because PI2002B had not been done. They informed us that not having the update voids the extended warranty on the car, however we have not been notified as the new owners that this needed to be done. PI2002B is dated Aug 2020 and was revised in Jan 2021. H&H Kia of Omaha took possession of the car 28 Nov 2020 and had it in their possession until 17 Feb 2021. In that timeframe the notice was sent to the General Manager, Service Manager, Parts Manager, Service Advisors, Technicians and the Body Shop manager and it still was not performed by the Kia dealership. Because of this, the extended warranty that we should have been entitled to was invalidated. When we purchased the vehicle, the dealership did a 70 point inspection and ensured that there were no outstanding public recalls on the car before the sold it to us. I have attached all of the documentation from the dealership to include the Carfax report that stated H&H Kia had the vehicle from Nov 20-Feb 21. Kia dealerships have access to the Kia database and should have known if the update was required while they had it in their possession. The engine failed due to a known defect, and they are not willingly updating vehicles on the lots at their dealerships and voiding extended warranty that should apply.

NHTSA ODI 11493137

Catalytic Converter kept getting hot, was at dealership for a recall on engine in May 2022, light kept coming on and off. October 3, 2022 broke down on freeway for the Catalytic took to mechanic spent $1200 for repair on Catalytic converter, oil and spark plugs, within a day kept burning oil, by Sunday, October 23, 2022 broke down on freeway again and engine fried and burned piston #2 - I have many receipts for oil changes every 3k miles, always keep car maintained and have a notebook for everything I have repaired. The headlights and brake lights went out a month ago and never did get the brake bar light replaced. The passenger window motor is shot and the airbag light is on. Currently, it's at the dealership parked and I am waiting for Corporate to give a go ahead to say it's a go to fix it, and I'm missing work and will loose my job without having a car. So I am asking why is my car not on the recall list if I am having the same issues as the recalled 2016 Kia Souls are having. I haven't had the car very long and I had a 2009 Kia Sportage LX that is still going over 330k miles it's way better than these Souls. They all need to be sent back to the dealership and destroyed. Shame on Kia Corporation for allowing these 2016 cars on the market and shame on the Dealership to sell me this car back in August 2019. People are out here struggling and only shows the Corporations stay strong and the little guys loose. What kind of crap is that? Why isn't my car on the VIN RECALL LIST? PLEASE TELL ME? I'M JUST LUCKY THE CAR DIDN'T START FIRE, BECAUSE IT BURNED PISTON #2

NHTSA ODI 11492019

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 70mph the engine failed without warning. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the highway. When attempting to restart the vehicle the check engine light, oil change indicator light, and battery lights were illuminated on the dash. At this time thick, gray smoke quickly engulfed the vehicle and immediate surrounding area. The contact was able to safely escape the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and diagnosed with severe rod knock damage and missing piston. The dealership initially denied the claim due to “negligence” to respond to a recall notice which the contact attributes to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact did not receive a recall notice or contact from the dealer or manufacturer regarding this recall. The contact also stated that the vehicle was serviced at the same Kia dealership a few months prior and upon investigation found that the manufacturer and dealership were aware of the recall at that time and were required to perform repairs on all vehicles brought in for service but failed to perform the required software update. The manufacturer granted a one time goodwill engine replacement using PI2002 parts but denied all other costs and repairs attributed with the engine failure and the above mentioned recall. The failure mileage was 74,113. Photos and videos of the vehicle dash and engine smoke are available upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11490252

Excessive oil burning engine stalled on the highway wont accelerate

NHTSA ODI 11490147

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11490193

I purchased my 2016 Kia Soul + on 1/2019 with 32973 miles on it. On 2/25/22 while driving on the highway my car suddenly and unexpectedly jolted and lost power. I didn’t understand what happened and when I looked down I saw the engine light flashing.I immediately pulled off the highway stopped and called the dealer.It had 53068 miles on it. They updated knock sensor but didn’t actually repair or replace engine. On 6/16/22 at 55,060 miles my car suddenly lost power as I was driving. I looked down and the engine light started flashing. I immediately pulled over and called a tow truck to tow to the dealer. It was a 100 degree day and I had to wait over 2hours for a tow truck. Suntrup Kia replaced the knock sensor again. No repair or replacement of the engine. On 9/3/2022 I had just got off the highway and was heading to meet friends when my car suddenly lost power and again the engine light started flashing and I immediately pulled over and called a tow truck to take to the dealers. It had 57,??? Miles on it. It has been at the dealers for almost 7 weeks now in dispute with the warranty company (I have 2 warranties) about replacing the engine. I’m told the piston rings are defective and caused scoring on the cylinders which caused oil leakage and excessive consumption. A known Kia defect that they have not issued a recall for. The Kia loyalty warranty is disputing with the dealer that they should have to fix it. The dealer disassembled the engine at the warranty company’s request. The warranty co. inspected it 2-3 times and seen that it was the piston rings. The dealer Suntrup Kia of St. Louis has the report. It is very unsafe to drive as I never know when it will occur again. Or if this time it will catch on fire. It occurred 3 times in approximately 6.5 months in all different conditions. I avoid driving on the highway and I get very nervous if a car is following too closely. I avoid having anyone else with me because this is an extreme life threatening problem.

NHTSA ODI 11490072

The contact’s girlfriend owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact stated that soon after the vehicle was repaired, while his girlfriend was driving at an unknown speed, the engine started knocking and shaking. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11489767

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH on the Interstate, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact was able to drive to a nearby gas station where she parked the vehicle. The contact opened the hood of the vehicle and verified that there was engine oil in the vehicle. The contact added oil to the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ODI 11489549

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine would shudder and lose power while idling, without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The dealer informed her that bad gasoline might have caused the issue; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ODI 11489283

Motor stalled while I was driving, steering wheel locked taking me to a ditch. No warning on the dashboard, no lights on. It only has 100k on it. My only car to get me where I need to be and I still owe money on it. I called Kia, they said they can’t do anything unless I take it there and paid their fees. That would mean pay a second toe truck, plus their diagnosis and then labor. The guy I talked to said I’m looking on about 12k to fix my car! I’m a single mom. It’s hard as it is now I have no car. Struggling to find my way to work so I don’t loose my job!

NHTSA ODI 11488932