What 800 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Soul

Catalytic converter may become damaged due to overheating caused by and excessive increase of exhaust gas temperatures.

NHTSA ODI 11694653

Had 3 oil consumption test 2 oil leak repairs, low to no oil each time, now car is stalling , Catalytitic Converter problem, yellow engine light is blinking, Kia of Newton New Jersey need to fix my car.

NHTSA ODI 11694765

Car was purchased from dealership August 25, 2025 on September 19, 2025 at about 9:38 PM. Car experienced catastrophic engine failure due to an active recall/campaign that was not disclosed to buyer for an ECU problem. This problem caused total brake failure in the power brake system, forcing buyer to swerve across three lanes of traffic into breakdown lane.

NHTSA ODI 11694829

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (STEERING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at 40 MPH, the transmission seized and failed to function as intended. The vehicle stalled, and after several attempts, the vehicle was restarted. The contact continued to drive at slow speeds. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), but the failure persisted. The contact was informed that the recall part for the steering was not available. The dealer informed the contact that the catalytic converter was still under the previous recall and there would be no charge. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the catalytic converter was not covered and that there would be an out-of-pocket expense. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11694601

Rcall SC176 I have tried multiple times to schedule the required recall repair for my Kia, but my local dealer has not responded to phone calls or emails. I cannot travel to another state to complete this recall. Kia has not provided a reasonable option to complete the safety repair. I am requesting assistance to get this recall completed safely and locally, and at no cost.

NHTSA ODI 11694369

The engine makes a noise like a knock, when the car is running or the speed increases the noise becomes louder and it feels like a strong blow coming from the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11692473

I was on my way home from work and the car just cut off .it wont move forward or backwords..the lights,radio all was on the car just wouldnt move ..i turned the key off and tried to start it up..it did nothing ..waited bout 10 minutes it started back up ..i looked up the recalls .SC176 sounds like what happen to it

NHTSA ODI 11690535

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the vehicle hesitated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure recurred, and the contact parked the vehicle. The vehicle was no longer being driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,157.

NHTSA ODI 11690593

Inhibitor Switch has to be replaced. 2017 vehicles had a recall, dealership wants 747.00 to fix same when a recall for same a year later?

NHTSA ODI 11689136

My 2016 Kia Soul is now consuming oil excessively and emitting smoke from the exhaust. These symptoms only began after a dealership performed recall-related work (knock sensor replacement and KSDS software update). The vehicle is covered under Kia’s Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev. 7, Feb. 2025), which lists the Kia Soul (2012–2024) as eligible for evaluation and repair of oil consumption due to piston oil ring failure. This bulletin requires that a sealed oil consumption test be performed when customer complaints of oil consumption or smoke are verified. Despite this, Kia America has denied warranty coverage, stating the vehicle passed the rod bearing clearance test (BCT) and therefore does not qualify for an engine replacement under the class action settlement. This is misleading and incomplete because: The oil consumption issue is a separate covered defect under TSB ENG222. My vehicle is within the mileage (94k) and time limit (15 years/150k miles). Kia has refused to authorize the required oil consumption test. The smoking and oil consumption symptoms only began after the dealer performed recall service. This denial leaves me with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive due to risk of sudden engine failure, increased emissions, and potential fire hazard from oil burning. Kia is not following its own published service procedures, leaving consumers without protection despite official warranty extensions. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of oil consumption claims under ENG222, as owners are being denied the mandated oil consumption test and warranty repairs even when they clearly qualify.

NHTSA ODI 11689300

The check engine light has come on multiple times, indicating an engine failure defect, a known and recurring issue among this vehicle’s model. The problem first occurred on [XXX], again on [XXX], and is ongoing since [XXX]. The vehicle has been inoperable since [XXX], and remains at the dealership. The defect puts the safety of the driver and others at risk because the vehicle can become inoperable without warning while driving. The issue has been inspected and documented by the dealership each time it occurred, but repairs under warranty have failed to resolve the defect. Prior to the failures, the check engine light illuminated as a warning. The recurring nature of the problem and its continued presence despite recommended maintenance indicate a systemic engine defect that has not been adequately repaired or addressed by the manufacturer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11688612

2016 KIA SOUL- While driving, vehicle lost power, check eng light came on and vehicle would not accelerate, engine started making noise- pulled over and shut car off. Had vehicle towed to independent shop and was diagnosed with bad catalytic (manifold) convertor- they changed oil and filter and also found metal in oil, which I never experienced till this incident- upon research i found that there was a recall on that convertor, i called dealer, had towed there- diagnosed as convertor, was told covered one day, then called next and told it was not. Evidently, looking at reviews and complaints, there are many people driving 2016 kia souls that were not covered under this catalytic recall. Seems that Kia never fixed the original issue. Warning DON'T BUY A KIA- I have contacted Kia customer care, case [XXX] and they have said car did not have recall and are not giving any assistance. To edit, this is [XXX] vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11688407

Check engine light came on. 4 new engine coils and spark plugs. Carb cleaner in gas. Check engine light on again then while driving car jerked and check engine light blinking. Code 420 catalytic converter. This vehicle was under recall for same issue but was ok at time of recall. Was checked at Kia dealership u see recall time.

NHTSA ODI 11687236

My 2016 Kia Soul is experiencing severe oil consumption, piston ring failure, and smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is covered under Kia’s engine warranty extension (Product Improvement Campaign PI2002B and subsequent updates), which extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles on the engine short block/long block assembly. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to piston oil rings, but Kia America has denied warranty coverage, stating that because the rod bearing clearance test passed, the repair is not covered. This denial contradicts Kia’s own documentation, which defines the covered “short block assembly” as including pistons and piston rings, in addition to bearings and connecting rods. By refusing coverage, Kia is effectively narrowing the warranty in a way that leaves consumers unprotected, despite the campaign language. This issue raises a safety concern because excessive oil consumption and piston ring failure can lead to: Engine smoke and emissions problems, Sudden power loss, and Increased risk of engine failure while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia’s handling of piston ring and oil consumption failures under the engine warranty extension, as Kia appears to be limiting coverage only to rod bearing failures, despite covering the entire short/long block assembly on paper. Summary: VIN covered under PI2002B/KSDS update. Engine is consuming oil and smoking due to piston ring failure. Kia refuses coverage because rod bearings passed the clearance test. Piston rings are part of the short block, yet warranty is being denied. Safety issue due to risk of engine failure and increased emissions.

NHTSA ODI 11686976

The vehicle when coming to a stop to park I press the engine off button and a car with a key symbol stays on and won’t go off and there is a beeping with screen not turning off. Have to turn car on and off numerous times to get it to turn off

NHTSA ODI 11685370

While driving my 2016 Kia Soul Plus on the highway, smoke began coming from the rear of the vehicle. Within seconds, flames were visible. Other drivers flagged me down, and I was able to pull over. I evacuated three dogs from the car, but the vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames and was a total loss. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire. There were no warning lights or unusual performance issues immediately before the fire started. The vehicle had not been modified and was in regular use. This incident posed a severe risk to my safety, the safety of my pets, and others on the road. My VIN currently shows no active recalls, but Kia has issued recalls for engine and electrical fire risks in other Soul models. The fire appears related to engine, electrical, or fuel system malfunction. I strongly believe this defect should be investigated for inclusion in Kia’s fire-related recalls.

NHTSA ODI 11682398

Kia 2016 died in mid traffic, would not switch out of 1st gear as an automatic, on a major road in Texas, no warning lights etc. Could be Transmission or Catalytic convertor.

NHTSA ODI 11681539

The paint of my white Kia Soul 2016 has been peeling on the cars hood, roof, doors. It gets worst every day. I checked for paint recalls but there is no recall at this time.

NHTSA ODI 11681711

Unknown

NHTSA ODI 11681241

The vehicle started losing power and then stalled just as we pulled onto our road to our home, no light indicators were on and it started back up, but the traffic behind us causing slowing and potential risk to us and others. When restarted it would not accelerate appropriately and at that time we were able to put it in neutral and push it the remaining way, again causing a VERY dangerous situation. Upon inspection it was noticed that the oil was barely readable. We added 4 quarts (the vehicle has routine oil changes and is not due for another month or 1,000 miles) and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Upon restarting, the engine started making a loud pinging sound and oil was noticed coming out around the butterfly valve. At that time the cabin air filter and engine air filter was changed, butterfly valve cleaned and another quart of oil with valvoline stop leak added. Engine started and ran decent. Used car next day after rechecking oil, after about 15 minutes of driving it stalled once again, in traffic and pinging was tremendous, black smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is the only vehicle we have, ONLY transport to work and have now lost out on 4vdays. We need this addressed. This is ridiculous that our VIN isn't included in the recalls that are experiencing the exact issues in the exact year makes and models. Help please!!!

NHTSA ODI 11681183

4 29 23 at 101091 miles the catalytic converter was replaced. The car sucks up oil before even the 3000 .mark..kia performed. Then on7/8/25 wg baker replaced catalytic converter again. Also coding of abs brakes now and why would catalytic converter need replacing? Because car is eating off oil. Yes my car stopped on the interstate and I had to pull over. I've already done two tune ups.

NHTSA ODI 11680993

Engine has lower end knocking noise,internal failure

NHTSA ODI 11679537

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was accelerating, an abnormal sound could be heard coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was provided with DTC: P0014 and P0013. The contact stated that the check engine light was turned off, and the camshaft was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn had failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to a different independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000(Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11678480

On our way to Florida, our car broke down on the highway. When we were able to get our car towed to a mechanic, the mechanic stated that the issue was a rod bearing went out which matches the kia recall reasons for the same vehicle as ours. We took the car to Kia and they tested it and the rod bearing was the issue. We had no warning lights prior to our car breaking down and it was taken for an oil change just 5 days before. See below for more info on the recall: The 2016 Kia Soul, specifically models with the 1.6L GDI engine, was included in a Kia product improvement campaign related to connecting rod bearing wear. This campaign involved a software update for the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to implement a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The KSDS is designed to detect early signs of bearing wear and alert the driver via a blinking Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and Limp Home Mode. This prevents severe engine damage, including potential engine failure. Some 2016 Kia Souls with the 1.6L GDI engine experienced excessive connecting rod bearing wear, potentially leading to engine damage.

NHTSA ODI 11677165

Component/system failed: Engine and Power Train. Available for inspection: Yes, the vehicle is currently at the dealership. After a loud ticking/knocking noise from the engine began, the car lost power while driving. It matches symptoms associated with Kia’s known connecting rod bearing failure issue (covered under Recall SC176 and Campaign PI2002A). There were no warning lamps at first, but later the oil pressure warning light began to flash intermittently. A Kia dealership confirmed the issue and completed the PI2002A ECU update. However, they denied the extended engine warranty coverage under the campaign, saying that the vehicle was purchased at an auction, even though this issue stems from a known manufacturing defect and recall that should apply to the vehicle, regardless of ownership history. This creates a serious safety concern, as the engine could seize while driving. This issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership and documented under Kia Case #25414628 and #25331856. This denial contradicts the campaign terms and puts drivers and others at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11677178