What 800 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Soul

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the engine overheated. The contact turned off the vehicle and allowed the engine to cool down. The contact performed an inspection under the hood and noticed that the oil pressure was low. The contact drove the vehicle to the nearest gas station and added oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light then turned off; however, two days later, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and oil needed to be added every two to three days. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that in March 2025, the catalytic converter failed and was replaced. The contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle had been taken to several dealers and independent mechanics for diagnostic testing. The independent mechanic informed the contact that, upon inspecting the spark plugs and the pistons, there was oil residue was visible on the spark plugs and pistons; however, there was no visible indication of an oil leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11676595

Check engine light came on 6months ago the code was P0420 I took it to a Kia dealership they said my catalytic converter was worn out and it would be $1500 to replace it I brought up how there was a recall he told me the vehicle already had the recall taken care of from the previous owner of the vehicle and would not fix it again i have no proof they fixed the recall and if they did it obviously didn’t work now that car don’t drive at all the catalytic converter is clogged I’m still making payments on the car this hell for me having hard time getting to work now with no transportation I need some guidance it’s not fair they can just tell me the previous owner got it fixed and even if they did it didn’t work or they didn’t do it right is there anything I can do?

NHTSA ODI 11676842

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot at approximately 10 MPH, the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to a nearby parking space, where the vehicle lost power and shut off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The mechanic suggested that the engine be replaced. The contact became aware of a Software Update Program with an extension for an engine replacement. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and confirmed the diagnostic result. The dealer informed the contact that the engine would not be covered by Kia because the Software Update Program update was not being completed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed the decision made by the dealer. The manufacturer stated that the NHTSA was responsible for issuing and informing vehicle owners of a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

NHTSA ODI 11675422

I own a 2016 Kia Soul, VIN [XXX] . The vehicle suffered engine failure and is currently at Kia of Bradley in Illinois. My vehicle is covered under Recall SC176 (NHTSA #19V120) for a known defect that can cause engine damage and fire risk. Kia has denied my recall claim, stating that I did not receive the ECU update and that there is “sludge” under the oil cap. I was never properly notified that failure to receive the update would void my recall protection. Sludge presence is not proven to be the cause of the failure, and no oil analysis or inspection has been performed. The recall mandates free repair or replacement of the engine if damage is present, and this has not been honored. Kia is attempting to charge $600 just for diagnostics and has refused to repair the safety issue despite the engine failing. I am asking NHTSA to investigate Kia’s denial and ensure that the recall obligations are enforced. This is a serious safety concern and financial burden on the consumer. *I purchased the car from a Kia dealership after the recall, the ECU Update should have been done prior to anyone purchasing the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11673663

I’m reaching out as my Catalytic Converter is needing to be replaced due to being faulty and my vehicle per VIN is not included in this recall for some reason however it is the exact issue all of the others have that are included in it. I have only had my vehicle for a year and it is an extremely expensive repair so I am asking if there is any help for this issue because I need it as well just as everyone else who has a recall for this issue

NHTSA ODI 11673365

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that after a recent oil change, the vehicle began to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipes with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road before being able to drive the vehicle to the residence in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where the oil change was performed, and the mechanic discovered a leak in the engine and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The contact made an appointment with the dealer. The contact then stated that an abnormal odor started coming from the vehicle and chose to stop driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11673378

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine hesitated while turning over, with black smoke coming from the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD2 scanner for an unknown error code related to the catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken to a local AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with a catalytic converter malfunction. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the VIN not being associated with any recalls. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11672180

Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire. I have replaced my catalytic converter twice in the last year due to this issue. Engine is dumping oil into catalytic converter causing it to stop up. There was a recall for the 1.6 engine, mine is 2.0 and the issue is exactly the same. 19V-120 / SC176 Recall Summary#19V120000

NHTSA ODI 11672376

My 2016 Kia Soul Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) showed a blinking check engine light and entered limp mode while driving. I had the code read and received P1326, which is a known issue in Kia vehicles related to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). This code indicates possible engine bearing wear or impending engine failure, which could result in engine stall or fire, creating a serious safety risk while driving. My car has under 115,000 miles, but I purchased it used from a non-Kia dealer and was told by Kia that it's not covered under warranty or recall. However, many vehicles with this issue received engine replacements or software updates under TSB PI2002 and other campaigns. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2016 Kia Soul, as it appears to be part of the larger engine defect trend affecting many Kia models. This vehicle should be included in any safety recall or extended warranty coverage related to this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11670936

We purchased a 2016 Kia Soul with the GDI engine in October 2024 from Jim Shorkey Kia in Uniontown with 60K miles on it. We just had to have a whole new Catalytic Converter installed that cost us $1500 because the one on this car was completely messed up. It caused the car to stall, have no power and when my daughter was pulling into her parking space, this caused the brakes to stop working because the car was getting NO power. The converter was completely clogged and the whole thing had to be replaced (AT OUR EXPENSE)! This was a recall for the same year Kia Souls, but somehow this one is NOT on the recall list for the exact thing that these were being recalled. How does that work? We were left without a vehicle for days and we had to pay to have the car towed to a garage and repaired. Kia would do nothing, so we had to have it repaired at a reputable garage in our area! Only having the car of less than 8 months after buying it used from a KIA dealership, this is disheartening. How could they sell a car that obviously had issues with the catalytic converter, or they did just NOT check the vehicle out before they sold it to someone. I get that it was a used car but are we seriously going to sell a car to someone that obviously has an issue! So why exactly was this 2016 KIA Soul with the GDI engine, NOT recalled?? We should be reimbursed for this. This is crazy. My daughter could have been in a horrible accident. THANKFULLY she was only leaving her apartment and in the parking lot of her home! What do we do about getting this? This car clearly has issues and should have been recalled with the others!

NHTSA ODI 11669435

2016 Kia Soul engine burns excessive amounts of oil leading to constantly needing to top off oil and/or oil changes. When car accelerate white smoke comes from engines; mechanic has pictures of white ash on engine components. We have taken it to the dealership after it was purchased by Carmax in June 2024 the check engine light was displayed, but were told no codes came up. We have taken the car to multiple private mechanics and were told this is a common problem and there is a recall on these engines. Finally 2 weeks ago auto repair shop confirmed engine faulty took pictures of white ash on engine components and advised to tow car to dealership re: extended recall on these engines. Dealership states the car now needs a catalytic converter; however this is a direct result of oil deposits in the exhaust that damage the catalytic converter. We have been getting the runaround from the dealership that says no engine codes come up but when the car is driven the white smoke and rattling of the engine is apparent.

NHTSA ODI 11667405

CATALYIC CONVERTER IS DAMAGE

NHTSA ODI 11666661

I had my crankshaft sensor replaced and it is still stalling on me. Engine has stalled while I was driving and this has put my life at risk and my job at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11665630

2 years ago Kia had a recall on the catalytic converter that I found out about after my car displayed the engine light and shut down and would not drive. I had to tow it and they told me it was the catalytic converter but it had a recall. I took it to Kia and They said they replaced it but I'm not sure they did it properly, as I drove to Sarasota and the engine light came on I pulled over and let the engine cool and continued on with no problems until on my way back it did the same. I called the dealership but they told me it was fine. Now I'm driving today to the bank and on the way back the car would not drive faster than 5 mph!!! I drove back the couple miles to the mechanic beside my warehouse and he said it's the catalytic converter as it was extremely hot. I called the dealership and they said there is no warranty

NHTSA ODI 11665123

I was never informed about the issues with my 1.6 GI engine YEARS AGO. And now my engine went bad in my 2016 Kia soul and kia screwed me and won’t cover fixing my car. I’m so disgusted with kia and their customer service for not helping me or ever informing me.

NHTSA ODI 11664792

On May 17, 2025, the engine in our 2016 Kia Soul seized up and was destroyed. It is within Kia’s 10 year/100,000 mile drivetrain warranty. They are refusing to honor the warrant stating there was a recall on the vehicle that we never got fixed. The only unrepaired recall on this vehicle involves the steering, nothing to do with the motor. They are trying to escape the responsibility that they have promised to the American consumer.

NHTSA ODI 11664402

My 2016 Kia soul had the engine white come on. I took it to have the computer read what the problem was. It came back engine knock sensor. I was told there was a recall on this and I needed to take it to an authorized Kia dealer. I took this to an authorized Kia dealer who told me that that was a faulty check engine light there was nothing wrong with the sensor, but my pistons were bad and I needed a new engine. Well, when I read further into the recall, it specifically said that this check engine sensor issue could affect the engine. My car just hit 100,000 miles. I had regular service. I now have a Kia who is sitting in front of my house not being able to be run. I truly feel that there is an issue that was not addressed when it was checked the check engine light indicated faulty knock sensor. This recall connected that there may be issues with the motor if this were the problem. I feel like I’m being taken advantage of. I am currently without any transportation and cannot get any help. Is there anything you can do to help me?

NHTSA ODI 11659902

Vehicle was taken to Clovis Kia to address recall NHTSA# 23V218 (SC267). Kia was unable to fix the issue and ordered a battery pack replacement (they replaced the current battery pack 2 years and roughly 20K miles previously). New battery pack was installed and the system still does not function properly. Multiple error codes present and car is undriveable. At the 1 month mark we demanded a loaner vehicle. They swapped the loaner for another one when the car neared 5k miles. After 4 months, our vehicle is still not operational. in 4.5 years of ownership, the car has sat at Kia Clovis for 6+ months to address multiple battery issues, safety recalls and electrical issues. We have requested updates and information but Kia corporate is not responsive. So we have documented for a California Lemon Law buyback and sent a demand message to Kia to buy back the vehicle since they can't return it to us in the same or better condition than when we dropped it off. The last in person conversation was to let us know the new loaner should be brought back when we've put 3K+ miles on it so they can trade it again. (it was obvious they had little faith in our car being repaired)

NHTSA ODI 11660064

Car started rapidly slowing while on the highway and would not accelerate. After taking it to the dealership they said the catalytic converter is clogged and will need replaced. Seems to be a common issue with this vehicle that is not always covered by recall for whatever reason.

NHTSA ODI 11657615

My vehicle has stranded me twice due to the same issue—error code P1326, which I am regrettably too familiar with. It is apparently associated with the Knock Sensor Detection System and the possibility of defective piston oil rings

NHTSA ODI 11657271

My engine failed in a2016 Kia Soul.It is available upon inspection. My safety was at risk because the engine went bad all of a sudden. The vehicle has been inspected by a repair facility.Yes I went to a dealership and ask about knocking noise they didn’t say anything about ksds and made me an appointment a week later.

NHTSA ODI 11657351

Car is making a knocking sound. Car is going thru more oil than normal. Causing the motor to get hot.

NHTSA ODI 11657382

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 30 MPH, there was an abnormal smoke odor entering the cabin of the vehicle with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, and the contact proceeded to pull over onto the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and an independent mechanic arrived to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the thermostat, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust manifold, and sensors were burned, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11656625

About a year ago I got my car serviced for the recall that was due to a potential issue with the catalytic converter overheating. High exhaust gas temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, potentially leading to abnormal engine combustion, piston damage, and even a fire. As of today 4/22/2025 I was told my catalytic converter needs to be replaced. I first noticed a check engine light 12/20/2024 and I got the code read from my local AutoZone. The code came back my catalytic converter. After doing some research I seen an active recall which I described as above. I scheduled an appointment at my local Kia Dealership which is also where I go the car. They got me in 01/2025 to service the recall. Here i am just a year past the recall and I've been told I need a whole new catalytic converter which is going to run me just over $1300.

NHTSA ODI 11656189

In order to complete the Recall SC176 on my vehicle, I am required to submit comprehensive maintenance records. Since purchasing the car used in 2019, all routine maintenance—excluding tires and brakes—has been performed by the original selling dealership. However, that dealership is unable to provide the necessary documentation. As a result, the Kia dealership handling the recall is refusing to perform the required repairs, citing court-ordered terms that mandate maintenance record verification. Despite extensive discussions with Kia, there appears to be no alternative path forward without these records. This situation leaves me with two unacceptable options: continue driving a vehicle with a potentially hazardous, unrepaired engine, or reduce my household to a single vehicle—an outcome that would create significant hardship for my family. Additionally, because we are currently enrolled in a debt consolidation program, taking out any form of loan to replace this vehicle is not permitted. The lack of access to critical maintenance records, through no fault of my own, is now preventing the fulfillment of a safety recall and placing my family at risk. I am requesting immediate assistance in resolving this issue so that the recall repairs can proceed without further delay.

NHTSA ODI 11655871