10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 24
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,249 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Kia Soul engine problems

engine problem

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2016 Kia Soul Owner Comments (Page 10 of 22)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #260

Aug 222022

Soul

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine: My 2016 was purchased by me on 12/11/2020. With less than 75,000 miles the engine completely blew with no previous warnings while on the way home. Maintained this car since it was my first car purchased. Took the car to Kia and they wouldn't cover the powertrain coverage because I'm the 2nd owner past 60,000 miles and that I didn't get the product improvement when the campaign was going on. Never received a letter about it and the campaign started before I bought my cat. The kicker, the product improvement has a common problem of not detecting engine issues for a lot of people. Been researching and reading others experiences. It's neglectful to continue to let people unknownly drive their cars with faulty engines. They are using the kds product improvement to limit the amount of engines they repair as well. There's a reason why there are increase of engine issues all round the same car years. Kia of South Austin inspected and knew the problem right off the bat.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #259

Aug 252022

Soul

  • miles
While driving, my car's engine simply died while driving and refused to start back, giving a battery light and the oil light on the dash. A local mechanic is assuming the issues seen here are related to a recall for this model's GDI. Thankfully I was able to safely push it into a nearby parking lot to be towed. That said, my only car is now out of service until the Kia dealer can look at it to confirm if it was related to the recall, about 2-3 weeks for this one

- Peoria, IL, USA

problem #258

Aug 012022

Soul

  • miles
In addition to the engine, my catalytic converter is also damaged.

- Lansing, IL, USA

problem #257

Aug 012022

Soul

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

X Company failed to install with apiece of equipment that prevents others from starting up and stealing your car without an key on the day I went outside to find my car back window broken and steering column roped apart and key entry resulting in costly repairs that parts on back order. there is post on social media explaining how to steal this car. unlike other cars this part is equipped preventing the cars from being started unless a code is transmitted

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #256

Sep 102020

Soul

  • miles
Car started burning oil WAY before I hit 100,000 miles which affects MANY other parts. Had to pay for a new O2 sensor, spark plugs keep going bad, catalytic converter failure while driving. Catalytic converter failure due to oil burning which causes the car to fail while driving 55 mph. Trying to press the gas pedal and only able to go 10 mph. Catalytic converter has failed twice in two years. Spark plugs need to be replaced again due to too much oil burning.

- Riley, MI, USA

problem #255

Jun 242022

Soul

  • miles
dealer stated that exhaust system caused engine to overheat and the catalytic converter to go causing the piston to seize completely. there is a recall out for this exact issue but it did not include my vin number. the vehicle stalled multiple times causing myself and my daughter to be stuck in ongoing traffic. the check engine light came on and it was brought to the dealer as soon as they had an opening. I am confused about how a vehicle can have the exact issue from a recall but because it wasn't the specified number that an unsafe vehicle can just be left on the road. it is no longer drivable due to this issue and being unsafe. the issues first appeared in 2021 when I first had the catalytic converter replaced, now barely over a year later it has failed again now also with engine damage to the cylinder and piston.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #254

Aug 162022

Soul

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure. Recall consequence 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. Recall action Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.

- Dayton, OH, USA

problem #253

Jul 282022

Soul

  • miles
Traveling at low rate of speed, engine began knocking and car stalled. Had car towed to Kia dealership to be told engine seized. No engine lights ever came on. Dealer stated no warranty coverage by KIA because a product IMPROVEMENT update was not completed that would have warned about the upcoming engine failure. We NEVER received a Product IMPROVEMENT notice, we have checked the VIN on numerous web sites and not one sight shows a product recall. Kia dealership wants 8600. To install a salvage engine, Odometer is at about 74,000

- Waterford , WI, USA

problem #252

Jul 302022

Soul

  • 102,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 85 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. The contact stated that the connecting rod went through the engine block. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 102,000.

- Cottage Grove, OR, USA

problem #251

Jul 102022

Soul

  • miles
While driving to work vehicle oil light started flashing and vehicle started making metal on metal noises and vehicle would not accelerate. I pulled over, turned off the engine. The vehicle would not start again. Took vehicle to a mechanic and he told me that I needed a new engine. I went to the dealer when I found out about the recall. I was told they couldn't do anything for me because I never had the car serviced there.

- Orlando , FL, USA

problem #250

Aug 052022

Soul

  • 65,548 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was a knocking and scrapping sound coming from the engine. The driver pulled over safely and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with complete engine failure due to a knock sensor detection system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to Kia Technical Service Bulletin: PI2002B. The approximate failure mileage was 65,548.

- Gold Canyon, AZ, USA

problem #249

Jul 202022

Soul

  • miles
I found a recall issued for my car in 2019, the dealership I bought it from told me it was repaired somewhere in New York in 2019, but it is having the same issues. I paid 2400 out of pocket to have the catalytic converters replaced, along with replacing the pcv and purge valves, as they were clogged due to the overheating. My oil consumption is crazy, about 5qt a week. If the 9V120000 recall WAS actually done, it wasn't successful or done properly because I am having the same issues and my engine could fail at any time. Due to stalling and acceleration issues, I think my pistons are beginning to go. I've already put thousands into this car I've only had for a year, and that is unacceptable. I need to know what can be done. I got in an accident with a pickup truck due to my engine stalling unexpectedly.

- Quakertown, PA, USA

problem #248

Aug 012022

Soul 4-cyl

  • 81,700 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and discovered that the engine was low on oil. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the dealer for a software update to be performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH the following day, the vehicle began to hesitate with the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded to drive and a dark colored smoke started coming from the engine as she pulled over and shut off the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to her home. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was called back and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,700.

- Holyoke, MA, USA

problem #247

May 012022

Soul

  • miles
When oil changed, been told that there is no oil in car. No warning lights come on. Oil has to be added before next oil change due. Not on recall list but having same problems as other 2016 Kia Souls with it burning oil and check engine light coming on for catalytic converter - but does not stay on.

- Bailey, MS, USA

problem #246

Jul 182022

Soul

  • miles
I just bought the car. Test drive went fine. I was driving the car when the engine rpms stopped working. I could not get the car to increase speed. I was going up a small hill at 35mph when the car just stopped dead in the road. Luckily I was not in traffic. I repeatedly tried to start the car. Finally it started but the driving was the same. I limped home with my flashers on and have not driven it since. I have an app on 8/5 with a kia dealer. They told me I had to drive the car there. I couldn't have it towed. Hopefully I will make it. This problem doesn't happen all the time. I have driven it when it starts up and no check engine light comes on and the rpms are normal and it drives fine. I feel if the engine heats up that's when the problem occurs. It car only stopped that one time. That was enough for me.

- Castleton On Hudson, NY, USA

problem #245

Jul 282022

Soul 4-cyl

  • miles
2016 Kia Soul. Consumer writes in regard to engine failure. The consumer stated while driving, the vehicle experienced acceleration issue and the oil light illuminated. Upon inspection the metalic particles were mixed in with the fuel/engine oil.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #244

Jun 302022

Soul

  • miles
Unknown

- Huntsville, AL, USA

problem #243

Apr 242022

Soul

  • miles
Cylinder 3 went out in the engine and car seized. Prior to this the car burned through oil very quickly and the entire car would shake. Kia of El Cajon said it was not an engine issue, my car was totaled and I sold it for scraps. Very disappointed with the service during this time.

- La Mesa, CA, USA

problem #242

Apr 132022

Soul

  • miles
The engine has an oil consumption issue. It cause the vehicle to run out of oil about 4000 miles after an oil change. This caused the a lose of power while I driving down the interstate. After speaking with the dealership and opening a case with Kia motors, they stated that consumption of 1 qt of oil ever 1000 miles is NORMAL. This most definitely is not normal and can cause premature wear and tear on the engine and the catalytic converter system.

- Scott, LA, USA

problem #241

Jun 292022

Soul

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and hesitating. The contact also had to top off the oil every two weeks. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with a faulty catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

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