general problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul - part 1

March 22, 2026: driving through town when the engine started making an odd high pitched sound then lost all acceleration and had to get it towed back to my house. No indicator lights on the dashboard came on. March 26, 2026: my mechanic diagnosed it as a catalytic converter clog. 2019: vehicle was serviced at a kia dealer for sc176 recall relating to catalytic converter failure. December 2022: kia replaced the engine due to failure from metal shavings from the tie rod getting into the oil. In 2024 kia reimbursed me for the cost of this replacement due to a class action lawsuit for this issue. March 30, 2026: both kia dealership and kia phone line advised that my vehicle no longer qualifies for catalytic converter replacement since the recall service was completed in 2019.

Complaint summary: post recall catalytic converter failure on 2016 kia Soul with 1. 6l gdi engine (sc176 recall previously performed). Complaint details: I own a 2016 kia Soul equipped with the 1. 6 liter gamma gdi engine (engine code g4fd, emissions family gkmxv01. 6dbe). This engine is part of kia’s sc176 recall for catalytic converter overheating and thermal damage. My dealer performed the sc176 ecu software update in may 2019, but did not replace the catalytic converter at that time because the p0420 code had not yet appeared. In early 2026, my catalytic converter failed with a p0420 “catalyst efficiency below threshold” code. My mechanic confirmed the converter was internally damaged. This failure is consistent with the known sc176 defect, where converters can be partially damaged before the ecu update and fail later. Kia and the dealer refused to replace the converter under the recall, stating that because the p0420 code did not appear in 2019, the converter is no longer covered. I was forced to pay $2,781. 91 out of pocket for a new catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, and oxygen sensors. The diagnostic test was another $120 plus tax. This appears to be a case where the converter was already compromised by the sc176 defect prior to the software update, but the failure occurred later. I am requesting that NHTSA document this issue, as it suggests the recall remedy may not fully address pre existing catalyst damage and may leave owners with significant repair costs. VIN: [xxx] mileage at failure: ~90,000 miles engine: 1. 6l gamma gdi (g4fd) recall: sc176 (ecu update performed, converter not replaced) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Vehicle paint(white) is peeling off 2016 kia Soul.

I can not gain speed. The dealership says it’s the catalytic converter and there is an active recall for this on kia Souls. They previously did recall work to my car but now the catalytic converters not showing as a recall.

Subject: engine ? stall ? loss of power while driving: while driving normally, the vehicle began losing power and could not accelerate properly. The engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle repeatedly entered a reduced-power condition where it could barely maintain speed. The vehicle would stall while driving and then restart after sitting. This occurred multiple times over a period of time and progressively worsened. The engine also began consuming large amounts of oil between oil changes. Eventually the engine suffered catastrophic failure and would no longer run. A dealership later stated internal engine damage was present, including a failed valve and spark plug damage. The vehicle is currently at a dealership and available for inspection. The loss of power and stalling created a safety hazard because the vehicle could not maintain normal traffic speed and could have been struck by other vehicles. The problem was confirmed by a dealership service department. Warning lights were present prior to final failure and appeared during the loss of power events.

I went into the store come out of the store and got in the driver seat shut my door and the rear windshield exploded. I looked it up online and there are other customer complaints of the kia Soul with the same issue of the rear window exploding I called kia and they told me even if the warranty was still good on my vehicle that it would have to go under inspection and it still would be an if he situation because other factors could be making the windshield explode kia was unhelpful rude and did not want to help with the problem.

The instrument cluster, the speedometer and "now" the odometer are not working--absolutely dead. "now" is in caps because to my surprise I noticed just recently that the odometer is not working. In April 2021, after several weeks of waiting for the repairs to be finished, a kia dealer, peak kia in colorado replaced the instrument cluster because of the faulty speedometer. (this repair was done after several months of back and forth to more than one kia dealer about this problem. Unlike now where the speedometer is dead, not moving at all, at that time it would stop working periodically, perhaps when my car was cold or not. It took several months of dealing with kia dealerships to acknowledge that it was a problem. ) right after the replacement in 2021, I texted the peak kia mechanics-representative, named trevor, that it was still a problem, not working every now and then. He replied in a text "what?" and that he would check with his technician. He never got back to me with an answer, and would not return my phone calls. ) since that time, I've been dealing with this infrequent or sometimes-problem. Note, I work from home so I do not drive my car every day, only once or twice a week. However, just recently before and around the holidays, I noticed first that the speedometer was dead, the needle was not moving at all during the entire time of driving, instead of every now and then. And closer to the holidays, I was shocked, noticing that the odometer was now not moving. This had never been the case before. To date, I only have a powertrain warranty(?) left that expires in December 2028. I called kia, the manufacturer, the other day and reported the above information. They said too bad, they will not cover it because the warranty for that 2021 repair expired 12 months after the repair, something I did not know. My concern is whether the kia dealer, arapahoe kia--where I usually go , will or should cover it. Plus, I feel this is a serious safety issue.

Transmission failed when mileage was at 88,000 miles and is not opererational to drive. After taking car to a pirate auto shop the mechanic informed me it showed codes p0753 and p073, and informed me the transmission fluid had metal debris inside it. This is a known defect from this specific kia model. Then took it to the kia dealership in chula vist, for diagnostic, they informed me p073 code shown up and recommended to replace the transmission. This is known defect that is associated with the kia Soul manufacturer, and is related to the recall. My safety was put at risk when I was driving and after I stopped at a red light the car was in drive and would not accelerate when I pressed the gas, this problem was confirmed by the dealership with diagnosis paperwork. Their was no warning when this issue occurred, additionally kia corporate refuses to accept responsibility for their manufacturer defect.

I was driving on interstate I-40 when the closed sunroof spontaneously shattered. Nothing external or internal hit the sunroof. Due to the explosive noise, I was distracted and almost wrecked. Luckily, no one was injured, and no property was destroyed other than the shattered sunroof. This is an extremely unsafe issue and needs prompt attention to rectify before someone gets seriously hurt!.

While driving my 2016 kia Soul on the highway, the vehicle suddenly began shaking and immediately lost power. The check engine light came on and the car would not accelerate, even when pressing the gas pedal. This happened with no prior warning. I had to coast to the shoulder in moving traffic, which created a safety concern. The engine then stalled completely and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to findlay kia in las vegas. Their technicians diagnosed a major internal engine failure. The repair report shows zero compression in cylinder 2, a cracked intake valve, oil contamination, and extensive internal engine damage requiring a full engine replacement. Diagnostic trouble codes included p0300, p0302, p0303, and p0326. There were no earlier symptoms, no overheating, and the vehicle has been properly maintained. The failure was sudden and left the car completely inoperable. I opened case #[xxx] with kia corporate. They reviewed all documents, service records, and the dealer’s findings. Although they did provide assistance in reviewing the case, the final outcome was not in my favor, and they declined to cover the repair. This is concerning given the history of engine-related issues and recalls involving kia Souls from similar model years, particularly involving sudden engine failure and loss of power. My vehicle remains inoperable at the kia dealership. The sudden loss of power while driving presents a clear safety risk. Based on my experience and the dealership’s findings, I believe this engine failure is safety-related and should be evaluated further by NHTSA. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

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!.

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 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.

Unknown.

They have a recall on the catalytic converters for the 1. 6 engines but not the 2. 0. I have had to have mine replaced two times in a year. There is definitely a problem. The second time it almost caught fire due to glowing red cause it got so hot. The same problem is happening to the 2. 0 engines just like the 1. 6 engines, but nothing is being done.

My wife was driving the 2016 kia Soul ev and the car just shut itself off in the middle of the intersection. She was able to turn the car off and turn it back on, but nearly caused an accident. A few months later it did it again. After getting a new software update, I told kia about the vehicle shutting down, and they told me that if it happens again that we will need to bring it it. So we brought it in. We believe we were able to narrow down the cause to be related to regenerative breaking on a full battery. On newer ev models, when the battery is fully recharged, regenerative breaking is disabled to prevent overcharging the battery, I dont know what they do to these kias. When we brought it in they said it needed a new battery, but I am not sure if they are going to fix the vehicle shutdown issue. I think that the bms may be shutting the car down to prevent the vehicle from overcharging the battery when we are going down hills. I've got tired of kia and their lies. I read information about a battery recall, and they wouldn't recall the battery and replace it with the e400 battery. They said the battery was fine. They lied to me and my wife. The battery was proven recently to be defective and they were hoping the vehicle would make it past its warranty date so they wouldn't have to replace it. We took the vehicle to kia to replace the battery, and a couple of weeks later they were able to put a battery in it, then driving it home I was bombarded with warnings, and the vehicle power was reduced by 50%, I was afraid something would happen. The vehicle also would not charge. Kia techs came to our house and drove it back to the dealership, and it's been there ever since. They say the vehicle needs a new bms. I think this issue with the vehicle shutting down like this is highly dangerous and needs to be reported. It even happened once when I was in the vehicle at the middle of an intersection, which could have caused an accident! (29k miles).

My vehicle showed a code for the catalytic converter and while driving the vehicle it started revving up really high and then smoke came out the back and it started knocking. I had to pull over on the interstate and have my car towed back to my residence with aaa which cost $490. Went to kia to speak with them about the recall and they said they would not fix it because it was not a recall recognized in their system. But there are other recalls in their system they will fix those. My vehicle is undrivable. It's sitting in my driveway and I don't have the ability to just purchase a new vehicle. This is leaving me stranded with no ability to even get to work without having to get a ride.

I purchased this 2016 kia Soul from a dealership in April, 2024. On Sunday, June 16, 2024, I was driving on a residential street when I heard an explosion. Smoke poured from the back of the car and from under the hood. I tried to stop, but the brakes failed. I put the car in park, but it would not stop. I finally put the emergency brake on and it stopped. By this time, the car was basically a fireball. I had to get out by stepping through fire. I inhaled smoke from the burning and melting elements of the vehicle. The fire department arrived quickly, but it took 10-15 minutes to put the fire out. I have since learned that kia knew of the problem and there was a class action suit against them, which it is too late for me to file a claim on. As a 71-year-old, I am very concerned about the situation. My insurance payout won't be enough to replace the car and I am unable to secure a loan.

I was driving my 2016 kia Soul down the road at about 20 mph when I heard a very loud bang that startled me. I looked behind and to the sides and nothing but when I looked up, the fixed panel in the sunroof had shattered but not yet fallen in. There are several lawsuits against kia for the sunroofs, including through gibbs law group and a case in canada. They continue deny responsibility for all their defects despite their cars catching on fire, getting stolen, stalling out, rolling away and having exploding sunroofs. Nhtsa has to do something to stop kia and Hyundai from continuing to sell cars in the us or hold them responsible for the numerous defects.

Engine rod bearing issues, check engine light is on due to engine knocking from rod bearing and I can't pass state inspection due to check engine light. When the check enging light is on the vehicle can only be driven at speed of 30m/h. Took the vehicle to kia dealer at roosvelt Ave, york PA 17404 and repaires denied under warranty.

On Saturday morning may 4th, I found the driver side window smashed in and lots of broken glass on street and in my car. I wasn't driving . . It was parked on atreet.

The pcp valve is coming apart causing the vehicle to lose oil. There is wet oil on the spark plugs. Oil is getting into the cylinders. The catalytic converter is clogged. The engine is having issues which I will find out more about soon. The car is still in the shop. I had to leave it 2. 5 hours away and find a ride home because the car would not accelerate over 40 mph on my way back from a trip. I almost got slammed into on a hill on the highway twice because the car would not speed up. It has been in the shop for this same issue three times. All three times it gave out on me on the highway. There was no engine light or light on the dash any of the times it failed me, and there have never been any codes. This issue falls under the recall even though my VIN does not. At the current shop visit I have been told my catalytic converter and possibly engine must be replaced. I am already up to $650 in diagnostic fees for this shop visit and have spent over $800 the last two visits to the shop for this issue . This car is only eight years old with just over 100,000 miles. I have included receipts from the last two visits. The car is still in the shop for the current visit. I will not be paying to replace the catalytic converter or engine. Kia needs to step in and do what is right.

Car is burning oil, catalytic converter is failing, engine is failing, as with several hundred thousand of this year, make and model, yet mine does not seem to be covered by the recall.

I believe my vehicle is apart of a recall that affects the same vehicle yr. /mk. /mdl. As mine. When my VIN was searched by the service department at the dealer (same manufacture) it said no recall. I was told that the recall was for the vehicles from a different assembly plant. My vehicle seams to be having the same affect/issues as described in the recall. Recall in reference: recall date: April 17, 2019 recall number: sc176 issue: 1) car ran bad 2) replaced spark plugs and coil packs and the car ran good 3) car ran bad 4) replaced downstream 02 and the car ran good 5) car ran bad 6) replaced upstream O2 sensor and the car ran good 7) car ran bad 8) car spits oil out the exhaust pipe 9) car no longer operable.

Experiencing issues with the catalyst or catalyst converters. Misfire and codes as well as check engine light present.

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 have the kia dealer diagnose my knocking engine and 1326 code. They are saying that even though my car isn't drivable and the engine is malfunctioning, because my car didn't fail the piston ring test I don't qualify for the engine recall repair. All of this is unfair. If my car is exhibiting all the signs that the engine is about to blow why do I have to drive my car until it actually does blow before something can be done? this is unsafe not only for me but others as well. Not to it's completely unfair to me as a consumer who purchased this car in good faith. Kia needs to update all VIN numbers instead of consumers having to find out the hard way that there is indeed a recall on their vehicle. Dealerships should be part of the process of updating the manufacturer of new owners information so that new owners can be notified of any recalls. It makes no sense that only the first owner gets information regardless if they still own the vehicle or not. Lastly I would like to reiterate; kia telling people they have zero recalls on cars that are actually part of a recall is outright lying. Kia needs to post all recall information to their website regardless to if you input your VIN # by not doing this they lie.

Car only goes 20 mph engine knock unsafe to drive I have multiple service repair documentation regarding engine knocking, oil consumption, unable to go above 20 mph. Car frequently goes into limp mode.

Kia issued a safety recall for battery (thus is an all electric sol) and we dropped it to the dealer for repair. Since then kia has replaced the battery and updated software several times with no results. We continue to receive a battery warning and unable to charge the car. The car has been with the dealer multiple times for the past 6 months. The most recent visit it is with them since Dec 5th. We are left in a situation with no car for our 16 year old as she is not allowed to drive the loaner car or any other rental . Continued follow up with kia consumer affairs has provided no feedback and communication. The dealer has also indicated that there are several such cars at this dealer and others around the country. We need a solution immediately and meed our car.

Car has less than 89,000 miles on it. Both catalytic converters went out starting on July 2023. Contacted kia. Brought it in the the dealership I bought it from. Kia denied the claim stating it's out of warranty. I bought the car little over a year ago. Kia will only fix the car if I pay $2400. 00. Contacted kia customer support. Was still denied. Every mechanic I spoke with said the cats should not have gone out. Contacted kia again for a reconsideration. Have not heard back.

The panoramic sunroof exploded while the vehicle was being driven. Thankfully the cover was closed so the glass did not fall down on the passenger of the vehicle.

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.

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.

Kia issued an interim recall on 2023-05-26 (23v-218) for a potential battery fire: https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/rcl/2023/rclrpt-23v218-8936. Pdf it has been 10 months; I called kia and they have no remedy and no eta.

While driving my car it started slowing down all at once like it wasn't getting gas, to about 10 mph. I was traveling approximately 55 mph. The vehicle that was behind me almost rear ended me. Had it checked and they told me that it was related to the Cadillac converter (02) system. It needed replaced.

The catalytic converter, which is a known issue for kia Soul models from 2012-2016 has started to show signs of failure- namely code p0420. This is despite having the apparent “fix” as detailed in kia recall sc176, which was a mere software update. Now that the converter has shown signs of failure, kia refuses to honor the replacement as stated in the recall since the vehicle is above 80,000 miles. Clearly, the recall did not fix the issue.