2016 Kia Soul problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine · AZ

My vehicle was towed to the dealer to address a recall. Campaign 19V120/SC176. I advised them I had codes #300, 303 &304. I requested a compression test & documentation of the findings. They instead cleared the codes, addressed the ksds software update & declared the car "fixed". Upon leaving, the engine lost power (in traffic) & the check engine light returned. I limped the car back & again requested a compression test which they did not perform even after pulling codes of a "misfire". They pulled the plugs & advised replacement as well as replacement of the coils for $1,200. I believe I'm entitled to knowing the health of the engine by means of a compression test & possible short block replacement if it's deemed necessary (per recall SC176)

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine · 230,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that prior to the dealer visit, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer had not successfully completed the recall repair, because the check engine warning light remained illuminated when the vehicle was retrieved. The contact informed the dealer that the recall instructions required a catalytic converter inspection and a diagnostic scan to read and clear the trouble codes; however, the dealer responded by claiming that the recall parameters only authorized a software update. The failure mileage was 230,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · OH

As the original owner of this 2016 Kia Soul (approx. 124,000 miles), I am filing this safety and consumer compliance complaint for severe engine failure and a failure of manufacturer recall notification systems. On [XXX], my vehicle experienced severe power loss on the highway and extreme oil consumption. An inspection by an independent repair facility revealed catastrophic engine failure due to piston ring degradation, severe crankcase blow-by, and oil contamination of the exhaust system. The repair shop informed me that these symptoms directly align with known manufacturing defects covered under active safety recalls, specifically the federal safety agency Recall 19V‑120 and the Hyundai/Kia Engine Litigation II settlement (No. 8-18-cv-0223-JLS-JDE, C.D. Cal), for which my VIN is a confirmed match. On [XXX], I brought the vehicle to VanDevere Kia of Akron for evaluation. Service associate Jackie Mundri informed me I was denied engine replacement coverage, with Kia claiming I waited "too long" to address the recalls. When I escalated this to Kia Consumer Affairs and spoke with a representative named Cassandra, I was told it was my personal responsibility to proactively check for recalls. I have never received any notification via mail, email, or telephone regarding Recall SC176 or any other engine campaign. Furthermore, within the past two years, I paid out of pocket for major repairs directly related to these exact safety defects (replacing the catalytic converter and two brake lines), yet neither the independent shops nor the dealership flagged these open safety recalls during those services. By blaming the consumer for a lack of communication while failing to provide mandatory notice, the manufacturer is leveraging their own notification breakdown to evade responsibility for a dangerous, defective engine. I request that the federal safety agency investigate Kia's failure to provide proper notification and their refusal to honor safety obligations for a verified class-settlement vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Body · CA

My 2016 Kia Soul has under 47,000 miles, and is experiencing severe clear-coat failure across multiple panels, including the roof, hood, rear quarter panel, lip of hatch, tops of door handles, and both mirrors. The roof began peeling about 4 years ago, but over the past two years, before the weather was even warm, the clear coat suddenly began bubbling and lifting across the vehicle. There has been no collision or other damage in those areas to explain the deterioration and delamination. After seeing two other 2016 Kia Souls of the same color with the same apparent problem, I researched the issue and found approximately a dozen the federal safety agency complaints describing similar bubbling and peeling. This appears to be far beyond normal age-related paint deterioration. I also have a 1990 Subaru that has been sitting in my driveway, and its original paint remains fully intact. I think this may be a manufacturing or material defect affecting the factory clear-coat system and believe it warrants investigation.

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · LA

Desconocido

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Engine · 122,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under Kia Campaign Number: SC176 (Engine Control Unit (ECU) Logic Improvement). A compression test was performed by the dealer, and it was determined that the cylinder compression was low, which indicated an engine failure. However, the dealer determined that only the catalytic converter would be replaced because DTC: P030X was not retrieved. The contact stated that the service campaign repair was not adequate for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone but confirmed the assessment of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Engine · WA

Issues with catalytic converters , manifold, fuel 02 sensor. Have had to replace multiple times. Not listed as a recal vin.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · FL

The vehicle won't go faster than 60mph. It will go in limp mode. Vehicle should be part of the engine replace campaign, but it is not showing up on the federal safety agency website.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

Vehicle suffered a sudden, dangerous loss of power on the highway at 70 mph, dropping immediately to 20 mph, creating a severe safety risk. The vehicle has an active P0420 code. The official the federal safety agency database confirms that Safety Recall SC176 (Campaign 19V120) is INCOMPLETE for this vehicle. However, the KIA dealership and KIA corporate are actively refusing to honor the federal recall, falsely claiming the vehicle is past an 8-year/80,000-mile emissions warranty limitation. They are also forcing a $249 diagnostic fee to investigate an open, incomplete safety campaign.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · AR

I have a 2016 kia soul that has been having drinking oil every 2-3 weeks but there isnt any oil leaking on the ground.last week I was driving home and my car woulnt go over 20mph I took it to kia and they said I need a catalytic converter the oil is still escaping somewhere and when I looked at the recalls my VIN didnt show I had any but my car is somehow having the same issues and I have 108,000 miles