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 transmission complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 62, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Catalyic converter is damage
i have a 2016 Kia Soul EV+. The Hghi Voltage Battery Pack Assembly is malfunctioning and it only charges to 30 percent or a 30-mile range. It should charge to a 90-mile range. While driving, it suddenly drops from a 25-mile range to an 18- mile range, I sometimes smell an electrical burning smell. When the battery gets down to an 18-mile range. it suddenly starts to drop dramatically. The car goes into a turtle mode and cannot even reach 20 miles per hour. KIA has issued an IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL INTERIM NOTICE for this problem, and I contacted a KIA dealership to resolve the issue. According to the notice, KIA is supposed to replace the defective battery. I have put in three service requests, but I have not heard back from kIA after the initial contacts. I cannot drive this vehicle like this, and I am making payments on it. I am requesting assistance with this problem.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced under recall the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System) and the vehicle started experiencing steering failure after the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, especially over uneven road surfaces, there was an abnormal sound like metal banging together coming from all four wheels. The contact stated that the sound was more pronounced near the front wheels. While driving approximately 35-45 MPH and attempting to turn the vehicle to the left or the right, there was a delay between the steering wheel turning and the wheels responding. The contact stated that there was a clanking sound coming from the steering wheel while turning to the left or the right. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose and there was play in the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,100.
The propulsion battery has so much degradation that when I drive on the freeway the "turtle" mode activated not allowing me to do freeway speeds with cars around me. It forced me to slow unsafely while cars were behind me, I had to react quickly to turn on my hazards and try to get the vehicle to speed up. If I was too slow or another driver was inattentive we would have been hit from behind by a vehicle going much faster.
I had recently acquired my 2016 Kia soul from a used dealership, and as I had gotten it, inspected by a mechanic, the back rear brake was locked. The Penrod was missing on one of them, and my driver side door lock was broken and I thought that was simple issues that could be repaired. You know that’s a used car whatever as I started driving it not even a month later I start feeling heavy acceleration when barely hitting the gas and trying to shift because it is a manual and loss of power on first and second gear, like it was going to stall out without even rubbing the RPMs to get it to move. I did some research found out that there was multiple recalls on the catalytic converter and it’s causing a fire the ECUs and also the antitheft system so I am a single mom. I work constantly and my only vehicle with 4kids, so a full month mark my Oil light all of a sudden started coming on but flickering I pulled over there’s no smell of burning oil no leaks no high temp I checked my oil stick. It was fine a thick drip on it. I Thought everything was fine, but the light still kept coming on and flickering when I would accelerate it would go off when I would decelerator push clutch in it would stay. I called kia dealer had it taken, did the recall orders on it but they told me they wouldnt do an oil check or do a code diagnostics for it unless I paid over $200 for just that diagnostics after they did all the recall orders I picked up the car over a day later. started having misfires the car was driving worse then when I took it to the dealership, i would drive up hill I’d lose power. Shifting gears from 1-4 it sounds like the whole engine was shaking like it was gonna fall out of the car I called the dealership and told them what was goin on. They were really rude to me and told me an hour later it was throwing codes of misfires an again have to pay for it, they stated the oil an misfires werent their fault doin the recalls. ECU an ANTITHEFT, I am worried for my kids safety!!!!!
I put the car in park, and exited the car to do something, and it started to move forward on its own. I jumped back in the car and stepped on brakes, and shut the engine off. I was to the side of the car, so did not get injured. On a different occasion I was parking the car in the carport, and put the car into park. When I released the foot brake, the car started moving forward on its own again. I put on the brake, put the car into reverse to reverse to the parking spot, put the car into park and put the parking brake on. Others were around the car, but not directly in front of the car so no one was injured. The car has not been taken to the dealer yet for this issue, not has anyone inspected it for this problem. I have an appointment soon for an inspection by the dealer. These incidents happened without warning.
There is an active recall on 2016 Kia Catalytic Converters. I was told my VIN is not included, even though I have this make and model. The car consistently struggled at 60 MPH, and was driving rough at lower speeds, but randomly. I had to travel no more than 45-50 MPH. This was dangerous since i was on the Highway when the car started to struggle at 60 MPH. Kia said my Catalytic Converter is clogged and not fixable, I needed a new one. The car only has 80K miles, I bought it Certified from Kia.
The catalytic system began breaking apart and throwing an engine light error. The system progressively got worse until it lead to complete failure not allowing the fuel system to work nor the vehicle to be able to accelerate.
Bought 2016 Kia Soul one year ago (May 2022) with 79k miles. Feb 2023 engine light came on. Took it to Kia service center & they reset it and told us to come back if light came back on. It did along with oil change light (June 2023, 92k miles). We were told it had no oil, it was consuming oil, sludge in motor and there was nothing they could do. Service mgr told us to check oil level regularly, top it off as needed and get regular oil changes and if/when it failed, then they would replace engine under new lawsuit settlement (extended warranty to 15yr/150k). We consulted another mechanic and he said it is faulty piston rings that caused oil consumption, that caused low oil and that ultimately caused possible sludge. Why aren't they fixing the problem instead of waiting until the engine fails? Probably because they were waiting to see if your engine fails after 15yr/150k mile warranty expires. New lawsuit in the works regarding oil consumption because it's happening to a lot of KIAs.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle vibrated violently and lost motive power. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic failed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
The vehicle contains a defect related to motor vehicle safety or does not comply with an applicable federal motor vehicle safety standard ENGINE REPLACED THRESHOLD REPLACED CATALITIC CONVERTER BLEW ECU COMPLETED AIRBAG WARNING DOES NOT CLEAR INACCURATELY REPORTED/ COMPLETED VEHICAL MALFUNCTIONING LOSS OF POWER
It been buckling at low speeds, acceleration is not consistance with how much gas I press. If I have the car at stop sign or red light. It completely stalls out with the battery and oil light comes on. This happen 5 times in a 40 minute drives it would have happen more if I didn't notice it was happening cause of the issue was going on at lower speeds. I notice the heat was higher, also was fumes coming into the car while on highway. There was a moment where the car started to stall on highway, but quickly regain. Very stressful and dangerous situation.
1. On 1/30/23 I was heading home from work when my engine and oil light came on. I after parking at turning my car off, the engine began to shake and make clicking noises continuously. I got an oil change that day thinking that may help the issue. On 1/31/23 I took my car to another mechanic who notified me that they have seen many Kia Souls and Optimas with this problem and many engines have been recalled. Upon my way home which was 2 miles away, my engine entirely blew up on interstate 15. 2. My safety was put at risk by my car engine blowing up on the freeway and losing power within seconds as traffic was going at 70 mph. I then ended up right in front of an on-ramp and had a small area to park at as was within 1 foot of oncoming highway traffic for 30 minutes - in freezing temperatures. Something also blew out from under my car and almost his a vehicle behind me. 3. Kia stated this has been an issue and that I need to take it to a Kia dealer for inspection. 4. My vehicle has been towed to Young Kia of Layton UT for inspection.
Check engine light came on and I had it read. It came back as P050A - Cold Start Idle Air Control System Performance. I saw online that there is an existing service action fix: SERVICE ACTION: 1.6L GDI WITH MIL ON DTC P050A ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA485). The dealership informed me that although my car is a 2016 Kia Soul it isn't part of this service action. However, seeing as how I am getting the check engine error code associated with this service action fix, I believe that my vehicle SHOULD be included.
On 12/27/22, was driving on highway in the evening, engine light illuminated and vehicle slowed down and unable to drive beyond 40mph. Was able to make it home safely, notified dealership on 12/28/22 and used AAA service for vehicle tow. Recv'd call from dealership on 1/3/22 that vehicle was inspected and was ready for pickup. Issue was code P1326 related to KSDS (knock sensor detection system) & connector rod bearings, so they did an ECU update & bearing clearance test. (While waiting for info I did online research & learned of the issue with KIA's GDI engine failures/fires). I asked dealer rep if the issue with my vehicle was related to this and was told yes, that this was the first step in Kia's protocol for the issue. I raised concern over driving the vehicle knowing that there is a possibility of engine failure or fire. He acknowledge the concern, but reiterated that this was all they would do for now. I asked for a copy of the repair/service protocol and was told he would try to get me one. Am scheduled to pick up vehicle in a few hours and am sure there will be more issues & concerns to follow.
I purchased my vehicle back in 2021 and I notice that the recall for the catalytic converter so I check my car reports and don’t see where it was replaced or service I recently went to get a check engine diagnostic and the code read p0420 which is problems with catalytic converter no one has been the owner of the vehicle since 2018 and I’m not sure if it was replace or replace incorrectly I shouldn’t be experiencing difficulties and I haven’t reached over 100,000 miles since the previous mileage @ the timing of the recall “fixture”
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Cadalic converter we clogged due to carbon emissions. Oil is low and light flashes when below 15 mph even though the oil was changed at a Kia dealership less than 3 weeks ago. Oil leak is visible on engine. The car will also shake and jerk when driving. It would be available depending on the day. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My wife and kids have been stuck on the road twice now due to this issue during heave traffic. The car started shaking and my wife had trouble controlling the car. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The dealership said the issue was with the gdi (gasoline direct engine), that it was clogged due to heavy carbon emissions and needed to be cleaned. We paid for the cleaning and sill have the problem. They also stated they have seen this issue before. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes the dealership has looked at the car. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? The oil light will flash on and off. So the engine like will come on at times.
My car is exhibiting the same issue as the recall below but not on my VIN #. I have an open case with Kia Consumer Affairs which has been open for a couple months with zero feedback. I do not feel safe driving the car but as it stands I have no choice but my car as shown below and I was also told at the Kia dealership I purchased it from that it will need a new engine. Recall Subject: Engine and Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor Report Receipt Date: 02/22/2019 the federal safety agency Campaign: 19v120000 Summary 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. 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. Remedy 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. Notes Owners may also contact the federal safety agency vehicle safety hotline at 1‑888‑327‑4236 (tty 1‑800‑424‑9153), or go to
I took my car into the dealer for the COP logic recall with the ECU. Ever since that fix, every time I start my car when it’s cold outside it idles high. If the ambient temperature goes below 50 degrees or so when I turn the key to start the car the RPM jumps to almost 4K at cold it stays high for about a minute until it eventually settles around 1k. It only does this when it’s cold out and it never did it before that fix. Sometimes it will set off the MIL with the code P050A when this happens.
My soul is having same problems as others with catalytic converter and engine. Had to replace throttle body that showed bad code to pass inspection. Turned out to be a needed software update to computer not bad throttle body. I'm out $600. Now getting p0420 code. Car stall out around 9/22/21. Another software update given on 10/2/21. Reset, still getting code. Car is also losing oil with no sign of leak. Possibly causing code. Damage may already be done to engine. Telling me I have to pay for repairs if needed.
My Kia Soul's engine failed when we were exiting the highway. The car started making awful grinding sounds and went into "limp mode." When I tried to restart the vehicle, the oil lamp and check engine lamp illuminated. The car had shown NO issues the entire day and I had put oil in it earlier that morning because I noticed it was low (I try to check the oil every time I get gas). I had my partner and our dogs in the car with us and had to walk down the highway to the gas station to call somebody since we didn't have service. It was also 110 degrees outside, so the car failing put us in a pretty dangerous situation. We had JUST gotten the recall notice for the vehicle's engine a week before (it looked like it had gotten lost in the mail) and had called around to the Kia Dealerships in the area and none could see us for over a month, which was a problem because we were going to be moving back to the PNW from Death Valley (we had to relocate because I was laid off due to COVID) in less than a month. The closest dealerships were also 100+ miles away. We towed the car with us to WA and got it into a dealership ASAP and they confirmed that the engine had a knock, but Kia refused to fix the issue, stating that because the Knock Sensor Detection Software hadn't been installed, it was not under warranty. The car got serviced at least once every 4 months (I have service records), and I would check and fill the engine oil regularly because the car would burn through it like crazy.
Catalytic converter, recall SC176? Have issues with code: p0420, replaced the Catalytic converter once and code appears again with engine light on, Kia dealership says they won't perform recall since car is slightly over 80,000. Also oil is constantly running out, not noticing a leak on the ground so must be burning away?
On Monday September 6, 2021 at about 11:30 pm, I was driving home east on interstate 90, just east of Roselle rd. near Schaumburg, Illinois. When the car began to violently shake. The dash board lights began to flash and the engine just stopped. We managed to steer the car to the side of the express way, in an attempt to restart the car with no luck. A Illinois Dept. of Transportation road side assistance driver tried to start the car when the car explored into fire, the driver put the fire out and provided us with the number of a toe truck , which we had the car toed to the Schaumburg Kia Dealer, located at 1100 East Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173, phone No. is (847) 908-0502, where the dealer is trying to determine the cause of the fire and the amount of damage, if the car is a total loss or not. My car is a 2016 Kia Soul. At this point I have not heard from the dealer after a week, I have called the dealer several times with no reply at all.
Three issues: 1) Upon stepping on the gas from a stop, the car often takes 4 or more seconds to actually move. This more than once has gotten me almost hit in the back by the other cars. 2) The car often makes "tractor noises" that are extremely loud and annoying. 3) The mechanic at the shop I took it to said that there's a crazy amount of oil going though the exhaust system. This could result in hat accumulation in the engine and jam it up (at best) or actually lead to a spontaneous fire. I am afraid of getting stranded so I haven't been driving very much. The KIA dealership said that there's nothing they can do. are you kidding me?
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact also stated that due to the transmission failure, the vehicle would not allow the contact to shift gears. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with some loose wiring needing to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact then took the vehicle back to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the transmission needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact then took the vehicle back to the dealer for the third time where it was diagnosed with the catalytic converter needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to the federal safety agency campaign number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that they would contact the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
A few months ago car intermittently started bucking as if watery fuel or fuel depletion was occurring accompanied with a loud sound as of grinding metal. Check engine light would come on intermittently for a short while and then go off again. Braking and slowing would temporarily stop it until it recurred. With time those episodes grew more frequent. I consulted martin kia of bowling green, ky from whom I bought the car whose service department seemed to offer no suggestion as to the defect. Two autozone stores tested the engine, one with with check engine light off and another with it on, and both tests agreed that the catalytic converter was malfunctioning. Tests at the above kia dealer confirmed that finding and replaced the converter at a total cost of almost $1300.00 saying its 98000 miles was out of emissions warranty. Problem is, the intermittent bucking and grinding persists. Online I then read that this is likely a recall case already receiving 147 similar complaints and that some of these vehicles had been finally totally destroyed by an engine fires. It has become a fearful thing to drive it with that knowledge. What is your advised course foe a remedy?
Blown engine after some work was done under current recall (catalytic converter replacement)
While driving on the nj turnpike at night time, I went to change from the right lane into the middle lane and the car stalled not able to pick up speed. As the car stalled there was a fast moving truck which was coming and that was able to switch lanes forcing me to move into the last lane which made the cars behind me have to come to a sudden stop. I then had to put on my hazards and slowly move back over to the shoulder. Once completely stopped I shut off the engine. After waiting for some time I started the car again, but nothing changed. I remained in the right lane with hazards on and drove the car not being able to go above 40 MPH. Eventually the car got back to driving normal right before arriving home which was about a 40 to 50 minute ride. The car was taken to the dealership and I learned that the catalytic converter needs to be replaced. This is after taking this car to be looked at twice and being told that there was nothing found. Now I find that there is a recall on the car (the federal safety agency id: 19v120000), but it says that my vehicle is not amongst the vehicles recalled.
2016 kia soul /w 2.0 liter long block engine. Approximately 85k miles at the time of engine failure due to spontaneous oil loss. Vehicle had been well maintained with regular oil changes. Dealership and kia corporate refuse to provide any consideration that the failure is due to mfg. Defect despite numerous reported incidents of this exact failure.
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