2016 kia Soul engine problems

severe 459 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100

Complaints

459

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$3,100

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 19V120000 22/02/2019

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1

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.

Fix: 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.

What owners are reporting 11 most recent

engine · filed 12/31/2021

Loses power and dies also uses alot of oil and a day after oil change I have to get more oil in it the first month I had the car it died the first week and lost power on the highway the said the Cadillac converter was clogged

engine · filed 12/29/2021

2016 Kia Soul. Car was very sluggish and after taking it in the engine needed to be replaced, this was covered under warranty. I think there was a recall on the engine as well. 1 day after getting my car back from the engine being replaced the engine light came back on. The dealership said it was a bad catalytic converter and would not cover it. it was clogged and would cost me over $1700. Me rese…

engine · filed 12/28/2023

Changed oxygen sensor and check engine light is still on

engine · filed 12/27/2023

Oil consumption and engine stall. Engine light flashing. Taken to two Kia dealerships no resolution. Mechanic ran test to see engine recall issue. Still careless months later.

engine · filed 12/27/2020

MY 2016 KIA SOUL HAS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MALFUNCTION. NO MECHANIC HAS DETERMINED WHAT IS THE CAUSE AND HOW TO CORRECT THIS MATTER. THE CAR HAS PROBLEMS WITH IDLING, AND PERFORMANCE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 37K MILES. AFTER SPENDING OVER $300, I WAS TOLD SORRY WE HAVE NO ANSWER. JUST IGNORE THE PROBLEM. WHAT HAPPENS IF IT CAUSES A FIRE OR BREAKS DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY? THE INTERNET IS INUNDATED WITH THE SAME …

engine · filed 12/26/2021

On December 20. 2021. I was driving my daughter home from college in Alabama when after roughly 2-1/2 hours we reached Meridian MS. While travelling on Interstate 20, we were surprised to hear a severe knocking suddenly & the engine began to die. I would like to reiterate we were on the Interstate at posted speed of 70 mph, when I was forced to maneuver through a number of Semi-Trucks while our…

engine · filed 12/23/2025

Greetings, I have a base 2016 kia soul manual transmission that I thought was under safety recall for its engine, but when I search it says 0 unrepaired recalls, when I look this up it does claim my vehicle had this problem, but I never had a dealer fix it, I did contact the one I got it from a couple of years ago and asked if my vehicle qualified for the recall since it already has 200,000 miles …

engine · filed 12/22/2022

Kia Soul Base 2016 owner took to repair under warranty on 12/02/22 for the second time the catalytic converter and oil change because the check engine light was on and a Kia technician update the codes. Today 12/22/22 the check engine light is on, driving in the highway it starts shaking and does not take acceleration it stalled without passing from 15mph putting my safety and the others at risk…

engine · filed 12/22/2020

2016 KIA SOUL 2.0 ENGINE LOSES POWER INTERMITTING ENGINE LIGHT INTERMITTING OIL LIGHT AND POSSIBLY RODS KNOCKING THE HIGHWAY AND TURNING

engine · filed 12/22/2019

THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A CITY STREET. THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. AS I ACCELERATED, THE KNOCKING NOISE WOULD INCREASE. THE NOISE WOULD CONTINUE EVEN IF THE CAR WAS DOING A TURN. ALSO BEING STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD BE WITH THAT KNOCKING NOISE.

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 kia Soul?

It's a meaningful issue. 459 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.