TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Kia Soul powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Kia Soul have filed 61 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 73,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
61
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Soul | 18 |
| 2013 Soul | 13 |
| 2014 Soul | 53 |
| 2015 Soul | 59 |
| 2016 Soul (this page) | 61 |
| 2017 Soul | 19 |
| 2018 Soul | 30 |
| 2019 Soul | 5 |
| 2020 Soul | 87 |
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 61 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Kia Soul, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 61 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 14 model years of Kia Soul in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DCT JUDDER INSPECTION AND DUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace Dual Clutch Assembly and upgrade the TCU on some 2016-2020MY Kia vehicles listed in the table below, equipped with the 7 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which might exhibit clutch judder when accelerating from a stop.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles on page 2. Refer to the shop manual on KGIS for the specific Kia model for the correct transmission fluid check/fill procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a 2016 Kia Soul with cascading powertrain failures. The most frequent complaint is catalytic converter clogging due to high exhaust temperatures, causing loss of power, stalling, and limp mode. Many owners say their identical vehicles are denied coverage under the published recall (Campaign 19V120000 / SC176) despite matching defect symptoms exactly. Replacement costs $1,300–$1,500 out of pocket.
Engine knock and rod bearing wear follow, marked by loud ticking or grinding noises, oil light flickering, and sudden loss of power on highways. Kia's fix—the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection Software) ECU update—is offered as a "first step in protocol" but does not repair the underlying bearing damage. Several owners report engine fires after this update. Dealerships quote $6,000–$8,000 for engine replacement and refuse warranty coverage after the update, citing "not related to the recall work."
High oil consumption is rampant. Owners report oil dropping to near empty within 2–3 weeks despite no visible leaks and regular changes. Dealerships acknowledge faulty piston rings but only advise topping off oil until the engine fails, then offer replacement under a 15-year/150,000-mile settlement warranty—but only after catastrophic failure.
Transmission failures, misfires, transmission fluid contamination with metal debris, and cold-start high idle (after ECU updates) round out the powertrain failures. One owner's vehicle caught fire on the highway; another exploded. Owners report Kia stalling service claims past warranty expirations and refusing diagnostic testing without payment.
Same Kia Soul powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Catalytic Converter Clogging and Failure
High exhaust gas temperatures damage the catalytic converter, causing clogging with carbon buildup. Owners report the vehicle entering limp mode, loss of acceleration, and stalling. Some converters fail despite being within emissions warranty period; others are not covered under the published recall list despite matching defect symptoms. Replacement cost cited as $1,300–$1,500 out of pocket when not covered by recall.
When: Typically 60,000–100,000 miles; some failures earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cannot exceed 40–45 mph; Loss of power while driving; Check engine light illumination; Engine stalling or bucking/grinding sounds; Limp mode engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement; cost $1,300–$1,500 when not covered by recall. Some owners paid out of pocket; dealership denied coverage citing mileage or vehicle history.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V120000 (Recall SC176) covers catalytic converter replacement and ECU logic upgrade for certain 2012–2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI vehicles. However, multiple owners report their identical vehicles are not listed as eligible for this recall despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Extended engine warranty coverage (15 yr/150k miles) mentioned in settlement, but owners report denial of coverage based on purchase history (auction) or vehicle mileage.
Engine Knock, Rod Bearing Wear, and Catastrophic Failure
Owners report loud knocking/ticking sounds from the engine, followed by loss of power and grinding noises. Diagnostics reveal knock sensor codes (P1326, P0326) and connecting rod bearing failure. The engine loses all oil pressure, causing catastrophic internal damage. Some vehicles catch fire after engine seizure. Owners report the ECU 'Knock Sensor Detection Software' (KSDS) update is offered as a first step in Kia's protocol but does not address the root bearing defect.
When: 30,000–105,000 miles; often occurs after catalytic converter work or ECU updates
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking or grinding noise from engine; Engine loss of power while driving; Oil light flashing intermittently; Limp mode activation; Engine stalling and difficulty restarting; Visible smoke or flames from engine; Engine block puncture (rod bearing failure)
Codes mentioned: P1326, P0326, P0753, P0773
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships offer ECU KSDS software update as first remedy ($0 under recall/campaign). If bearing damage is confirmed, engine replacement quoted at $6,000–$8,000. Owners report Kia refusal to cover full engine replacement after KSDS update, citing 'first step in protocol' excuse. One owner reported total engine failure and fire on highway after KSDS update.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia recalls certain 2012–2016 1.6L GDI vehicles under SC176 for piston and connecting rod bearing damage. Campaign PI2002A and related ECU updates (KSDS software) are offered. However, owners report warranty denial even when defect is confirmed by dealership, citing vehicle purchase history (auction) or mileage. Lawsuit settlement mentioned (15 yr/150k) but enforcement unclear. 2.0L engines excluded from published recall but owners report identical failures.
High Oil Consumption and Burning
Engines consume excessive oil between changes, with no visible leaks underneath the vehicle. Oil appears on dipstick as a thin film weeks after service. Owners must top off oil weekly in some cases. Oil burning is linked to piston ring defects and contributes to low oil pressure, triggering oil warning lights and eventual engine sludge.
When: Occurs across all mileage ranges; intensifies before catastrophic failure
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level drops dramatically between services; Oil light flashes when turning, accelerating, or at low speeds; No visible oil leak under vehicle; Engine sludge in motor; Burning oil smell (sometimes, not always); Dipstick shows little to no oil after 2–3 weeks
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure warning lamp, Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships attribute to faulty piston rings but offer only monitoring (top off oil as needed). One dealership explicitly told owner to 'check oil regularly, top it off as needed' until engine fails, then offered replacement under 15 yr/150k settlement warranty. No repair for the root defect offered during vehicle ownership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lawsuit settlement extended engine warranty to 15 yr/150k miles for certain vehicles, but only covers replacement after complete failure. Manufacturer does not offer proactive piston ring or engine repair. Service bulletins advise regular top-offs rather than root repair.
Loss of Power and Limp Mode During Driving
Vehicle suddenly loses ability to accelerate beyond 40–50 mph, entering limp mode. Engine light comes on. Vehicle can coast or drive slowly but cannot maintain highway speed or merge with traffic. Occurs without warning or with minimal warning. Creates hazardous situation on highways and interstates.
When: Variable; often triggered by catalytic converter failure or knock detection
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle unable to exceed 40–50 mph; Engine warning light illuminated; Reduced power despite pressing accelerator; Jerking or bucking sensation; Vehicle eventually returns to normal (in some cases) or remains stuck in limp mode
Codes mentioned: P1326, P0420, P050A
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis often requires code retrieval at dealership ($200+ if not under warranty). Once catalytic converter or KSDS update completed, power may return. Some owners report persistent limp mode even after dealer repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: ECU logic updates and catalytic converter replacement are the published remedies. However, owners report that without diagnostic codes, dealerships refuse further investigation.
Engine Stalling and Misfire
Engine stalls while driving, often without warning. Upon restart, misfires occur (rough idle, jerky acceleration). Owners report the engine sounds like it will 'shake apart.' Oil light often flickers during these events. Condition worsens after recall service (catalytic converter or ECU updates).
When: Throughout ownership; often triggered by acceleration or gear shifting
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls mid-drive; Misfiring (rough idle, jerky shifts); Oil light flickering; Engine shaking violently; No power on first and second gear (manual transmission); Condition triggered by acceleration or load
Codes mentioned: P0300–P0308 (multi-cylinder misfire), Oil pressure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships cite bad coils, spark plugs, or oil issues but repairs (coil pack, spark plug replacement) do not resolve root cause. One owner replaced coils 3 and 4, spark plugs, throttle body reprogramming—still misfiring. Root cause often traced to low oil pressure or engine knock.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific campaign. Dealers offer piecemeal repairs (coil, plugs) but Kia refuses warranty coverage, stating misfire is not related to catalytic converter or engine recall work.
Engine Fire and Smoke
Engine overheats and catches fire while driving or shortly after pullover. Owners report seeing smoke rise from under the hood, followed by flames erupting from the engine bay. In one case, the vehicle exploded into a fireball after the first responder attempted to restart it. Fires occur after loud engine noises (knocking, grinding) and loss of power, consistent with rod bearing failure and oil loss.
When: After extended driving with knock/loss of power symptoms
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking noise from engine; Loss of power on highway; Smoke rising from engine; Flames erupting from hood; Vehicle fire spreads rapidly
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle is total loss; fire department response required. One vehicle exploded.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia has issued recalls (SC176) for catalytic converter overheating and rod bearing failure that can lead to fires. However, owners report vehicles not included in recall list despite matching fire-causing defect symptoms. No proactive buyback or extended recall issued for 2.0L engines or vehicles outside published VIN ranges.
Transmission Failure and Loss of Gear
Transmission fails to engage properly, slips gears, or jerks violently during shifts. Gear shifter moves out of drive into neutral without input. Transmission fluid contains metal debris. Hard shifts and delayed engagement occur. Some owners report needing full transmission replacement at high mileage.
When: 30,000–88,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails to accelerate from stop; Hard jerking shifts; Delayed transmission engagement; Gear shifter moves out of gear independently; Transmission fluid contains metal debris; RPM increases without acceleration; Loss of power when stopped at traffic light
Codes mentioned: P0753, P0773
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement cost ~$3,500 (one owner paid cash; Kia kept car 2 months). Some owners report replacement does not fully resolve issue; shifting remains rough, MPG drops to 9.6, and problems recur within 7 days.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia denies relationship to catalytic converter/engine recall. Dealer diagnosis often takes 30+ days. One owner reported Kia intentionally delaying service past 12k-mile warranty expiration to avoid coverage.
Cold Start High Idle and Check Engine Light (P050A)
After ECU reprogramming for catalytic converter recall, vehicle exhibits high idle (RPM jumps to ~4,000) at cold start in temperatures below 50°F. Check engine light illuminates with code P050A (Cold Start Idle Air Control System Performance). Condition did not exist before the ECU update. Service Action SA485 exists for this code but dealership states affected vehicle is not included in the action despite matching the code exactly.
When: Cold ambient temperatures (below 50°F); starts after ECU recall update
Symptoms owners cite: High idle RPM at cold start (~4,000 RPM); Idle remains high for 1 minute before settling; Check engine light illumination; Code P050A generated; Occurs only in cold weather, not before ECU update
Codes mentioned: P050A
Repairs/costs cited: No repair offered. Dealership states the vehicle does not qualify for Service Action SA485 even though it exhibits the exact code SA485 is designed to fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Action SA485 (1.6L GDI WITH MIL ON DTC P050A ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT) exists but is not applied to all vehicles with the code. Owners report dealership refusal to perform the service action.
Parking Brake / Park Gear Failure (Vehicle Rolling)
Vehicle rolls forward while in park and engine off, or after driver exits. Applies brake and re-engages park or parking brake to stop rolling. Occurs without warning. Hazardous if children or pedestrians are near vehicle.
When: Variable mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moves forward while parked and engine off; Vehicle rolls even with parking brake engaged (unclear in some reports); No warning lights or sounds before rolling
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not yet inspected by dealer in at least one case; owner has appointment pending.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No information on manufacturer response in narratives.
Unintended Acceleration and Unstable Idle
Vehicle picks up speed on its own without driver input, or idles erratically. Engine surges unexpectedly during normal driving. Car accelerates without pressing the accelerator pedal.
When: Variable; one case noted onset around August 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates on its own; Inconsistent idle behavior; Car gains speed without pedal input; Engine revs unpredictably
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported no warning lights accompanied the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No information in narratives.
Electric Vehicle Battery Degradation (2016 Kia Soul EV+)
High-voltage battery pack degrades rapidly, charging to only 30% capacity (30-mile range) instead of 90-mile range. While driving, battery range drops suddenly and unpredictably. Vehicle enters turtle mode (severely reduced power) when battery reaches ~18-mile range. Electrical burning smell reported. Kia issued an Important Safety Recall Interim Notice for battery replacement but service requests go unanswered.
When: Early in ownership; specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Battery only charges to 30% instead of 90%; Sudden drop in range while driving (e.g., 25 miles to 18 miles); Turtle mode activation (vehicle limited to <20 mph); Electrical burning smell; Severe range degradation
Repairs/costs cited: Kia-issued recall interim notice specifies battery replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued Important Safety Recall Interim Notice for this defect; battery replacement specified as remedy. However, owner reports three service requests with no response from Kia dealership.
Synthesized from 61 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Last month I took my car to the dealership for an ECU update which Kia is calling a 'product improvement campaign' for the cars computer system to put it into limp home mode, now a month later while on my way home from work when I turned onto a street 2 nights in a row the oil light was flashing but went off after I made it through the turn, and I checked the oil level the second night and the…
Since day one, my Kia loose communication with gas pedal to transmission or computer.from stop I accelerate, and if for any reason I ought to release the gas pedal, the transmission act like it is in neutral gear,after accelerate two or three times it accelerate abruptly.it act exactly like hiundai recall no.16v6280.I take the veh. To the dealer, I report the problem but they tell me that they…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 Kia Soul?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 Kia Soul?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 61 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 41,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 73,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 41,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Kia/Soul.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.