2016 Kia Soul Problems Include Engine Failures, Overheating Catalytic Converter, and Faulty Electricals

Apr 27, 2022

The Kia Soul is usually a solid, reliable SUV. Still, the 2016 model has experienced several mechanical faults, including potential vehicle rollaway, engine failures with high repair costs, and a host of electrical problems leading to a malfunctioning A/C and headlights.

2016 Kia Soul - Photo by Kia

Key Points

Three recalls have been issued for the 2016 Kia Soul concerning issues that can lead to vehicle rollaway, overheated catalytic converter, and risk of pinion gear separation.
The most reported problems by 2016 soul owners involve the engine, the catalytic converter, and the electrical system.
Other owner complaints mention vehicle speed control problems such as unintended downshifting and the vehicle failing to accelerate or accelerating independently.
The 2016 Soul has excellent crash test ratings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).
The 2016 model is by no means the Soul’s worst year. Still, you’ll be better off bumping up one or two years as Kia made significant improvements in reliability and safety in later Soul models.

2016 Kia Soul Has Three Recalls Over Dangerous Issues With Damaged Parking Mechanism, Overheating Catalytic Converter, and Risk of Pinion Separation

There have been three recalls for the 2016 Kia Soul involving potentially dangerous problems, and one open investigation due to engine fires.

One of the more concerning recalls covers a defective pinion plug. This plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering assembly, leading to loss of steering.

Another recall covers potential damage to the parking mechanism that could cause vehicle rollaway when the gear is in “Park” and the brake is not applied.

Also addressed in recalls is a faulty catalytic converter that tends to overheat. This may potentially puncture the engine block, allowing engine oil to leak, which is a fire risk and could result in an engine stall.

There is one investigation listed with the NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Soul covering non-crash vehicle fires due to engine failure.

2016 Kia Soul - Photo by Kia

Most Common 2016 Soul Owner Complaints Include Issues Over the Engine, Catalytic Converter, and Electrical System

According to the NHTSA, of the SUV’s 339 complaints, more than half pertain to engine problems such as loss of power and oil-related issues like low pressure and excessive consumption.

Other engine issues include sluggish acceleration, the check engine light activating unnecessarily, and the engine completely failing.

Prominent catalytic converter overheating issues have been reported by many owners. The problem typically causes the engine light to come on. Still, some drivers claim the vehicle would just fail without warning in some instances.

Although less common, 2016 Soul owners have complained about vehicle speed control problems, including unintended speed reduction or downshifting, fluctuating speeds, loss of power, or the vehicle accelerating independently without warning.

According to Car Complaints, owners report electrical problems that can lead to the engine not turning over or starting, engine fire as early as 17,000 miles, flickering headlights, inaccurate mileage indicators, and the horn going off randomly or quit working.

2016 Kia Soul - Photo by Kia

Owner Discussions in Soul and Kia Forums Reveal Several Reliability Problems for the 2016 Soul

Along will registered complaints at the NHTSA, Soul drivers reported problems they experienced with on different Kia and Soul forums.

For instance, in this thread on Kia Soul Forums, problems reported include the inability to shift the vehicle out of “Park” and the electronic stability control light staying on, braking issues, rough idle, and complete engine failure.

Other Soul drivers have reported on Kia Forums more catalytic converter problems, knocking sound, the vehicle pulsing back and forth, and several oil-related issues such as excessive consumption, leaks, and faulty regulator/pump.

2016 Kia Soul - Photo by Kia

2016 is Not the Soul’s Worst Year, but Opting for a Newer Model Is the Safest Choice

Although the 2016 Soul has had some serious recalls due to safety concerns, not all its problems are that common. In fact, the car boasts a consumer rating of 87 out of 100 from J.D. Power.

Also, in terms of safety, the 2016 Soul has good crash ratings with the NHTSA and earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

This article by Motor Verso mentions that the Kia Soul model years with the most issues are 2012 through 2016. Still, many of the problems have been remedied after the 2017 facelift.

So, if you’re in the market for a 2016 Soul, bumping up a year or two is your best bet.

Photos: Kia

Frequently Asked Questions

By Stephanie Stephan | Apr 27, 2022

What are the Most Common Problems With the Kia Soul?

2012-2016 models of the Kia Soul are plagued by engine problems. Faulty oil piston rings and blown head gaskets cause knocking and engine failure under 100,000 miles. Defective steering pinions and damaged catalytic converters are also common in the Kia Soul.

Do Kia Souls Have Engine Problems?

A lawsuit was settled for the Theta II GDI engine in 2011-2019 Kia Souls for catastrophic failure and fires. Engine knocking and death can happen between 85,000-93,000 miles. 2012-2016 models were recalled for catalytic converter damage, and 2020-2021 years were recalled for defective oil piston rings.

Owner Reviews

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Joseph H. on August 15, 2023

Exessive oil consumtion +++++

My 2016 Kia Soul, fully Loaded At 87,000 miles had excessive oil consumption problem. Dealer informed me it is not covered by bumper to bumper warranty or extended warranty. Dealer informed me I needed a engine cleaning that would cost $1,000.dollars. I asked what this cleaning consisted of that costs $1,000.dollars they informed me they would take the engine apart and clean it(sound like a engine job to me and this is all a play on words.) They are outright offending the customers intelligence and playing the word game very well to get out of the Dealer/Kia covering the costs. Also they will have no loner cars ever available so I had to rent a car for two weeks. 15-18,000 miles later "Excessive Oil Consumption" problem occurred again. This again was not covered by the Dealer/Kia or by my extended warranty Endurance. Once again it cost me $1,000. Dollars to get fixed + Car Rental cost since they never have a loner available. I also informed them that the car on occasion had difficulty starting and would then drive with low power, but if I shut the car off and re-started it would go away and drive normal. They completed the engine cleaning for Excessive Oil Consumption and after leaving the Dealer my car shut off at the first red light. I could not go back to the dealer since they were closed and I thought this was a isolated incident but it occurred 15 times afterward so when I returned back to the Kia Dealer in Rockville Center NY after the 1,000 mile test run after the "Engine Cleaning job" I informed them of this and how this engine shutting off never existed before the "Engine cleaning Job" .. Dealer looked at the car for two days and informed me the mechanics didn't see anything.. August 15,2023 brought car to a different Kia dealership in Smithtown and they are now looking over the car for the cause of this engine shutting off while stopped at light problem. They informed me it will take a couple of days since they are backed up. Placed on the Kia waiting list for a loaner and meanwhile renting a car once again.

Yilma Diaz on December 11, 2022

Kia Motors wants to back out on engine recall out of BAD FAITH!!!!!!

I bought a 2016 Kia Soul from Greenway Kia East in Florida on 9/2019. I didn't drive it much due to the pandemic. All ok until 09/2022 that suddenly lost acceleration in the middle of traffic. I got it towed to the dealership and confirmed it was an overheated Catalytic Converter recall. The dealer states they fixed it and other recall too plus they charged me $200 for diagnostics (I'm still fighting for that refund). 3 weeks later or so suddenly the car had the oil light on, so I took it to nearest shop to get emergency oil changed. Well, that oil change lasted like 3 weeks when suddenly in early November the oil light came on with engine light on and the car lost power in the middle of traffic again and started to sound like a Spanish 'maraca'. I send it to the dealer again to find out the Catalytic overheated blowing pistons in the way and now the car needs a new engine. Engine that Kia Motors is denying paying. It's been a month at the dealership and no car fixed. I have spent hundreds in a rental before I was given a loaner car. Not to mention the time wasted as AAA tow guy parked the car at the employee parking lot and it was lost for 5 days at the dealership. Key also lost. I have appealed the denial to replace the engine under engine failure due to Catalytic recall and was advised that 'it would take forever to review'. The car is still at the dealership. The level of stress these companies have put me through as a costumer is beyond forgiving. I want to be off this insanity, off the agreement and all off my credit.

CAP on February 19, 2024

Dead Soul

I did a lot of research before Ipurchased used 2016 Soul @98k miles. I knew there were engine issue's and some recalls, but I purchased from CarMax, pretty reputable used car dealer. Soul had all its inspections, no past due recalls, so I pulled the trigger. 116k miles, engine is dead. Had to replace catalytic converter after 1 month after I notice Soul losing power. Carmax replaced. Noticed high oil consumption, had Carmax check it out, Kia stated that's normal for these cars, ok🫤. Tech at Kia states engines for these vehicles are lifetime warranty due to failure, just gotta wait for engine to die, ok🫤. Tech doesn't tell me in order for engine to be covered it has to have an ECU update to mitigate this possible engine failure. Ok🫤. Tow to Kia dealer with dead engine. Kia Motors, " gee, we're sorry, can't cover engine replacement because no ECU was updated". How the F am I supposed to know this if they didn't send out the notice or Advisement to me?!?!?!? 2 months later. I'm staring at my Kia Soul in my driveway that I owe$$ with a crapped put engine. This is a 2 dollar engine that would cost Kia zero to replace, but they'd rather have thousands of consumers complain and tell others don't buy a Kia. PR campaign for Kia would be better of supporting the Kia consumer than have all the negative press. Meanwhile, Kia pay 7million$ for a superbowl commercial instead of 2 dollars for good PR consumer business. F'd up in my book.

Gina on June 24, 2023

Will never buy Kia again because they don't seem to care about engine problems.

My 2016 Kia Soul that I bought in April 2022 with 79k miles, is consuming oil and has sludge per Kia service manager. I've been told there's nothing they can do so I should trade in, sell or wait until engine blows to get a new motor (maybe) per new extended warranty (15yr/150k miles because of class action lawsuit). I asked for a oil consumption test and was denied due to power train warranty that expired at 5yr/60k. They said I have to check my oil regularly, change it when every 5k miles and see if the engine blows before I can receive a new motor. A talked to a non-KIA mechanic who said it's probably faulty piston rings causing oil consumption, which when it gets low, it gets hot and thick (sludgy) and then it could be clogging up my catalytic converter. I had an engine light come on back in Feb 2023 and they said code was for catalytic convert but reset it and told me to come back if it came back on. It came back on now (June 2023) with check oil light.

Mindi on July 27, 2023

Never again II

Not worth 1 star. Common motor issues. Never had an issue like this with a car in my life. Six to eight weeks before they even look at my car. Sitting at Paramount Kia parking lot for up to two months before I get a diagnostic. Will not pay for rental until diagnostic is determined. This is THEIR fault. I paid $25k for this car. I could have bought any other car but I chose a Kia Soul only to be disappointed and treated badly. I no longer trust Kia and will NEVER buy one nor support anything about this company if they do not do right by me and the others. If they are six to eight weeks out for diagnostics ... What does that say about Kia?.

Dwight W on September 28, 2022

Avoid Kia at all cost.

We bought a 2014 Kia Soul. In two years the engine had to be replaced once, and taken into the garage twice. This last time we were told by the dealership, the issue is a known issue. We were never told what the issue was, only that the dealership had to wait to hear from Kia. After a week of waiting we are told that the known issue (catalytic converter) is past the allowed time for Kia to cover the issue and our options where we had to come up with over 3000 dollars for parts and labor, trade it in which cost more money or take the car as it is. These are immoral and greedy predetory practices.

Mindi on July 27, 2023

Never buy Kia again II

Just took my Kia Soul in at 118k miles with the common motor issues Kia has... SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS - my Kia Soul is going to sit in the parking lot at Paramount in Hickory, NC due so many Kia's having motor issues AND Paramount Kia would not provide me with a rental car until my Kia Soul gets the diagnostic (six to eight weeks). I no longer have Faith in this establishment on any level and will never buy another Kia. My dealership is helpful and professional ... It's Kia I have lost faith in.

Victoria on October 25, 2023

2016Kiasoul

I bought my soul at 60 000 miles it had been a rentel soI assumed it had been taken care of and maybe had every week after buying my soulI gota letter to buy my car back for a gran under what paid for weird ? Then the knocking started then the oil completely drained out after just being checked the week before then it blew anyone one else Experienced thisI'm out a car and still owe on it Kia owes me a car !!!!

Kena on September 2, 2022

Never buy from Kia again

I called about the recall on my 2016 Kia Soul and my converter is having problems with it . I call someone from Kia and they told me that recall was completed and that if I wanted it fixed I had do it my self . And the recall is still going on . And that the Statue of limitation’s says a recall can be for 8 years and my car is 6 years old . Never will buy a Kia again

Carguy on October 8, 2021

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR

Just reached 120,000 kms and the main engine crank bearring blew due to all to the oil being burned off due to engine clogging restricting oil flow. This problem had been recalled on previous years models, and other models. If memory serves me correctly it was almost 2 million vehicles from 2011-2014/5 dues to the same engine issue (because they have the same engine).

Jane on January 31, 2024

Same as everyone…oil consumption

I’m so sick over KIA!!! My car stopped in the middle of a busy intersection. Had it towed was told that the car is burning oil and excess, causing the catalytic converter to go bad had it towed to the Kia dealership and even know I should be getting a new cat and engine they continue to come up with reasons why it won’t be it won’t be covered

Arvind Segran on June 7, 2023

Flicking lights

Kia Souls has a problem with headlights and switch. It has been fixed by Kia twice and after a few months, I still have the same problem. It's difficult to drive the vehicle at night as the headlights will go off automatically. This is dangerous if you are using the car on rainy nights. This case with Kia has been pending since the year 2019.

Lisa on February 11, 2022

Regret buying!

No problems until 2 days ago, when on my way to work it made a noise and the oil light came on then went off. I pulled immediately in a parking lot. Called a tow truck and had it towed to a Kia dealership in Tulsa, OK. The dealership states I need a new engine.....this vehicle is just 3 years old.....are you joking with me!!!!

GVC on April 29, 2023

Adding to the flood

79k miles and all the usual issues start to appear, all the same issues others are experiencing. Mechanic had to rebuild the engine, pistons froze up. Found that was due to oil gasket blown. They rebuilt the engine, but still the car won't accelerate. Found the cat. Converter is damaged. Taking it to the dealer, wish me luck.

Elizabeth H on March 20, 2022

It gets called the rat car due to the commercial.

Within the first two years there were major recalls. It takes a while to speed up. It is comfortable but the backseat is small and cramped. The base model is just that, a base model. The tires wore out within a year so make sure to get them upgraded. And the windshield cracked at the first pebble that hit it.

Cindy T on April 18, 2022

Kia Soul relatively trouble free but has a few design flaws.

Another issue with the Kia Soul is the electronic tire warning is always lighting up whenever there is a change in the temperature. I have to double check to make sure I don't actually have a flat tire. The mechanism is too sensitive and turns on way too frequently when it isn't necessary

Beth C on April 26, 2022

Minor Electrical Issues

My check engine light comes on whenever it's 40 degrees or lower. Lately, my car door signal has been on even though all doors are firmly shut and locked. I have brought my car in numerous times and it still has the same issues. Other than these two issues it is extremely comfortable!

Matthew K on March 9, 2022

2016 Kia Soul: Moderate pricing without any frills

The torque is so weak and barely exists so it is hard to accelerate fast. You not being passing many cars in the Kia Soul! It really has zero pickup and that can be irritating. Lastly, there is no air conditioning vent to the back seat so any passengers are reliant on the front AC.

Antonio V on December 9, 2021

I recommend for long and short trips.

Low cost in gas, some time heaters does not work the tired cheap, is comfortable and little space for stuff, sound perfect and Bluetooth, great for long and short trips, easy for clean it and lot compatibility w different kind of cover for seats and nice mats.

Katie E on August 21, 2021

Kia soul has efficient, but some technical problems.

I have been having problems with the ac going out quickly. There's a shifting problem and it is an automatic. The stereo system does not work very often and I have a hard time connecting the Bluetooth so I think there's a connection problem somewhere.

Meagen B on December 22, 2021

Horrible Acceleration Problems

My main problem with this vehicle is it has no acceleration. I feel as though I cannot get it going after stopping at a stop light or even going up an incline. I have always driven 4-cyl vehicles and have never had this problem with any others.

Suzanne E on August 5, 2023

Motor problems and electricalproblems

I am on my 2nd Soul the one I have now is 2016 and I am very unhappy with it. Oil leaks and motor noises and headlights going off and on while driving so can't drive at night. Surging when stopped. Clear coat coming off.

Burton Post on July 31, 2021

Detune of engine for fire recall

I got a recall notice on my 2016!Kia Soul. Took vehicle in with notice and they just detained my engine instead of fixing the catalytic converter. This caused a lost of 4-5 mpg. Kia said nothing more they could do.

Kaitlyn B on September 3, 2021

Nice, compact, safe, and easy to learn in.

Filter when you get your oil changed then there will be some issues with the ac or heat. They have had a few recalls on certain models of the soul. But other than that. It is a good first car to have for teens.

Anna R on January 5, 2022

Acceleration Issues As Well As Tire Issues

The brakes went out after two years. I always have problems with my tires. This car doesn't have getup. When you use the eco the air conditioner smell like cat pee. The is good on gas.

Kate T on October 14, 2021

Dangerous Issues

Have had several sensors go out quickly and parts of the car will fall or come loose while driving. Sometimes the headlights randomly shut off while driving.

Sean S on February 4, 2022

Possible Acceleration Issues

Acceleration is another I wish would be better as when on the highway it does not have enough acceleration to keep up on the highway ramp to merge.

MLH on August 29, 2022

Ignition Switch

Ignition switch needs total replacement on my 60,000 mile 2016 Kia Soul. The rear brake pads were totally worn down and needed replacement too.

Wade on January 22, 2022

Will it start

Vehicle turned 1262 km and the seat heater blew up on my buttock. 128,800 the key ignition is defective. 3 hours labor. Trade ???? I think so

Jessica F on July 26, 2021

Tire/Traction Issues That Come With the Car

The only problem I have had with the vehicle is the tires that come on it are not good in the rain. I hydroplaned and totaled my moms car.

Christina B on December 24, 2021

Cheaply made throw away vehicle

Totally cheap made, rattles, and has had a ton of recalls. Also gas mileage is not good for the size of the vehicle

Britney D on October 3, 2021

An interesting detail about my car is it was fast and had a hatchback.

The only problem I had was the air conditioner, it kept giving me problems like the cool air would stop working.

Severely lacking in nearly every area. on July 22, 2021

Severely lacking in nearly every area.

It is very weak and loses speed on hills. It also has some serious blind spots. The accessories are outdated.

Dawn R on February 2, 2022

I am overall satisfied with my Kia soul.

I am having an issue with what seems to be my struts. Squeaks when driving on bumpy terrain.

Eduardo Zepeda

Eduardo Zepeda is an auto journalist and sometimes mechanic. Eduardo's been a petrolhead since he was a kid playing with toy cars and obsessing over anything related to cars and motorsports. Thirty-some years later, that hasn't changed much. Eduardo loves to travel with his wife and dogs in his motorhome. For the last nine years, he's been writing and publishing high-quality content on different industries, including automotive and industrial manufacturing. He's contributed to Hot Cars, Supercars, Mustang Specs, and Good Car Bad Car, among others.