2016 KIA SOUL- While driving, vehicle lost power, check eng light came on and vehicle would not accelerate, engine started making noise- pulled over and shut car off. Had vehicle towed to independent shop and was diagnosed with bad catalytic (manifold) convertor- they changed oil and filter and also found metal in oil, which I never experienced till this incident- upon research i found that there was a recall on that convertor, i called dealer, had towed there- diagnosed as convertor, was told covered one day, then called next and told it was not. Evidently, looking at reviews and complaints, there are many people driving 2016 kia souls that were not covered under this catalytic recall. Seems that Kia never fixed the original issue. Warning DON'T BUY A KIA- I have contacted Kia customer care, case [XXX] and they have said car did not have recall and are not giving any assistance. To edit, this is [XXX] vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Pelzer, SC, USA

Check engine light came on. 4 new engine coils and spark plugs. Carb cleaner in gas. Check engine light on again then while driving car jerked and check engine light blinking. Code 420 catalytic converter. This vehicle was under recall for same issue but was ok at time of recall. Was checked at Kia dealership u see recall time.

- Wilmington , NC, USA

My 2016 Kia Soul is experiencing severe oil consumption, piston ring failure, and smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is covered under Kia-??s engine warranty extension (Product Improvement Campaign PI2002B and subsequent updates), which extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles on the engine short block/long block assembly. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to piston oil rings, but Kia America has denied warranty coverage, stating that because the rod bearing clearance test passed, the repair is not covered. This denial contradicts Kia-??s own documentation, which defines the covered -??short block assembly-?? as including pistons and piston rings, in addition to bearings and connecting rods. By refusing coverage, Kia is effectively narrowing the warranty in a way that leaves consumers unprotected, despite the campaign language. This issue raises a safety concern because excessive oil consumption and piston ring failure can lead to: Engine smoke and emissions problems, Sudden power loss, and Increased risk of engine failure while driving. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia-??s handling of piston ring and oil consumption failures under the engine warranty extension, as Kia appears to be limiting coverage only to rod bearing failures, despite covering the entire short/long block assembly on paper. Summary: VIN covered under PI2002B/KSDS update. Engine is consuming oil and smoking due to piston ring failure. Kia refuses coverage because rod bearings passed the clearance test. Piston rings are part of the short block, yet warranty is being denied. Safety issue due to risk of engine failure and increased emissions.

- Garland, TX, USA

The vehicle when coming to a stop to park I press the engine off button and a car with a key symbol stays on and won-??t go off and there is a beeping with screen not turning off. Have to turn car on and off numerous times to get it to turn off

- Hobart, NY, USA

While driving my 2016 Kia Soul Plus on the highway, smoke began coming from the rear of the vehicle. Within seconds, flames were visible. Other drivers flagged me down, and I was able to pull over. I evacuated three dogs from the car, but the vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames and was a total loss. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire. There were no warning lights or unusual performance issues immediately before the fire started. The vehicle had not been modified and was in regular use. This incident posed a severe risk to my safety, the safety of my pets, and others on the road. My VIN currently shows no active recalls, but Kia has issued recalls for engine and electrical fire risks in other Soul models. The fire appears related to engine, electrical, or fuel system malfunction. I strongly believe this defect should be investigated for inclusion in Kia-??s fire-related recalls.

- Lancaster , TX, USA

Kia 2016 died in mid traffic, would not switch out of 1st gear as an automatic, on a major road in Texas, no warning lights etc. Could be Transmission or Catalytic convertor.

- Plano, Texas, TX, USA

Unknown

- Muncie , IN, USA

The vehicle started losing power and then stalled just as we pulled onto our road to our home, no light indicators were on and it started back up, but the traffic behind us causing slowing and potential risk to us and others. When restarted it would not accelerate appropriately and at that time we were able to put it in neutral and push it the remaining way, again causing a VERY dangerous situation. Upon inspection it was noticed that the oil was barely readable. We added 4 quarts (the vehicle has routine oil changes and is not due for another month or 1,000 miles) and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Upon restarting, the engine started making a loud pinging sound and oil was noticed coming out around the butterfly valve. At that time the cabin air filter and engine air filter was changed, butterfly valve cleaned and another quart of oil with valvoline stop leak added. Engine started and ran decent. Used car next day after rechecking oil, after about 15 minutes of driving it stalled once again, in traffic and pinging was tremendous, black smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is the only vehicle we have, ONLY transport to work and have now lost out on 4vdays. We need this addressed. This is ridiculous that our VIN isn't included in the recalls that are experiencing the exact issues in the exact year makes and models. Help please!!!

- Kittanning, PA, USA

4 29 23 at 101091 miles the catalytic converter was replaced. The car sucks up oil before even the 3000.mark..kia performed. Then on7/8/25 wg baker replaced catalytic converter again. Also coding of abs brakes now and why would catalytic converter need replacing? Because car is eating off oil. Yes my car stopped on the interstate and I had to pull over. I've already done two tune ups.

- Antioch, TN, USA

Engine has lower end knocking noise, internal failure

- Crown Point, IN, USA

Component/system failed: Engine and Power Train. Available for inspection: Yes, the vehicle is currently at the dealership. After a loud ticking/knocking noise from the engine began, the car lost power while driving. It matches symptoms associated with Kia-??s known connecting rod bearing failure issue (covered under Recall SC176 and Campaign PI2002A). There were no warning lamps at first, but later the oil pressure warning light began to flash intermittently. A Kia dealership confirmed the issue and completed the PI2002A ECU update. However, they denied the extended engine warranty coverage under the campaign, saying that the vehicle was purchased at an auction, even though this issue stems from a known manufacturing defect and recall that should apply to the vehicle, regardless of ownership history. This creates a serious safety concern, as the engine could seize while driving. This issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership and documented under Kia Case #25414628 and #25331856. This denial contradicts the campaign terms and puts drivers and others at risk.

- Laredo, TX, USA

On our way to Florida, our car broke down on the highway. When we were able to get our car towed to a mechanic, the mechanic stated that the issue was a rod bearing went out which matches the kia recall reasons for the same vehicle as ours. We took the car to Kia and they tested it and the rod bearing was the issue. We had no warning lights prior to our car breaking down and it was taken for an oil change just 5 days before. See below for more info on the recall: The 2016 Kia Soul, specifically models with the 1.6L GDI engine, was included in a Kia product improvement campaign related to connecting rod bearing wear. This campaign involved a software update for the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to implement a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The KSDS is designed to detect early signs of bearing wear and alert the driver via a blinking Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and Limp Home Mode. This prevents severe engine damage, including potential engine failure. Some 2016 Kia Souls with the 1.6L GDI engine experienced excessive connecting rod bearing wear, potentially leading to engine damage.

- Winder, Ga, GA, USA

Check engine light came on 6months ago the code was P0420 I took it to a Kia dealership they said my catalytic converter was worn out and it would be $1500 to replace it I brought up how there was a recall he told me the vehicle already had the recall taken care of from the previous owner of the vehicle and would not fix it again i have no proof they fixed the recall and if they did it obviously didn-??t work now that car don-??t drive at all the catalytic converter is clogged I-??m still making payments on the car this hell for me having hard time getting to work now with no transportation I need some guidance it-??s not fair they can just tell me the previous owner got it fixed and even if they did it didn-??t work or they didn-??t do it right is there anything I can do?

- Manchester, NH, USA

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot at approximately 10 MPH, the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to a nearby parking space, where the vehicle lost power and shut off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The mechanic suggested that the engine be replaced. The contact became aware of a Software Update Program with an extension for an engine replacement. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and confirmed the diagnostic result. The dealer informed the contact that the engine would not be covered by Kia because the Software Update Program update was not being completed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed the decision made by the dealer. The manufacturer stated that the NHTSA was responsible for issuing and informing vehicle owners of a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

- Riverside, CA, USA

I own a 2016 Kia Soul, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle suffered engine failure and is currently at Kia of Bradley in Illinois. My vehicle is covered under Recall SC176 (NHTSA #19V120) for a known defect that can cause engine damage and fire risk. Kia has denied my recall claim, stating that I did not receive the ECU update and that there is -??sludge-?? under the oil cap. I was never properly notified that failure to receive the update would void my recall protection. Sludge presence is not proven to be the cause of the failure, and no oil analysis or inspection has been performed. The recall mandates free repair or replacement of the engine if damage is present, and this has not been honored. Kia is attempting to charge $600 just for diagnostics and has refused to repair the safety issue despite the engine failing. I am asking NHTSA to investigate Kia-??s denial and ensure that the recall obligations are enforced. This is a serious safety concern and financial burden on the consumer. purchased the car from a Kia dealership after the recall, the ECU Update should have been done prior to anyone purchasing the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Kankakee, IL, USA

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. I have replaced my catalytic converter twice in the last year due to this issue. Engine is dumping oil into catalytic converter causing it to stop up. There was a recall for the 1.6 engine, mine is 2.0 and the issue is exactly the same. 19V-120 / SC176 Recall Summary#19V120000

- Greensboro, NC, USA

My 2016 Kia Soul Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) showed a blinking check engine light and entered limp mode while driving. I had the code read and received P1326, which is a known issue in Kia vehicles related to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). This code indicates possible engine bearing wear or impending engine failure, which could result in engine stall or fire, creating a serious safety risk while driving. My car has under 115,000 miles, but I purchased it used from a non-Kia dealer and was told by Kia that it's not covered under warranty or recall. However, many vehicles with this issue received engine replacements or software updates under TSB PI2002 and other campaigns. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2016 Kia Soul, as it appears to be part of the larger engine defect trend affecting many Kia models. This vehicle should be included in any safety recall or extended warranty coverage related to this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Virginia Bch, VA, USA

2016 Kia Soul engine burns excessive amounts of oil leading to constantly needing to top off oil and/or oil changes. When car accelerate white smoke comes from engines; mechanic has pictures of white ash on engine components. We have taken it to the dealership after it was purchased by Carmax in June 2024 the check engine light was displayed, but were told no codes came up. We have taken the car to multiple private mechanics and were told this is a common problem and there is a recall on these engines. Finally 2 weeks ago auto repair shop confirmed engine faulty took pictures of white ash on engine components and advised to tow car to dealership re: extended recall on these engines. Dealership states the car now needs a catalytic converter; however this is a direct result of oil deposits in the exhaust that damage the catalytic converter. We have been getting the runaround from the dealership that says no engine codes come up but when the car is driven the white smoke and rattling of the engine is apparent.

- Fanwood, NJ, USA

Catalyic converter is damage

- Jackson , TN, USA

I had my crankshaft sensor replaced and it is still stalling on me. Engine has stalled while I was driving and this has put my life at risk and my job at risk.

- San Antonio, TX, USA