2016 Kia Soul Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 622 engine complaints for the 2016 Kia Soul, 77% of all complaints filed for this model year, with 29 fires reported. A related recall (19V120000) covers catalytic converter overheating on the 1.6L GDI engine, with median failure mileage of 89,956.
- Engine complaints
- 622
- 77% of 812
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 29
- Injuries reported
- 6
- Median mileage
- 89,956 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine loses power and makes a knocking or popping sound before stalling, often followed by smoke from under the hood.
- Owners report the engine catching fire while parked or shortly after driving, with flames coming from the hood or fender seam area.
- Some vehicles caught fire while driving on the highway at speeds around 60 to 70 mph after the engine lost power.
- A few owners noticed low or no oil despite a recent oil change, with the oil pressure light illuminating only after damage had occurred.
- Electrical system fires were also reported near the engine bay, in some cases ruled electrical in nature rather than fuel-related.
- One owner described the accelerator pedal breaking and sticking, causing loss of control, noting earlier model years had a related pedal recall that did not extend to 2016.
When 2016 Kia Soul engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 12, 2017, latest Sep 24, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2016 Kia Soul
- NHTSA 19V120000Feb 22, 2019Engine378,967 vehicles
Engine
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.
Risk: 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.
Engine complaints by Soul model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems on the 2016 Kia Soul?
- NHTSA lists 622 engine-related complaints for the 2016 Kia Soul, which is 77% of the 812 total complaints filed for this model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2016 Kia Soul engine?
- Yes. Recall 19V120000 covers 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles with 1.6L GDI engines, where high exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter. Kia's remedy updates the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic.
- Do 2016 Kia Soul engine problems cause fires?
- NHTSA data shows 29 fires reported among the engine complaints for this model year, along with 7 crashes and 6 injuries.
- At what mileage do 2016 Kia Soul engine problems typically occur?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2016 Kia Soul is 89,956 miles.
- How does the 2016 Kia Soul compare to other years for engine complaints?
- The 2016 model's 77% share of complaints tied to the engine is similar to 2015 (75%) and 2017 (75%), but higher than earlier years like 2012 (44%) and 2013 (47%).