2016 KIA Soul Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 106 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the 2016 KIA Soul, 13% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 101,150 miles. The words owners use most often: “catalytic converter” (50% of reports).
- 106engine and engine cooling complaints
- 101,150median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 38%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Catalytic converter: mentioned in 53 of 106 complaints (50%)
- Lost motive power: mentioned in 16 of 106 complaints (15%)
- Engine cooling included: mentioned in 14 of 106 complaints (13%)
- Failed accelerate: mentioned in 7 of 106 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 94 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 106 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury.
KIA Soul engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Soul | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2022 Soul | 19 | 20% | 70,000 |
| 2021 Soul | 47 | 20% | 80,000 |
| 2020 Soul | 11 | 3% | 94,154 |
| 2019 Soul | 6 | 4% | 81,604 |
| 2018 Soul | 9 | 4% | 97,500 |
| 2017 Soul | 9 | 3% | 94,500 |
| 2016 Soul | 106 | 13% | 101,150 |
| 2015 Soul | 58 | 6% | 112,000 |
| 2014 Soul | 55 | 6% | 115,500 |
| 2013 Soul | 45 | 7% | 138,000 |
| 2012 Soul | 32 | 6% | 137,500 |
| 2011 Soul | 4 | 2% | 90,500 |
| 2010 Soul | 5 | 4% | 13,248 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine; engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:catalytic convertor
Problem: 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.
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 report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately and lost motive power while driving. The contact was able to continue driving at reduced power. Additionally, there were abnormal sounds coming from under the hood, excessive engine oil consumption…
The contact's grandmother owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his grandmother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that due to the failure and the outside temperatures, his grandmother was stuck inside the…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure the odor of fuel was present. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that catalytic…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2016 KIA Souls have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 106 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the 2016 KIA Soul (13% of the 816 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2016 KIA Soul engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems start?
The median reported mileage is 101,150 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the 2016 KIA Soul?
The most frequent phrase is “catalytic converter”, in 53 of 106 complaints, followed by “lost motive power” (16).
Other 2016 KIA Soul problems
See all 2016 KIA Soul problems or engine and engine cooling problems across all Soul years.