2016 Kia Soul fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 2, 2026VAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Vehicle suffered a sudden, dangerous loss of power on the highway at 70 mph, dropping immediately to 20 mph, creating a severe safety risk. The vehicle has an active P0420 code. The official NHTSA database confirms that Safety Recall SC176 (Campaign 19V120) is INCOMPLETE for this vehicle. However, the KIA dealership and KIA corporate are actively refusing to honor the federal recall, falsely claiming the vehicle is past an 8-year/80,000-mile emissions warranty limitation.…

   NHTSA complaint #11768610 · source
2. Filed Sep 16, 2026AZFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Component or system: Catalytic converter (exhaust emissions system). The converter is physically restricted due to substrate damage consistent with the defect identified in NHTSA Campaign 19V120 / Kia Recall SC176. The restriction limits engine RPM to approximately 3,000 under all conditions. The vehicle is available for inspection at any authorized Kia dealership. No DTC is stored because the restriction has not yet degraded catalytic efficiency below the ECU's threshold —…

   NHTSA complaint #11764798 · source
3. Filed Sep 13, 2026NJFireBrakesEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Was driving car lost power of steering and brakes black smoke filled vehicle I jumped out of the car and it went up in flames . The vehicle behind me said the flames were coming out of my front engine

   NHTSA complaint #11763887 · source
4. Filed Sep 12, 2026PAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise Control

   Whistling noise and problem with acceleration over 35mph and drifting uphill. Although VIN number did not appear on the listed recall, the repair work recommended and partially completed by Kia repair dealer points directly to the description of an oil consumption problem that includes the 2016 Kia Soul. Some repairs done at Kia XXX and some done at Scott Kia in [XXX] (where I reside). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint #11763808 · source
5. Filed Aug 24, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

   Incident Overview & Vehicle Record Vehicle: 2016 Kia Soul Purchase Date: June 30, 2024 (Purchased from AutoNation Plano as 2nd owner) Incident Date: June 19, 2025 (Stalled on road at 113,000 miles) Current Location: Group1 Kia South Austin (Towed on July 8, 2025) Diagnosis: Severe internal engine failure (rod bearing defect) Current Status: Warranty extension claim denied by dealership due to missing Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update. We are 2nd user and…

   NHTSA complaint #11759179 · source
6. Filed May 27, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The vehicle is burning oil. It creates residue in my engine which may make it dangerous to drive and ruin the catalytic converter, among other issues. I was first notified of this problem during my second oil change in 01/2026 at a Kwik Kar Lube & Tune, about 6 months after purchasing the vehicle in 06/2025. As of 05/2026, an oil warning lamp began to appear on the vehicle dashboard to notify me that the oil was low. I checked the oil stick, and there was burnt oil, albeit…

   NHTSA complaint #11740483 · source
7. Filed Apr 26, 2026GAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I am reporting a safety concern related to NHTSA Recall 19V120 involving my Kia Soul. The recall identifies a defect related to catalytic converter overheating, which can lead to engine damage, stalling, and increased risk of fire. My vehicle is currently experiencing an illuminated check engine light and unsafe driving conditions. During service evaluation at Kia of Columbus, I was informed that my vehicle has a catalytic converter blockage contributing to these issues.…

   NHTSA complaint #11733837 · source
8. Filed Jan 24, 2026FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   While driving on a road trip from Charleston, South Carolina to Florida in January of 2023 the factory installed catalytic converter failed (front facing) clogging the exhaust system and damaging the engine (engine now experiences blow by and pistons rings have been damaged). A recall for the overheating of the catalytic converter was marked as repaired before I bought the car. However, I believe that either the update was not done to the on-board computer or that a damaged…

   NHTSA complaint #11713090 · source
9. Filed Oct 19, 2025NCEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Rcall SC176 I have tried multiple times to schedule the required recall repair for my Kia, but my local dealer has not responded to phone calls or emails. I cannot travel to another state to complete this recall. Kia has not provided a reasonable option to complete the safety repair. I am requesting assistance to get this recall completed safely and locally, and at no cost.

   NHTSA complaint #11694369 · source
10. Filed Aug 22, 2025TXFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11682398 · source
11. Filed Aug 17, 2025PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11681183 · source
12. Filed Jul 14, 2025KSFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    I’m reaching out as my Catalytic Converter is needing to be replaced due to being faulty and my vehicle per VIN is not included in this recall for some reason however it is the exact issue all of the others have that are included in it. I have only had my vehicle for a year and it is an extremely expensive repair so I am asking if there is any help for this issue because I need it as well just as everyone else who has a recall for this issue

    NHTSA complaint #11673365 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology