NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Soul. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Engine: My 2016 was purchased by me on 12/11/2020. With less than 75,000 miles the engine completely blew with no previous warnings while on the way home. Maintained this car since it was my first car purchased. Took the car to Kia and they wouldn't cover the powertrain coverage because I'm the 2nd owner past 60,000 miles and that I didn't get the product improvement when the campaign was going on. Never received a letter about it and the campaign started before I bought my cat. The kicker, the product improvement has a common problem of not detecting engine issues for a lot of people. Been researching and reading others experiences. It's neglectful to continue to let people unknownly drive their cars with faulty engines. They are using the kds product improvement to limit the amount of engines they repair as well. There's a reason why there are increase of engine issues all round the same car years. Kia of South Austin inspected and knew the problem right off the bat.
I was driving to Bend, Oregon on the highway when suddenly my car started making clunking noises and the oil light and check engine lights came on. I started to lose power and the car was slowing. I immediately managed to pull over, but it gets very dangerous since it was a busy highway. I had the car towed to a mechanic who said the engine blew and needed to be replaced. Kia has denied my warranty claims.
Due to no warning of a recall on my 2016 Kia soul both catalytic converters stopped up. Tried for weeks to get assistance with Kia motors but no assistance brought my car in twice when they said they would fix it sat at the dealership from 8am when they opened until approximately 4 pm before they closed only to be called and asked to return for a second all day long wait. Due to no warnings that my car had a recall and no assistance from the company I've had nothing but issue after issue and can no longer afford to completely fix the car. One issue including being stranded 10 hours away from home!
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. Recall consequence 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. Recall action 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.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle stalled afterward while driving, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to Kia of Valencia (24095 Creekside Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91355) where the dealer requested the oil change records. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000
Driving around curves my car slows dramatically and traction control light comes on. I have no ability to steer at this point until the car “breaks free” and allows acceleration again. It’s as if the ABS system kicks on all on its own. The sound it makes is as though the brakes are kicking in to slow the vehicle. It almost comes to a stop on curves. Steering intermittently loosens on its own while driving and I lose controlled steering as there is a lot of play in the steering wheel. Then it will tighten up again as if it’s a brand new car. There is an occasional pop noise but it’s not constant and doesn’t make the sound when driving at speeds greater than 40mph. No other sounds are present. I contacted Kia as they placed a set screw in the steering for a pinion plug recall repair to keep a nut from backing out and this was not properly documented by the previous service department per the new management. There were no images of the repair that was done and no notes in the repair log according to the young lady I spoke with. No evidence of a repair other than being marked in the system.
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was a knocking and scrapping sound coming from the engine. The driver pulled over safely and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed with complete engine failure due to a knock sensor detection system failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to Kia Technical Service Bulletin: PI2002B. The approximate failure mileage was 65,548.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle would not exceed 40 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after driving for an extended period, the vehicle accelerated to 60 MPH but would not exceed 60 MPH. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to determine if the vehicle could be repaired under an unknown recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband inspected the vehicle and discovered that the engine was low on oil. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the dealer for a software update to be performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH the following day, the vehicle began to hesitate with the oil and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded to drive and a dark colored smoke started coming from the engine as she pulled over and shut off the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to her home. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was called back and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 81,700.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the front end started shaking. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and there was a rough idling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and flashed on and off. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence, parked the vehicle, and inspected under the hood. The contact became aware that the radiator hoses were swollen, and the coolant reservoir cap was missing. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,145.
Ignition DESIGN MAKE (Kia Soul) MY2016 KIA SOUL EASY TO STEAL ON 8/2/2022 When I woke to go to my work my back passengers window was broken .police was call during the investigation the officer showed my steering wheel dis connected not able to drive . Due to Kia not warning consumers that their cars are easy to steal has cost me deductible and rental fees to get to work . My car has not began to be service due to the back log of repairs for this incident that is not the consumer fault even if the car repaired is not safe because its target along with posting on social media how to steal kia cars in 30seconds and Kia Boys tik-tok challenge .
In addition to the engine, my catalytic converter is also damaged.
X Company failed to install with apiece of equipment that prevents others from starting up and stealing your car without an key on the day I went outside to find my car back window broken and steering column roped apart and key entry resulting in costly repairs that parts on back order . there is post on social media explaining how to steal this car . unlike other cars this part is equipped preventing the cars from being started unless a code is transmitted
The contact’s friend owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. There was no indication of a leak or burning oil. The driver added 3 quarts of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who performed a leak test. The dealer informed the contact to bring the vehicle back after driving 1,000 miles for additional testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 147,659.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 85 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking noise detected. The contact stated that the connecting rod went through the engine block. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 102,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine would shudder and lose power while idling, without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The dealer informed her that bad gasoline might have caused the issue; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
2016 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ACCELERATION ISSUE AND THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPON INSPECTION THE METALIC PARTICLES WERE MIXED IN WITH THE FUEL/ENGINE OIL.
Traveling at low rate of speed, engine began knocking and car stalled. Had car towed to Kia dealership to be told engine seized. No engine lights ever came on. Dealer stated no warranty coverage by KIA because a product IMPROVEMENT update was not completed that would have warned about the upcoming engine failure. We NEVER received a Product IMPROVEMENT notice, we have checked the VIN on numerous web sites and not one sight shows a product recall. Kia dealership wants 8600. To install a salvage engine, Odometer is at about 74,000
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormally loud popping or banging sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering was inoperable however, the braking system was functional. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle off the roadway; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
I am loosing coolant but no signs of coolant under or around the car. This has been going on for a few months. I dont drive my 2016 kia soul often because I don't trust it. Today I drove it and while sitting at a red light, the car started to overheat. So I pulled over at a gas station. As long as the car is moving it wont overheat but as soon as I stop for more than 5 minutes it begins to overheat. I let the car cool completely at a gas station and then took the radiator cap off and checked the water level and it wasn't visable. The overflow was full to the top. So i filled the radiator back up and cranked the car to top it off. I then noticed that bubbkes were forming in the radiator fill hole accessively. Before i got back home i had to make a stop at the bank and while sitting still i observed my temperature gauge start climbing. I immediately turned the car off. I was 5 miles from home so as soon as my transactions were made i cranked the car and the gauge was back to normal so i drove it home and parked it.
I found a recall issued for my car in 2019, the dealership I bought it from told me it was repaired somewhere in New York in 2019, but it is having the same issues. I paid 2400 out of pocket to have the catalytic converters replaced, along with replacing the pcv and purge valves, as they were clogged due to the overheating. My oil consumption is crazy, about 5qt a week. If the 9V120000 recall WAS actually done, it wasn't successful or done properly because I am having the same issues and my engine could fail at any time. Due to stalling and acceleration issues, I think my pistons are beginning to go. I've already put thousands into this car I've only had for a year, and that is unacceptable. I need to know what can be done. I got in an accident with a pickup truck due to my engine stalling unexpectedly.
I just bought the car. Test drive went fine. I was driving the car when the engine rpms stopped working. I could not get the car to increase speed. I was going up a small hill at 35mph when the car just stopped dead in the road. Luckily I was not in traffic. I repeatedly tried to start the car . Finally it started but the driving was the same. I limped home with my flashers on and have not driven it since. I have an app on 8/5 with a kia dealer. They told me I had to drive the car there. I couldn't have it towed. Hopefully I will make it. This problem doesn't happen all the time. I have driven it when it starts up and no check engine light comes on and the rpms are normal and it drives fine. I feel if the engine heats up that's when the problem occurs. It car only stopped that one time. That was enough for me.
Airbag Control Model malfunction discovered during diagnostic test at inspection and confirmed at service center. Must be replaced. Safety compromised as airbag may not deploy in an accident.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds and hesitated during acceleration. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that one of the catalytic converters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and escalated the case to arbitration. The failure mileage was approximately 104,600.
my car starting making knocking noises and as im on the interstate my speed was 70 but I was not going 70 and I never had any trouble out of my car
While driving to work vehicle oil light started flashing and vehicle started making metal on metal noises and vehicle would not accelerate. I pulled over, turned off the engine. The vehicle would not start again. Took vehicle to a mechanic and he told me that I needed a new engine. I went to the dealer when I found out about the recall. I was told they couldn't do anything for me because I never had the car serviced there.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, when he heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. When the contact arrived at home the vehicle shut down and would not restart. The battery was replaced but the failure reoccurred again. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer or the manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Unknown
Oil is leaking somewhere as none left in engine at normal mileage oil change.
Coming home from town our 2016 Kia Soul lost power. The engine light came on flashing then we could not accelerate the gas pedal. It would not go over 55 mph even if I had the pedal to the floor. I checked recall and it says none. I was reading the other complaints from Kia owners. They are having the same issue. It should be a recall. This needs investigated. We’ve only had ours since May 2022. Kia needs to make this right. I know I probably won’t buy another Kia.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and hesitating. The contact also had to top off the oil every two weeks. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with a faulty catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
went to Kia as car was approaching high 80's in mileage-significant power loss. Asked if my problem had to do with the class action suit--was told no. No diagnostic test was recommended. Approaching 100, miles mechanic told me I had no oil in my car. Called Kia, told them my car was suffering from power loss (and also burning excess oil) They told me "oh sounds like transmission. full tune up done 3/23-still lack of power still burning excess oil. Kia diagnostic -catalytic converter-service women suggested I call an outside mechanic to save money. replaced converter 11/23. 12/3 driving power drop, engine light--error-knock system 1/9 driving hwy power drop, engine light--very frightening.Kia replaced knock system thru the class action suit. In my research I see a faulty knock system can damage catalytic converter. Fighting to get reimbursed for the $1,0000 catalytic converter repair and being denied. My Kia is burning oil like CRAZY--I am putting in quarts multiple times before service is due. My dealership tells me that my oil consumption is normal --how can they even think that is ok to say. At the same time 2 different mechanics there told me that my years car has a problem with the piston skirts and the rings..A lot of Kia owners are getting new engines --which is the right thing to do since they are aware that there is a malfunction with the rings around the pistons. Worried that I will run out of oil (as 3 times now I heard the clicking and been told by 2 different mechanics and a gas station attendant--that my car was out of oil.)How can I get this addressed. Unintended oil is being allowed to enter the combustion chamber and burn with the air/fuel mixture. Engines typically burn excess oil because the engine is damaged or worn--I have done every oil change required since purchasing. I take excellent care of my car and I want to keep it. I should not have to pay for a new engine when this issue has been going on for years now with Kia skirting the issue-ty
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would not exceed 60 MPH. The contact also stated that the vehicle would hesitate while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor had failed. The contact also added two quarts of engine oil; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced under warranty. The dealer also informed the contact that an oil consumption test needed to be performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 114,300.
dealer stated that exhaust system caused engine to overheat and the catalytic converter to go causing the piston to seize completely. there is a recall out for this exact issue but it did not include my vin number. the vehicle stalled multiple times causing myself and my daughter to be stuck in ongoing traffic. the check engine light came on and it was brought to the dealer as soon as they had an opening. I am confused about how a vehicle can have the exact issue from a recall but because it wasn't the specified number that an unsafe vehicle can just be left on the road. it is no longer drivable due to this issue and being unsafe. the issues first appeared in 2021 when I first had the catalytic converter replaced, now barely over a year later it has failed again now also with engine damage to the cylinder and piston.
A couple months ago had an oil sensor go bad and leaked oil everywhere. Engine after that kept burning oil and was seen by multiple mechanics. Then the other day my engine light came on the fault was the ocv. Changed that out and when it was taken out metal shaving came out with it. So now I have a car that has a blown engine due to underlying mechanical issues.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle was stalling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over safely to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
Piston rod loose, broke rod bearings and is now making horrible noise and leaking oil
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic converters needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the torque converters were replaced three different times. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a loss of performance with the engine, and the speed inadvertently decelerated to 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not repaired or diagnosed; however, the dealer updated an unknown software. The contact also stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a defective catalytic converter. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which he linked to the failure. The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle would shake and then loose power and slow down. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled of the roadway and turned the vehicle off and waited 20 minutes to restart the vehicle. The failure was recurring and the vehicle would hesitate while getting up to normal speeds. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic convertor was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the engine consumed 2-quarts of oil every week. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle had previously been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and that the dealer was unable to perform the repair free of charge a second time. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer would not sell her a new engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Car stopped working bc of engine
I have reported this to the Kia Dealer and it has done this several times now. They have not helped me at all. The problem is that when I go faster to pass a car or switch lanes on a 2 lane highway my car almost stops and then blue smoke comes out of my excaust alot of blue smoke. This happened again yesterday and it is very scary and very dangerous to me and my grandchildren. I noticed there was a recall f0r engine emissions and excaust system for catalytic converter in 2019. I did not receive any information on this recall. I looked the capaign number up for this recall it is 19V120000. Please check to see if I should have received a notice. My car is doing all of those things in the recall. I am 2nd owner of this car, Is it possible they sent it to the first owner. Please help me I do not feel safe in this car. The incident happened on May 21 2022, April 10,2022 Oct 11,2021 Aug 7,2021. Please help me and tell me how I can get this fixed to be safe.
Unknown have a strong gas smell from under hood passenger side and fuel leak was detected by mechanic during oil change service
I bought vehicle in January 2022 Engine failed. Kia admits engine failed but denying coverage of replacement, due to previous owner not having a computer update done. Currently at dealership for 2 months. No warning lights came on. Driving on interstate at interstate speeds, car began losing acceleration. Eventually unable to move at all. Engine then began to knock. Also had an oil leak upon inspection.
My car has been shaking some while I’m sitting still at for example a red light. My car does not shift properly when I’m trying to increase speed. There is no check engine light on but it’s definitely something wrong with my car.
I received a notice from Kia that my car was part of a recall affecting the engine. I brought my car into the nearest Kia dealership to me and they confirmed that my car had a recall in which they were to run a program and check the catalytic converter and engine. I confirmed before and after this visit that they checked everything and was told that yes they checked the catalytic converter and everything was fine and they updated the engine program that was called for by the recall. I have brought my car in atleast 3 times and never having any issue previously was insured that my car would be covered under the recall but that we had to essentially wait for the engine to fail before that could be done. My car has lost power suddenly on the highway twice since this program has been run. Every visit i was told that my car was safe to drive. The most recent visit - which happened less than 30 days from the previous one where I was told my vehicle was safe to drive - has resulted in me being told that my catalytic converter has suddenly become clogged and that “my vehicle is not effected by this recall”. The visit before no such issue was mentioned in fact I was only informed my engine had “some codes and a few misfires” - again this was less than 30 days before my catalytic converter suddenly clogged. It is important to mention that this all happened with 6 months from the time the program was ran until today. I have the receipts of all of my visits to Kia. This most recent visit on May 19, 2022 in which I was told about the catalytic converter was the result of the second loss of power on the highway dropping from 70mph to 40mph suddenly and then continuing to decrease as I tried to navigate to the side of the road while traffic continued at normal speed around me; putting me, my child and others on the road at great risk of accident and injury. This is unacceptable.
I was heading home on the highway when I noticed the car was having trouble accelerating. I was taking the exit to my house when I heard the knocking in the engine start. I was half a mile from my house so I continued slowly as the acceleration issues continued. As I was getting closer to my house the oil light came on. I parked the car in the driveway and turned it off immediately. A cursory inspection indicates that the engine has suffered catastrophic damage. There is high end a “tapping” sound coming from the top side, even while briefly idling the engine, indicating damage in the area of lifter/s and/or camshaft lobe/s. Inspection of the engine oil presents metallic particles. Finally, we observed that an uncharacteristic and excessive pressure is coming from the crankcase when the oil filler cap is removed while the engine is idling. This is consistent with the GDI engine failure mode - lack of lubrication between piston rings and cylinder walls due to fuel thinned oil caused by high-pressure fuel pump Fortunately, since I exited the highway and the failure occurred close to home, the dangerous stall condition that is a typical failure mode of the GDI engine did not occur in this particular instance. Nevertheless, severe damage to the motor has been observed. The fact that the engine began “knocking” prior to the low oil indicator lamp illuminating would indicate that the engine was damaged due to the thin oil/fuel mixture rather than the engine being completely deficient in lubricating engine oil. Internet research has brought to our attention the issues and the precedent-setting class action lawsuits, that Kia Inc. has been forced to contend with due to the inherent design problems of the Theta II, GDI 1.6L, and 2.0L engines - direct injection (DI) system and high-pressure fuel pump issues causing the engine failure through piston ring “blowby” and subsequent thinning of the engine oil. I contacted KIA and I still have the Soul in my possession.
The contact’s girlfriend owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the contact stated that soon after the vehicle was repaired, while his girlfriend was driving at an unknown speed, the engine started knocking and shaking. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.