crashtest

2016 / KIA

2016 KIA Soul

5/5

Overall rating (best variant)

Safety ratings

2016 Kia Soul SUV FWD

5/5Overall
5/5Frontal crash
5/5Side crash
5/5Side pole
4/5Rollover
Frontal, driver: 5Frontal, passenger: 4Side, driver: 5Side, rear passenger: 5Rollover risk: 14.7%
  • Lane departure warningNo
  • Forward collision warningOptional
  • Electronic stability controlStandard

Crash test videos & photos

No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.

Recalls (2)

  • STEERINGCampaign 17V608000 · 29/09/2017

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.

    Risk: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.

  • ENGINECampaign 19V120000 · 22/02/2019

    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.

Owner complaints

500
Complaints
18
Crashes reported
17
Fires reported
16
Injuries
0
Deaths

Most-reported areas

  • ENGINE345
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER70
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING64
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM45
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM36
  • POWER TRAIN34
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL17
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING16
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

  • 12/31/2021· ENGINE

    Loses power and dies also uses alot of oil and a day after oil change I have to get more oil in it the first month I had the car it died the first week and lost power on the highway the said the Cadillac converter was clogged

  • 12/30/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I went into the store come out of the store and got in the driver seat shut my door and the rear windshield exploded. I looked it up online and there are other customer complaints of the Kia soul with the same issue of the rear window exploding I called Kia and they told me even if the warranty was still good on my vehicle that it would have to go under inspection and it still would be an if he situation because other factors could be making the windshield explode Kia was unhelpful rude and did not want to help with the problem

  • 12/29/2023· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    I am experiencing the same headlight problem as has been reported for 2014-15 Kia Souls. Mine is a 2016 Kia Soul. The headlights go out intermittently when turning a corner or when signalling for a turn. I had it diagnosed at my dealership and they stated it was the Multi-function Switch that was mentioned as a recall for 2014-2015 Souls on your webpage. The dealership said there is no recall and Kia Corporate says the same thing, but the NHTSA states there is a recall and describes the exact problem right down to the Multi-function switch the dealership told me was bad.

  • 12/29/2021· ENGINE

    2016 Kia Soul. Car was very sluggish and after taking it in the engine needed to be replaced, this was covered under warranty. I think there was a recall on the engine as well. 1 day after getting my car back from the engine being replaced the engine light came back on. The dealership said it was a bad catalytic converter and would not cover it. it was clogged and would cost me over $1700. Me research revealed that the bad engine is more than likely the cause of the clogged Catalytic Converter. The dealership should have known this clog was there as well before returning my car to me. I have seem where this same issue with 2016 Kia Souls is happening to lots of people around the U.S. This part should last at least 10years, it's only been 6. Not reasonable for a 6yr old car to have this expensive and big issue especially before the 100,000 mile warranty is up. In good faith alone this issue should be recalled on this vehicle.

  • 12/29/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

    LAST MONTH I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN ECU UPDATE WHICH KIA IS CALLING A 'PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN' FOR THE CARS COMPUTER SYSTEM TO PUT IT INTO LIMP HOME MODE, NOW A MONTH LATER WHILE ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WHEN I TURNED ONTO A STREET 2 NIGHTS IN A ROW THE OIL LIGHT WAS FLASHING BUT WENT OFF AFTER I MADE IT THROUGH THE TURN, AND I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL THE SECOND NIGHT AND THE DIPSTICK HAD LITTLE TO NO VISIBLE OIL ON IT BUT THE OIL LIGHT STILL DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN DRIVING OR WHEN IDILING ONLY WHEN TURNING WITH MOMENTUM, BUT THE 2.0 ENGINES ARE KNOWN TO DESTROY THEMSELVES DUE TO ROD BERING DAMAGE AND THAT UPDATE THEY DID SERVED TO FIVE AND EARLY ALERT AS TO WHEN IT DETECTS KNOCK BUT THESE ENGINES ARE ALSO KNOWN TO BURN OIL AND THE 2014-2015 MODEL YEARS ARE RECALLED FOR ENGINE FIRES BUT KIA SHOULD RECALL ALL THESE ENGINES SINCE THEY BURN OIL AND ARE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE OIL LIGHT IS NOT ILLUMINATING WHEN THE OIL IS CRITICALLY LOW AND NOW ENGINE DAMAGE MAY ALREADY BE PRESENT ON TOP OF THE KNOWN DEFECT IN THESE ENGINES.

  • 12/28/2023· ENGINE

    Changed oxygen sensor and check engine light is still on

  • 12/27/2023· ENGINE

    Oil consumption and engine stall. Engine light flashing. Taken to two Kia dealerships no resolution. Mechanic ran test to see engine recall issue. Still careless months later.

  • 12/27/2020· ENGINE

    MY 2016 KIA SOUL HAS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MALFUNCTION. NO MECHANIC HAS DETERMINED WHAT IS THE CAUSE AND HOW TO CORRECT THIS MATTER. THE CAR HAS PROBLEMS WITH IDLING, AND PERFORMANCE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 37K MILES. AFTER SPENDING OVER $300, I WAS TOLD SORRY WE HAVE NO ANSWER. JUST IGNORE THE PROBLEM. WHAT HAPPENS IF IT CAUSES A FIRE OR BREAKS DOWN ON THE HIGHWAY? THE INTERNET IS INUNDATED WITH THE SAME ISSUE. KIA DEALERSHIPS CAN'T SEE MY CAR, BECAUSE THEY HAVE TOO MANY RECALLED CARS FOR ENGINE FIRES. WHAT IF MY CAR EXPLODES??? CATCHES FIRE? THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS CAR. I WANT IT RECALLED.

  • 12/26/2021· ENGINE

    On December 20. 2021. I was driving my daughter home from college in Alabama when after roughly 2-1/2 hours we reached Meridian MS. While travelling on Interstate 20, we were surprised to hear a severe knocking suddenly & the engine began to die. I would like to reiterate we were on the Interstate at posted speed of 70 mph, when I was forced to maneuver through a number of Semi-Trucks while our speed was rapidly declining. Once towed to the dealership I was informed of a hole in the engine block and there is a "Product Improvement" PI20023 regarding the knock sensor. But this is not a recall, so since I didn't get the software update my car is not covered. What I am completely perplexed about is the fact they know there is a malfunction that can damage the engine while driving. This issue literally put mine and my daughters in jeopardy. How can this not be a safety recall.

  • 12/26/2016· POWER TRAIN

    SINCE DAY ONE, MY KIA LOOSE COMMUNICATION WITH GAS PEDAL TO TRANSMISSION OR COMPUTER.FROM STOP I ACCELERATE, AND IF FOR ANY REASON I OUGHT TO RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL, THE TRANSMISSION ACT LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL GEAR,AFTER ACCELERATE TWO OR THREE TIMES IT ACCELERATE ABRUPTLY.IT ACT EXACTLY LIKE HIUNDAI RECALL NO.16V6280.I TAKE THE VEH. TO THE DEALER, I REPORT THE PROBLEM BUT THEY TELL ME THAT THEY DOES NOT FIND NOTHIN WRONG, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.MY VEH. TRANSMISSION IS A 5 SPEED ECO SHIFT DUAL CLUTCH

  • 12/23/2025· ENGINE

    Greetings, I have a base 2016 kia soul manual transmission that I thought was under safety recall for its engine, but when I search it says 0 unrepaired recalls, when I look this up it does claim my vehicle had this problem, but I never had a dealer fix it, I did contact the one I got it from a couple of years ago and asked if my vehicle qualified for the recall since it already has 200,000 miles on it but they never got back to me, did they just claim to fix it, because it has not been worked on. Still runs great at 300,000 miles but if the engine has a safety issue that might catch on fire then I want to get it addressed regardless of its high mileage

  • 12/23/2019· AIR BAGSCrash

    DRIVING TO WORK ON FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 15-20MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I WAS BLIND-SIDED BY A CHEVY SILVERADO TRUCK GOING 50-60MPH. THE INITIAL IMPACT WAS MY REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. ABSOLUTELY NO AIRBAG WENT OFF ON THAT SIDE. THE IMPACT KNOCKED ME ACROSS TWO LANES OF THE FREEWAYS ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHERE I WAS HIT AGAIN ON DRIVER'S SIDE. THE STEERING WHEEL BAG WENT OFF AFTER THE 2ND IMPACT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF. IS THIS THE CAR YOU HAVE A 5-STAR CRASH RATINGS? MY CAR WAS TOTALED. I INCURRED A SEVERE CONCUSSION AND MULTIPLE FRACTURES THAT REQUIRES SURGERY.

  • 12/22/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    The battery on this vehicle is absolutely worthless. If tales 8 hours to charge and on a full charge it will get 37 miles. The dealership refuses to replace it and the I owe over 10k on the vehicle.

  • 12/22/2022· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    Kia Soul Base 2016 owner took to repair under warranty on 12/02/22 for the second time the catalytic converter and oil change because the check engine light was on and a Kia technician update the codes. Today 12/22/22 the check engine light is on, driving in the highway it starts shaking and does not take acceleration it stalled without passing from 15mph putting my safety and the others at risk to cause an accident The power windows doesn't go up and when turn the steering wheel left or right the car is about to die and the breaks lights turn on and off working sometimes but flickering. The oil smells like gasoline and burns fast.

  • 12/22/2020· ENGINE

    2016 KIA SOUL 2.0 ENGINE LOSES POWER INTERMITTING ENGINE LIGHT INTERMITTING OIL LIGHT AND POSSIBLY RODS KNOCKING THE HIGHWAY AND TURNING

  • 12/22/2019· ENGINE

    THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A CITY STREET. THE CAR BEGAN TO MAKE KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. AS I ACCELERATED, THE KNOCKING NOISE WOULD INCREASE. THE NOISE WOULD CONTINUE EVEN IF THE CAR WAS DOING A TURN. ALSO BEING STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE WOULD BE WITH THAT KNOCKING NOISE.

  • 12/21/2023· EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE

    My engine is burning oil on the pistons and does not retain oil. I am having to top the engine oil off every 10-14 days. I went in to repair the catalytic converter, but I was told by the dealership that if I repair the converter, because I have a bad engine, it would be useless. The first warning sign was an H2O engine error that remains. My safety with a bad engine is put at risk with every drive. the problem has been occurring for over a year, and in addition, the brake lights in the front of the vehicle does not work, although it has been diagnosed.

  • 12/21/2021· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle went into limp mode with reduced speed. The contact stated that while driving approximately 73 MPH the vehicle decelerated to 43 MPH. The vehicle lost power and shut off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where an oil change was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer; Kia Country of Charleston (2361 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29414, (843)573-2300) where the code was reset. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

  • 12/19/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

    Experiencing issues with the catalyst or catalyst converters. Misfire and codes as well as check engine light present

  • 12/19/2020· ENGINE

    I HAD RECEIVED MY LAST AN OIL CHANGE ON 8/3/2020 AT 78,901 MILES ON 10/20/2020 MY CARS OIL LIGHT TURNED ON WHILE IDLING, I TURNED DOWN MY MUSIC AND HEARD THE ENGINE HAD A SLIGHT RATTLE. I DROVE LESS THAN 6 MILES TRYING TO GET TO THE NEAREST SERVICE LOCATION AND THE ENGINE STALLED CAUSING ME TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. UPON INSPECTING THE DIPSTICK IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS LITTLE OIL ON MY DIPSTICK AND I WAS SITTING AT LESS THAN 81,500 MILES. I FILLED THE ENGINE WITH OIL IN HOPES TO GET IT GOING AND IT DID TURN ON BUT WAS MAKING AN EVEN LOUDER RATTLING NOISE. CHECKING THE DIPSTICK AGAIN, PIECES OF METAL COULD BE SEEN IN THE VERY BLACK OIL. THIS IS A SIMILAR COMPLAINT TO OTHER ENGINE RECALLS KIA HAS PUT OUT FOR SIMILAR ENGINES PRODUCED DURING THE SAME TIME FRAME. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP AND NEITHER THEM NOR MY SERVICE AGREEMENT PROVIDER AGREED TO COVER REPAIR COSTS.

  • 12/19/2019· ENGINE

    IN MOTION GOING ABOUT 50 MILES PER HOUR WHEN VEHICLE MADE A KIND OF CRACKLING NOISE AND FELT A SLIGHT SPUTTERING LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY TO CHECK ENGINE. AFTER CHECKING FLUIDS WHILE VEHICLE WAS OFF STARTED VEHICLE AGAIN. IMMEDIATELY HEARD EVEN LOUDER CRACKLING AND CLANKING NOISES. TURNED IT OFF AGAIN. TRIED AGAIN TO CRANK AND SWITCHED INTO DIFFERENT GEAR TO SEE IF NOISE CHANGED AND IT GOT QUIETER WHEN CHANGING HEARD BUT THEN WHEN RIGHT BACK TO LOUD NOISES. AFTER LETTING IT SIT THAT AFTERNOON HAD TO DRIVE IT HOME A SHORT DISTANCE BUT DID SO VERY CAREFULLY TRYING NOT TO STRAIN THE ENGINE. THEN HAD IT TOWED THE NEXT DAY TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP. ENGINE ISSUE, BROKEN CONNECTING ROD CLANKING AROUND IN ENGINE DAMAGED THE ENGINE BLOCK. AFTER RESEARCHING I FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE BUT THAT MY KIA SOUL PLUS WITH THE 2.0L ENGINE WAS NOT INCLUDED. I SCOURED THE WEB LOOKING FOR OTHER PLUS OR EXCLAIM SOUL OWNERS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES AND THERE WAS NO SHORTAGE. I THINK THE 2.0 L ENGINE NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED WITH THIS RECALL ISSUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

  • 12/18/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the part free of charge but charged a fee for the labor. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH two weeks later, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, Raceway KIA of Conshohocken (402 Ridge Pike, Conshohocken, PA 19428), where it was diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the crankshaft was damaged due to a faulty recalled catalytic converter being installed on the vehicle during the previous repair. The dealer informed the contact that the previous dealer should have repaired the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling), free of charge. The dealer determined that the catalytic converter and the crankshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,500.

  • 12/18/2023· ENGINE

    There was an engine light on my Kia and put on code reader and had several misfires and catalytic converter and sensor emissions control. Called Kia dealership and was told not covered under vin number for safety recall. But doing same thing as ones recalled. Will drive but than stalls and almost causing people behind me to rear end me on very busy road ways. Manufacture has not inspected it dealership refused it. Could end up killing someone and I can’t afford to fix only 122 ,000miles and I’m on fixed income started 2 weeks with issues

  • 12/17/2025· STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

    Several times in the past year the power steering has spontaneously failed requiring significant Force to stabilize the vehicle and creating an obvious Hazard while driving. The forward Collision system indicates there's a fault while this occurs. Sometimes this is cleared by cycling the power on and off. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer who indicated they cannot locate the source of the problem. Even a casual search / look at Community Bulletinboards online indicates that this is a much larger problem that Kia refuses to address. https://www.kia-forums.com/threads/loss-of-power-steering-when-driving.84792/

  • 12/17/2025· ENGINE

    A. Safety Defect and Failure Sequence I am filing this complaint because my Kia Soul, which is subject to the widespread engine defect and extended warranty under the Hyundai/Kia Class Action Settlement, suffered a catastrophic failure immediately following dealership intervention. Responsible Action: I brought the vehicle to the authorized Kia dealership on September 25th the instant the Check Engine Light illuminated for the very first time. The vehicle was driven to the dealership under its own power. Triggering Event: The dealership performed the required engine-related software update (Knock Sensor Detection System, KSDS) and routine service. Immediately following this service, the engine went into limp mode and ceased functioning, requiring a complete engine replacement. This sequence strongly suggests the failure was either caused by the known defect covered by the recall or was triggered by the software update itself. Manufacturer Denial: Kia is denying the claim under the Class Action Extended Warranty (which provides a lifetime or 15-year/150,000-mile warranty) using the unsubstantiated and unjustifiable excuse of "damage done prior to bringing the car in." B. Manager Misconduct and Manufacturer Bad Faith The Service Manager, Braden Anaya, has demonstrated calculated deception and bad faith, resulting in severe financial and logistical harm: Fraudulent Promise: The manager explicitly promised me the engine replacement would be approved if I titled, registered, and insured the vehicle. Relying on his direct word, I incurred a financial loss of $800 in fees for an unusable vehicle. Documented Deception: After a long delay, Mr. Anaya sent a formal denial email on December 5th confirming Kia would not cover the engine replacement. Despite this formal denial, he then contacted me and demanded "trust and patience," claiming he was actively fighting the claim for the following three weeks. This was an intentional stall and clear act of deception. Logistical Negli

  • 12/17/2017· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    I EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT HESITATION WHEN PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR. IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR ISN'T DOWNSHIFTING CORRECTLY OR ISN'T GETTING ENOUGH FUEL IN ORDER TO PICK UP SPEED. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE KIA DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS AND COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. THE CAR CONTINUES TO INTERMITTENTLY HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS HAPPENS IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS.

  • 12/16/2021· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

    I took my car into the dealer for the COP logic recall with the ECU. Ever since that fix, every time I start my car when it’s cold outside it idles high. If the ambient temperature goes below 50 degrees or so when I turn the key to start the car the RPM jumps to almost 4K at cold it stays high for about a minute until it eventually settles around 1k. It only does this when it’s cold out and it never did it before that fix. Sometimes it will set off the MIL with the code P050A when this happens.

  • 12/16/2021· ENGINE

    Prior to completing the Kia Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software upgrade to add a Knock Sensor Detections System (KSDS) on my 2016 Kia Soul, my engine completely failed. After towing the vehicle to an auto repair show, my mechanic told me he won't repair my Kia as it was under warranty. I then towed my Kia to the dealership, I was informed that my piston rod had catastrophic failure and I needed to purchase a new engine ($10,800). According to the product improvement campaign, the vehicle has the potential of suffering damage of the exact failure I had. Kia claims that because my engine failed prior to getting the software upgrade, that I am required to pay for a new engine. There was no deadline to complete the software upgrade, nor was I notified in the letter that if my engine failed prior to, I would be held liable. Kia has a known product defect (MFG Recall SC176; NHTSA Recall 19V-120). My engine failed in the exact same manner as described in the recall. My vehicle only has 86,000 miles on it. My Kia has been at the dealership since July 6, 2021. I did receive a copy of the recall notice in Sept. of 2021. I called the dealership again, and they said no, my engine isn't covered, but they could replace my engine for 6000$ now. Then I got a call from the dealership that they could not find an engine, and it would take 3 months to get an engine.

  • 12/16/2020· SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURECrash

    THE CRASH AT ABOUT 2:30AM EARLY TUESDAY MORNING ON NOV. 24, 2020, ON HER WAY HOME FROM HER NEARBY 2ND SHIFT JOB, MY WIFE'S 2016 KIA SOL WAS HIT HARD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY A CAR BEING PURSUED BY POLICE. LUCKILY, AND POSSIBLY BECAUSE MY WIFE IS SHORT AND SITS HIGH, SHE APPEARS UNINJURED ALTHOUGH VISIBLY SHAKEN AND VERY NERVOUS ABOUT NIGHT DRIVING. MY WIFE HAD PULLED HER CAR OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE 4+ LANE ROAD WHEN SHE HEARD SIRENS. WHILE PULLED OVER WITH THE CAR RUNNING AND HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE PERPETRATOR'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PUSHED HER CAR SEVERAL FEET FURTHER TO THE RIGHT, CRUMPLING THE DOORS AND BREAKING OFF THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND SUSPENSION FROM THE IMPACT. THE POLICE REPORT SHOWED THAT THE PERPETRATOR'S VEHICLE APPROACHED HER CAR FROM THE FRONT LEFT, BUT THE VEHICLE HIT THE VERY SHORT KIA SQUARELY AND ONLY IN THE TWO DRIVER'S SIDE DOORS WITH NO DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OR REAR FENDERS. CLEARLY NOT SIDESWIPED WHERE THE ENTIRE SIDE WOULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. ALLSTATE INSURANCE TOTALED THE CAR AND PHOTOS FROM THE ACCIDENT SCENE AND TOWING YARD ARE ATTACHED, AS IS THE POLICE REPORT. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED! NONE OF THE KIA'S AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN LATE 2015 AND IT HAS BEEN COMPLETELY SERVICED SINCE THEN AT THE ORIGINAL KIA DEALER. THEY RECENTLY UPDATED THE CAR'S COMPUTER UNDER A KIA RECALL. ON DEC. 4, 2020, I CONTACTED THE KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER (KAYLEE C AT 949-468-4689) AND ASKED WHY THE AIRBAGS FAILED. AFTER LOOKING AT PHOTOS I SENT HER AND FROM THE COPART LOT, SHE QUICKLY SAID THE CAR WAS "SIDESWIPED AND NOT HIT HARD ENOUGH TO DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS". HER RESPONSE WAS PROTECTING KIA LINE AS ANY REVIEW OF THE PHOTOS SHOWS THAT HE CAR WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE VERY HARD AND NOT SIDESWIPED. I ASK THAT NHTSA INVESTIGATE THIS INCIDENT AS IT'S UNLIKELY THAT ONLY MY VEHICLE HAS THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL FLAW.

  • 12/16/2018· VISIBILITY/WIPER

    ON A TRIP, I WAS DRIVING ON A COLD, RAINY NIGHT AND THE WINDOWS BEGAN TO FOG UP SO I TURNED ON THE HEAT/DEFROSTER WHICH CAUSED ALL THE WINDOWS TO QUICKLY AND TOTALLY FOG OVER. THE RIGHT SIDE WAS SPITTING WATER ON TO THE WINDSHIELD THIS WAS SO BAD THAT I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT TOOK OVER FIVE MINUTES FOR THE WINDOWS TO CLEAR EVEN AFTER I TURNED ON THE A/C AND WAS WIPING THEM WITH A TOWEL. I DID A TEST THE NEXT MORNING WHEN IT WAS NOT RAINING BUT COLD AND DAMP. I STARTED THE CAR AND TURNED ON THE HEAT/DEFROSTER. ALL THE WINDOWS AND EVEN MY GLASSES FOGGED OVER. IT WAS OVER TEN MINUTES BEFORE THE WINDOWS CLEARED EVEN WITH THE A/C ON AND USING A TOWEL. I CHECKED ON LINE AND FOUND MULTIPLE EXAMPLES OF SIMILAR SITUATIONS OVER SEVERAL YEARS. E.G. THIS VIDEO SHOWS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=SBOJEHJMCYI&SNS=EMISL HERE ARE OTHER EXAMPLES: HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/KIA/SOUL/2015/AC_HEATER/EXTREME_HUMIDITY_ON_WINDOWS.SHTML HTTPS://WWW.KIASOULFORUMS.COM/2-SOUL-GENERAL-DISCUSSION-GEN-1/73641-INSIDE-WINDOWS-FOG-UP-REAL-BAD.HTML I LIVE IN THE DESERT SO RARELY RUN INTO THESE CONDITIONS BUT THAT DOESN'T LESSEN THE DANGER. KIA DEALERS SEEM TO AVOID SAYING IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR'S DESIGN BUT IT SEEMS MOST LIKELY CAUSED BY POOR DRAINAGE AND/OR POORLY DESIGNED AIR FLOW.

  • 12/14/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE CODE THAT POPPED UP WHEN I USED MY READER TO READ THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT POPPED UP TWO DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING. IT SAID IT WAS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE KIA LADY TOOK MY VIN AND SAID THERE WAS NO RECALLS BUT EVERYONE WITH MY CAR WAS CALLING IN ABOUT IT. AND THE PART ITSELF IS 1200 DOLLARS. HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING WHICH ALSO SAYS IT CAN RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. AS A MOTHER WITH A TODDLER WHO CHOSE THIS CAR BASED ON ITS AFFORDABILITY AND SAFETY FEATURES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. THERE NEEDS TO BE AN ISSUE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. THE CAR IS A 2016 KIA. THERES SHOULD BE NO REASON THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY 3000 DOLLARS TO REPLACE A PART THAT EVERYONE'S HAVING TO REPLACE OR YOUR CAR WILL LITERALLY BREAK DOWN FOR GOOD. THE PO50A CODE.

  • 12/13/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    When the steering wheel tilt is adjusted while driving, the vehicle experiences a complete electrical shutdown — dashboard goes black and the engine may shut off. Electrical power may return when the steering wheel position is changed again. Because this involves a total loss of power while the vehicle is in motion, I am concerned about driver safety and would like this addressed as soon as possible.

  • 12/13/2023· STRUCTURE

    Paint adhesion. Pearl white color coats flaking off in several parts of body.

  • 12/13/2022· ENGINE

    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter was clogged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 200,000.

  • 12/12/2023· ENGINE

    This car was bought used with less than 100,000 mile in less than 6 months of ownership the catalytic converter failed. The check engine light was not on. The car would not drive over 30 miles on the interstate and had to be towed last November 2022.After inspecting the car, the catalytic converter was clogged. After it was replaced, the owner has replaced spark plugs, coil packs, and oxygen sensor with no avail. The check engine light remains on. The converter is continuing to fail. No mechanic can figure out what it causing the issue.

  • 12/11/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 70 MPH. The contact was able to pull the vehicle to the shoulder of the road, where the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart, but the failure persisted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 107,000.

  • 12/10/2020· ENGINE

    KIA ISSUED A RECALL FOR A SOFTWARE UPDATE. AFTER HAVING A KIA DEALER INSTALL THE SOFTWARE UPDATE MY 2016 KIA SOUL BEGAN EXPERIENCING ENGINE STALLING. THIS WAS IMMEDIATELY AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DAMAGED, CAUSING MY ISSUE. THEY ARE ALSO CLAIMING NO ERROR CODES HAVE BEEN DETECTED, EVEN THOUGH MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED BEFORE AND AFTER THE SOFTWARE UPDATE. MY ENGINE ALSO HAD A KNOCK BEFORE THE SOFTWARE UPDATED. THE KNOCK OCCURRED DURING ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO CHECK FOR ENGINE DAMAGE, EVEN THOUGH THE SOFTWARE RECALL STATES THEY WILL REPAIR ENGINE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE FAULTY SOFTWARE. THERE ARE ALSO RECALLS ON SIMILAR YEAR KIA SOUL VEHICLES THAT INVOLVE THE FAULTY SOFTWARE AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER DAMAGE. THIS VEHICLE CONDITION IS DANGEROUS AND IS GOING TO GET PEOPLE INJURED OR KILLED.

  • 12/10/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    STEVENS CREEK KIA IS DENYING TO FIX MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER EVEN THOUGH IT'S PART OF THE RECALL. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $250 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND TO FIX THE CONVERTER. THE RECALL DETAILS STATES THE DAMAGED CONVERTER WILL BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER BUT THEY ARE DENYING ANY SERVICE UNLESS I PAY. I NOTIFIED KIA AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. STEVENS CREEK KIA LIED TO ME THAT MY RECALL WAS DONE ON TUESDAY 12-8-20 AND WHEN I SHOWED UP MY CAR WAS STILL NOT RUNNING, THEY STILL GAVE ME MY KEYS AND TOLD ME IT WAS ALL GOOD TO GO. THEY PUT MY IN DANGER, MY CAR WOULD'VE BLOWN. THEY KNEW MY CAR WASN'T RUNNING AND STILL DIDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND LIED TO ME IT WAS READY AND WHEN I TOLD THEM THEY HAD TO CHECK THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AS A PART OF THE RECALL BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT THE RECALL DETAIL STATES THEY COMPLETELY DENIED AND SAID IF I DON'T PAY FOR EVERYTHING THEY WON'T BE CHECKING OR FIXING ANYTHING. THE MANAGER AT STEVENS CREEK KIA HAS NO RESPECT OR REGARDING FOR CUSTOMER SAFETY HE HANDED ME MY CAR NOT RUNNING PAST 10 MILES WITH A BAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER EVEN THOUGH THAT'S WHAT THE RECALL SAYS TO REPLACE. I NEED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ON THE PHONE TO FURTHER EXPLAIN EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED AND EXPLAIN IN MUCH GREATER DETAIL. I DON'T FEEL SAFE OR COMFORTABLE STEVENS CREEK KIA HANDLING MY VEHICLE AT THIS POINT. THEY DON'T CARE TO FIX MY RECALLED CAR.

  • 12/07/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

    Our car was sold to us not knowing about a recall. It was taken to a local Kia. The car dealership says they didn’t know. It’s already had a replaced catalytic converter and didn’t fix the problem. Our engine light, ABS light and a skidding light come on and off. No one will listen to us. We don’t know what to do next.

  • 12/07/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERFire

    For a week or two when I turned the heated seat on I would often feel a very intense heat from the seat back when it started up for a period of time. I had just recently had a back injury so I thought perhaps my back was being overly sensitive. Finally on the 27th just after I started driving the car in the morning I felt the burning feeling on my back again and stuck my hand behind me to feel the seat. I felt burning on my hand and pain and yanked my hand away immediately, pulled over, and looked behind me at the seat, in time to see a curl of smoke coming out of a small hole on the back of the seat. I also found that the palm of my hand had a small mark beneath the base of my thumb where I had felt the burning pain. It took at least half an hour for the burning sensation to fade. I also detected an odor of smoke for a bit afterward. I had no warning that this was going to happen other than the burning feeling the heated seat had started to generate upon my back- no warning lights or such. I have not had any service done on the problem yet though I intend to contact Kia soon; so the car is currently in the same state although obviously I don't turn the heated seat on anymore since I don't want things in my car to be on fire.

  • 12/07/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINEFire

    UPON PARKING MY CAR I NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UP UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE FIRE WAS DEEMED ELECTRICAL IN NATURE.

  • 12/07/2018· ENGINE

    OIL LIGHT CAME ON, PULLED OVER TO CHECK OIL. AS CAR SLOWED DOWN THE OIL LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO KNOCK AND MISFIRE. WHEN THE CAR GOT TO ABOUT 15-20 MPH IT STALLED / CUT OFF AND I HAD TO COAST TO A PARKING LOT TO STOP. CAR TURNED BACK ON, BUT IMMEDIATELY BEGAN SQUEAKING AND KNOCKING BADLY. CAR WAS TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE WE WERE TOLD THE MOTOR IS "BLOWN". SINCE ALL SERVICE RECORDS COULD NOT BE PROVIDED KIA WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY (UNDER 60K MILES), EVEN THOUGH THE OWNERS MANUAL SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT A LACK OF MAINTENANCE RECORDS CANNOT BE THE SOLE REASON WARRANTY CLAIMS ARE DENIED. THE PREVIOUS VERSION OF THIS MOTOR IS ALREADY RECALLED, AND THIS VERSION IS ALREADY SUSPECTED TO BE DEFECTIVE AS WELL. QUOTED ROUGHLY $6,000 TO REPAIR THE MOTOR, HAS A REPLACEMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE, AND ALL MOTORS ARE BACKORDERED FROM THE MANUFACTURER.

  • 12/06/2022· ENGINE

    Catalytic converter failing on 2016 Kia soul. Was not part of the vin numbers for for original recalls. Has original catalytic converter

  • 12/06/2020· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

    CAR STOP WORKING AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER BLEW

  • 12/06/2019· STEERING,ENGINE

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE STEERING CONTROL MODULE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER BECAME DEFECTIVE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V608000 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS. ALSO, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, THE ENGINE SHOOK AND A SULFUR ODOR EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FIRST KIA (2081 1ST ST, SIMI VALLEY, CA 93065, (805) 624-4044), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

  • 12/05/2022· ENGINE

    This issue happened with regular 3500 - 4000 mile oil changes. Oil burnt 100% away and the oil light indicator came on then and only when turning left. Filled oil back up. Oil Changed. Then oil burned away again. Same issue with oil light. This time the engine failed. The bearings are knocking and the engine needs replaced. Spoke with dealership, was told I should have got a software update and that would have placed a warranty on the motor. Never was I told, received mail or during an inspection was informed of needing a software update.

  • 12/05/2021· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

    RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ALWAYS FLICKERS DURING USE. I CHANGE THE TURN SIGNAL BULB MONTHLY BUT IT NEVER LAST MORE THAN A FEW DAYS WORKING IF NOT AT ALL. I HAVE CONFIRMED THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BULBS AS I HAVE CHECKED THE BULB WITH THE LEFT SIDE.

  • 12/05/2018· ENGINE

    VEHICLE IS USING OIL. BOUGHT EXTENDED WARRANTY AND AROUND 60,000 MILES, TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD IT'S NORMAL FOR IT TO USE OIL. I'M HAVING TO ADD 1-2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 800-1000 MILES. IT ALSO RUNS VERY ROUGH AND WAS TOLD SINCE IT'S NOT THROWING A CODE, THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THAT. I'VE HAD ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE DONE AND HAVE THE OIL CHANGED REGULARLY. THERE IS SIGNIFICANT BLOW-BY WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING AND THE OIL CAP IS OFF. AGAIN, I WAS TOLD THIS IS NORMAL. I KNOW THIS ISN'T RIGHT. I'M APPROACHING MY 100,000 MILE WARRANTY AND I THINK THEY JUST KEEP TELLING ME EVERYTHING IS NORMAL, WAITING FOR ME TO PASS THE WARRANTY MILEAGE. NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL WITH KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT.

  • 12/04/2020· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    I HAVE NOT HAD A SAFETY FAILURE YET, JUST TO CLARIFY. I BOUGHT THE CAR CERTIFIED IN OCTOBER. IT REVS UP TO 2,500 - 3,000 UPON STARTUP, LOUD ENOUGH FOR A NEIGHBOR TO COME OVER AND TELL ME TO GET IT CHECKED OUT. IT HARD-IDLES AND SHUDDERS WHEN IT'S STOPPED. I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT IT BEING UNRELIABLE, BUT MORE WORRIED ABOUT IT BEING UNSAFE WITH THE REVVING. AFTER THREE VISITS TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THESE ISSUES, I'M TOLD IT'S DUE TO A BAD SOFTWARE UPDATE FROM BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THEY CAN'T/WON'T TELL ME DETAILS ON THE UPDATE, BUT SAY THAT I'M LUCKY MY CAR IS STILL RUNNING BECAUSE IT PUT A LOT OF CARS "OUT OF COMMISSION". BECAUSE IT'S STILL RUNNING, THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER ARE REFUSING TO HELP ME (NO FIX IS AVAILABLE, AND THEY'VE REFUSED A REFUND OR REPLACEMENT). I JUST NEED A SAFE AND RELIABLE CAR. I REFUSE TO SIMPLY TRADE IT IN AND PASS THE PROBLEM ALONG TO SOMEONE ELSE. KIA DID NOT DISCLOSE THE SOFTWARE ISSUE IN ADVANCE AND ISN'T BACKING THEIR PRODUCT. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN AFFECTED.

  • 12/04/2017· STEERING

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WAS LOOSE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V608000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (ALL STAR KIA OF BATON ROUGE, 5740 SIEGEN LANE, BATON ROUGE, LA 70809) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER FOR TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND DID NOT WANT TO VISIT A DEALER FURTHER AWAY FROM HER HOME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,283. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.