2016 Kia Soul

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.  The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.  Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia.  The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio.  The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires.  In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension.  For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied.  Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates.  To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years.  In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires.  Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis.  Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023).  The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.  To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Authorized KIA dealer is refusing to execute an active safety recall (SC176) on this vehicle experiencing the exact engine failure described in the defect report. It is currently at Don Franklin KIA in Somerset, KY. Vehicle experienced complete loss of oil pressure from engine failure. Was towed to this dealership who stated the because the title is rebuilt because of unrelated cosmetic hail damage only, they would not perform the safety recall or the diagnostic testing because they feel the warranty is void because of the cosmetic damage. Contacted KIA customer support who also states they would only perform safety recall or diagnostic testing if I paid out of pocket. This is a Kentucky Blue, rebuilt title related strictly to cosmetic hail damage only.

NHTSA ID

11777074

Incident

Nov 10, 2026

My vehicle was towed to the dealer to address a recall. Campaign 19V120/SC176. I advised them I had codes #300, 303 &304. I requested a compression test & documentation of the findings. They instead cleared the codes, addressed the ksds software update & declared the car "fixed". Upon leaving, the engine lost power (in traffic) & the check engine light returned. I limped the car back & again requested a compression test which they did not perform even after pulling codes of a "misfire". They pulled the plugs & advised replacement as well as replacement of the coils for $1,200. I believe I'm entitled to knowing the health of the engine by means of a compression test & possible short block replacement if it's deemed necessary (per recall SC176)

NHTSA ID

11775679

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that prior to the dealer visit, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the dealer had not successfully completed the recall repair, because the check engine warning light remained illuminated when the vehicle was retrieved. The contact informed the dealer that the recall instructions required a catalytic converter inspection and a diagnostic scan to read and clear the trouble codes; however, the dealer responded by claiming that the recall parameters only authorized a software update. The failure mileage was 230,000.

NHTSA ID

11775619

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

Mileage

230,000 mi

As the original owner of this 2016 Kia Soul (approx. 124,000 miles), I am filing this safety and consumer compliance complaint for severe engine failure and a failure of manufacturer recall notification systems. On [XXX], my vehicle experienced severe power loss on the highway and extreme oil consumption. An inspection by an independent repair facility revealed catastrophic engine failure due to piston ring degradation, severe crankcase blow-by, and oil contamination of the exhaust system. The repair shop informed me that these symptoms directly align with known manufacturing defects covered under active safety recalls, specifically NHTSA Recall 19V-120 and the Hyundai/Kia Engine Litigation II settlement (No. 8-18-cv-0223-JLS-JDE, C.D. Cal), for which my VIN is a confirmed match. On [XXX], I brought the vehicle to VanDevere Kia of Akron for evaluation. Service associate Jackie Mundri informed me I was denied engine replacement coverage, with Kia claiming I waited "too long" to address the recalls. When I escalated this to Kia Consumer Affairs and spoke with a representative named Cassandra, I was told it was my personal responsibility to proactively check for recalls. I have never received any notification via mail, email, or telephone regarding Recall SC176 or any other engine campaign. Furthermore, within the past two years, I paid out of pocket for major repairs directly related to these exact safety defects (replacing the catalytic converter and two brake lines), yet neither the independent shops nor the dealership flagged these open safety recalls during those services. By blaming the consumer for a lack of communication while failing to provide mandatory notice, the manufacturer is leveraging their own notification breakdown to evade responsibility for a dangerous, defective engine. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia's failure to provide proper notification and their refusal to honor safety obligations for a verified class-settlement vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

NHTSA ID

11775589

Incident

Oct 31, 2026

My 2016 Kia Soul has under 47,000 miles, and is experiencing severe clear-coat failure across multiple panels, including the roof, hood, rear quarter panel, lip of hatch, tops of door handles, and both mirrors. The roof began peeling about 4 years ago, but over the past two years, before the weather was even warm, the clear coat suddenly began bubbling and lifting across the vehicle. There has been no collision or other damage in those areas to explain the deterioration and delamination. After seeing two other 2016 Kia Souls of the same color with the same apparent problem, I researched the issue and found approximately a dozen NHTSA complaints describing similar bubbling and peeling. This appears to be far beyond normal age-related paint deterioration. I also have a 1990 Subaru that has been sitting in my driveway, and its original paint remains fully intact. I think this may be a manufacturing or material defect affecting the factory clear-coat system and believe it warrants investigation.

NHTSA ID

11775284

Incident

Oct 1, 2022

Desconocido

NHTSA ID

11774964

Incident

Nov 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under Kia Campaign Number: SC176 (Engine Control Unit (ECU) Logic Improvement). A compression test was performed by the dealer, and it was determined that the cylinder compression was low, which indicated an engine failure. However, the dealer determined that only the catalytic converter would be replaced because DTC: P030X was not retrieved. The contact stated that the service campaign repair was not adequate for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone but confirmed the assessment of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ID

11774723

Incident

Oct 19, 2026

Mileage

122,000 mi

Issues with catalytic converters , manifold, fuel 02 sensor. Have had to replace multiple times. Not listed as a recal vin.

NHTSA ID

11774466

Incident

Oct 29, 2026

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2002B Flight 801) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting an important Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2014-2016 MY Soul vehicles equipped with 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection (“GDI”) engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of this computer software for the Engine Control Unit (“ECU”).

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC334 Flight 201) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake line(s) in certain 2014-2019 MY Soul vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently registered in states where heavy amounts of road salt are used. In addition, an anti-corrosion material will be applied to the underbody components for added protection.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION: CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 20, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an immobilizer, a protective cover will be permanently affixed to the ignition cylinder. This Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector prevents the removal of the key lock cylinder thereby preventing access to the ignition tumbler.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT AND ENGINE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (SC176Y) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides catalytic converter and engine sub-assembly diagnosis and repair information on certain 2012-2016MY Soul (AM, PS) vehicles produced from July 8, 2011 through August 11, 2016, that previously had the recall campaign SC176 completed. The affected vehicles may exhibit catalyst system efficiency deterioration or a malfunction indicator lamp illumination with an active, history or pending P0420 with or without a P030X misfire DTC.

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (PI2002B FL701) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2014-2016 MY Soul vehicles equipped with 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection (“GDI”) engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of this computer software for the Engine Control Unit (“ECU”).

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: POSTCARD OWNER RENOTIFICATION (CS2311) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting Customer Satisfaction Campaign. Kia has developed a new zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protector hardware upgrade and can be installed at the ignition cylinder location to provide additional protection against the social media theft method. Prior notifications stated that this modification had to be performed by July 1, 2025, but the subject vehicles are now eligible until March 31, 2027, to have the ignition cylinder protector installed—if requested—at no cost through an authorized Kia dealership. (Mailing of these notifications to vehicle owners will be completed from December 19, 2025 through December 31, 2025)