2016 Kia Soul engine problems

548 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2016 Kia Soul — 69% of all complaints for this model year.

548

Engine complaints

69%

share of all complaints

87,100 mi

median reported incident mileage

4 / 28

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“My 2016 Kia Soul is a 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection engine. 1 prior recall for Kia Souls have occurred, which is seemingly identical to my issue. Recall SC176 addresses Kia Souls with the 1.6L engine, and it just so happens my issue is the same. Kia also issued a response to knock issues with the…”
filed Aug 5, 2026
“Check engine light came on and car was out of oil even though an oil change was done about a month ago. Catalytic converter was replaced once already. Per mechanic excess heat caused out to leak catalytic converter needs replacing again and now engine is damaged as all engine oil leaks out where it…”
filed Jul 19, 2026
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it was started, and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was turned off to stop the smoking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and…”
filed Jul 15, 2026

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

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…
SC176Y_TSB_R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 24, 2026
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…
PI2002B_OWNR_701 · Other · issued Feb 24, 2026