4 29 23 at 101091 miles the catalytic converter was replaced. The car sucks up oil before even the 3000.mark..kia performed. Then on7/8/25 wg baker replaced catalytic converter again. Also coding of abs brakes now and why would catalytic converter need replacing? Because car is eating off oil. Yes my car stopped on the interstate and I had to pull over. I've already done two tune ups.

- Antioch, TN, USA

Engine has lower end knocking noise, internal failure

- Crown Point, IN, USA

Component/system failed: Engine and Power Train. Available for inspection: Yes, the vehicle is currently at the dealership. After a loud ticking/knocking noise from the engine began, the car lost power while driving. It matches symptoms associated with Kia-??s known connecting rod bearing failure issue (covered under Recall SC176 and Campaign PI2002A). There were no warning lamps at first, but later the oil pressure warning light began to flash intermittently. A Kia dealership confirmed the issue and completed the PI2002A ECU update. However, they denied the extended engine warranty coverage under the campaign, saying that the vehicle was purchased at an auction, even though this issue stems from a known manufacturing defect and recall that should apply to the vehicle, regardless of ownership history. This creates a serious safety concern, as the engine could seize while driving. This issue has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership and documented under Kia Case #25414628 and #25331856. This denial contradicts the campaign terms and puts drivers and others at risk.

- Laredo, TX, USA

On our way to Florida, our car broke down on the highway. When we were able to get our car towed to a mechanic, the mechanic stated that the issue was a rod bearing went out which matches the kia recall reasons for the same vehicle as ours. We took the car to Kia and they tested it and the rod bearing was the issue. We had no warning lights prior to our car breaking down and it was taken for an oil change just 5 days before. See below for more info on the recall: The 2016 Kia Soul, specifically models with the 1.6L GDI engine, was included in a Kia product improvement campaign related to connecting rod bearing wear. This campaign involved a software update for the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to implement a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The KSDS is designed to detect early signs of bearing wear and alert the driver via a blinking Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and Limp Home Mode. This prevents severe engine damage, including potential engine failure. Some 2016 Kia Souls with the 1.6L GDI engine experienced excessive connecting rod bearing wear, potentially leading to engine damage.

- Winder, Ga, GA, USA

Check engine light came on 6months ago the code was P0420 I took it to a Kia dealership they said my catalytic converter was worn out and it would be $1500 to replace it I brought up how there was a recall he told me the vehicle already had the recall taken care of from the previous owner of the vehicle and would not fix it again i have no proof they fixed the recall and if they did it obviously didn-??t work now that car don-??t drive at all the catalytic converter is clogged I-??m still making payments on the car this hell for me having hard time getting to work now with no transportation I need some guidance it-??s not fair they can just tell me the previous owner got it fixed and even if they did it didn-??t work or they didn-??t do it right is there anything I can do?

- Manchester, NH, USA

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving in a parking lot at approximately 10 MPH, the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to a nearby parking space, where the vehicle lost power and shut off. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The mechanic suggested that the engine be replaced. The contact became aware of a Software Update Program with an extension for an engine replacement. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and confirmed the diagnostic result. The dealer informed the contact that the engine would not be covered by Kia because the Software Update Program update was not being completed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed the decision made by the dealer. The manufacturer stated that the NHTSA was responsible for issuing and informing vehicle owners of a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

- Riverside, CA, USA

I own a 2016 Kia Soul, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle suffered engine failure and is currently at Kia of Bradley in Illinois. My vehicle is covered under Recall SC176 (NHTSA #19V120) for a known defect that can cause engine damage and fire risk. Kia has denied my recall claim, stating that I did not receive the ECU update and that there is -??sludge-?? under the oil cap. I was never properly notified that failure to receive the update would void my recall protection. Sludge presence is not proven to be the cause of the failure, and no oil analysis or inspection has been performed. The recall mandates free repair or replacement of the engine if damage is present, and this has not been honored. Kia is attempting to charge $600 just for diagnostics and has refused to repair the safety issue despite the engine failing. I am asking NHTSA to investigate Kia-??s denial and ensure that the recall obligations are enforced. This is a serious safety concern and financial burden on the consumer. purchased the car from a Kia dealership after the recall, the ECU Update should have been done prior to anyone purchasing the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Kankakee, IL, USA

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. I have replaced my catalytic converter twice in the last year due to this issue. Engine is dumping oil into catalytic converter causing it to stop up. There was a recall for the 1.6 engine, mine is 2.0 and the issue is exactly the same. 19V-120 / SC176 Recall Summary#19V120000

- Greensboro, NC, USA

My 2016 Kia Soul Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) showed a blinking check engine light and entered limp mode while driving. I had the code read and received P1326, which is a known issue in Kia vehicles related to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). This code indicates possible engine bearing wear or impending engine failure, which could result in engine stall or fire, creating a serious safety risk while driving. My car has under 115,000 miles, but I purchased it used from a non-Kia dealer and was told by Kia that it's not covered under warranty or recall. However, many vehicles with this issue received engine replacements or software updates under TSB PI2002 and other campaigns. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2016 Kia Soul, as it appears to be part of the larger engine defect trend affecting many Kia models. This vehicle should be included in any safety recall or extended warranty coverage related to this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Virginia Bch, VA, USA

2016 Kia Soul engine burns excessive amounts of oil leading to constantly needing to top off oil and/or oil changes. When car accelerate white smoke comes from engines; mechanic has pictures of white ash on engine components. We have taken it to the dealership after it was purchased by Carmax in June 2024 the check engine light was displayed, but were told no codes came up. We have taken the car to multiple private mechanics and were told this is a common problem and there is a recall on these engines. Finally 2 weeks ago auto repair shop confirmed engine faulty took pictures of white ash on engine components and advised to tow car to dealership re: extended recall on these engines. Dealership states the car now needs a catalytic converter; however this is a direct result of oil deposits in the exhaust that damage the catalytic converter. We have been getting the runaround from the dealership that says no engine codes come up but when the car is driven the white smoke and rattling of the engine is apparent.

- Fanwood, NJ, USA

Catalyic converter is damage

- Jackson , TN, USA

I had my crankshaft sensor replaced and it is still stalling on me. Engine has stalled while I was driving and this has put my life at risk and my job at risk.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

I was never informed about the issues with my 1.6 GI engine YEARS AGO. And now my engine went bad in my 2016 Kia soul and kia screwed me and won-??t cover fixing my car. I-??m so disgusted with kia and their customer service for not helping me or ever informing me.

- Canal Fulton , OH, USA

On May 17, 2025, the engine in our 2016 Kia Soul seized up and was destroyed. It is within Kia-??s 10 year/100,000 mile drivetrain warranty. They are refusing to honor the warrant stating there was a recall on the vehicle that we never got fixed. The only unrepaired recall on this vehicle involves the steering, nothing to do with the motor. They are trying to escape the responsibility that they have promised to the American consumer.

- Clyde, TX, USA

My 2016 Kia soul had the engine white come on. I took it to have the computer read what the problem was. It came back engine knock sensor. I was told there was a recall on this and I needed to take it to an authorized Kia dealer. I took this to an authorized Kia dealer who told me that that was a faulty check engine light there was nothing wrong with the sensor, but my pistons were bad and I needed a new engine. Well, when I read further into the recall, it specifically said that this check engine sensor issue could affect the engine. My car just hit 100,000 miles. I had regular service. I now have a Kia who is sitting in front of my house not being able to be run. I truly feel that there is an issue that was not addressed when it was checked the check engine light indicated faulty knock sensor. This recall connected that there may be issues with the motor if this were the problem. I feel like I-??m being taken advantage of. I am currently without any transportation and cannot get any help. Is there anything you can do to help me?

- Mifflinburg, PA, USA

Car started rapidly slowing while on the highway and would not accelerate. After taking it to the dealership they said the catalytic converter is clogged and will need replaced. Seems to be a common issue with this vehicle that is not always covered by recall for whatever reason.

- Dublin, IN, USA

Car is making a knocking sound. Car is going thru more oil than normal. Causing the motor to get hot.

- Celina, OH, USA

My engine failed in a2016 Kia Soul.It is available upon inspection. My safety was at risk because the engine went bad all of a sudden. The vehicle has been inspected by a repair facility.Yes I went to a dealership and ask about knocking noise they didn-??t say anything about ksds and made me an appointment a week later.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

My vehicle has stranded me twice due to the same issue-?"error code P1326, which I am regrettably too familiar with. It is apparently associated with the Knock Sensor Detection System and the possibility of defective piston oil rings

- Shoreline, WA, USA

About a year ago I got my car serviced for the recall that was due to a potential issue with the catalytic converter overheating. High exhaust gas temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, potentially leading to abnormal engine combustion, piston damage, and even a fire. As of today 4/22/2025 I was told my catalytic converter needs to be replaced. I first noticed a check engine light 12/20/2024 and I got the code read from my local AutoZone. The code came back my catalytic converter. After doing some research I seen an active recall which I described as above. I scheduled an appointment at my local Kia Dealership which is also where I go the car. They got me in 01/2025 to service the recall. Here i am just a year past the recall and I've been told I need a whole new catalytic converter which is going to run me just over $1300.

- Sparta, MI, USA