2016 Kia Soul fuel/propulsion system problems
79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2016 Kia Soul — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The vehicle is burning oil. It creates residue in my engine which may make it dangerous to drive and ruin the catalytic converter, among other issues. I was first notified of this problem during my second oil change in 01/2026 at a Kwik Kar Lube & Tune, about 6 months after purchasing the vehicle…”
filed May 27, 2026
“I am reporting a safety concern related to NHTSA Recall 19V120 involving my Kia Soul. The recall identifies a defect related to catalytic converter overheating, which can lead to engine damage, stalling, and increased risk of fire. My vehicle is currently experiencing an illuminated check engine…”
filed Apr 26, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other Soul years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Soul | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 Soul | 7 | 8% |
| 2021 Soul | 10 | 5% |
| 2020 Soul | 15 | 4% |
| 2019 Soul | 12 | 9% |
| 2018 Soul | 11 | 5% |
| 2017 Soul | 18 | 7% |
| 2015 Soul | 76 | 8% |
| 2014 Soul | 52 | 6% |
| 2013 Soul | 27 | 4% |
| 2012 Soul | 21 | 4% |
| 2011 Soul | 8 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Kia Soul
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.