2016 Kia Soul · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 207owner reports
- 93,000median miles
- $1,700median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
664 of the 814 complaints on this car are about the engine. 207 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 207 reports
Misfire on other Soul years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the catalytic converter (100 reports), the sensor (22 reports), the spark plugs (13 reports) and the ignition coils (6 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
All 2 recalls on the 2016 Kia Soul, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Soul
Kia 25v099 piston oil ring recall effectiveness. Closed dec 18, 2025.
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 20V-088.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed may 10, 2019, led to recall 18V-907.
What owners paid
24 of the 207 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $800 to $6,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 70,000 and 115,000 miles, from the 133 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 7 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Kia Soul that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
PITSTOP: DTC P0011/ P0014/ P0016/ P0017 DUE TO INCORRECT CAMSHAFT RELUCTOR WHEEL CONFIGURATION This Pitstop provides information on some 2010-2013MY Soul (AM), 2014-2019MY Soul (PS), and 2020~MY Soul (SK3) vehicles equipped with the engines listed below, which may set DTC P0011, P0014, P0016, or P0017 after an engine replacement.
SERVICE ACTION: 1.6L GDI WITH MIL ON DTC P050A ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA485) This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the Engine Control Module (ECM) system on some 2014-2016MY Soul (PS) vehicles with Gamma 1.6L GDI engines, produced from August 29, 2013 through July 26, 2016, which may exhibit an MIL ON ...
TSB - ECU UPGRADE ? DTC P0441 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software upgrade for some 2012-2016MY Rio (UB), 2014-2016MY Soul (PS), and 2012-2013MY Soul (AM) vehicles, which may have a malfunction indicator light (MIL) ON with DTC P0441: Evaporative ...
PITSTOP INTERMITTENT LACK OF POWER OR HESITATION UPON ACCELERATION - RESTRICTED FUEL LINE - Customers may experience an intermittent lack of power or hesitation upon acceleration. The malfunction indicator lamp may not illuminate or DTC P0087 may be stored (history).
3 more on the 2016 Kia Soul page.
What owners wrote
“Check engine light came on. 4 new engine coils and spark plugs. Carb cleaner in gas. Check engine light on again then while driving car jerked and check engine light blinking. Code 420 catalytic converter. This vehicle was under recall for same issue but was ok at time of recall. Was checked at Kia dealership u see recall time.”
Filed Sep 15, 2025
“engine rod bearing issues, check engine light is on due to engine knocking from rod bearing and i can't pass state inspection due to check engine light. when the check enging light is on the vehicle can only be driven at speed of 30m/h. took the vehicle to kia dealer at roosvelt ave, york pa 17404 and repaires denied under warranty”
Filed Apr 12, 2025
“Cylinder 3 went out in the engine and car seized. Prior to this the car burned through oil very quickly and the entire car would shake. Kia of El Cajon said it was not an engine issue, my car was totaled and I sold it for scraps. Very disappointed with the service during this time.”
Filed Jul 25, 2022
“Check engine on. Code of catalytic converter. It was changed at Velazquez auto repair in Milwaukee WI, but now the engine is burning oil fast it lasts less than 2000 miles after each oil and filter change. I can't afford another car and Im disabled. My VIN is not included in the recall but my car was impacted, I've spent $1,780 on the catalytic converter already.Please help!”
Filed Jul 9, 2022 · 2,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 207 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 227 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 215 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 95 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 41 reports
- Engine leaks oil 39 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 38 reports
- Vehicle fire 35 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 31 reports