Diagsheet

2016 Kia Soul · symptom sheet

Burns oil or oil level rises

  • 93owner reports
  • 80,000median miles
  • $1,700median quote
  • 1involved a crash

Newest report Aug 12, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

634 of the 803 complaints on this car are about the engine. 93 of those describe oil consumption.

Tick what matches of 93 reports

20
4
13
22
12

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the piston rings (34 reports) and the engine (5 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.

19V-120Feb 22, 2019
Engine

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. 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.

Risk and remedy
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Soul

AQ25-001opened Aug 6, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2021 to 2023

Kia 25v099 piston oil ring recall effectiveness. Closed dec 18, 2025.

NHTSA summary
On August 6, 2025, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) opened Audit Query (AQ) 25001 to assess the implementation of Kia America, Inc.’s (Kia) remedy program for Safety Recall 25V099, involving incorrectly manufactured piston oil rings which may damage the engine causing a loss of motive power or fire. This AQ was opened in response to consumer complaints alleging of an ineffective remedy, inconsistent inspection results to determine whether an engine replacement was needed, and the unavailability of recall remedies. On August 11, 2025, an Information Request (IR) was issued to Kia requesting: 1) why the inspection test was revised from requiring a ‘cold’ engine to a ‘warm’ engine; 2) why the recall remedy was suspended from April 30, 2025 to May 7, 2025; 3) how Kia notified customers of the recall remedy suspension and the need to re-test engines that failed the ‘cold’ engine test; 4) the number of post-recall remedy complaints alleging engine or other engine related failures; and 5) the warranty coverage Kia is offering to vehicles that passed either inspection tests. On September 10, 2025, Kia responded to NHTSA’s IR: Kia reported the change in temperature from ‘cold’ to ‘warm’ engine testing was done to increase accuracy. The inspection test uses diagnostic tools that detects abnormal engine vibrations to identify damaged engines. From the initial launch of the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on April 4, 2025 through April 28, 2025, ‘coldâ€
DP22-003opened Sep 12, 2022
Engine · model years 2012 to 2020

Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.

NHTSA summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan as
EA21-003opened Dec 22, 2021
Engine · model years 2012 to 2016

Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.

NHTSA summary
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

What owners paid

10 of the 93 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $500 to $2,600.

$500$1,700$2,600
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 60,160 and 110,000 miles, from the 53 reports that gave a mileage.

619
820
921
2122
2123
1524
825
526

What owners wrote

“Catalytic converter recall not being honored by warranty or original dealership where vehicle was purchased. Car engine making knocking sound and burning oil”

Filed Jun 6, 2023

“Catalytic converter issues. I've had to get it replaced several times already and still issues. car burns oil like crazy as well and I have had to add oil throughout the week. it's been this way since I bought it in 2018. 2016 Kia Soul +”

Filed Mar 31, 2023

“Vehicle is constantly burning oil. I have zero engine leaks, no oil spots on engine. Where is the oil going. I took it to Kia. They said it was a catalytic converter. Oil loss and p040 code are incorrect. Misdiagnosed. Possible pcv problem. Bought from widrick in Watertown NY.”

Filed Jul 13, 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 93 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.

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