About this problem
The catalytic converter cleans exhaust gas and runs very hot. If the engine misfires or burns oil, unburned fuel reaches the converter and makes it even hotter, which can clog it or, in the worst cases, set nearby parts on fire. Owners report a loss of power, a rotten-egg smell, a glowing or rattling exhaust and check engine lights.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Kia Soul since 2012, 850 (16%) describe catalytic converter overheating, the second most reported problem we track on the Soul. The reports cluster on the 2014, 2015 and 2016 model years, and the 2016 drew the most, with 282. It tends to show up at higher mileage: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 89,000 and 130,000 miles. 32 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. One recall is related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners of 2014 to 2016 Souls report the catalytic converter overheating, a burning smell, rattling and loss of power. Debris from a failing converter can be pulled into the engine and damage it. The 2015 and 2016 cars drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
The fix is a new catalytic converter and, if the engine is damaged, a replacement engine under Kia's recall.
Typical cost: A converter costs about $1,000 to $2,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"On may 29th 2018 I went back to holly Kia with a problem with my tires . I spoke to the service department supervisor again about the cataly converter. He stated to repair the catalytic converter would cost me about $1100."
2014 Kia Soul, 87,000 miles
"Purchased this vehicle cpo back in august 2018 with my wife. Approximately in november, computer tripped the check engine light. Took it in because it had turned off on its own and I found it abnormal. Service center replaced the clogged catalytic converter."
2016 Kia Soul, 51,000 miles
"I brought my vehicle up to benson Kia to get recalls repaired on my 2015 Kia Soul. There were issues with the catalytic converter due to a recall and I was informed by the servicing station at benson Kia that the issue was resolved."
2015 Kia Soul, 116,193 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins
Kia has sent dealers 4 bulletins that mention this problem on the Soul. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Service action: low voltage dc-dc converter (ldc) system logic improvement (sa201) - this bulletin provides information related to the reprogramming of the low voltage dc-dc converter (ldc) system of some 2015~2016my Soul ev (p...
SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT AND ENGINE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (SC176Y) - This bulletin provides catalytic converter and engine sub-assembly diagnosis and repair information on certain 2012-2016MY S...
Information regarding when active eco logic is on a slight shift shudder is felt when torque converter damper clutch engages or disengages and transmission control module (tcm) software needs be upgraded/reprogram to improve ac...
Before you buy a Soul
- Listen for rattling under the car at idle.
- Watch for a check engine light and loss of power.
- Ask whether the converter or engine has been replaced under recall.
Questions
Which Kia Soul years have catalytic converter overheating?
Complaints are highest for the 2014, 2015, 2016 model years. The 2016 drew the most, with 282 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 110,000 miles, and half reported it between 89,000 and 130,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A converter costs about $1,000 to $2,000.