Kia 1.6 CRDi
Common four-cylinder diesel with common-rail injection and particulate filter. Avoid DPF regeneration on short trips — auxiliary heating and longer drives recommended.
Cube car with a diesel heart
128 hp CRDi makes the Soul AM a competent all-rounder. The boxy character and the efficiency complement each other well.
Engine Weaknesses 6
On the D4FB premature chain stretch is well known, especially on early models up to approx. 2012. At the 80,000 km service on the Ceed ED the chain was routinely checked and replaced if necessary.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, fault code P0016 (cam/crank not synchronised), in the worst case engine damage from chain skip
The D4FB's EGR valve tends to stick shut from soot deposits in short-trip use. A faulty EGR solenoid is easy to identify: switching on the air conditioning forces the valve closed and makes the judder disappear.
Symptoms: Judder and hesitation under partial load, elevated emissions, engine warning light, power loss in city driving
The D4FB's diesel particulate filter never reaches its regeneration temperature in pure urban driving. Frequent short trips prevent active regeneration and cause blockage. Filter replacement costs approx. €1,000–3,000.
Symptoms: DPF warning illuminated, power loss, increased fuel consumption, engine revving during forced regeneration
The particulate filter blocks up with frequent short-trip use because the regeneration temperature is never reached. Vehicles used predominantly in urban traffic are especially affected.
Symptoms: DPF warning light on, engine power reduced, increased fuel consumption, limp-home mode active.
The EGR valve carbons up from soot deposits in the exhaust gas recirculation system. Mainly affects vehicles with frequent short-trip use or missed service intervals.
Symptoms: Engine power loss, increased fuel consumption, limp-home mode, fault code P0401/P0404.
The dual-mass flywheel of the 1.6 CRDi wears primarily in urban use and frequent stop-and-go traffic. Typical issue for diesel applications of this generation.
Symptoms: Vibration on pull-away, rattling on cold start, jerky gear changes, tingling in the gear lever.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
On the Soul AM, the starter is in an exposed position in the splash water zone. Electrical connections corrode, leading to starting problems. The standard-fit lack of a splash guard is the cause.
Model years 2010–2013 show known weaknesses in the electrical control of the central locking. Doors won't open or close, remote is unreliable. Often from 30,000–40,000 km.
The front struts on the Soul AM show typical wear signs from around 60,000–80,000 km. The firm suspension is sensitive to uneven surfaces and accelerates wear. Top mounts tend to creak.
On the Soul AM, the electric power steering develops play from around 80,000 km, resulting in an insecure straight-line feel. The steering axis sensor and steering control unit are known weak points of this MDPS platform.
On the Soul AM, the AC compressor frequently fails after 70,000–90,000 km, often due to refrigerant loss or mechanical compressor wear. Metal debris in the system can cause further damage.
On the Soul AM, the front brake discs wear faster than average. MOT reports and owner experience confirm the brake finding. OEM disc quality leaves room for improvement.
The Soul AM uses a lot of cheap interior plastic that loosens or becomes brittle over time. The door mirror surrounds and door interior trims are particularly prone to loosening.