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.
Efficient urban character
128 hp diesel in the Soul PS — practical, characterful, sensible. Not exciting, but Soul charm makes up for a lot.
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 5
The rear control arm bushings on the Soul PS are known for premature wear. The complete torsion beam must be removed for replacement as the bushings cannot be pressed individually. Often already from 100,000 km.
AC problems are widespread on the Soul PS. Causes range from refrigerant loss to faulty compressors and electronic control issues. The heater blower motor also shows failures.
Older Soul PS models show rust forming on the wheel arches and underbody. The boxy body shape causes moisture and dirt to collect in cavities. Underbody inspection recommended when buying used.
Electric window regulators on the Soul PS fail with increasing age. The driver and passenger sides are particularly affected. Plastic regulator rails break and lead to jammed windows.
The first-generation Soul PS suffers from cheap interior plastics. During the Auto Bild long-term test, the red interior trim faded completely. Door handles and surrounds loosen at higher mileage.
Reports & Tests
3123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2014–2019). Most reported: Engine (2066), Other (377), Electrical (275).