It was only six and a half weeks into owning my brand new 2018 Kia Soul 1.6T when I scheduled its first oil change. Trusting my local mechanic shop, where I had been a regular customer, I booked an appointment. During the call, I made it explicitly clear to the clerk that my Soul was equipped with the 1.6 turbo engine, emphasizing it was not the standard 1.6 engine. We even discussed the manufacturer’s recommendation of 5w-30 oil for all ambient temperatures for the turbo model, and the alternative 10w-40 for climates like ours, which experience moderate summers. We agreed on 5w-30 Mobil One.
On the day of the service, everything seemed normal. I dropped off my Kia Soul 1.6T, they performed the oil change, I paid, and drove home. It’s my routine to review invoices after any car service before filing them away, and this time, that habit proved crucial. Looking at the details, I was shocked to see “5w-20 Mobil One” listed as the oil used.
Immediately, I called the shop, and to my disbelief, the clerk initially argued that 5w-20 wouldn’t necessarily be a problem and that he would “check with Kia”. I insisted on an immediate oil change to 5w-30, stressing that it was my turbo engine at risk, not his, if the thinner oil failed to provide adequate protection under high temperatures. He eventually contacted Kia and confirmed what I already knew: 5w-20 is indeed too light for the 1.6 turbo engine and is only recommended for the non-turbo 1.6L variant. Admitting their mistake, they asked me to return, and they correctly replaced the oil with 5w-30, free of charge, of course.
While the clerk apologized, I expressed my serious concern. What if I hadn’t checked the invoice? What potential damage could have occurred to my almost-new Kia Soul 1.6T’s engine? The thought of dealing with a burnt-out turbo and the ensuing warranty claim nightmare, with both Kia and the oil change shop potentially denying responsibility, was deeply unsettling.
This experience serves as a critical warning to all Kia Soul 1.6T owners, and frankly, anyone with a turbocharged vehicle.
The 1.6-liter turbo engine is a relatively recent addition to the Kia Soul lineup, first introduced in 2017. This means that some mechanics might still be unfamiliar with its specific requirements and mistakenly assume it shares the same oil specifications as the naturally aspirated 1.6L engine. This assumption is dangerous. The 5w-20 oil, perfectly suitable for the standard 1.6L engine, is simply too thin for the 1.6 Turbo. The crucial difference lies in the turbocharger itself. Turbos operate at extremely high temperatures, and in such conditions, a 20-weight oil may not maintain sufficient viscosity to provide the necessary lubrication and protection against wear and tear.
Therefore, it is absolutely vital to ensure your mechanic – not just the service advisor – understands that your Kia Soul 1.6T engine is not the same as the regular 1.6. It’s a significantly more powerful engine (producing approximately 50% more horsepower!) and demands a different oil specification. The correct oil for your Kia Soul 1.6T is 5w-30 or, in warmer climates, 10w-40.
Protect your investment and the longevity of your Kia Soul 1.6T’s engine. Always double-check your service invoice and confirm with your mechanic that the correct 5w-30 or 10w-40 oil has been used for your oil change. Don’t assume, verify. Your turbo will thank you.
