Just got a quote from my Kia dealer for my 2019 Soul+ 2.0L. They want $5,794, including $668 for labor, saying both catalytic converters are clogged.
I’m in Michigan and bought this used with high mileage. It ran fine for 4 years but burned a lot of oil. The engine finally gave out last year, and the dealer replaced it for free under some kind of extended warranty. Now, a few months later, the car isn’t drivable again, and I had it towed back. I’m guessing the cat got clogged because the old engine burned so much oil?
They said they won’t cover this under warranty, but they’re open to me buying an aftermarket part. I found a Magnaflow #52851 for $897 that says it’s “OEM-grade.” Does anyone know if this is a good option?
The labor seems kind of high. Should I just tow it to an independent shop after checking if they’ll install the Magnaflow part?
I have a 2019 Kia Soul+ 2.0 and had to replace my catalytic converter at the dealership. It cost me $4,300, including two O2 sensors. The converter comes in two pieces. My car never had an oil problem, but one of the cylinders misfired, so my husband replaced all four, plus the spark plugs and air filter. He keeps up with the maintenance, and the car runs great. I’m in Texas and have taken this car on long trips, including New York and back.
I had a similar situation with my 2015 Soul. I called an independent muffler shop first to make sure they’d install the part I bought, then had it towed there.
If you’re not in California, you’re in luck since non-CA catalytic converters are cheaper. But if your engine still burns oil, the new cat might clog up again in a few months. Dealers won’t take returns on used ones, so you’d be paying for another replacement.
Look around online for deals on the part. Some shops might even offer to buy it for you if you ask.
One thing—are you sure your car actually has two catalytic converters? Some dealers might be referring to the two O2 sensors instead. I don’t think the Soul has two actual cats unless it’s a hybrid.
Also, check if there’s a recall for your catalytic converter. I’ve seen some reports of 2019 models having issues.
Some dealers will straight-up lie to get out of covering parts under warranty. Kia got caught doing this with engine replacements, and some dealers avoid warranty jobs because Kia pays them less than a regular customer would.
@Cabby
Thanks! Just to clarify, my engine was replaced for free under an extended warranty a few months ago because of a known issue. I’m guessing that’s what clogged the cat, but there’s no recall on it. I was hoping they’d help me out since it was caused by their faulty engine, but no luck.
I’m not in California, but I still want a cat that’ll last. I keep hearing stories about aftermarket ones failing. The Magnaflow I found says it’s a direct fit, and the dealership told me that’s important in case there’s ever a recall. But I’m still not sure if this one actually has “two” cats or if that’s just the O2 sensors.