Is the 2016 Kia Soul EV reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Soul EV?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Soul EV have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Kia Soul EV

○ Not enough data

2016 Kia Soul EV
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:45:16.239Z

Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 7
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 2
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2016: 7 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2014	2
2015	6
2016	7
2017	18
2018	3
2019	3
2020	0

Known problem areas

Only 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

3 of 7 total reports mention: power train.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Backed up driveway to park car in garage. Put car in "Park". Got out to clear parking space in garage. Turned around to see car rolling down driveway into wall- while in "Park".

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-13

After putting the car in park and turning it off, the car started rolling. I stopped the car, turn it on, put it in drive, then turned it back off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-07-15

Visibility/wiper

1 of 7 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.

Show complaint excerpts

Sunroof collapsed while driving to school in the morning without any significant change of temperature.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-12

Service brakes

1 of 7 total reports mentions: service brakes.

Show complaint excerpts

Automatic transmission was placed into park after driving. The car indicated it was in park, however the car rolled - it was not in park. Applying the foot brake worked.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-30

Electrical system

1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul EV. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was on the charging port, the vehicle failed to hold the charge and only displayed an 83 percent charge.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-18

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2017-11-16Steering17V608000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Soul and Soul EV vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-08-07Electrical system, power train20V389000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) vehicles. The parking mechanism may become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into Park 'P' before the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC191.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
R

2023-08-18Electrical system23V218000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.

Remedy: Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the EV warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2023-09-10Recall queryClosed 2024-01-16 Vehicle Rollaway
R

2023-12-21Electrical system, power train23V724000 Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC287.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Kia Soul EV — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 1 report on file for this year.
Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 17V608000 · Steering
Recall 20V389000 · Electrical system, power train
Recall 23V218000 · Electrical system
Recall 23V724000 · Electrical system, power train

FAQ

Is the 2016 Kia Soul EV reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Soul EV?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Soul EV have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.