2016 Kia Soul EV
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 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.
3 of 7 total reports mention: power train.
CRASHShow 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, 20180913
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, 20170715
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, 20171012
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, 20190630
1 of 7 total reports mentions: electrical system.
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, 20230918
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 17V608000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 20V389000 — check if this car was fixed
Pedestrian alert sounds
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.
Campaign 23V218000 — check if this car was fixed
Vehicle Rollaway
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.
Campaign 23V724000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Kia Soul EV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V608000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V389000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V218000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V724000 (electrical system, power train) has been completed.
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.