2016 Kia Soul
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 815
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
69% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 815 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 514 |
| 2013 | 663 |
| 2014 | 900 |
| 2015 | 898 |
| 2016 | 815 |
| 2017 | 272 |
| 2018 | 218 |
| 2019 | 136 |
| 2020 | 380 |
| 2021 | 235 |
| 2022 | 90 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
69% · 560 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Was driving car lost power of steering and brakes black smoke filled vehicle I jumped out of the car and it went up in flames . The vehicle behind me said the flames were coming out of my front…
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-13
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
INCIDENT: [XXX] Driving from [XXX] to [XXX] Notice a slight gasoline smell in the car. I figured it was traffic smog. [XXX] I noticed the inside of the car still smelled of gasoline. Looked up on Google to see if this was an underlying issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-01
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and electrical system
My 2016 Kia Soul is a 2.0L Gasoline Direct Injection engine. 1 prior recall for Kia Souls have occurred, which is seemingly identical to my issue. Recall SC176 addresses Kia Souls with the 1.6L engine, and it just so happens my issue is the same.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-05
Engine and engine cooling
13% · 107 reportsMost commonly citing catalytic convertor and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact's grandmother owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his grandmother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. No warning lights were illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-12
Fuel/propulsion system
10% · 84 reportsPower train
8% · 62 reportsMost commonly citing axle assembly.
Electrical system
7% · 57 reportsMost commonly citing key/sender and alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
Car was in good condition and well maintained according to manufacturer's service schedule. It was last serviced on 7/31/18 when it passed nys inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-04
Also filed under Structure
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2016Complaint volume 815 complaints filed for this model year.
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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.
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2019-04-17Engine, engine and engine cooling19V120000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged.
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2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 560 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 107 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 84 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V608000 · Steering
- Recall 19V120000 · Engine, engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Kia Soul reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Kia Soul is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Soul?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 69% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Soul have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.