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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 134 |
| 2011 | 193 |
| 2012 | 512 |
| 2013 | 657 |
| 2014 | 888 |
| 2015 | 891 |
| 2016 | 793 |
| 2017 | 268 |
| 2018 | 209 |
| 2019 | 131 |
| 2020 | 357 |
| 2021 | 220 |
| 2022 | 87 |
| 2023 | 48 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
69% of complaints: engine — 545 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20240201
10% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 79 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20240201
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 64 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY8% of complaints: power train — 60 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: electrical system — 54 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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, 20240201
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, 20181004
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 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.
Campaign 19V120000 — check if this car was fixed
Engine Fires
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (545 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (79 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (64 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V608000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.