MYRModel Year Report

2016 Kia Soul

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2016 Kia Soul
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Soul Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2016 highlighted. 2010: 135 complaints 2010 2011: 193 complaints 2012: 514 complaints 2012 2013: 660 complaints 2014: 895 complaints 2014 2015: 896 complaints 2016: 802 complaints 2016 2017: 270 complaints 2018: 213 complaints 2018 2019: 135 complaints 2020: 372 complaints 2020 2021: 228 complaints 2022: 88 complaints 2022 2023: 49 complaints 2024: 29 complaints 2024 2025: 12 complaints 2025
2016: 802 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2010135
2011193
2012514
2013660
2014895
2015896
2016802
2017270
2018213
2019135
2020372
2021228
202288
202349
202429
202512

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 69%

69% of complaints: engine — 552 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show 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

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, 20260805

Check engine light came on and car was out of oil even though an oil change was done about a month ago. Catalytic converter was replaced once already.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260719

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 107 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20260812

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 80 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 61 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing axle assembly.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: electrical system — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing key/sender and alternator/generator/regulator.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20181004

Also filed under STRUCTURE

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2016 — complaint volume: 802
R 20171116 — steering

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

R 20190417 — engine, engine and engine cooling

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

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2016 Kia Soul — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (552 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (107 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (80 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 17V608000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2022 ▲ 2019

WORST YEARS

■ 2015 ■ 2014 ■ 2013

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.