VehicleVerdict

2016 Kia Soul problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,135 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median Soul year — the 2016 model ranks #3 of 16 Soul years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 38 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 57% of all reports (651 of 1,135), far ahead of other at 119. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,135

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

34

Crash-involved

59

Fires reported

38

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Soul years?

Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted1,215 complaints2010: 193 complaints2011: 270 complaints2012: 670 complaints2013: 862 complaints2014: 1,215 complaints2015: 1,215 complaints2016: 1,135 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 284 complaints2019: 189 complaints2020: 480 complaints2021: 297 complaints2022: 132 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 18 complaints
Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Soul years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Kia Soul problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine65157%
Other11910%
Fuel System797%
Electrical System646%
Transmission615%
Speed Control313%
Steering303%
Lighting192%
Brakes192%
Body & Structure182%
Airbags171%
Visibility & Wipers81%
Suspension81%
Seat Belts40%
Seats40%
Driver Assistance20%
Tires & Wheels10%

Does the 2016 Kia Soul have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V120000EngineFebruary 22, 2019 · 378,967 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust gas temperatures may damage the catalytic converter, possibly resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.

Consequence

Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.

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. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.

17V608000SteeringSeptember 29, 2017 · 342,381 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Catalytic converter failed, sending pieces into engine, causing engine to catch fire. Melted some major components while driving. Same thing as last MAJOR recall in which Kia Replaced my engine. so, this was a BRAND new 1 1/2 year old engine. This vehicle is currently at Keifer Kia in Eugene, OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 4, 2021 · fire

“Trouble is when i get speed with the car and press the brake the system fail and i dont have any acceleration. Ex. When i go about 50mph or more and press the brake. The electrical system fail and show on dashboard "check ev system" and after restart or shutdown the car and power on again the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 15, 2021 · crash

“While driving my 2016 Kia Soul Plus on the highway, smoke began coming from the rear of the vehicle. Within seconds, flames were visible. Other drivers flagged me down, and I was able to pull over. I evacuated three dogs from the car, but the vehicle quickly became engulfed in flames and was a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 22, 2025 · fire

“UPON PARKING MY CAR I NOTICED THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UP UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE FIRE WAS DEEMED ELECTRICAL IN NATURE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 31, 2020 · fire

“ON SUNDAY, MAY 26TH, 2019, OUR KIA SOUL CAUGHT FIRE AS WE WERE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. MY FAMILY WAS IN THE CAR WHEN MY HUSBAND FELT THE CAR LOSE POWER. WE HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND BETWEEN US AND UNDER US, FORWARD BETWEEN OUR SEATS AND THE ENGINE. MY HUSBAND SAW SMOKE AS HE PULLED OVER ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 26, 2019 · fire

2016 Kia Soul — common questions

Is the 2016 Kia Soul reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,135 complaints put the 2016 model at #3 of 16 Soul years. It is one of the Soul years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Soul problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (651 complaints), other (119 complaints), fuel system (79 complaints).

Does the 2016 Kia Soul have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Kia Soul under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Soul years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Soul years to avoid are 2015, 2014, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2020, 2011. The cleanest record among Soul years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2016 Kia Soul?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Kia Soul earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.