Home · 2016 · Kia
2016 Kia Soul
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
800 owner complaints · 2 recalls · data verified July 10, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why caution?
64 complaints involve a crash, fire, injury or injury — read them before deciding.
Engine problems dominate (68% of complaints, typically reported near 64k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2016 Kia Soul, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Electrical system (57)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint — a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
68%545 complaints · typically near 64k mi · 116 in the last 2 years
“hello nhtsa i have a problem with my car. which kia soul plus with 83000 miles on it. It have check engine light blinks with code p1326 which is knock sensor recall. i…”
Engine & cooling
13%104 complaints · typically near 4k mi · 29 in the last 2 years
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure the odor of fuel was present…”
Fuel system
10%79 complaints · typically near 30k mi · 14 in the last 2 years
“The vehicle is burning oil. It creates residue in my engine which may make it dangerous to drive and ruin the catalytic converter, among other issues. I was first noti…”
Transmission & drivetrain
8%64 complaints · typically near 81k mi · 11 in the last 2 years
“sudden reduced acceleration / limp mode while driving P1326 knock code potential engine failure / loss of power”
Recalls (2)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Engine · 19V120000
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Steering · 17V608000
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.
Risk: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150–$250 independent inspection of this exact 2016 Kia SOUL beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2016? See how every Soul model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2016 Kia Soul against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score — if they disagree, that’s worth knowing.