Kia Soul 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Soul 2016 and 823 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Kia Soul between 2016 and 2025.
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Kia Soul 2016? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Kia Soul 2016
Engine
NHTSA campaign 19V120000 · 2019-02-22
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Steering
NHTSA campaign 17V608000 · 2017-09-29
What happens
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
823 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
29 with a crash · 35 with a fire · 25 injuries
Most reported problems on the Kia Soul 2016
- Engine: 561 (68% of complaints)
- Engine and cooling: 106 (13% of complaints)
- Fuel and propulsion: 84 (10% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 65 (8% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 57 (7% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Kia Soul 2016
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Check coolant level and color, the temperature gauge on the test drive and leaks under the engine.
- Check for loss of power, stalling or uneven acceleration on the test drive.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Kia Soul recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 823 complaints
- 2017 : 1 recalls · 272 complaints
- 2018 : 1 recalls · 218 complaints
- 2019 : 1 recalls · 136 complaints
- 2020 : 1 recalls · 384 complaints
- 2021 : 2 recalls · 237 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recalls · 92 complaints
- 2023 : 4 recalls · 54 complaints
- 2024 : 0 recalls · 30 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 12 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kia Soul 2016 have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Soul 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Soul 2016?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (561 of 823 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 14, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).