Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2016 Kia Soul has 2 recalls, 800 complaints, and a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
2
Recalls
800
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated July 6, 2026
19V120000
ENGINE
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines. High exhaust ga...
17V608000
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 ste...
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2016 Kia Soul SUV FWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 23, 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 35 MPH, the bra... |
| Jun 15, 2026 | ENGINE | hello nhtsa i have a problem with my car. which kia soul plus with 83000 miles on it. It have check... |
| Jun 3, 2026 | ENGINE | My 2016 Kia Soul (1.6L GDI engine) experienced a catastrophic, sudden engine failure while driving, ... |
| May 27, 2026 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The vehicle is burning oil. It creates residue in my engine which may make it dangerous to drive and... |
| May 11, 2026 | SERVICE BRAKES | I reported to Kia regarding 2016 KIA Soul EV electronic gear shift and power system as follows. "I a... |
| Apr 30, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE | sudden reduced acceleration / limp mode while driving P1326 knock code potential engine failure / lo... |
| Apr 13, 2026 | ENGINE | I just bought the car one month ago, and While driving my 2016 Kia Soul on a high-speed highway at a... |
| Apr 9, 2026 | ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I am reporting a safety concern related to NHTSA Recall 19V120 involving my Kia Soul. The recall ide... |
| Apr 2, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ... |
| Apr 1, 2026 | AIR BAGS | AIR BAG |
| Mar 22, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | March 22, 2026: driving through town when the engine started making an odd high pitched sound then l... |
| Mar 13, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Complaint Summary: Post recall catalytic converter failure on 2016 Kia Soul with 1.6L GDI engine (SC... |
| Mar 8, 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE,FIRERELATED | The contact owned a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V12... |
| Mar 2, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Vehicle paint(white) is peeling off 2016 Kia Soul |
| Mar 1, 2026 | ENGINE | I had the oil changed on my car at a local tire and lube shop. Two weeks later I drove to Vegas (7 h... |
| Feb 20, 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I can not gain speed. The dealership says it’s the catalytic converter and there is an active recall... |
| Feb 16, 2026 | STEERING | When car is turning a right, the car turns off. When car is parked & stearing isnt straight car wont... |
| Feb 12, 2026 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | SUBJECT: Engine → Stall → Loss of power while driving: While driving normally, the vehicle began lo... |
| Feb 6, 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE | The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that an abnormal, knocking sound would emit upo... |
| Feb 1, 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicl... |