Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 Kia Soul, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine561
- Unknown or other123
- Engine and engine cooling106
- Fuel/propulsion system84
- Power train62
- Electrical system56
- Vehicle speed control33
- Steering30
- Exterior lighting18
- Structure18
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 25 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 117 2016 Soul vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 78 people died inside them, and 16 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2016 Kia Soul failed the safety check 2.78% of the time — 41% more often than the average 2016 passenger car (1.97%). Median odometer at inspection: 69,596 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2016
11,877 new Kia Soul cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2016; the largest markets were Germany (3,194), the United Kingdom (2,096), France (2,057).
- Average mass
- 1,438 kg
- Average power
- 82 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 55% · Electric 22% · Petrol 21% · LPG 0.8%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
In the Netherlands
106 first registered in 2016 are on Dutch roads; 54% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €34,189.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde52
- Band onvoldoende profiel25
- Band beschadigd17
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld17
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht14
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm12
- Waarschuwingsinrichting controlesysteem bandenspanning geeft7
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage6
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
2,043 cars built in 2016 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 23 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 2,152 of these cars first registered in 2016 took their annual MOT test. 84% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2016 the figure was 79%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 5.9% | 4.3% |
| Tyres | 5.5% | 6.2% |
| Visibility | 3.2% | 3.5% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.7% | 6.1% |
| Suspension | 1.3% | 4.9% |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.2% | 0.2% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
140 of these cars first registered in 2016 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 130,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
183 2016 cars are on the New Zealand register; 3% arrived as used imports, 96% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 1 variant; 1 of 1 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 14.7 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 4 variants: combined 8.8–9.0 L/100 km (about 26–27 mpg US), CO₂ 206–208 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soul · Station wagon: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.8 | 7.5 | 8.8 |
| Soul ECO Dynamics · Station wagon: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.7 | 7.7 | 8.8 |
| Soul · Station wagon: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.8 | 7.8 | 8.9 |
| Soul · Station wagon: Small · Regular gasoline | 9.9 | 7.8 | 9.0 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
8 Transport Canada recalls for the 2016 Kia Soul.
| 2024760 13 Dec 2024 | Brakes Issue: Over time, the brake lines under the vehicle could corrode. If this happens, a brake line could fail and leak. A brake fluid leak can result in reduced… |
| 2024549 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words listed on the label for "Tires", "Rims", "Front" and "Rear" a… |
| 2024345 14 Jun 2024 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the wiring for the heated seat could disconnect and cause the seat heaters to overheat. Safety Risk: A seat heater that overh… |
| 2021204 6 Apr 2021 | Engine Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an eng… |
| 2020535 11 Nov 2020 | Engine Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an eng… |
| 2019101 28 Feb 2019 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles, the catalytic converter may be damaged by overheating. This could also cause engine damage or an engine failure. An engine failure… |
| 2017514 23 Oct 2017 | Steering On certain vehicles previously repaired under recalls 2014-237 or 2015-535, the pinion plug may not have been secured properly. As a result, the pinion gear may… |
| 2015535 12 Nov 2015 | Steering On certain vehicles, insufficient adhesive may have been applied to the steering gear pinion plug at time of assembly. This could allow the plug to loosen and p… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2016 Kia Soul: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11010507 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2002A, PI2002B and SC200**1) titled Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the su |
| 11009080 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Softwa |
| 11009077 | PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2014-2016 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit ("ECU") (PI2002B). |
| 11009076 | SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT AND ENGINE INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT (SC176Y) - This bulletin provides catalytic converter and engine sub-assembly diagnosis and repair information on certain 2012-2016MY Soul (AM, PS) vehicles produced from July 8, 2011 through August 11, 2016, that previously had the recall campaign SC176 completed. The affected vehicles may exhibit catalyst system efficiency deterioration or a malfunction indicator lamp illumination with an active, history or pending P0420 with or without a P030X misfire DTC. |
| 11001080 | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS & SERVICE MANAGERS MEMO (SC310A) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to update the battery management system (BMS) software on certain 2015-2017 MY Soul EV vehicles manufactured from July 15, 2014 through July 4, 2017 that had their BMS previously replaced and updated under warranty. |
| 11000787 | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
| 10250838 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Softwa |
| 10250313 | PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign to perform a software update on 2014-2016 MY Kia Soul vehicles equipped with 2.0-liter engines to protect the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. The update will be done free of charge and will only involve the addition of newly developed computer software for the Engine Control Unit ("ECU") (PI2002B). |
| 10247560 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts. This modification consists of a theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector and will be available to you free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. |
| 10247554 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 15, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Softw |
| 10247553 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022MY Kia vehicles outlined on page 13, which may not have been equipped with an immobilizer and whose Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) / Body Control Module (BCM) are not able to receive the Anti-Theft Software Logic upgrade under CS2301/02/03/04/05/06/07/08/09 TSBs. In an effort to help prevent thefts of Kia vehicles that are not equipped with an immobilizer |
| 10241169 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft attempt. We are making this device available to customers free of charge and will ship it directly to customers who place orders within eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. |
| 10236368 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft attempt. We are making this device available to customers free of charge and will ship it directly to customers who place orders within eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. |
| 10232942 | PITSTOP: LOW OIL PRESSURE AT IDLE AFTER GAMMA 1.6L GDI SHORT BLOCK ENGINE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information equipped with a Gamma 1.6L GDI regarding a 'low oil pressure' concern during engine idle on vehicles engine due to a missing dowel pin, after a short block engine replacement. An internal oil leakage will cause a decrease in oil pressure without the instal lation of the dowel pin location described in this bulletin. Confirm that the dowel pin was installed for an engine exhibiting a low oil pressure concern after a short block replacement. |
| 10226555 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2. |
| 10220346 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equi |
| 10212199 | PITSTOP: DTC P0011/ P0014/ P0016/ P0017 DUE TO INCORRECT CAMSHAFT RELUCTOR WHEEL CONFIGURATION - This Pitstop provides information on some 2010-2013MY Soul (AM), 2014-2019MY Soul (PS), and 2020~MY Soul (SK3) vehicles equipped with the engines listed below, which may set DTC P0011, P0014, P0016, or P0017 after an engine replacement. If these DTCs were not present prior to engine replacement, the camshaft reluctor wheel (also called pulse wheel) may not be in the correct position when engine is at Top Dead Center and may be sending an erroneous signal to the PCM, causing the DTC. Follow the proc |
| 10209438 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption. |
| 10206642 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption. |
| 10205426 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2021MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption. |
| 10202226 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Steering Column Housing, or Worm Gear Assembly. When the steering wheel is rotated a scraping noise can be heard originating from the lower bearing on the Worm Gear Assembly on some 2010MY~ Kia m |
| 10201615 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI2002Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published in (PI2002A, PI2002B and SC200**1) titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement". Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the subject vehicles below return t |
| 10201611 | PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is a renotification to the 2012-2016 MY Soul vehicle owners advising them to have the Product Improvement campaign PI2002A performed. |
| 10201610 | PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is a renotification to the 2012-2016 MY Soul vehicle owners advising them to have the Product Improvement campaign PI2002A performed. |
| 10201529 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Engine Fires
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation