2016 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 821 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 29 involved a crash and 35 involved a fire. 25 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineFeb 22, 2019
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V120000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringSep 29, 2017
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.
If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 17V608000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
30 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2019
TAKATA RECALL IS INCOMPLETE FOR GEAR SHIFT PENION
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Mar 22, 2018
LAST YEAR I FOUND OUT THAT WHEN I ENGAGED REVERSE RIGHT OR LEFT A GRINDING NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA. ALSO WHEN I WAS DRIVING OVER A SPEED BUMP OR IN A DIP A SQUEEKING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE [KIA OF ORANGE,210 KATELLA AVE.,ORANGE,CA.92867, (714)453-3800], TWICE 5/6/2017 & 14/9/2017, BUT THEY COULDN'T OR DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. ON 1/26/2018 I CALLED KIA CORPORATE OFFICE IN IRVINE (800)333-4542 AND EXPLAINED TO "LORRE" THE PROBLEMS THAT MY CAR HAS AND THAT I TOOK IT TO KIA OF ORANGE WHICH THEY COULDN'T FIX IN ADDITION TO THEIR BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT I HAD ANYTIME I TOOK THE CAR FOR SERVICE. HER RESPONSE OVER THE PHONE AND WITH HER EMAILS WAS PATHETIC,IN DENIAL AND SUPPORTIVE FOR THE KIA OF ORANGE. I WILL NEVER BUY A KIA/JUNK AGAIN.
Steering, Dec 4, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WAS LOOSE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V608000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (ALL STAR KIA OF BATON ROUGE, 5740 SIEGEN LANE, BATON ROUGE, LA 70809) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER FOR TWO WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND DID NOT WANT TO VISIT A DEALER FURTHER AWAY FROM HER HOME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,283. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Jan 18, 2017
WHILE DRIVING TURNING LEFT CLICKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THEY WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN I HAD TO SNATCH THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. I'VE HEARD LIGHT CLICKING BEFORE ON AND OFF, BUT TODAY WAS AT IT WORST. I LOVE THIS CAR BUT I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. *TR
Steering, Jan 3, 2017, crash
ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET DOING ABOUT 15 MPH. WITHOUT ANY WARNING VEERED TO THE RIGHT HITTING A PARKED CAR AND DOING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY KIA SOUL AND MODERATE DAMAGE TO A FORD EXPLORER. IT WAS MID DAY AND GOOD VISIBILITY AND I WAS ALERT ON FAMILIAR TERRITORY IN MY OWN NEIGHBORHOOD. I AM CONCERNED THAT EVEN THOUGH KIA AND NHTSA DON'T SHOW THIS VIN # IN THE STEERING RECALL HOW CAN I AND OTHERS BE SURE IT SHOULDN'T BE? CHP DID COLLISION REPORT. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V736000. PLEASE RESPOND THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS REPORT AND ANY FURTHER INVESTIGATION. *TR