2016 Kia Soul: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Kia Soul? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 787 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2016 Kia Soul Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2016 Kia Soul. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2016 Kia Soul Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
14.7% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
14.7% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Kia Soul has 787 owner complaints, 29 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Soul
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 787
- Crash-related complaints
- 29
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 26
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 24 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 93
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Kia Soul Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Fuel/Propulsion System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Kia Soul?
The 2016 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2016 Kia Soul
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, fuel system, and transmission.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or transmission issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine thoroughly before purchase.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, fuel system, and transmission.
- Test drive to check for unintended acceleration or transmission issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Kia Soul, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
NHTSA complaint data for the 2016 Kia Soul shows a high volume of reports, with the majority concentrated in engine-related issues. A smaller but notable number of complaints involve fuel/propulsion system, transmission/drivetrain, and electrical faults. The data also includes a modest number of crash-related complaints and two recalls.
- Engine Problems account for the largest share of complaints, with 640 reports.
- Uncategorized Issues represent the second most common complaint category with 117 reports.
- Fuel/Propulsion System complaints total 78, and Transmission/Drivetrain complaints total 62.
- Engine Problems
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2016 Kia Soul Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Soul. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 640 | 5 | 30 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 117 | 3 | 7 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 78 | — | 4 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 62 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 57 | 1 | 7 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 31 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 30 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 17 | 2 | 4 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 16 | 13 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 16 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Firerelated | 3 | — | 3 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Soul. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I am reporting a safety concern related to NHTSA Recall 19V120 involving my Kia Soul. The recall identifies a defect related to catalytic converter overheating, which can lead to engine damage, stalling, and increased risk of fire. My vehicle is currently experiencing an illumin…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. Upon further research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooli…
I just bought the car one month ago, and While driving my 2016 Kia Soul on a high-speed highway at approximately 98,000 miles, the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. The engine stopped responding and the car could not accelerate. This created a very dangerous situation …
I had the oil changed on my car at a local tire and lube shop. Two weeks later I drove to Vegas (7 hrs one way). While in Vegas I started to hear a super faint clicking noise coming from under my hood, but no lights came on inside, so I assumed maybe it was nothing serious and wo…
Complaint Summary: Post recall catalytic converter failure on 2016 Kia Soul with 1.6L GDI engine (SC176 recall previously performed). Complaint Details: I own a 2016 Kia Soul equipped with the 1.6 liter Gamma GDI engine (engine code G4FD, emissions family GKMXV01.6DBE). This eng…
I kept all of the maintenance records for the oil changes. The engine blew a piston and I will need a new engine. Driving down the road, it just lost power and died. Local mechanic looked at it and said I needed a new engine. When I began looking for a new engine, the cost would …
March 22, 2026: driving through town when the engine started making an odd high pitched sound then lost all acceleration and had to get it towed back to my house. No indicator lights on the dashboard came on. March 26, 2026: my mechanic diagnosed it as a catalytic converter clog…
The contact owned a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and the engine made an abnormal sound. The co…
Car only goes 20 mph Engine knock Unsafe to drive I have multiple service repair documentation regarding engine knocking, oil consumption, unable to go above 20 mph. Car frequently goes into limp mode
Safety defect P1326 code is a known indicator of rod bearing wear. When it triggered, the vehicle immediately went into Limp Mode, creating a significant safety hazard. The behavior aligns with the documented defect affecting NU GDI Engines and is not consistent with normal Eng…
I can not gain speed. The dealership says it’s the catalytic converter and there is an active recall for this on Kia souls. They previously did recall work to my car but now the catalytic converters not showing as a recall
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off while driving on a ramp, and the vehicle coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle lost automotive power and stalled in a high-traffic area, creating a safety …
Vehicle paint(white) is peeling off 2016 Kia Soul
When car is turning a right, the car turns off. When car is parked & stearing isnt straight car wont turn on.
Kia Soul 2016 white color. The factory paint is peeling off completely.
SUBJECT: Engine → Stall → Loss of power while driving: While driving normally, the vehicle began losing power and could not accelerate properly. The engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle repeatedly entered a reduced-power condition where it could barely maintain speed…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, while making a right turn, the right turn signal blinked extremely fast. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the left turn signal blinked normally. The vehicle was not d…
I have put my 3rd Catalytic Convertor on this car. It looses power going uphill. Which is not safe. Just had 3rd on replaced yesterday Feb. 9, 2026. The mechanic said there is too much oil going to the engine. Mechanic said next thing would be replacing the engine. Why does …
I paid almost 3,500 dollars and Kia kept my car two months and I’m still having transmission issues and now they are asking for service receipts. After I picked up my vehicle from the original transmission repair I was back in less than 7 days because transmission was roughly jum…
The vehicle is suffering from excessive oil consumption (over 1 quart per 1,000 miles) and a recurring P0420 (Catalyst Efficiency) code. This is a documented precursor to catastrophic engine failure and engine compartment fire in the 2.oL Nu GDI engine. The engine's oil consumpt…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Kia Soul.
2016 Kia Soul Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Soul. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2016 Kia Soul Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Kia Soul reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 787 owner complaints, 29 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Kia Soul?▾
#1: Engine Problems (640 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (117 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (78 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Kia Soul?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Kia Soul?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Kia Soul, NHTSA complaints include 29 crash-related reports and 34 fire reports out of 787 total complaints. 24 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Kia Soul have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Kia Soul. A major recall area is ENGINE. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2016 Kia Soul?▾
The 2016 Kia Soul shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Soul reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Kia Soul based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.