Wagon
2016 Kia Soul: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Not rated yet
Owners have filed 1,178 complaints about the 2016 Kia Soul with NHTSA, and it has 5 recalls. We don't rate it yet: a rating needs sales figures to turn complaints into rates.
Owner complaints
1,178
filed with NHTSA
Recalls
5
on record
Fuel economy
105 MPGe
best version, EPA combined
What owners complain about most
Engines and fuel economy
| Version | Drive | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 mpg |
| Automatic (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 mpg |
| Automatic (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 mpg |
| Manual 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 mpg |
| Electric, 93 mi range | Front-Wheel Drive | 105 MPGe |
Recalls
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl)Oct 26, 2023 · campaign 23V724000
Kia America, Inc. (KIA) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles. The parking mechanism may be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction BatteryMar 29, 2023 · campaign 23V218000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Soul EV vehicles equipped with an E400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack may experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
Electrical System › SoftwareJul 2, 2020 · campaign 20V389000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Kia Soul Electric Vehicle (EV) vehicles. The parking mechanism may become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into Park 'P' before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If the parking mechanism is damaged, unintended vehicle movement may occur when the gear shift lever is in the Park 'P' position and the parking brake is not appl
EngineFeb 22, 2019 · campaign 19V120000
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.
SteeringSep 29, 2017 · campaign 17V608000
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.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Before you buy
Get a vehicle history report →Check for accidents, title problems and odometer rollbacks before you buy.Compare insurance quotes →Insurance is a big part of the cost to own, and it varies a lot by car.Check used-car loan rates →Get pre-approved before visiting a dealer so you can compare their offer.
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Other years of the Kia Soul
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Not rated yet |
| 2024 | Not rated yet |
| 2023 | Not rated yet |
| 2022 | Not rated yet |
| 2021 | Not rated yet |
| 2020 | Not rated yet |
| 2019 | Not rated yet |
| 2018 | Not rated yet |
| 2017 | Not rated yet |
| 2016 | Not rated yet |
| 2015 | Not rated yet |
Questions people ask
What problems does the 2016 Kia Soul have?
Owners have filed 1,178 complaints with NHTSA: engine & cooling (670), transmission & drivetrain (65), electrical system (58). We don't rate it yet, so this count isn't a reliability score: popular cars get more complaints.
How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Soul have?
5 recalls on record with NHTSA.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Kia Soul get?
Up to 105 MPGe combined (EPA), depending on the engine.