2016 Kia Soul: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 75% about engine & cooling.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2016 Kia Soul
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2016 Kia Soul recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Soul. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Engine & coolingFire risk
Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 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.
Fix: 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.
- Steering
If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 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.
Fix: 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.
2016 Kia Soul safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Brakes: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER RENOTIFICATION (SC334 Flight 201) - This document is the owner renotification advising that Kia is conducting a…
- Corrosion: Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake line(s) in certain 2014-2019 MY Soul vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently registered in states where heavy amounts of road salt are used.
- Battery: This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign to update the battery…
- Warranty extension: Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts.
- Steering: Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2016 Kia Soul safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
818 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2016 Kia Soul is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 80,000 mi | $7,000 |
| 120,000 mi | $6,625 |
Other Kia Soul years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator