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2016 Kia Soul

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Soul years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Soul are substantially higher than the model-year median of 225.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

362 reports with mileage · 448 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 555 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

28 crash reports35 fire reports17 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

56 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 11, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

i have a 2016 Kia Soul EV+. The Hghi Voltage Battery Pack Assembly is malfunctioning and it only charges to 30 percent or a 30-mile range. It should charge to a 90-mile range. While driving, it suddenly drops from a 25-mile range to an 18- mile range, I sometimes smell an electrical burning smell. When the battery gets down t…

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i have a 2016 Kia Soul EV+. The Hghi Voltage Battery Pack Assembly is malfunctioning and it only charges to 30 percent or a 30-mile range. It should charge to a 90-mile range. While driving, it suddenly drops from a 25-mile range to an 18- mile range, I sometimes smell an electrical burning smell. When the battery gets down to an 18-mile range. it suddenly starts to drop dramatically. The car goes into a turtle mode and cannot even reach 20 miles per hour. KIA has issued an IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL INTERIM NOTICE for this problem, and I contacted a KIA dealership to resolve the issue. According to the notice, KIA is supposed to replace the defective battery. I have put in three service requests, but I have not heard back from kIA after the initial contacts. I cannot drive this vehicle like this, and I am making payments on it. I am requesting assistance with this problem.

NHTSA ODI #11588274

Mileage unknown · Apr 19, 2024
Electrical SystemEngine

Kia is refusing to repair a 2016 Soul subject to NHTSA recall No. 23V-218.

NHTSA ODI #11584067

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

Bought car in March 2023, two days after purchasing the light came on with code 0456. Which is a small evap leak. Got multiple fixes with various mechanics including dealer. And no one can figure out what is wrong with it. It shows as a permanent code not allowing for emissions. Spent thousands and called corporate Kia and they …

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Bought car in March 2023, two days after purchasing the light came on with code 0456. Which is a small evap leak. Got multiple fixes with various mechanics including dealer. And no one can figure out what is wrong with it. It shows as a permanent code not allowing for emissions. Spent thousands and called corporate Kia and they were no help. So car had a permanent code which seems to be an electrical issue from computer not sensing the right thing as the car drives perfectly fine.

NHTSA ODI #11581646

150,000 miles · Mar 22, 2024
Electrical SystemCrashInjury

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the battery, steering, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The steering wheel then seized. The contact stopped the vehicle in the left lane of the highway when another vehicle sideswiped the passenger side of her vehicle and fle…

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the battery, steering, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The steering wheel then seized. The contact stopped the vehicle in the left lane of the highway when another vehicle sideswiped the passenger side of her vehicle and fled the scene. The air bags did not deploy. The contact experienced sore body pains, but medical attention was not received. No police report was filed. The contact activated the hazard lights, and the vehicle shut off after an hour of idling. VDOT arrived on the scene and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle, but the vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #11578942

Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

Within the first year of purchase, vehicle was emitting large amounts of smoke from tailpipe while going uphill while accelerating. The smoke would completely envelope the car behind. Mr. Friendly Kia (now Ken Ganley Kia) of New Port Richey, Florida, would not repair because "they could not reproduce the event in their shop". …

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Within the first year of purchase, vehicle was emitting large amounts of smoke from tailpipe while going uphill while accelerating. The smoke would completely envelope the car behind. Mr. Friendly Kia (now Ken Ganley Kia) of New Port Richey, Florida, would not repair because "they could not reproduce the event in their shop". I made several requests to fix the problem. Vehicle eventually started to have lessened power upon accelerating from a stop light. Took it to other repair shops, since Kia wouldn't fix it, but vehicle did not produce any repair codes. Vehicle was always serviced with oil changes, etc. In 2022, with acceleration issue getting much worse, vehicle ran completely out of oil, but didn't produce any oil light or codes. Oil started appearing very dark, blackish. Late 2023, and several trips to repair shop later, still with no codes, vehicle started to exhibit periodic flashing oil light while driving, but upon oil check oil showed full. Vehicle does not seem to shift passed 2nd gear, and makes banging sounds below the middle passenger's side underneath the car if foot pedal is pushed more than halfway down. Vehicle would not accelerate over 40 mph, which reduced to 25-30 mph in Feb 2024. Very dangerous! Gas mileage dropped to around 5-10 mph. Took it to the shop again, and no codes. Replaced parts piecemeal such as spark plugs, coils, battery, etc. All along, still producing the periodic smoke out of the tailpipe. Called Ken Ganley Kia again in Feb 2024. They said they have never heard of this problem happening to a Kia Soul and it would cost $180 to diagnose. They also tried to upsell several hundred dollars of "flushes". The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been independently confirmed, just unknown what the problem is? It is very dangerous to drive 25 mph, but even more dangerous that the vehicle isn't producing even basic warning lights, let alone isn't producing codes on repair shop code readers.

NHTSA ODI #11578310

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

Kia issued a safety recall for battery (thus is an all electric Sol) and we dropped it to the dealer for repair. Since then Kia has replaced the battery and updated software several times with no results. We continue to receive a battery warning and unable to charge the car. The car has been with the dealer multiple times for th…

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Kia issued a safety recall for battery (thus is an all electric Sol) and we dropped it to the dealer for repair. Since then Kia has replaced the battery and updated software several times with no results. We continue to receive a battery warning and unable to charge the car. The car has been with the dealer multiple times for the past 6 months. the most recent visit it is with them since Dec [XXX]. We are left in a situation with no car for our 16 year old as she is not allowed to drive the loaner car or any other rental . Continued follow up with Kia consumer affairs has provided no feedback and communication. The dealer has also indicated that there are several such cars at this dealer and others around the country. We need a solution immediately and need our car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11571157

Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion SystemFire

INCIDENT: [XXX] Driving from [XXX] to [XXX] Notice a slight gasoline smell in the car. I figured it was traffic smog. [XXX] I noticed the inside of the car still smelled of gasoline. Looked up on Google to see if this was an underlying issue. My quick search led me to believe that it was severe. Firestone Complete Auto Ca…

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INCIDENT: [XXX] Driving from [XXX] to [XXX] Notice a slight gasoline smell in the car. I figured it was traffic smog. [XXX] I noticed the inside of the car still smelled of gasoline. Looked up on Google to see if this was an underlying issue. My quick search led me to believe that it was severe. Firestone Complete Auto Care [XXX]: After a quick lookup on Google, I called my local Firestone via Bluetooth to see if they had an opening today. When I talked to a worker describing my concerns, they told me there were no openings that day and that tomorrow ([XXX]) they were available. I booked an appt for [XXX] at 10 a.m. When I finished talking to FireStone, I was driving through [XXX] . Driving through [XXX] to get back home ([XXX]): I stopped at a light that intersects between [XXX] and [XXX]. I noticed that the hood had smoke coming out and saw flames. I quickly grabbed my important belongings and tried to direct traffic behind me to go around me. I called 911, gave my location, and described the incident, and then they called the fire department. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11569390

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

Certainly. I own a 2016 Kia Soul, and recently I've become aware of some serious issues with the vehicle that are deeply concerning. It has come to my attention that the car is experiencing piston damage, which could potentially result in engine stalling, thereby significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, there i…

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Certainly. I own a 2016 Kia Soul, and recently I've become aware of some serious issues with the vehicle that are deeply concerning. It has come to my attention that the car is experiencing piston damage, which could potentially result in engine stalling, thereby significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, there is a possibility that a broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block, leading to the escape of engine oil. This could not only cause significant damage to the engine but also poses a serious safety hazard. In the worst-case scenario, the leaking oil may come into contact with the hot exhaust system, significantly increasing the risk of a My 2016 Kia Soul has been causing me a lot of trouble. Every 5-6 months, it needs a tune-up, and it frequently starts making loud noises from the engine. The car also has a concerning habit of skipping, and at times, it won't go faster than 20 miles an hour. This unreliable performance has put me in dangerous situations, including being side-swiped due to the vehicle randomly cutting off while driving. In an effort to get to the bottom of these issues, I had a diagnostic test run on the car, and the results were troubling. The codes that came up include P1326 for the glow relay stuck on the power train system, as well as anti-lock codes What is particularly distressing about this situation is that despite the severity of these potential risks, Kia of Pendleton has refused to address the issue and rectify the problems with my vehicle. This lack of action is extremely worrying, especially given that I regularly travel with my two kids in the car. The safety of my family is paramount, and the fact that we have almost been involved in crashes twice due to these issues is deeply troubling. I am reaching out for assistance and resolution in this matter. The safety of my vehicle and the well-being of my family are at stake, and I urgently need a response and a plan to address these serious safety concerns.

NHTSA ODI #11563734

33,000 miles · Sep 26, 2023
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the vehicle was not calculating accurate EV range and was fluctuating abnormally. After closer observation, the contact became aware that the vehicle was unable to reach a FULL charge and would only reach 80% charge. …

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The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the vehicle was not calculating accurate EV range and was fluctuating abnormally. After closer observation, the contact became aware that the vehicle was unable to reach a FULL charge and would only reach 80% charge. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the charging system. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 33,000.

NHTSA ODI #11546581

Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

The headlights will turn off and on randomly without warning. My driving panel shows no indicator or warning lights. This is an ongoing and extremely dangerous issue. I’m told it will be very expensive to diagnose and repair due to the need to remove the entire steering section to access the headlight control wand.

NHTSA ODI #11543111

Official recalls

2

19V120000 · Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

17V608000 · Steering

Sep 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21003 · Engine Fires

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types.  The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement.  Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia.  The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio.  The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires.  In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines.  The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS.  It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension.  For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied.  Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates.  To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years.  In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires.  Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis.  Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023).  The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.  To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.