2016 Kia Soul
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2016 Kia Soul.
What to watch for on the 2016 Kia Soul
Catalytic Converter Overheating and Piston Damage (Recall)
Kia recalled some 2012 to 2016 Soul models with the 1.6L GDI engine because the catalytic converter can overheat and damage the pistons, leading to engine failure.
Which of these apply to your 2016 Soul?
Your guide shows which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
Recalls on the 2016 Kia Soul
Engine
6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines.
Steering
The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
Source: NHTSA
What 823 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2016 Kia Soul at a glance
- Trims
- BaseEVExclaimPlus
- Engine
- 1.6L 4-Cylinder, Electric Motor, 2.0L 4-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Automatic 6-spd, Manual 6-spd, Automatic 1-spd
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline, Electric
- Body style
- Hatchback
Other Kia Soul years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2016 Kia Soul?
Owners have filed 823 complaints about the 2016 Kia Soul with NHTSA, most often about the engine. There are 2 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include catalytic converter overheating and piston damage. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2016 Kia Soul reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 2 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2016 Kia Soul?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2016 Kia Soul listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.