2016 Kia Soul Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 127about this part
- Share
- 16%of 817 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 127 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2016 Kia Soul, 16% of the 817 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our car was sold to us not knowing about a recall. It was taken to a local Kia. The car dealership says they didn’t know. It’s already had a replaced catalytic converter and didn’t fix the problem. Our engine light, ABS light and a skidding light come on and off. No one will listen to us. We don’t know what to do next.”
NHTSA complaint #11496510, filed 2022-12, 123,639 miles“After the recent recall for my vehicle's computer issue, I took my vehicle in for the repair. My car has not been used much this winter due to covid-19. The engine light has recently turned on with code po50a (cold start idle air control). This has been an issue for many after the recall. Kia says that the recall triggered this faulty engine light and it won't turn off.”
NHTSA complaint #11397076, filed 2021-02, 65,000 miles“There is a known issue with the catalytic converter getting damaged by exhaust heat and it is still not on an open recall. My car VIN is supposedly not affected by the issue, but I just had to have the catalytic converter and o2 sensor replaced for this issue. They know this problem can cause fire or severe engine damage if left unchecked. I can provide the repair ticket if needed.”
NHTSA complaint #11196640, filed 2019-04, 37,500 miles“My SOUL has been over heating,stalling,and back firing,even had smoke come from engine 2 times.has been in shop over 7 times for thermostat issue, that they said they can not fix .plus my car has been in a number of times for it not having any get up and go .it has to be really fast to go up hills .on highway or main roads .”
NHTSA complaint #11150655, filed 2018-11, 36,000 miles“My car caught on fire. The whole car is damaged. There is no front the interior is gone. I have started a case with Kia. My vehicle was going up a hill about 30 minkes an hour when it started smoking. It was pulled over and the hood was popped. The engine was on fire. Soon the whole front and middle of the car was on fire. This was at 14000 jericho street at the entrance of bowie state university in bowie md. Police and fire departments were called.”
NHTSA complaint #11403965, filed 2021-03, 87,100 milesOther or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 25% |
| 2024 | 9 | 29% |
| 2023 | 13 | 24% |
| 2022 | 15 | 16% |
| 2021 | 27 | 11% |
| 2020 | 54 | 14% |
| 2019 | 19 | 14% |
| 2018 | 30 | 14% |
| 2017 | 32 | 12% |
| 2016 | 127 | 16% |
| 2015 | 108 | 12% |
| 2014 | 86 | 10% |
| 2013 | 63 | 9% |
| 2012 | 40 | 8% |
| 2011 | 22 | 11% |
| 2010 | 13 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2016 Kia Soul
562 complaintsEngine cooling
106 complaintsFuel system
84 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
62 complaintsElectrical system
56 complaintsVehicle speed control
33 complaintsSteering
30 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsExterior lighting
18 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsSuspension
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Kia Soul
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology