2016 Kia Soul Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 823 owner complaints for the 2016 Kia Soul. The EPA rates it 26 to 27 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 2
- Owner complaints
- 823
- Crashes / fires reported
- 29 / 35
- EPA combined
- 26–27 MPG
2016 Kia Soul recalls
EngineFeb 22, 2019 · NHTSA 19V120000+
Risk: 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.
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.
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 · NHTSA 17V608000+
Risk: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2016 Kia Soul problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Engine561
- Unknown or Other125
- Engine and Engine Cooling106
- Fuel/Propulsion System84
- Power Train65
- Electrical System57
- Vehicle Speed Control33
- Steering30
2016 Kia Soul gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soul | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 24 | 31 | 27 | $2,400 |
| Soul | 1.6 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 |
| Soul | 1.6 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 |
| Soul ECO dynamics | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (S6) | 24 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2016 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2016 Kia Soul, most recently for the engine (Feb 22, 2019). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Kia Soul problems?
Owners filed 823 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are engine (561), unknown or other (125), engine and engine cooling (106).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Kia Soul get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Kia Soul at 26 to 27 MPG combined (best version: 24 city / 31 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.