2016 Kia Soul: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Falls in the worst stretch for the Soul: heavy 1.6L GDI engine failures at low mileage, covered by the fire-risk recall. Verify recall completion and engine history. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Kia Soul ranged from $15,900 to $21,300 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10
Troubled track record

Falls in the worst stretch for the Soul: heavy 1.6L GDI engine failures at low mileage, covered by the fire-risk recall. Verify recall completion and engine history.

Sources (3)

Known issues

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (5)
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
  • api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=kia&model=soul&mode…
  • nitalemonlaw.comhttps://www.nitalemonlaw.com/kia-soul-recall/
  • classaction.orghttps://www.classaction.org/news/more-consumers-allege-recall-of-hyundai-tucs…
  • asburyauto.comhttps://www.asburyauto.com/kia-soul-engine-recall

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Easy to drive with good visibility; comfortable around town.
  • Affordable and practical, with a roomy boxy cabin and lots of cargo room for the size.
  • Generous standard features and a long Kia powertrain warranty for the class.

Cons

  • No all-wheel drive and only modest power from the base engine.
  • Coarse and noisy at highway speeds.
  • GDI engine failure and fire-risk recall history (1.6L and 2.0L) is the defining concern for this generation; confirm recall completion and engine health.

Trims & original pricing

TrimOriginal base MSRPNew todayEngineMPG
Base $15,900 discontinued — —
+ $19,400 discontinued — —
! $21,300 discontinued — —

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-kia-soul-price

Depreciation

$4k $9k $13k $17k 2016201820202022202420262028
2016 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data)

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($15,900). Higher trims started higher (up to $21,300), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)
  • iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/kia-soul/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)≈ $400–450/yr
Insurance (medium tier)≈ $2,300–2,400/yr
Expected lifespan~175k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2016 Kia Soul have?

Documented issue patterns include: 1.6L Gamma and 2.0L Nu GDI engine failure and fire risk: catalytic-converter overheating can damage pistons and connecting rods, leading to stalling, engine seizure or fire (recall SC176 on the 1.6L; the 2.0L is covered by the engine settlement). Excessive oil consumption is also widely reported; Exterior-lighting and electrical complaints: headlight and daytime-running-light failures reported, heaviest on the 2014 model year. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2016 Kia Soul reliable?

Falls in the worst stretch for the Soul: heavy 1.6L GDI engine failures at low mileage, covered by the fire-risk recall. Verify recall completion and engine history.

How much did the 2016 Kia Soul cost new?

Between $15,900 and $21,300 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Kia Soul expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $400–450/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.