YearToAvoid

2016 Kia Soul Recall List

2 safety recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Kia Soul, affecting engine and steering. Recall repairs are free at any authorized Kia dealer.

Recall campaigns
2
Do Not Drive
0
Park Outside
0
Over-the-air fixes
0
Latest report
Feb 22, 2019
Owner complaints
812

All 2016 Kia Soul recalls

Newest first. Summaries are NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. NHTSA 19V120000Feb 22, 2019Engine378,967 vehicles

    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.

    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.

    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.

  2. NHTSA 17V608000Sep 29, 2017Steering342,381 vehicles

    Steering

    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.

    Risk: 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.

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Soul have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2016 Kia Soul, covering engine and steering.
Are 2016 Kia Soul recall repairs free?
Yes. Under U.S. law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls free of charge at authorized dealers, regardless of the vehicle’s age or how many owners it has had. Use the VIN check to see which campaigns are still open on a specific car.
What is the most recent recall on the 2016 Kia Soul?
The most recent campaign is NHTSA 19V120000, reported Feb 22, 2019, concerning the engine.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.