How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Kia Soul?

NHTSA lists 61 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Kia Soul, making up 8% of the 812 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2016 Kia Soul?

No related recall is listed in the data for the 2016 Kia Soul's Transmission & Powertrain problem area.

At what mileage do transmission problems usually show up on the 2016 Kia Soul?

The median mileage at failure for reported transmission and powertrain issues is 74,500 miles.

What kind of transmission problems do owners report on the 2016 Kia Soul?

Owners report the gear shift lever slipping out of Drive into Neutral, delayed or abrupt re-engagement after releasing the gas pedal, and gear slipping during acceleration.

How does the 2016 Kia Soul compare to other years for this problem area?

The 2016 Soul's 8% share of complaints in this area is close to 2015 (7%) and 2014 (6%), but lower than 2020, which had a 23% share.

2016 Kia Soul Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 61 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Kia Soul, 8% of its 812 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 74,500. No related recall is on file for this problem area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 61; 8% of 812
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 74,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe the transmission acting like it's stuck in neutral after releasing the gas pedal, then lurching forward abruptly once it re-engages.
Several owners report the gear shift lever moving out of Drive into Neutral on its own while driving, causing a loss of power.
Some describe the transmission slipping gears during acceleration, sometimes paired with the engine revving high but the car failing to gain speed.
A grinding noise from the steering column area was reported when shifting into reverse, along with a squeaking sound over bumps.
Some owners report the car slowing or stalling unexpectedly at low speed without the brake being applied, with warning lights illuminating.

When 2016 Kia Soul transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 26, 2016, latest Jun 23, 2026.

61 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2016 to Jun 2026; peak Sep 2021 (4).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Kia Soul

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Soul model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20109 (7%)
201113 (7%)
201221 (4%)
201314 (2%)
201458 (6%)
201560 (7%)
201661 (8%)
201719 (7%)
201831 (14%)
20195 (4%)
202089 (23%)
202126 (11%)
202212 (14%)
20235 (10%)
20242 (7%)
20251 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Kia Soul?: NHTSA lists 61 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Kia Soul, making up 8% of the 812 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2016 Kia Soul?: No related recall is listed in the data for the 2016 Kia Soul's Transmission & Powertrain problem area.
At what mileage do transmission problems usually show up on the 2016 Kia Soul?: The median mileage at failure for reported transmission and powertrain issues is 74,500 miles.
What kind of transmission problems do owners report on the 2016 Kia Soul?: Owners report the gear shift lever slipping out of Drive into Neutral, delayed or abrupt re-engagement after releasing the gas pedal, and gear slipping during acceleration.
How does the 2016 Kia Soul compare to other years for this problem area?: The 2016 Soul's 8% share of complaints in this area is close to 2015 (7%) and 2014 (6%), but lower than 2020, which had a 23% share.