The Lemon Index2016 Kia Soul. Advanced data.
The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.
Engines and drivetrains 4
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / hwy / combined | Fuel | Fuel cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Auto (S6) | FWD | 24 / 30 / 26 | Regular | $2,400 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | FWD | 24 / 30 / 26 | Regular | $2,400 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | Auto (S6) | FWD | 24 / 30 / 26 | Regular | $2,400 |
| Electric | Auto (A1) | FWD | 120 / 92 / 105 | Electricity | $700 |
EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.
Failure mileage by system
Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 59,000 and 108,100 miles. Median 82,000, from 362 complaints with a mileage.
| System | Median | Middle half | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 86,000 | 66,100–110,000 | 234 |
| Engine | 101,200 | 86,900–120,000 | 94 |
| Fuel or ev drive system | 72,600 | 42,000–85,200 | 24 |
| Transmission & drivetrain | 74,500 | 48,100–90,800 | 24 |
| Electrical | 63,100 | 17,300–83,500 | 20 |
Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.
Complaints by system
| System | Share of complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 52% |
| Transmission & drivetrain | 9% |
| Fuel or ev drive system | 9% |
| Steering | 8% |
| Electrical | 6% |
One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.
Severity, all complaints
| Total | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths | Tows |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 816 | 28 | 35 | 17 | 0 | 94 |
As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.
Recall campaigns 2
19V120000 Feb 2019 Engine
Defect. 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 custom
17V608000 Sep 2017 Steering
Defect. 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 bei
NHTSA investigations
| Status | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | Engine fires | 2021 | 2024 |
Manufacturer communications 132
Kia filed 132 service communications for this car with NHTSA.
- CYLINDER HEAD STEEL BALL INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION - This Pitstop provides information…
- PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake…
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION - NU/GAMMA ENGINES - This bulletin…
Crash ratings by version
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Soul Ev SUV FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Safety equipment
| Electronic stability | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Optional | No |
Nearby model years
Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
Updated
Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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