2016 Kia Soul engine and engine cooling problems
104 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2016 Kia Soul — 13% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure the odor of fuel was present. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that catalytic…”
filed May 20, 2026
“The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and inspected the vehicle. The contact discovered that there was no oil in the engine; however, the vehicle previously had an oil…”
filed May 19, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Soul years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Soul | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 Soul | 19 | 22% |
| 2021 Soul | 42 | 19% |
| 2020 Soul | 9 | 2% |
| 2019 Soul | 6 | 4% |
| 2018 Soul | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 Soul | 9 | 3% |
| 2015 Soul | 58 | 6% |
| 2014 Soul | 55 | 6% |
| 2013 Soul | 43 | 7% |
| 2012 Soul | 32 | 6% |
| 2011 Soul | 4 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Kia Soul
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.