The Kia Soul is a subcompact wagon that has been the crowd’s favorite in this segment. The 2016 Kia Soul is a family-focused car but does come with some issues that have been haunting its customers. The Soul has 346 complaints and 3 recalls out of which, the majority of issues are linked to a faulty catalytic converter. The market is shared with rivals like the Buick Encore, the Mazda CX-3, and the Chevrolet Trax which are all subcompact SUVs, unlike the Kia. Let’s find out what other issues this Wagon faces and if Kia has managed to address the issues efficiently.
User complaints and problems
Electrical Problems
- UVO System – The infotainment was found to crash due to a glitch in the software that prevented the drivers from using functions like navigation and reverse camera. It was stated that the software needed to be updated.
- Alternator – Owners found the headlights to flicker very often and the battery warning was indicated. Upon inspection, it was found that the alternators weren’t able to charge the battery and needed a replacement. The alternator also prevented users from starting the engine, leaving them stranded.
Mechanical Problems
- Engine – Users reported a miss fire and abnormal behavior of the engine causing the vehicle to decelerate and stall post which smoke was noticed coming from the engine bay. Dealers found the engine oil to be leaking which was caused due to a piston rod fracture. It was explained that the catalytic converter was damaged due to excessive exhaust gas temperature which let substrate particles enter the combustion chamber causing the engine to fail.
- Brakes – There were instances where the brakes failed to work with the pedal completely going to the floor without any resistance. Dealers confirmed it to be an issue caused due to a bad master cylinder than needed a replacement.
- Steering – Users reported a clicking noise when turning the car post which the steering locked and failed to turn. This was caused due to a damaged steering shaft column which was suggested to be replaced by the dealers.
Exterior Problems
- Lights – The headlights and blinkers were said to not work or flicker at times which is a common issue with Soul and dealers stated that the spark plug had been damaged and needed to be replaced.
- Sunroof – The sunroof shattered without any contact while driving and dealers claimed it to be a manufacturing defect of the glass.
Interior Problems
- Seats – Both the driver and the passenger headrests were tilted forward which disturbed the ergonomics and directed the head slightly downwards.
2016 Kia Soul recalls
|
S. No. |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
2nd July 2020 |
20V389000 |
Unintended movement due to damaged park mechanism |
If the gear shifter is moved to ‘P’ before the car comes to a complete stop, it could damage the park mechanism. This can lead to the car moving even if the gear position is in Park, increasing the chances of a crash. |
Dealers will update the electronic control unit software. |
|
2. |
22nd February 2019 |
19V120000 |
Overheated catalytic converter may damage the engine |
Piston damage may result in a complete engine stall. Increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block, causing the oil to leak and increasing the risk of a fire. |
Dealers will upgrade the catalytic overheating protection engine control unit logic to prevent overheating. |
|
3. |
29th September 2017 |
17V608000 |
Steering gear may separate |
If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly. |
Should you buy the 2016 Kia soul?
Even though the number of complaints seemed high on the Kia, it was mostly linked to an engine malfunction which was identified quickly and fixed through a recall. Other software issues were solved too, making the 2016 Kia Soul very reliable and almost problem-free. The $16,100 price tag is a soul smoothening number as it makes the Kia the most affordable option. There really isn’t any reason for us to not recommend the Kia but we do however suggest getting an aftermarket headrest for the front seats as the stock ones felt pretty uncomfortable.
