2016 Kia Soul Ev: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Kia Soul Ev: 4 recalls, 7 owner complaints.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #17V608000 · 2017 · 342,381 vehicles
What's wrong: The pinion plug May allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
Why it matters: If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #20V389000 · 2020 · 3,714 vehicles
What's wrong: The parking mechanism May become damaged if the driver moves the gear shift lever into park 'p' before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If the parking mechanism is damaged, unintended vehicle movement May occur when the gear shift lever is in the park 'p' position and the parking brake is not applied.
Why it matters: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V218000 · 2023 · 2,689 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 soul ev vehicles equipped with an e400 battery. The high-voltage battery pack May experience an electrical short-circuit while driving.
Why it matters: A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will update and/or replace the battery management system and software, as necessary, free of charge. The new software will illuminate the ev warning light, limit charging capacity, and reduce vehicle power if abnormal voltage is detected. If this occurs, the battery will be replaced, free…
Transmission & drivetrain, Electrical Vehicle recall #23V724000 · 2023 · 6,262 vehicles
What's wrong: Kia america, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2019 soul ev vehicles. The parking mechanism May be damaged, which can result in unintended vehicle movement when the gear shift lever is in the park 'p' position and the parking brake is not applied while the vehicle is powered on.
Why it matters: Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the electronic control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility/Wiper (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2016 Kia Soul Ev has 7 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 6 Soul Ev model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 6). Complaints peaked in 2017 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 15,181 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (6 complaints, 4 recalls), 2017 (18 complaints, 3 recalls).
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Kia Soul Ev.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Kia Soul Ev have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Kia Soul Ev. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Kia Soul Ev problems?
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (3), other / unknown (2), visibility/wiper (1).
Where can I get a 2016 Kia Soul Ev repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.