2016 Kia Soul engine and engine cooling problems
106 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 the vehicle failed to start immediately and lost motive power while driving. The contact was able to continue driving at reduced power. Additionally, there were abnormal sounds coming from under the hood, excessive engine oil consumption…”
filed Sep 16, 2026
“The contact's grandmother owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while his grandmother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that due to the failure and the outside temperatures, his grandmother was stuck inside the…”
filed Aug 12, 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 | 47 | 20% |
| 2020 Soul | 11 | 3% |
| 2019 Soul | 6 | 4% |
| 2018 Soul | 9 | 4% |
| 2017 Soul | 9 | 3% |
| 2015 Soul | 58 | 6% |
| 2014 Soul | 55 | 6% |
| 2013 Soul | 44 | 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.