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NHTSA model-year recall report

2016 Kia Soul Recalls

2 campaigns in our verified NHTSA snapshot, with source consequences, remedies, and VIN-specific next steps.

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2

NHTSA campaigns

2

Affected systems

0

Urgent advisories

Feb 22, 2019

Latest campaign date

At a glance

What the record says

This model year's count is below the Kia Soul average of 2.4 campaigns per listed year. That is context only—not proof that this year is safer or less safe.

The most frequent affected category is Engine, appearing in 1 campaign.

  1. 1

    Read

    Review every campaign and urgent instruction below.

  2. 2

    Verify

    Check your exact VIN with NHTSA or the manufacturer.

  3. 3

    Repair

    Contact an authorized dealer if a campaign applies.

Source campaign records

All 2016 Kia Soul recall campaigns

Shown newest first. NHTSA summary, consequence, and remedy text is preserved without truncation.

NHTSA campaign 19V120000

Engine

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Reported Feb 22, 2019

What is recalled

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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 customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.

Campaign history does not confirm applicability or repair status for one VIN.

Campaign details

NHTSA campaign 17V608000

Steering

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Reported Sep 29, 2017

What is recalled

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.

Safety consequence

If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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 being recalled again under this campaign.

Campaign history does not confirm applicability or repair status for one VIN.

Campaign details

Other Kia Soul model years

Compare campaign histories within the same model. Counts are descriptive, not a safety grade.

20234 campaigns20221 campaign20212 campaigns20201 campaign20191 campaign20181 campaign20171 campaign20162 campaigns20154 campaigns20145 campaigns
View all model years

Other 2016 Kia recall reports

2016 Kia Sorento8 campaigns2016 Kia Optima5 campaigns2016 Kia Sedona4 campaigns2016 Kia Soul Ev4 campaigns2016 Kia K9003 campaigns2016 Kia Cadenza2 campaigns

2016 Kia Soul recall questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Kia Soul have?

This verified dataset contains 2 NHTSA campaigns associated with the 2016 Kia Soul. A campaign can apply to some, not all, vehicles of the same model year.

Does this confirm an open recall for my 2016 Kia Soul?

No. This page is a model-year campaign history. Use NHTSA's official lookup or an authorized dealer to confirm whether a campaign applies to your exact VIN and whether the repair remains open.

Are vehicle recall repairs free?

When a safety recall campaign applies to your VIN, the manufacturer remedy is generally provided at no charge through an authorized dealer. Confirm eligibility and scheduling with the manufacturer or dealer.

Source: NHTSA. Dataset includes campaigns through Jul 30, 2026. Last processed Aug 8, 2026. Methodology