repaired · 2025 Q3
Electrical system: software
Risk. Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
2016 Kia Soul EVProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2016 Kia Soul EV, most often about the power train. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-724 the manufacturer reports only 55% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 26, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Kia Soul EV has problems
7 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Power train1 crash/fire/injury
1Electrical system
1Service brakes
1Visibility/wiper
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 3 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2016 Kia Soul EV recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. A battery electrical short-circuit increases the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Electrical system: software
Risk. Unintended vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Steering
Risk. If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Soul EV year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Soul EV median. How we score
'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Kia Soul EV safety ratings
2016 Kia Soul Ev SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Kia Soul EV, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
- Vehicle RollawayLed to recall 23V-724
In owners' words
What Soul EV owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS PLACED INTO PARK AFTER DRIVING. THE CAR INDICATED IT WAS IN PARK, HOWEVER THE CAR ROLLED - IT WAS NOT IN PARK. APPLYING THE FOOT BRAKE WORKED. APPLYING THE PARKING BRAKE WORKED, HOWEVER THE GEARSHIFT DID NOT ENGAGE PARK PROPERLY.
BACKED UP DRIVEWAY TO PARK CAR IN GARAGE. PUT CAR IN "PARK". GOT OUT TO CLEAR PARKING SPACE IN GARAGE. TURNED AROUND TO SEE CAR ROLLING DOWN DRIVEWAY INTO WALL- WHILE IN "PARK".
AFTER PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNING IT OFF, THE CAR STARTED ROLLING. I STOPPED THE CAR, TURN IT ON, PUT IT IN DRIVE, THEN TURNED IT BACK OFF. IT ROLLED AGAIN (IN A RELATIVELY FLAT PARKING STRUCTURE.) I NORMALLY SET THE PARKING BREAK SO I'M NOT SURE WHEN THIS MAY HAVE STARTED.
Own a 2016 Soul EV?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.