general problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul

26 problems related to steering have been reported for the 2016 Kia Motor Soul. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul based on all problems reported for the 2016 Soul.

1 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/16/2026

When car is turning a right, the car turns off. When car is parked & stearing isnt straight car wont turn on.

2 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/19/2025

Several times in the past year the power steering has spontaneously failed requiring significant force to stabilize the vehicle and creating an obvious hazard while driving. The forward collision system indicates there's a fault while this occurs. Sometimes this is cleared by cycling the power on and off. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer who indicated they cannot locate the source of the problem. Even a casual search / look at community bulletinboards online indicates that this is a much larger problem that kia refuses to address. . Read more...

3 Steering problem

Failure Date: 09/20/2025

The contact owns a 2016 kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000 (steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at 40 mph, the transmission seized and failed to function as intended. The vehicle stalled, and after several attempts, the vehicle was restarted. The contact continued to drive at slow speeds. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling), but the failure persisted. The contact was informed that the recall part for the steering was not available. The dealer informed the contact that the catalytic converter was still under the previous recall and there would be no charge. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that the catalytic converter was not covered and that there would be an out-of-pocket expense. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

4 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/08/2024

The contact owns a 2016 kia Soul. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced under recall NHTSA campaign number: 23v218000 (electrical system) and the vehicle started experiencing steering failure after the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 10-15 mph, especially over uneven road surfaces, there was an abnormal sound like metal banging together coming from all four wheels. The contact stated that the sound was more pronounced near the front wheels. While driving approximately 35-45 mph and attempting to turn the vehicle to the left or the right, there was a delay between the steering wheel turning and the wheels responding. The contact stated that there was a clanking sound coming from the steering wheel while turned to the left or the right. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose and there was play in the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,100.

5 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/29/2023

Certainly. I own a 2016 kia Soul, and recently I've become aware of some serious issues with the vehicle that are deeply concerning. It has come to my attention that the car is experiencing piston damage, which could potentially result in engine stalling, thereby significantly increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, there is a possibility that a broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block, leading to the escape of engine oil. This could not only cause significant damage to the engine but also poses a serious safety hazard. In the worst-case scenario, the leaking oil may come into contact with the hot exhaust system, significantly increasing the risk of a my 2016 kia Soul has been causing me a lot of trouble. Every 5-6 months, it needs a tune-up, and it frequently starts making loud noises from the engine. The car also has a concerning habit of skipping, and at times, it won't go faster than 20 miles an hour. This unreliable performance has put me in dangerous situations, including being side-swiped due to the vehicle randomly cutting off while driving. In an effort to get to the bottom of these issues, I had a diagnostic test run on the car, and the results were troubling. The codes that came up include p1326 for the glow relay stuck on the power train system, as well as anti-lock codes what is particularly distressing about this situation is that despite the severity of these potential risks, kia of pendleton has refused to address the issue and rectify the problems with my vehicle. This lack of action is extremely worrying, especially given that I regularly travel with my two kids in the car. The safety of my family is paramount, and the fact that we have almost been involved in crashes twice due to these issues is deeply troubling. I am reaching out for assistance and resolution in this matter. The safety of my vehicle and the well-being of my family are at stake, and I urgently need a response and a plan to address these serious safety concerns.

6 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2022

The contact owns a 2016 kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal cranking noise coming from the steering wheel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the failure was linked to NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000 (steering). Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,694.

7 Steering problem

Failure Date: 09/19/2022

Our car has been plagued with engine and exhaust problems for the past two years. We were told there were no recalls on our model. According to this website that is not true. Today, while driving after over $7500 in out of pocket repairs the car gave an error warning for an engine issue. The engine is less than 3 years old.

8 Steering problem

Failure Date: 09/13/2022

Check engine light stays on parts house said catalliconverter bad dealer said it's not covered car only has 112000 also said that the steering not covered now what.

9 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2022

Driving around curves my car slows dramatically and traction control light comes on. I have no ability to steer at this point until the car “breaks free” and allows acceleration again. It’s as if the abs system kicks on all on its own. The sound it makes is as though the brakes are kicking in to slow the vehicle. It almost comes to a stop on curves. Steering intermittently loosens on its own while driving and I lose controlled steering as there is a lot of play in the steering wheel. Then it will tighten up again as if it’s a brand new car. There is an occasional pop noise but it’s not constant and doesn’t make the sound when driving at speeds greater than 40mph. No other sounds are present. I contacted kia as they placed a set screw in the steering for a pinion plug recall repair to keep a nut from backing out and this was not properly documented by the previous service department per the new management. There were no images of the repair that was done and no notes in the repair log according to the young lady I spoke with. No evidence of a repair other than being marked in the system.

10 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2022

X company failed to install with apiece of equipment that prevents others from starting up and stealing your car without an key on the day I went outside to find my car back window broken and steering column roped apart and key entry resulting in costly repairs that parts on back order . There is post on social media explaining how to steal this car . Unlike other cars this part is equipped preventing the cars from being started unless a code is transmitted.

11 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2022

Ignition design make (kia Soul) my2016 kia Soul easy to steal on 8/2/2022 when I woke to go to my work my back passengers window was broken . Police was call during the investigation the officer showed my steering wheel dis connected not able to drive . Due to kia not warning consumers that their cars are easy to steal has cost me deductible and rental fees to get to work . My car has not began to be service due to the back log of repairs for this incident that is not the consumer fault even if the car repaired is not safe because its target along with posting on social media how to steal kia cars in 30seconds and kia boys tik-tok challenge .

12 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/10/2022

The contact owns a 2016 kia Soul. The contact stated while making a turn she heard a creaking sound coming from the steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they stated that no failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle was experiencing similar failure as recall NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000(steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer was contacted and they both stated that the VIN was not included in the recall NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000(steering). The failure mileage was 81,900.

13 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/27/2022

Catalytic converter stopped up. Unknown for the other. Took it to kia place to get the recalls fixed and they denied fixing either problems and charged me 245$ to put my car back together.

14 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/26/2021

It suddenly didn't want to turn and made me wreck it and bent the tie rods or something.

15 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/26/2021

The contact owns a 2016 kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 mph, there was an abnormal cracking sound detected before the vehicle loss motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gear and pinion plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to offer any repair assistance. The failure mileage was 70,055.

16 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2020

I started complaining to the dealer that the front right side wheel doesn't seem right it seems to be spinning at a different speed as the other tires which wore the tires down and the the brakes to wear. The front end shakes back and forth while driving. They tightened the bolts that secure the body to the frame. But it only feels somewhat fine for a couple of weeks. I took it to 3different kia dealers and all have said there's nothing wrong and there is no safety issue, but it sure doesn't feel it. It seems like they just want to get it past the warranty. They installed new software for the engine knock to monitor it but it seems worse since they installed it. My car feels like it's falling apart. I even called kia headquarters and they said they go by what the technicians say, if they say there isn't anything wrong then there must not be. I have all my records.

17 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/09/2020

Tl the contact called on behalf of his sister-in-law who owns a 2016 kia Soul. The contact stated that an abnormal popping sound was coming from the vehicle while maneuvering the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's sister-in-law took the vehicle to greenway kia of rivergate (1536 gallatin pike n, madison, TN 37115) where she was informed that an unknown recall repair had been previously performed on the vehicle. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was inspected and not repaired under the recall. The contact reached out to another service agent who informed her that the vehicle was repaired and was given an estimate for the repair. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

18 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2019

I had 2 recalls carried to university kia, huntsville alabama. Days later the car broke down had to have it towed back to said dealer to find out original service coordinator was fired told he was not performing recalls. My car has been back at dealer for 8 days now not fixed was told converter was stopped up and computer had not been upgraded. Leaving us with no transportation to get back and forth to work. Need help!! please.

19 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/28/2019

Driver seat giving off electrical shock to legs and butt when pressing the gas the engine stalling the cataylic converter over heating vehicle steering right air bag dymbols pops up every now and then.

20 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/14/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2016 kia Soul. The contact experienced multiple failures with the vehicle and stated that the steering control module, electrical system, and catalytic converter became defective without warning. The contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000 (steering) and NHTSA campaign number: 19v120000 (engine, engine and engine cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. Also, while the vehicle was idling, the engine shook and a sulfur odor emitted from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to first kia (2081 1st st, simi valley, CA 93065, (805) 624-4044), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 42,000.

21 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/11/2019

Nothing has happened as of yet. I was viewing my credit karma site and the recall was brought to my attention.

22 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2016 kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to crank upon turning the key in the ignition. During the second attempt, an abnormal noise was heard. The vehicle partially started and an unknown indicator on the steering wheel flashed for less than ten seconds before the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was unable to be driven due to the intermittent failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17v608000 (steering), but the contact did not receive a notification. The contact stated that the vehicle was exhibiting failures related to the recall campaign. The recall was issued on November 16, 2017. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

23 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/01/2018

My steering wheel makes a loud squeaking and knock noise when turning. This happens when stationary, or in motion on on city street, highway, and parking.

24 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/16/2017

Takata recall is incomplete for gear shift penion.

25 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2017

On a residential street doing about 15 mph. Without any warning veered to the right hitting a parked car and doing extensive damage to my kia Soul and moderate damage to a Ford explorer. It was mid day and good visability and I was alert on familiar territory in my own neighborhood. I am concerned that even though kia and NHTSA don't show this VIN # in the steering recall how can I and others be sure it shouldn't be? chp did collision report. Nhtsa campaign number: 15v736000. Please respond that you have received this report and any further investigation.

26 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2016

While driving turning left clicking in the steering wheel. They wheel wouldn't turn I had to snatch the steering wheel to the right. I've heard light clicking before on and off, but today was at it worst. I love this car but I'm afraid to drive it.


Other Steering related problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Soul


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Soul Defect Investigations