Is the 2016 Kia Soul a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B7.5/10
Consider a pre-purchase inspection and verify all recalls are addressed.
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Pros
- Spacious interior for a compact car
- Distinctive styling
- User-friendly technology
Cons
- Average fuel economy
- Harsh ride quality on rough roads
- Limited engine performance
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
24 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,200/yr
Expected lifespan
180,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Engine knocking noises
- Power steering recall issues
- Premature brake wear
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (2)
The 2016 Kia Soul has 2 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Steering (campaign 17V608000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Engine — 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 …
- Steering — 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.…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.