What is the 2014-2020 Kia Soul Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering?

The optional panoramic glass sunroof can spontaneously shatter without impact, often at speed, showering occupants with glass and accompanied by a loud bang. NHTSA opened an investigation into Hyundai/Kia panoramic sunroof shattering in 2013 (expanded 2014) but closed it without… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2020 Kia Soul Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV)?

The Soul EV (2015-2020) can develop a whining or grinding noise from the electric drive motor due to bearing wear. The front motor bearing deteriorates prematurely, particularly in cold climates. The noise is most noticeable at low speeds when other road noise is minimal. Kia has… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: medium.

Kia · Known Issues

2016 Kia Soul Problems: 7 Known Issues

2016 model year · 134+ owner reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 134+ owner reports, the 2016 Kia Soul has 7 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering), Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage, On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works ($0-$3,000 repair), First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH ($0-$9,000 repair), Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV) ($0-$0 repair) and Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering ($500-$1,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV) with 134 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $400 to $9,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 7 Known Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Kia Soul problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 134+ owner reports, the 2016 Kia Soul has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering), Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage, On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Kia Soul reliable?

The 2016 Kia Soul has 7 known issues documented across 134+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering) and Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage and On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works and First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH and Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV) and Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Kia Soul problems?

Repair costs for known Kia Soul issues range from $0 to $9,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2014-2016 Kia Soul Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering)?

NHTSA recall 17V608000 (Kia SC155) covers 2014-2016 Soul vehicles. The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering-gear assembly, causing loss of steering and increasing crash risk. The campaign supersedes 14V332 and 15V736, including vehicles previously r… Severity: high.

What is the 2012-2016 Kia Soul Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage?

NHTSA recall 19V120000 (Kia SC176) covers 2012-2016 Soul vehicles with the 1.6L GDI engine. Excessive exhaust-gas temperature can damage the catalytic converter, leading to abnormal combustion, piston damage, connecting-rod failure, stall or fire. Kia’s later SC176Y bulletin addr… Severity: high.

All 7 Known Issues

2015-2019 Kia Soul: On-Board Charger (OBC) Failure — AC Level 1 and Level 2 Charging Dead, CHAdeMO Still Works#

2015-2017 Kia Soul: First-Generation Soul EV SK Innovation Pouch-Cell Capacity Collapse Below 70% SOH#

2015-2019 Kia Soul: Recall 23V218000 (Kia SC267): E400 High-Voltage Battery Cell Short Circuit Fire Risk (Soul EV)#

2014-2016 Kia Soul: Steering Pinion Gear Separation (Loss of Steering)#

2012-2016 Kia Soul: Catalytic Converter Overheating and Engine Piston Damage#

2014-2020 Kia Soul: Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneous Shattering#

2015-2020 Kia Soul: Electric Motor Bearing Noise (Soul EV)#

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