LAST MONTH I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN ECU UPDATE WHICH KIA IS CALLING A 'PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN' FOR THE CARS COMPUTER SYSTEM TO PUT IT INTO LIMP HOME MODE, NOW A MONTH LATER WHILE ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WHEN I TURNED ONTO A STREET 2 NIGHTS IN A ROW THE OIL LIGHT WAS FLASHING BUT WENT OFF AFTER I MADE IT THROUGH THE TURN, AND I CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL THE SECOND NIGHT AND THE DIP…
2016 kia Soul powertrain problems
severe 59 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
59
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
SINCE DAY ONE, MY KIA LOOSE COMMUNICATION WITH GAS PEDAL TO TRANSMISSION OR COMPUTER.FROM STOP I ACCELERATE, AND IF FOR ANY REASON I OUGHT TO RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL, THE TRANSMISSION ACT LIKE IT IS IN NEUTRAL GEAR,AFTER ACCELERATE TWO OR THREE TIMES IT ACCELERATE ABRUPTLY.IT ACT EXACTLY LIKE HIUNDAI RECALL NO.16V6280.I TAKE THE VEH. TO THE DEALER, I REPORT THE PROBLEM BUT THEY TELL ME THAT THEY DOE…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2016 kia Soul?
It's a meaningful issue. 59 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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