2015 Kia Soul
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 904 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 16 Soul model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 36 involved a crash and 83 involved a fire. 32 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
EngineDec 2, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Campaign 20V750000 on NHTSA.gov
EngineFeb 22, 2019
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 in abnormal engine combustion and damage to one or more of the engine's pistons and possible piston connecting rod failure.
Piston damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. A broken connecting rod may puncture the engine block allowing engine oil to escape. The leaking oil may contact the exhaust, increasing the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection Engine Control Unit logic to prevent overheating of the catalytic converter. In addition, the catalytic converter will also be replaced if it has been damaged. Depending on the extent of any damage, the engine may also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC176.
Campaign 19V120000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringSep 29, 2017
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.
If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and secure the pinion plug or replace the steering gear assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 16, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC155. Note: This recall supersedes campaigns 14V-332 and 15V-736. Vehicles previously remedied under those numbers are being recalled again under this campaign.
Campaign 17V608000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalMar 2, 2015
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Soul and Soul electric vehicles manufactured July 21, 2013, to January 8, 2015. A section of the accelerator pedal may bend and fracture.
If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will add a supporting rubber underneath the pedal stopper, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC116.
Campaign 15V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
660 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Apr 6, 2022
oil light came on randomly while driving. Took to the shop to have checked out. Was found to be almost empty of oil. Oil was changed 2 months prior. Filled up with oil and left. Everytime the vehicle would sit adle the oil pressure would cause the oil light to come on. Took to the dealership and was told it needed a new engine. Dealership promised to replace the engine for no charge. Stated it would take appoximatley 3 weeks. Stated there was a recall and issue with these engines. After 3 weeks dealership called and stated the vehicle only passed 1 or 2 test required before replacing engine. The engine would not be replaced free of charge. the vehicle has 82,000 miles. Have record of every oil change that was serviced at the appropriate time. The dealership wanted 8700.00 for a engine.
Engine, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. Several months after the repair, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal and the vehicle was shaking while idling. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming and excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the transmission was flushed; however, after the repair was performed the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted into limp mode with the check engine and oil level warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the independent mechanic and was informed that the knock sensor was defective. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the vehicle towed be towed to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and it was confirmed that the knock sensor was defective and that the repair would be covered under the original recall. Upon further investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which he also linked to the failure. The contact was informed that his vehicle was repaired but remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Engine, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where she was informed that piston ring #3 was damaged and needed to be replaced; she was also informed that there was a recall on her vehicle. The contact was informed by the mechanic to speak with a dealer for assistance. Upon calling the dealer, the contact was informed that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and an engine software update was performed. The contact stated that later while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate and failed to accelerate above 55 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to second local dealer; Wyatt Johnson Kia (2285 Trenton Rd, Clarksville, TN 37040: (800) 748-8230) and the vehicle was diagnosed with needing the knock sensor system to be installed. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and made the mechanic aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 21, 2022, fire
The vehicle was taken to highway and after an uphill ramp (from Stringfellow to I-66E), the vehicle lost power, started to smoke, brake system lost power (foot brake did not work, so side brake was used to stop the vehicle), then caught on fire at Mile Marker 56.6. Yes, it is available for an inspection. I had to evacuate the vehicle in the middle of interstate highway that did not have an emergency lane. 3 out of 4 lanes had been blocked, so, yes, it did put others at safety risk as well. Problem cannot be reproduced as the vehicle will be deemed total loss (pending insurance company's inspection). However, please note that the engine was replaced at the dealer, under the warranty, 2 weeks prior to the incident. Insurance company is inspecting the vehicle and the captain of the fire brigade has stated that he will be filing a report in Fairfax County, VA. Excessive smoke and smell. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer the next day after the vehicle was picked up 2 weeks ago due to loss of power, transmission shift lags, blinking engine light, excessive vibration, etc. At the time of the incident, the dashboard did not indicate any engine lights nor the thermostat indicated overheating.
Engine, Mar 20, 2022
I purchased my 2015 Kia Soul at the end of 2014, while living in Florida. I moved out of Florida in 2018, and had the car's registration changed to include my new address as soon as possible upon my arrival in my new state of residence. Kia began notifying owners of this vehicle about recall # 19V120000 in February 2019. Kia, by their own admission, mailed notice of this recall to me using an old Florida address. This letter was never forwarded to my correct address and I continued driving the vehicle unaware of this safety issue, which increases the risk of engine stalling and engine fire, until March 2022. In March 2022 the car began to break down while I was driving approximately 70 miles per hour on a state highway due to the exact problem described in recall # 19V120000, abnormal engine temperatures damaged at least one piston and a piston connector rod to the point that the connector rod broke and punctured a hole in the engine block, allowing engine oil to escape. I immediately got off the highway and returned to my residence, which was only 10 minutes away from my location at that time. The vehicle was then towed to a Kia dealership, where the service department informed me that they would not honor the safety recall because they are only obligated to repair or replace the engine before this issue causes the engine to be damaged, not after the damage has already occurred. I contacted Kia's corporate office and challenged this decision on the basis that I never received the notice of the recall, and therefore it was impossible for me to bring the car in for preventative maintenance of this issue. The response from Kia was that they are not responsible for seeking out an updated address to contact vehicle owners by, and that the single letter sent to the outdated address they had in their internal database was a sufficient and reasonable attempt to inform me of this potentially deadly flaw in their vehicle. Kia did not communicate with my state's RMV for this.
Engine, Mar 11, 2022
Vehicle started to lose oil and knocking sound in engine began which may be coming from the piston rings. It is available for inspection and I have taken it to 2 KIA Dealerships. In regards to safety Quest - I drive my daughter to school and home and myself to work. Our safety has been at risk every time we are in the car. The problem was confirmed by both dealerships KIA of Alhambra and KIA of Downtown Los Angeles. In regards to question of any other inspection - No. In regards to Quest of warning lamps - Yes engine light comes on and off. Car is drivable but the knocking in the engine and the loss of oil forced me to stop driving it because I believe the pistons are about to go out and cause an engine fire. This issue began in October of 2021 and that is when I found out about this recall from a friend. I contacted the dealership that I purchased the car from which was NOT a KIA dealer but a Nissan Dealer. I bought the car used at the end of 2019 but it did not start giving me this problem until October 2021. Both KIA dealers said that the recall should have been taken care of long ago and declined doing any repairs which included the recall repair stating that the issue would require changing the engine out as you state above could possibly happen. Recalls are missed all the time and I am not sure why this was not addressed before but I have attempted numerous avenues to get my car fixed and have had no success. Recalls do not expire. My car is only 6 years old. I am also an a 3 tour ARMY Vet and I am surprised to know that KIA treats their vets in this manner. This is a valid open recall that has not been addressed and KIA Dealers seem to blame me for their faulty engine. I am not surprised that there are so many lawsuits pending. Please help me get my car fixed so I can safely drive myself and my daughter around. Your attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 9, 2022
while driving my vehicle all of a sudden in the middle of a busy road I lost power. My vehicle would no longer accelerate and came to a stop. Engine light came on. This caused a big safety risk to myself as well as others on the road due to my vehicle coming to a sudden and unexpected stop. The engine light came on, which was not on prior. I was just able to have my vehicle towed today to a Kia dealership.
Engine, Mar 1, 2022
Purchased my 2015 Kia Soul in March 2020. Its has been burning oil forever. My husband, literally has to top off the oil every other day. I've called Kia Corp and they say it's not included in any recalls. Now, the car sputters and is having issues with accelerating. I've taken to my local mechanic and they have no clue why it's doing this. I also have a cat converter issue that needs to be fixed. I first started having issues at 90000 miles. How can my car have issues described in 3 recalls, but not be included in them? I've sunk so much $ into this thing! Will never purchase another.
Engine, Mar 1, 2022
Engine is leaking oil. Recall reference number 20V75000 also listed as SC200 applies to my vehicle, but when I called about it, Kia states that it does not. I had a mechanic look at it, and all of the same issues are happening to my vehicle. The recall states that an engine compartment fire can occur while driving. My car has lost a quarter of the oil in a matter of three weeks. This is not normal. The mechanic noticed several oil leaks from the engine.
Engine, Feb 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving up a hill at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where two unknown recalls were completed. The mechanic informed her of error code P1326: KSDS failure (Knock Sensor Detection System). Additionally, the bearing was not fractured and the mechanic was unable to proceed. There was a claim filed for an engine replacement which was denied. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her that the failure was due to the engine and power train. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Engine, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the engine replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine, Feb 18, 2022
Sudden engine lockup, car no longer driveable
Engine, Feb 14, 2022
The catalytic converter is causing my engine to have issues. I was traveling up an incline and the car would not accelerate past 30mph. I never received any warning signs such as engine light, black smoke from the exhaust, and the egg smell if the converter is going bad. I took the car to Kia and they could not see the car until the last week of February. The service department was backed up and understaffed. I took it to an independent service center and they said it was the catalytic converter. I continue to perform maintenance on the vehicle. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer etc. Again, I didn't get any warning messages, I did a vehicle diagnostic UVO It said no critical issues were found. Traveling 60mph, your vehicle shutting down to 30mph in traffic is dangerous.
Engine, Feb 13, 2022
Attempting to comply with recall. Possible related check engine light.
Engine, Feb 12, 2022
It was the engine that failed and my car stopped on the highway and I could’ve been a car accident. Yes it been confirmed by the service department at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills md. It been inspected at the car dealership. The engine light came on a month or two before the engine went out and then it went off.
Engine, Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle to continue driving; however, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and contacted the local dealer; however, the local dealer informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle under the recall because the service records for an oil change that she provided did not indicate that oil changes had been completed as needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 10, 2022
At busy intersection was stopped for red light. When light turned green put foot on gas and car would not move more then 5 miles per hour. No warning lights on dashboard. Was able to get to side of road. Has car towed to mechanic close by, they said both catalytic converter would have to be replaced $4,700. Strange to have this kind of damage fir car under75,000 miles. Looked up recalls and KIA had one fir that year of car. Recall number: SC176 Had car towed to closest KIA dealer in Gladstone Oregon. They said the engine showed damage and would $8,700 to fix. Said recall or the warranty would not cover cost. Warranty for up to #100,000 and recall states recall could cause engine damage.
Engine, Feb 8, 2022
The car began burning oil at around 60K miles. When I took it in for oil changes, it was consistently low on oil. When the car was taken in for a recall SC200, the engine was checked and was not registering any codes and declared healthy. However, the car continued to struggle to accelerate, make rumbling noises and burning oil. Six months later, the engine failed at 80K miles. Three of the four cylinders were scored. The car was taken back to the dealership and a scope of the engine cylinders showed the damage. There is no record that when the car was in the dealership for the KSDS recall that a scope was put in the engine to check the cylinders. The check engine lights never illuminated despite the engine damage. Kia will not replace the engine as the engine is not showing a code that relates to the KSDS defect (it would replace if it showed such a code). The 100,000 mile warranty is void as I bought it second hand.
Engine, Feb 8, 2022
Increased use of oil with no visible signs of external oil leak. Oil light comes on and knocking sound heard and when oil level was checked it was 2-3 quarts low each time. This has happened at least three times since October 2021. Most recently December 24, 2021 2.5 quarts low, February 4, 2022 3 quarts low.
Engine, Feb 6, 2022
My concern is probably a concern with all Kia owners with Gamma and Nu engines. I first noticed this issue after a CEL came up on the dash and then my car went into a Safety "Limp" Mode condition. I returned home and tried to diagnose why the car went into Limp Mode (acceleration limited to <2000RPM). I turned off the vehicle and restarted and restarted it to see if that would clear the CEL. That did not clear the issue. I then checked the engine oil and found that the oil level was below dipstick level. That was very odd as it had only been 3,100 miles since the last dealer oil change for the vehicle. That was when I began to read issues with the Kia engines and the excessive oil burning issues of the engines in question. For my current issue, I refilled the oil level and brought my vehicle to my mechanic who read the CEL as P1326 Knock Sensor Detection System which was brough on by the lack of engine oil. I was told by my Extended Warranty company that the engine was therefore in need of replacement. It was then that I brought my vehicle to a Kia dealership because this is an issue that has been brought up with Kia with other owners. The dealership could not replicate the issue. This I believe is due to the fact that I have been monitoring the oil level constantly and not letting the level fall below the minimum indicator. This though is not a solution Kia must admit the fault in their engines and come up with a solution to mitigate this fiasco. Having the purchaser continually add oil is not the solution.
Engine, Feb 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to examine the vehicle due to the large volume of vehicles that were also in for service for the same failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but had not yet responded to or rendered a decision to the dealer regarding the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while she was driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed all the way to the floorboard however, the vehicle would not accelerate above 10 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that both catalytic converters had failed, and the vehicle was not drivable and was unsafe to drive. The independent mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the repair could not be covered under the engine warranty or NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) without service records; however, the contact provided the six service records that she had available at the time to the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,834.
Engine, Jan 31, 2022
My vehicle started losing power and was making a loud whomping sound. The check engine light came on and was blinking continuously. I believe the engine blew up. I was at safety risk because these vehicles have a history of starting on fire and also it was below zero. The manufacturer is aware of the history of engine failure and this is a new motor installed from the last one failing
Engine, Jan 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle then stalled without warning and was parked on the side of the roadway. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.