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
Engine, Oct 7, 2021
Catalytic converter failed and needed to be replaced.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate. The contact stated that the battery and the oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that since she did not have an extended warranty, they would not service NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) that was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Engine, Oct 6, 2021
I purchased a new 2015 Kia Soul in the summer of 2015. Since then I have had to replace the engine TWICE and the catalytic converter at my expense. Now the engine has failed again! I asked the mechanic at the dealership why this keeps happening with a brand new vehicle. He shrugged his shoulders and responded that Kia had problems with that particular engine. Never in all this time did the dealership EVER mention this and now that the third engine needs to be replaced, they are refusing to cover it under the warranty or recall because it is at 152,000 miles and the warranty extension was up to 150,000 miles. Never mind that they should have replaced the first two engines because it was under the 150k... or that the third engine itself doesn't have 150k miles on it. They also never made me aware of the recall on the catalytic converter when it failed and I paid to replace it. The first time the engine seized was approx August of 2019, the second time was March 2020, and the third was June 2021. I've contacted Kia Customer Service - they tell me to contact the dealership. I've had it inspected by an independent third party mechanic and he is convinced that this should be covered by the recall/extended warranty
Engine, Oct 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to coast the roadside as the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the failure as complete engine failure. The mechanic advised of an open recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the recall was confirmed however, the contact was advised that the repairs would not be covered under the recall. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE). The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The manufacturer confirmed that the recall repair was not covered. The contact stated that the recall repair was denied by the manufacturer as the vehicle was not brought to a dealer for repair in a timely manner. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Vehicle has been diagnosed by Pep Boys.
Engine, Oct 3, 2021
SOMETHING IS CAUSING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO CLOG AND OVERHEAT, REDUCING GREATLY, THE POWER OF THE VEHICLE, PARTICULARLY WHEN TRAVELING UPHILL. I FEAR IT WILL BECOME HOT ENOUGH TO START A FIRE AND/OR DAMAGE THE PISTONS/ENGINE.
Engine, Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss power without warning and failed to restart. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) and 17V608000 (Steering) after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the starter and battery. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The repairs were declined due to a previous update not being performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact stated he only had possession of the vehicle for a year and was unaware of the needed update. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was 134,200.
Engine, Sep 29, 2021
Bought the car from a used car dealership with just under 100k miles, were not made aware of the recall on the vehicle and within 7k miles car engine seized and was found to be 4 quarts short of oil with no leaks. No prior knocking or engine lights appeared, and car stalled on the highway. Luckily, no one was injured and all we did was lose $10K.
Engine, Sep 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the engine started knocking and the vehicle independently shifted into limp mode. The contact also stated that the check engine and tire pressure warning lights started flashing on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where they initially informed her that her vehicle needed an oil change; however, metal shavings were found in the oil reservoir. The contact then called the dealer where she had NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) repair performed. The service advisor linked the failure to the recall. The service manager could not help with the repair and referred her to the manufacturer. The manufacturer has notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would receive a callback. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the mechanic. The failure mileage was 151,112.
Engine, Sep 24, 2021
Had the catalytic converter replaced in August 20, 2020 at Nalley Kia in Lithonia, GA. And one year later while driving on the highway about 60 mph., I heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. Then after taking it to Sons Kia in McDonough, GA and now they are telling me that I need another one, after getting it replaced one year ago.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed that the check engine waring light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to inspect the vehicle however, the warning light was off prior to arriving at the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that they would not be able diagnose the failure if there was no warning light illuminated. The contact retrieved the vehicle and continued to drive the vehicle. On another occasion while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH independently and failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited for several minutes before driving back to the residence. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Engine, Sep 22, 2021
Car had knock sensor update about 11/20…. Car started to burn oil. Did oil consumption test but cause it didn’t use more then 1quart per 1,000 miles it’s fine….. The car felt like engine was under a load. Straining rpms jumped up. No acceleration. Flashing engine light to steady on. Car started to shake and buck. Pulled over had it towed. My guess is cat got clogged cause engine burns oil and now has lead to engine failure. Failed at 93909 miles
Engine, Sep 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 72 MPH, she became aware that the vehicle was overheating with the high engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of road to let the vehicle cool down. The contact then restarted the vehicle and heard a loud knocking noise coming from the engine. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed the vehicle with engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Sep 13, 2021
Vehicle is rapidly consuming oil, regularly burning through all 5 quarts of oil within 2,000 miles of an oil change.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Sep 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while turning off the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated that the vehicle was working as designed and that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Sep 7, 2021
Complete engine failure at around 97,000 miles. Car is available for inspection. While traveling 35mph, the vehicle lost power and had to be pulled to the side of the road. Check engine light came on. The car had the catalytic converter changed recently by Kia of Dayton. The car had burned oil at an alarming rate. The car, after pulling to the side of the road, was then driven a couple miles back to my home at around 15mph as that's all it would go. Manufacturer, police, and insurance has not inspected. The problem has not been inspected by dealer or independent service center. The car had no check engine lights previously.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 27, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while his son was driving at 55-65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated his son saw smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle, however, he could not exit the vehicle as he was in the middle of the highway. The contact stated his son was able to exit the vehicle with the assistance of the highway police patrol. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and the failure was related to the recall for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE). The dealer also informed the contact that they could not complete the recall repair as the contact was a second vehicle owner. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the failure was not related to the recall. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 88,890.
Engine, Aug 23, 2021
Unknown. Catalytic converter code with check engine light.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 21, 2021
A recall was done for the Catalytic converter recall work did not fix the problem the converter was replaced and 1 1/2 years later the converter melted and broke off inside which caused damage when it clogged the flow of air when I went to enter the freeway I lost all acceleration and had to be towed it took out the muffler the converter was replaced again and the muffler but the check engine light came on again after less than right hours from leaving Kia when I returned it back to Kia to have the check light read it was the timing chain intake outtake system which was most likely caused from the Catalytic converter melting and breaking apart sending the sut in places that it shouldn't be in the engine
Engine, Aug 17, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle stalled then the contact saw on the rearview mirror that there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and a bystander helped open the hood of the vehicle. The passenger side under the hood had caught fire and the contact attempted to put out the fire with soda when antifreeze from the radiator was spraying and splashed onto the contact. The contact was able to move away before the vehicle exploded but was hit by glass shards from the windshield. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire department report was filed. No medical attention was received. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Engine, Aug 13, 2021
2015 KIA SOUL. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT RELATED TO REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A LEAK CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE VALVE COVER GASKET.
Engine, Aug 9, 2021
My engine oil is running completely out (has happened a few times now) long before it is due for another oil change. Several times I have taken it in to a mechanic, and was told that my car is just burning up the oil very quickly; no leaks have been detected, and I have been told I need to notify the manufacturer. I first noticed the issue when braking, and my oil light would flicker on and off. I originally thought it was some electrical issue, but it turns out my oil was just completely empty. Pretty dangerous, considering it can excessively heat up the engine and eventually lead to a fire (which I have read about happening on numerous occasions with other Kia Souls).
Engine, Aug 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated she had to add additional oil to the vehicle two weeks before needing the maintenance on the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that she did not locate any oil leaks. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, and it was diagnosed with needing an oil consumption test to be performed. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 8, 2021
I purchased my car in March of 2020. A month after I had my car the brake pads wore out with NO indication and the calipers broke. I called Kia and explained what the issue was. They tried to blame my mechanic. I told them that their technicians had to have known the brake pads were low if they did a thorough inspection. I was laughed at. I told the man that I was going to report them to the Better Business Bureau. He then told me to bring it to Kia. I told him it was at my mechanics and I no longer trusted their technicians to do the work on my car. Had my breaks failed I could've had a very serious accident. June 24, 2021. I had my intake gasket repaired by my mechanic. My car drove fine until I was exiting the highway. It started to lose power. I barely made it off the highway when it stopped. I contacted my mechanic and they were able to get it started to get it back to the shop. After he took a further look at it, he advised me to contact Kia to run a diagnostic which I did. They charged me $80. They then confirmed what my mechanic stated the issue was. Kia wanted to charge me over $1000 for the work. I don't trust them to do the work as well as not having the money. My mechanic repaired the vehicle but it was still doing the same thing. He spent hours trying to figure out what the issue was. He told me Kia needed to find the issue. I contacted Kia on July 7th and spoke to Jack in their service department. I asked him to have his technicians call my mechanic so they could figure it out. Jack took my information and my mechanic's information and said he would have them call. No one called. I called back that same day around 3:45pm. First Jack told me they were busy. I told him so was my mechanic. He then said they don't normally have technicians speak to mechanics. I told Jack he should've told me that when I spoke to him previously. By that point i was very angry. I told him they need to fix my car and i wasn't paying for it and i won't.
Engine, Jul 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 KIA Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming a quart of engine oil for every 1,000 miles, without warning. The contact also stated that the coolant would evaporate without warning soon after refilling the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who confirmed the oil consumption issue. The mechanic referred her to a dealer. The contact took the vehicle to an unknown dealer where an oil change was performed, and she was instructed to return every 1,000 miles to check the oil level. Upon checking the oil level after 1,000 miles, the contact became aware that the oil level had not changed. The contact was concerned that the dealer had overfilled the engine oil. After another 1,000 miles, she noticed that the vehicle had consumed another quart of oil. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 3, 2021
My 2015 Kia Soul had a recall for the Catalytic Converter, which I was Never informed of. My check engine light came on and I took it to get checked, they told me the trouble, my husband was a mechanic so he checked id there were recalls and to find out there was one on the catalytic converter, I took it to the dealership of March in 2021, they fix the catalytic converter and changed it. Only to find out that my entire engine was ruined because of the damage from the catalytic converter. My car stalled on the freeway going 65 miles an hour with my daughter in the car. We were almost hit by a semi truck, I took it back down to the dealership after the check engine light came on told them it was stalling. They charge me for a fuel sensor and said that was the problem. I took a back down to the dealership because it was continuing to Saul after that, call the recall Center for Kia and I was told by a representative that I would be getting a new engine. When I went down to the dealership to get the new engine they told me that was incorrect and I have still not gotten my car back after two days. The dealership has yet to call me either to tell me what exactly is the issue with my car