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, Sep 5, 2024
the vehicle would not accelerate. I was doing about 40 on the highway when I got off. The vehicle at no time was hot or had any leaks; it was checked by me as well as a man at the gas station. I proceed home as I approach my place; about 3 minutes in, I parked, then the vehicle started knocking, the engine light came on, and all the engine oil spilled. I took a picture of the oil leak on that day on or about 6/2. Kia's engines for Souls 2015-2016 have had engine recalls. My safety was at risk. Kia had the vehicle in April, and an inspection by their mechanics failed to note engine issues.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2024
I own a 2015 Kia Soul affected by recall SC200, which addresses engine compartment fires due to oil/fuel leaks and potential engine damage. My vehicle experienced engine halts at high speeds, and Peak Kia in Littleton, CO, discovered a leaking valve cover gasket and PCV valve. Despite these issues being relevant to the recall, Kia and the dealership refuse comprehensive testing or repairs under the recall. The dealership initially suggested engine replacement but later claimed only a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update and lockup test were required. They refuse to conduct oil analysis, leak-down tests, or endoscopic inspections to rule out systemic issues or internal engine damage. The vehicle has been with the dealership for five weeks. Kia's customer service, including a case manager named Courtney, promised to review the case but failed to follow up. The District Parts & Services manager, Jacob, instructed the dealership to close my request without further testing and refuses to open a validation case or respond to emails. Kia Customer Support has promised callbacks for three weeks but has not returned them. The dealership is attempting to charge for an inspection fee and repeat systemic repairs despite these being likely covered under the recall. They have not addressed relevant Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) ENG222 and FUE053, which provide guidance for diagnosing and repairing oil consumption and leak issues. I believe Kia and the dealership are not complying with the full scope of the SC200 recall, which mandates comprehensive inspections and repairs for any oil leaks. They are using circular logic to avoid performing necessary tests and repairs, potentially putting my safety at risk and leaving me vulnerable to future engine failure. I request NHTSA's intervention to ensure Kia and the dealership comply with the recall requirements, perform all necessary testing and repairs, and address the potential systemic issues with my vehicle's engine.
Engine, Aug 27, 2024
Excessive engine oil usage.
Engine, Jul 8, 2024
I’ve taken my Kia to the Kia Dealership and still haven’t received a fix for the engine recall that came out in 2021z
Engine, Jul 3, 2024
My engine blew, was never notified of a recall to get that fixed things the big Kia lawsuit no one has helped me I’ve been reaching out for years. Took them a year to fix my Cadillac converter I’ve been without my car for years and it’s paid off and no one will help me Kia is supposed to fix it for free
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 20, 2024
It started in September 2022 when my Kia soul started spuddering and slowing down quickly while driving on the interstate. Drove it on limp to the closest mechanic shop. They recommended a complete engine replacement, which would cost more than the vehicle was worth. Had it towed to a Kia dealership for their diagnosis. They came back and said it was a clogged catalytic converter. Replacing it fixed the car. Now to June 2024 and car slowed down drastically while on the highway, with my wife and newborn child in the car. I had it towed to Kia again and they diagnosed it as a total engine failure with a clogged catalytic converter again (catalytic converter only lasted 1.5 years!). Again, the replacement cost is more than the value of the car. I think they knew of the issue in 2022 or failed to diagnose the actual problem and put my family at risk.
Steering, Air bags, Engine, Jun 16, 2024
I am experiencing multiple safety and performance issues with my 2015 Kia Soul: 1.Vibration at Idle: Significant vibration when the vehicle is idling at a red light. Possible causes include worn engine mounts, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, issues with the idle control valve or throttle body, or vacuum leaks. 2.Electrical Issues: • Codes: B111216 (Ignition Voltage Low), B17672F (OCS Algorithm Cut Off), B251100 (Head Lamp High LH SCG), B251300 (Head Lamp Low LH SCG) • Symptoms include low battery voltage warnings and short circuits in the headlamp circuits. Possible causes might be a failing battery or alternator, or damaged electrical wiring. 3. Emission System Problems: • Codes: P0455 (Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected), P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) • Symptoms: Check engine light related to emission control systems. Potential causes include a loose or damaged gas cap, cracked EVAP hoses, faulty purge or vent valves, and failing catalytic converter or oxygen sensors. 4. Airbag System Issues: • Codes: B151100 (Buckle Switch Driver Open or Short to Battery), B110200 (Battery Voltage Low), B149000 (OCS Defect) • Symptoms: Warning lights related to the airbag system. Possible causes include faulty seat belt buckle switches, low battery voltage, or issues within the Occupant Classification System. 5. TPMS Issues: • Codes: C1314 (Sensor 3 Radio Frequency Channel Failure), C1662 (Auto Learning Failure) • Symptoms: TPMS warnings and inability to correctly monitor tire pressure. Possible causes are sensor failures or calibration issues. Despite regular maintenance, these issues persist and affect the safety and drivability of my vehicle. I request an investigation into these problems to determine if they are common in this model and if there are any recalls or service bulletins that address them. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 14, 2024
Having acceleration problems with the Kia and catalytic converter. I had contacted the Kia dealer but can't be seen till August but I need vehicle to go to work plus have dr appointments and can't drive the car feel like it's gonna die on me how can I get this problem recall done sooner as I need my car
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 10, 2024
The Kia experienced acceleration issues and would randomly turn off while driving. A mechanic inspected and recalibrate the knock sensor. Almost immediately the car began to use excessive amounts of oil, a quart a week average, had a knock and started having acceleration issues. The Kia dealership stated that severe engine scoring had occurred likely caused by the catalytic converter. The problems began and lead to engine failure within several weeks. From March to end of May
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 9, 2024
Car burning oil every 1,000 miles or less causing catalytic converter to over heat, which could cause fire. Wiring harness on driver side shorting lights out which could cause a fire. Vehicle can be ready for inspection at anytime. Have been calling dealer about it since 2019 said recall was fixed but wasn’t done properly. Electrical issues started around 01/15/2024.
Power train, Engine, May 23, 2024
NHTSA Recall:19V120 The ESC light went on during high winds and stayed on. The car stuttered going up hill @40+ mph, so I looked for any outstanding recalls and decided to take it into LutherKia Bloomington. There were other recalls I was unaware of that I checked boxes to fix. They examined my vehicle and told me that my Catalytic Converter was plugged/melted and needed to be replaced. That isn't related to ESC as far as I'm aware, also I asked -why- it plugged and they were unwilling/able to determine. Other mechanics online told me that it is crucial to determine the root cause of why it plugged/melted and fix it. I looked closer at the recalls and pointed out that the various outstanding recalls called for engine tests, none of which they did. I then noticed that recall #19V120 directly mentioned catalytic converter damage. LutherKia refused to check the engine, even though the other recalls stated they would. I called [XXX] and Luther refuse to do anything except update computer codes since KIA will not pay for it. The KIA's catalytic converter is damaged and very possibly engine damage as well, but they refuse to check since they said KIA wont cover labor costs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, May 22, 2024
My vehicle is burning oil, not leaking but burning oil. I’m having to put oil in it every 3-4 days. Also ever since they did a recall on the catalytic converter my check engine light has been on. When I’ve taken it to see the code it comes back my catalytic converter. I’m unable to drive my car.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 11, 2024, fire
Unknown . Engine or fuel mishap Car caught on fire as I was driving down the hwy with my 3 kids
Engine, May 2, 2024
I recieved a recall notice for my 2015 kia soul via mail earlier this year and made an appointment to have the recall maintenance addressed at the local dealership as directed. After a month and a half the maintenance was completed including a successful pass engine test. Shortly after departing the car had issues accelerating and the check engine light began flashing. I immediately took it back to them. After approx two hours of them working on it more sent me on my way. Again the acceleration issues (limp home mode) and flashing check engine light. To complicate things I had an IID from an OWI two years ago so at this point they require me to be there with the car as they cannot work on it without me. After having to repeatedly take time off work to be there for 6 or 7 "videos" i have the thing removed as I've already lost my 2nd job at this point and cant afford to lose the main one while this is slowly playing out. It has now been over three weeks since KIA has messed up this vehicle and there is no resolution in site. They have yet to really define what is now wrong with the many tests and videos they have sent into coporate or own the issue and have yet to provide any timeframe for resolution. Meanwhile I cant take it to anyone else until they decide if they are fixing it as they SHOULD be as i did not stretegically plan for my engine to fail the day they did the recall maintenance after waiting 1.5 months to even get in. The vehicle should have been towed to their lot and not driven repeatedly on a check engine light blinking as they were having me do however i would be up to thousands of dollars in tows with no guarantee of reimbursement up to 90 days of the "resolution" which we have yet to have any timeframe for. I have called corporate and now it seems the line puts you on silent hold for 12-15 min and disconnects you without ever talking to a human. I have brought this up with the BBB and local attorney general office as well.
Engine, Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,965.
Engine, Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and after parking the vehicle, the contact detected an abnormally strong burning odor. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inspected the engine compartment for fuel and engine oil leaks and performed an engine test according to the recall remedy. The contact was informed that the vehicle had passed inspection and no repairs, including the engine replacement, were necessary. Additionally, the contact was informed that the strong burning odor would subside on its own. The failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Engine, Apr 12, 2024
On April 11, 2024, customer's check engine light came on on his 2015 Kia Soul. It was clear, dry, and fair temperature day. Owner was returning home from a routine trip from work on an outer road to a highway. The next day the vehicle was taken to Firestone Auto Service which ran a diagnostic report and found that the catalytic convertor was the issue (SEE FIRESTONE UPLOAD). Firestone recommended vehicle be taken back to original dealer to address the issue since there was a recall. Records show that the dealership addressed the February 2019 catalytic recall on 5/2/2019 (SEE KIA DOC UPLOAD). KIA Customer Service told owner that KIA is not liable to address the catalytic converter problem under warranty (free) because they had already closed out the recall on this particular vehicle on 5/2/2019. CUSTOMER COMPLAINT: Kia should be liable to fix the catalytic converter problem at no charge to the owner because the recall service done has failed to prevent the overheating of the catalytic converter. The KIA Soul had only 75,822 miles on it when this issue was discovered.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling) however, the vehicle experienced a failure related to the recall. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with catalytic converter failure and recommended that the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,822.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal rumbling sound was coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that there was a defect with the engine. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which was linked to the failure. The contact then stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the engine failure was confirmed. The contact was also referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that since a prior unknown recall repair was not performed; the engine recall would not be honored. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Engine, Apr 3, 2024
Was driving on the highway I hard a pop sound and I look in my mirror and saw a big white smoke fog and then hard tapping from the hood and pulled over and my car would not start had it towed and had 2 mechanic look at it told me my engine is blown and there is a hole in it that my engine is defective
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine would rev up loudly emitting a vibrating noise. About 3 months after having the vehicle repaired, while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the battery warning light and the oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled shortly afterward. After waiting for a while, the contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the contact was only able to drive for a short while before the failure recurred. The contact stated after having the vehicle inspected, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and the tailpipe intermittently that dissipated while driving. A loud vibrating noise was emitted from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a muffler shop after noticing the loud vibrating sounds and it was determined that the muffler was loosened and needed to be reattached. The contact had also taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic due to the vehicle continuing to run roughly and it was determined that cylinder #1 was misfiring. Additionally, the oil level was extremely low. The mechanic was unable to determine where the leak was coming from. The ignition coils were replaced. The contact stated that a friend diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved a code that cylinder #4 was misfiring after the coils were replaced. The friend also informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that VIN was not included in a recall nor covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 178,000.
Engine, Mar 17, 2024
The Kia Soul 2015 model has been under scrutiny due to safety concerns, particularly regarding engine failures that could potentially lead to accidents. This report aims to address a recent incident involving a Kia Soul 2015 experiencing engine failure, putting a family at risk. Incident Description: On [03/15/24], a Kia Soul 2015 experienced a sudden engine failure while being driven with my family onboard, including the my wife and two children. The incident occurred shortly after maintenance was performed by Lokey Kia Clearwater. The sudden engine failure resulted in the vehicle coming to a stop in the middle of the road, posing a significant safety risk to the occupants and other road users. Engine shutdowns while in motion can lead to loss of control over the vehicle, potentially causing accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. In this case, the driver, my wife, and two children were exposed to the danger of being stranded on a busy road, increasing the risk of a deadly accident. The investigation into the engine failure revealed several potential causes, including Mechanical Failure: The engine may have experienced a critical mechanical failure, possibly due to poor maintenance or manufacturing defects. Electrical Malfunction: Electrical issues within the engine control system could have triggered an automatic shutdown, leading to the engine failure. Previous Maintenance: The maintenance performed by Lokey Kia Clearwater could have been inadequate or incorrectly executed, leading to unforeseen complications with the engine.
Engine, Mar 15, 2024
I have had 5 oem and dealership installed catalytic converters fail within 3 years now. The car has had engine failure resulting in the engine being replaced for connecting rod failure (2021).
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 11, 2024
Car just started jerking and turning off while driving showing the engine light and oil light