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 30, 2023
The catalytic converter on my 2015 KIA soul had spontaneously went out. There were really no warning signs of a problem, it just one day stopped in the middle of me driving on the road. I had to make it over to the side of the road to safety and the car had to be towed to my dealership; which is where they told me the catalytic converter was clogged and had to be replaced entirely. An over $2,000 job they were telling me. The warranty apparently did not cover this. But I did hear of there being a recall or safety issue having to do with this model cars engine. I have experienced this problem and it caused my car to stall out in traffic, multiple times. This was not due to my carelessness; as I had taken the car for regular maintenance and oil changes. This caused me to be at a complete loss of the car, as I'm not able to pay for the repair right now, and the dealership has told me selling the vehicle back wont work because it isnt worth anything to them. Now I've been in a catch 22 as the car isnt paid off and I still owe more than the car is even worth at this point. With the repairs costing as much as they have and do now.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Sep 27, 2023
My 2015 Kia Soul + is only at 68,000 miles and is burning oil. It is using synthetic oil and had to add 2 quarts and then again another quart before I brought it in to KIa dealer needing oil again way before the suggested 5000 miles. They want me to write down more specific mileage before they willing to check the problem.
Engine, Sep 14, 2023
My car is burning oil fast! I had an oil change August 20,2023 and my oil like started flickering. My mom checked the oil on today September 14, 2023 and there was none. My Uncle is a mechanic he checked it and there was no oil. We put oil in the car and he did not see a leak. It was taken to valvoline and they don’t see a leak. Uncle thinks oil is just burning up.
Engine, Sep 13, 2023
I was driving, and on my way back home the engine stopped working suddenly, oil leaked everywhere and I believe a rod blew. It exposed all my oil and it could have potentially injured or killed us. The only warning was the check engine light but that wasn't visible until 1 min prior to the incident. White smoke was visible after the incident, my biggest concern is that the oil could have caused a fire and killed someone.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 8, 2023
My engine has had many issues stemming from a bad engine Kia of Irvine has avoided fixing they have charged for fixes under warranty and ignored code p0420 since 2018. After much push Catalytic engine was replaced replaced in 2021. I had noticed burning smell from engine along with low oil but was denied an oil consumption and pushed out of extended warranty with minor fixes. Told repeatedly it was all wear and tear. Car is currently in shop with 157000 miles after going limp on the freeway luckily with slow traffic. After being “fixed” on Tuesday 9/05/23 for a bad crank shaft sensor I drove it to pep boys straight out of the shop for scan and found ABS issue 1631 transmission failure and a failed emissions warning not fixed. Took car back right no explanation and asked that I leave my car once again. I have called to No communication from the shop And now I have just been informed they misplaced my key and have not yet inspected it.
Engine, Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and started to vibrate violently. The contact was able to safely reach her destination. Upon visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was extremely low. The check engine and low oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine required an engine flush. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 29, 2023
The car stalls constantly and has been going on for years. Kia had claimed to have fixed the problem that they had fixed the problem however they never did because the car has been continuing to stop in the middle of the road. This car is very dangerous and it has no recalls on it. The catalytic converter is a problem and even though it has been a problem for Kia souls mine is not listed in the recall. Needless to say that this has put me and my child in immediate Life-threatening danger multiple times.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 22, 2023
My catalytic converter went out on my Kia while driving unexpectedly and I have heard of a lot of other Kias in my year have the same issue.
Engine, Aug 22, 2023
My engine failed while my wife and I were riding in the vehicle, putting our safety at risk.
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine) and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that coolant had intruded into the engine had caused damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 218,000.
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
I own a 2015 kia soul 2.0 GDI engine, was coming home, the car surged twice and started knocking. I imediatly pulled over and killed the car. Had the car checked, spun the number 3 cylinder connecting rod bearing. Went from running perfict to torn up engine, it's a shame I.ve taken very good care of this car. Synthetic oil every 5 thousand miles. Called kia they said my car isn't on the list. The guy who did the inspection said it's the exact same problem on multiple vehicles, same exact problem, number three cylinder, connecting rod bearing. 136,000 miles.
Engine, Aug 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle had been idling roughly. The contact stated that the engine would vibrate and shake the entire vehicle while stopped at a traffic signal. The contact stated that she was adding amount of engine oil to the vehicle every week. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed and determined the engine had passed a mandatory engine test. The contact was not advised if the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software had been updated. The contact stated that following the recall, the engine failure recurred. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a rattling sound present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle failed to properly accelerate, and the vehicle stalled on several occasions. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was diagnosed at the local dealer and determined that the catalytic converter was clogged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Engine, Aug 12, 2023
3 time same time going 60 and speed drop 40 fast almost some hot from the back in freeway was a miss fire what was fix but the 3 time show a code p1326 Is problem w the motor.
Engine, Aug 11, 2023
The engine has sounded bad for a year or more and it's been consuming oil at a rate of 1/2 to 1 quart per month despite having only 80,000 miles on the vehicle. For the past couple of months the vehicle has increasingly struggled to maintain speed on the highway or to climb hills. The engine has to rev well higher than normal and it's loud. I've also found oil slicks in the garage for the first time. Three weeks ago, on Interstate 64 near Cross Lanes, WV the vehicle lost the capacity to continue down the highway. I had to pull over just after the crest of a hill and was stuck there in a scary situation for about 40 minutes. The dealer there in WV says the catalytic converter has failed and it will be $3500 to fix it. At no time has the check engine indicator activated. The manufacturer says my VIN is not included in NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000. The dealership in Columbus, which I has spoken to last summer told me the engine, which has seem troubled to me for a year or more does not, at least yet, qualify for remedy under NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000. At last contact the manufacturer is looking in to authorizing out of warranty assistance, but there are no guarantees and we may very well be on my own when it comes to remedying these serious and expensive problems with the 2015 Kia Soul.
Engine, Aug 11, 2023
Recall for catalytic converter failure not fixed. Dealer claimed to fix but lied. My catalytic converter is failing and Kia refused to fix it with previous recall appointments. Now it could result in major engine or a fire. Took it in multiple times and dealer failed to resolve the issue. A year later and my car won’t go over 40 mph.
Engine, Aug 9, 2023
Vehicle emissions test failure P0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1 this is the 3rd failure for the same reason and the part has been replaced twice. Once under warranty and a second one in December 2022. Kia hasn’t done anything to fix the problem, and is opting for a catastrophic failure and possible harm to myself and family. Please help
Engine, Aug 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle would not properly accelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. The contact waited until the vehicle cooled down and the vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle was not operating normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started overheating and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and saw smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle had experienced engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and the VIN was included; however, the dealer declined the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 112,630.
Engine, Jul 25, 2023
illuminated check engine and oil pressure warning lights with stalling at higher speeds. Last incident car stalled on freeway while driving up a steep grade. This incident put me at risk for injury due to the traffic and location incident. Afterwards when starting the car again there would be a severe shaking and excessive smoke coming from engine and exhaust pipe. I initially had a mechanic from MIDAS inspect the car. The engine was leaking oil and mechanic had suspicion that there was a fuel leek. do to the danger of these malfunctions the mechanic suggested we have KIA deal with it directly
Engine, Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle started shaking and inadvertently lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted and driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of the catalytic converter failure and excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that there was an unknown recall for the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,500.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 5, 2023
NHTSA RECALL FOR REFERENCE NUMBER 19V120000. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING EXHAUST SYSTEM: EMISSION CONTROL: CATALYTIC CONVERTOR AND MY KIA SOUL 2015 DID NOT HAVE THIS CHANGED OUT. KIA IS SAYING THAT IS IS NOT A RECALL BUT THIS ISSUE IS A RECALL BECAUSE IF MY CAR BLOWS UP AND SOME ONE DIES I AM SUEING KIA FOR THIS ISSUE/
Engine, Jun 30, 2023
Yes before my car went to limp mode on the interstate it stalled several times and had a flashing gear wrench sign flash several times .I looked for recalls after telling the dealership what happened,and all the did we was update the flash on the ECU . I had a local manager from midas in Decatur tell me that this 2015 model 1.6 liter engine were catching fire from an intake manifold malfunction to the engine and out the exhaust system . I really feel like the dealership should of replaced all of this or gave a total new replacement vehicle and or replaced my engine. They fixed nothing but charged me over 2 thousand dollars to fix the check engine light repair that didn't come on until they flashed my ECU . My vehicle still stalls and makes a funny loud rattling noise every time it starts to ingage in driving or downshifting as I decrease my speed to come to a complete stop . It uses more oil and gets hotter than any other vehicle I've ever owned. I really need this investigated and would like to be reimbursed for the pain and agony of this whole vehicle buyimg.experience.the kia corporate office actually sent me am extended warranty for 150 thousand miles but to be honest I don't think this motor has that much life in it because of the prior damage done by the 3 recalls . Thanks sincerely please help .
Engine, Jun 26, 2023
Catalytic Converter problem
Engine, Jun 16, 2023
My 2015 Kia Soul Plus 2.0L at 97,400 miles has had the catalytic converter fail. This is the exact same problem for the recall of 2015 Kia Soul 1.6L. I have additional engine issues, which the dealership denies are under warranty or engine recall. 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.