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
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 2, 2023
While driving home from work late at night, the car just stopped without warning and would not start again. It was towed to the dealership where I was informed that there would be a $750 diagnostic fee, but that Kia would probably not replace the engine under warranty because the recall had not been taken care of. I am the second owner of the vehicle and bought it the same year that the recall was issued. Kia consumer affairs department states that it was sent to my address, but I did not receive the notification. I cannot afford to pay $750 to find out that I will not be reimbursed and I cannot afford to have the engine replaced in a car that is worth the value of the engine. I had just changed the oil and had a valve cover gasket replaced. There was no check engine light.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 30 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle failed to accelerate while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic had previously replaced the catalytic converter on two separate occasions; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 17, 2023
Shucks was taken to Kia Country of Savannah for recall repairs. ECU update and seat belt cover repaired, however, I explained that car was burning oil (but not leaking) and engine was on and car was making a knocking sound. I had taken my car to a local mechanic while informed me that my car’s engine was bad. I even showed Pat Foran the printout that I was given. The local mechanic I found that I would qualify for the engine replacement based off of his inspection. So I took the car to Kia (barely made it because the car would not go over 60 mph. At Kia, I was told my car passed bearings test and that I would need to pay for a fuel consumption test to determine what was wrong with my car. I was told I would know if my car needed a new engine because it would sound like rocks in a milk carton, which it did but the folks at Kia said they drove it and didn’t hear anything. I find it very strange that my engine light was also off when I got the car back but 20 miles down the road, as I putted my way back home, it came back on. I feel this was there attempt to not fix the car, they were too busy trying to get me to trade it in because I only had 93000 miles on it at the time.
Engine, Feb 12, 2023
Kia soul is burning oil it has 82k miles and I’ve already went through the oil consumption test once with dealer and they said it wasn’t loosing any more oil so I had a oil change done drove it the 3000 miles for next oil change and it was loan again I’m now back to do the oil consumption test again I don’t think I should have to do it The dealer just needs to put a new motor in car
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 7, 2023
Engine light stays on, it’s says on the instrument that I used that it’s the catalyst converter but when you take it to the shop they can’t find anything wrong. Also my car shakes when pressing on the brakes.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 6, 2023
My 2015 Kia soul engine light won't stay off so I'm trying to see if it's under warranty or recall so I can get it fixed or trade it in. Please somebody contact as soon as possible. [XXX] [XXX] is my name INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Engine, Feb 6, 2023
Vehicle began shuddering violently, with the check engine light alternating between blinking and staying lit. The oil light randomly lighting up for literally a fraction of a second despite oil levels in acceptable range. Excessive yet random consumption of oil. Severe loss of horsepower, especially upon acceleration from a dead stop. No/low compression on two cylinders. Catalytic converter needs replacing for 2nd time in 365 days. Safety Recalls not showing in system (VIN lookup), yet recently presented by dealership. Safety Recalls P12002B ECU Update KSDS 2.0L GDI, SA206 PS/EV Rear Center Seatbelt Cover, SC125 Pinion Plug Inspection Repair, & SC155 STR Gear Pinion Plug Group B. Some recalls not informed of in a timely manner. Kia Dealership & local muffler shop are the only ones to look at car. Kia Dealership stated didn't know what was wrong with Kia vehicle after a week of diagnostic testing, said to drive it elsewhere to have plugs, wires, packs & catalytic converter replaced, then return for further troubleshooting. Dealership continuing to "find" different reasons why vehicle isn't covered under extended warranty to replace engine. All issues confirmed by dealership & muffler shop, all warning lights remain on, driving vehicle as-is is a danger to self & other drivers due to engine stalling/random loss of power whilst turning, accelerating, etc. Safety Recalls not being presented in a timely manner could result in accidents and/or deaths.
Engine, Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) in 2019. The contact stated that after the recall repair was serviced, while driving up mountainous roadways, the low-pressure oil light would become illuminated. The contact stated he checked the oil level and found no oil on the dipstick. The contact stated that oil was added and after several weeks the failure recurred. The contact stated that he replaced the engine drain plug however, the failure continued. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, it was 4 weeks before the vehicle was diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the catalytic converter needed to be cleaned or replaced. The parts were replaced. The engine started to knock and was towed to the dealer. The report from the dealer was unknown; however, the contact stated that he was informed that the engine would be replaced under an extended warranty. The engine was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating and failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty, and that the engine had experienced excessive oil consumption. The catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 112,878.
Steering, Engine, Feb 2, 2023
Safety recalls. Kia dealer in Quincy, Illinois refuses to fix recalls because of a flood title.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 1, 2023
I have a check engine light on vehicle. Have started to notice drag and acceleration problems, loss of fuel mileage since check engine light appeared. Had code diagnosed and got a failed catalytic converter code. Also a previous Mass Air Flow code. There are recall notices based on this issue. My VIN is not populating that this is an issue however in a search. There are multiple complaints for this code. My fuel consumption has gone from 32 to 26 on highway and jerky acceleration, and hood is very warm to touch after turning off engine.
Engine, Jan 30, 2023
Misfire ignition coil engine shaking it was fine then I turned and out of no where it started shaking I wasn’t going fast at all
Engine, Jan 30, 2023
Catalytic converter failed. Car cannot go above 10mph. I am the second owner. Original owner allegedly replaced catalytic converter in December 2021, 2 weeks before trading it in. I purchased in February 2022. Catalytic converter failed in January 2023.
Engine, Jan 24, 2023
I heard there was a recall last year on knock sensors is the souls and so I went to a Kia dealership they said my car was no longer under warranty which it had to be under 150,000 miles and it was only 1000 miles over so I paid $736 and some change for it to go bad again and now I have to get it fixed again and take it to a Kia dealership I think it’s so dumb how we have to pay for recalls when that’s not our faults
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2023
Vehicle has begun burning oil excessively and has a smell of gas in the oil. The oil is changed regularly with the correct oil. This did not begin to occur until the vehicle had a recall issue resolved at the dealership. The vehicle has 113,000 miles on it, a engine service light is on and and is throwing a P420 code. My mechanic provided me with the recall notices for the vehicle based on year however, a call to Kia indicates my VIN is not included in the second recall. I have noted there are mutiple compaints for the same issue on Kia owner sites on the web. The vehicle is beginning to have poor fuel comsumption, and is beginning to "drag" on occasion while driving at varied speeds both city and highway.
Engine, Jan 21, 2023
Check engine light its been on for at least 25000 milles took it to a dealer to have it fix and they sayd its not covered under warranty even though car has a bumber to bumper warranty for 10 years or 100000 milles, currently have 88000 milles Dealer adviced that I had to replace upstream and downstream catalytic sensor and so i did with money out of pocket. Problem was not resolved and now they said i have to replace catalytic converter and that they don't cover under warranty. How come a car that is less than 100000 miles will need new catalyst? This is not good for the environment and kia should be responsible at least for 100000 milles. I asked the dealer that other same model and year cars have a recall to replace rear piston and catalytic converter due to overheating and they said my car does not qualify. Check engine light is still on and they want me to pay to diagnose it and whatever is needed its at my expense.
Structure, Engine, Jan 15, 2023, crash, fire
When driving this Vehicle my daughter was in a single car acciedent. The engine combusted. The piston rod went into engine. When we took it to the auto shop this is what they told us casued the engine to malfunction and my daughter run off the road. She is very luck she has not been hurt more than she has. We have tried to contact KIA. First we called Royal KIa in Tuscon then Jim Clickk Kia in Tucson. They told me it did not matter that the vehicke had a recalll. We would be financially responsable for fixing it. They would not even alow me to bring it in, THey asked us to csll Kia. Kia was no help. They said that if the car was over 150,000 miles they would not fix a recall. My daughter was in an acciedent due to malfuntion! At this point I did reach out to another dealership in Mesa AZ. If they can not help we need to take legal action. The exact same thing that the engine had a recall on is what happemed to our kia, No one will anwser or fix a recall.
Engine, Jan 14, 2023
This 2015 Kia Soul has recalls for oil leaks but VIN has not been recalled. In 2020 check engine light was flashing and then stayed on. I drove to dealer it was bought. Kia Pride dealer on the Lynnway in Lynn, MA. said it was a knock sensor problem and needed repair. After, about six months later, check engine repeated to go on. At the Pride dealer, they updated software issues, that was what Pride dealer said. Around December, 2021, I asked to replace and change oil with synthetic oil. Three weeks , check engine light was on again. Upon this event, brought Kia Soul to Pride dealer. They suggested to drive car 1,000 miles and then return to dealer to see if the Kia Soul was consuming more oil that is allowed by Kia manufacturer. Last week drove Soul back to Pride Kia. Their customer service person said it was burning more oil in between oil changes above their protocol. Pride dealer suggested they perform a consumption test and a combustion cleaning. I did do what they recommended and and on Friday 13, 2023 paid $563.00. I was told to drive Kia Soul another 1,000 miles and return to Pride dealer , and the would determine next action step, or it could be fixed. Today Saturday 14,2023, check engine stayed on and car was stalling when given gas. The KIA Soul is back ar the Pride dealer. On Thursday 12, 2023, I spoke with Lisa at the Kia customer service center. A case file was opened , number is 15262414. Lisa informed me that because of the 2020 engine, I might be covered if engine needs further repair. I called Kia customer service center on Friday 13,2023 and spoke to Miranda and asked confirm, and inquire why the Kia Soul I drive has not been recalled. Other 2015 Kia Soul have been recalled for oil leaks and engine heating up. The two recall numbers are 20V750000 and 19V120000. What can I do about getting help from theNHTSA, if the Pride Kia dealer does not repair the 2015 Kia I drive. Alfred DiCenso adice1234@icloud.com 781.731.2221
Engine, Jan 11, 2023
The contact's cousin owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her cousin was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound and then lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with connecting rod and rod bearing failure. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced but declined the engine replacement due to a lack of adequate oil change records. The contact stated that her cousin had owned the vehicle for less than a year. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Jan 10, 2023
Traveling at approximately 75 mph on interstate and check engine light began to flash, car lost power directly in front of tractor trailer, car was pulled over onto an exit ramp, car was rattling/knocking, brakes would not stop the car when applied. The car was moving slowly enough up the exit ramp that once it came to a stop it began to roll backwards. Unable to stop the car from rolling by applying the brakes, had to shift the car to park to stop it. Car was towed approximately 30 miles to the nearest dealership. Dealership diagnosed as needing a new engine.
Power train, Engine, Jan 6, 2023
Engine failure due to campaign 19120000. I was never notified via phone or mail back in 2020 when this was released. Now it’s not being honored. I’ve been placed on hold, spoke with someone who then put me on another hold and back out to the beginning of the hold process. My car is doing exactly this in this campaign # and while doing so multiple other failures are following.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. 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 contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The driver stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that his daughter was able to steer the vehicle off the roadway and then stopped the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the catalytic converter, and the short block needed to be replaced. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH and pulling into a gas station, she heard abnormal clicking sounds coming from the engine and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle shut off after 10 seconds. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that they would not repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) as she had failed to complete an unknown software update on the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced in 2020 by a Toyota dealer due to rod bearing failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Engine, Dec 21, 2022
In 2019 my check engine light came on and there was an issue with the Catalytic converter i had 65,000 miles on the car, my car burns oil and has a rough idle, now 48,000 miles later check engine light is on again and it needs a new Catalytic converter, i feel like this is a a safety concern that is related to the engine issue that they are catching fire. the deal says this isnt a warranty issue since it was already covered under warranty in 2019
Engine, Dec 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle made abnormal ticking sounds. The vehicle then appeared to be hydroplaning though the road was dry. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving and exited the highway. The contact veered to the side of the road and noticed a trail of oil on the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the connecting rod had dislodged and had become embedded in the engine block, causing an engine oil leak. Additionally, it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was in the process of being diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that she needed to provide 7-years of service record on the vehicle before considering whether to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). However, the VIN was included, and the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,200. The consumer stated after several attempts to get the problem rectified they made the decision to scrap the vehicle.