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: steering
44 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Structure, Engine, Dec 2, 2025, fire
As I was driving home on the highway, my car began making a noise I never heard before. I looked out of my rear view and began to see smoke coming from my car. As I was trying to get off the highway, my car began to lose control. I couldn’t get completely off the highway so I pulled into a small corner. I realized my hood was on fire when I stopped. I grabbed my purse and keys and ran down the highway as fast as I could. By this time my car was engulfed in flames. A woman saw me in distress and helped me and allowed me to get in her car for safety as she called 911. That’s when the car blew up and we drove off the highway to safety.
Steering, Engine, Apr 21, 2025
Hello, I own currently a car, Kia Soul 2015 , I bought it from car auction, it was recovered after theft! The car is clean title! When I got it home a mechanic looked at it and told me the piston rod came out through the engine block and engine is seized up and this is a common problem for this model of Kia, piston rod is damaging the block , oil spilling and catching fire and he told me I need to go to the dealership because some people get their cars fixed if they meet the criteria for recall! Also I saw there is one more open recall this car has related to power steering that can lead to accidents if not fixed! I towed my car to Kia dealership and they told me they can't fix my recalls because I bought the car from auction! And I paid 180$ for the inspection they did! They didn't even saw the piston rod came out of block and damaged the piston and the block! They told me I have a broken piston! So is it true if you bought a car from auction they don't fix the recals anymore ? This doesn't make any sense to me! The recall is not a warranty I guess, it shouldn't expire because it can create dangerous situations on the road! So I want to know what can I do in this case to have the recalls fixed! I also asked them for a note about inspection they did and they didn't gave me anything! Thank you!
Steering, Feb 25, 2025
Electrical power steering
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 6, 2025
I was driving my 2015 Kia Soul along a 4 lane highway when the Check Engine light came on and begun to flash. The Kia began to lose about 5 mph off and then return to the previous rate of speed a few minutes later. Then it would repeat the cycle. As the vehicle lost the engine power, the steering also became very tight as if the power steering was also malfunctioning. I could also hear a slight tapping sound, as the driver side window was open just a few inches. Since I had my mother whom is ailing with dementia and heart problems, I tried to remain calm and undisturbed by these issues. As soon as I arrived at the closest auto parts store that offered diagnostic readings (O'Reilys), I asked them to see what codes the vehicle was throwing. The codes were P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1) and P1326 Knock Signal Range/Performance. I have seen these codes listed as recalls for other 2015 Kia Souls, but for some reason my VIN is not listed amongst those. So how do I get this repaired?? This car is extremely important and sentimental to me, as it was the vehicle my son drove before he passed away at [XXX]. Please, please help me keep this Kia running. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Steering, Wheels, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2023, crash
Car has an heavy gas smell like when the car is started ,has to crank up and car shakes when it’s started steering is off and etc.
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.
Steering, Air bags, Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling noise heard in the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that after the vehicle was returned, the steering, air bags, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became hot to the touch without the heated steering wheel function being activated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an oil change was needed, and the heated steering wheel fuse was removed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,796.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 1, 2023
I have had several issues with my car. The check engine light is on, and now my traction control light comes on all the time now. When that happens my car won't tact. I had auto zone check out the check engine light, was told it was the catalytic converter. My mechanic changed my oil and told me to start checking my oil every 500 miles, that it was consuming oil. I paid Kia 170.00 to confirm what auto zone told me. So I average a quart of added oil every 750 to 1000 miles. I see no point in replacing the catalytic converter until we know what is going on with the engine. This started at 113,000 miles, my car has 127.000 now. I have talked to The dealership where I purchased my car, basically they can't help me unless my check engine light flashes and the speed cuts down to 40 miles an hour. My car is having the same issues that are described in recall (SC176) and (SC200). I would appreciate it if you could tell me if my car should have been in the recalls. Thank you for your time and assistance.
Steering, Feb 21, 2023
We took our Kia Soul to a Kia Service shop Dec 2022 because the steering is making a clicking sound when the wheel is turned from the 11 o’clock to the 2 o’clock position. This condition is consistent with a Kia Safety Recall issued in November 2017, and has been confirmed by another source. We were told that by the dealership, Brandon Courtesy Kia in Florida that they would repair this dangerous steering issue for a cost of $1227.97 because they excluded it from the recall and warranty. Unfortunately we are on a fixed income, and are not able to pay for the steering to be repaired back to SAFE operating conditions. In addition, the dealership would not release the vehicle back to us unless we paid them $189.15 for a couple minute “Steering Inspection” which we were not told upfront that there would be a cost. The November 16, 2017, Important Safety Recall Notice states if the steering is not repaired the result may be “loss of steering and result in a crash.” This warning has us terrified because this dealership and Kia put profit in front of safety. We have not driven the car for 3 months fearing a severe crash and possible injury, including and up to death. We have been in constant contact with the dealership and the Kia Customer Care Center to try and resolve the Steering Safety concern with no luck. We have proposed a fair and reasonable settlement but continue to ignored . . . here is our ask to Kia . . . 1. Repair the Kia Soul steering back to a SAFE and normal operating condition 2. Refund the $189.15 charge related to a bogus inspection. Best Regards
Steering, Engine, Feb 2, 2023
Safety recalls. Kia dealer in Quincy, Illinois refuses to fix recalls because of a flood title.
Steering, Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that a clicking noise was present when turning the steering wheel in either direction. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the power steering failed causing the steering wheel to seize, rendering the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering gear was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no assistance was offered. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 13, 2022
My car just shut down out of the blue. There was no warning of any sort as far as anything showing that needed repair with my vehicle. It just started jerking one day. I took it to the Kia dealership and they confirmed that it was due to the recall part but will not fix the part.
Steering, Sep 12, 2022
While operating the vehicle the power steering ubruptly stopped working for approximately 5 seconds making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle
Steering, Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to his destination. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with needing an unknown steering component replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). The contact took the vehicle back to local dealer and had the recall repair completed. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving at a slow speed, he heard an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing an unknown steering component replaced for a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Steering, Engine, Mar 16, 2021
KIA RECALLED MY ENGINE. THE ENGINE DIED YESTERDAY. KIA IS TELLING IT'S GOING TO BE MULTIPLE DAYS UNTIL THEY CAN EVEN SCAN THE CAR. THIS IS A SCAM. THEY NEED TO OFFER A LOANER OR A RENTAL IN THE MEANTIME, OTHERWISE, THEY'RE NOT FULFILLING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE RECALL. MY HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE GREATLY AFFECTED WITHOUT MY CAR. THIS IS NOT A FREE AND SAFE REMEDY.
Steering, Engine, Feb 19, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V608000 (STEERING) AND 20V750000 (ENGINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT JERRY SMITH KIA (101 N HILL BLVD, BURLINGTON, WA 98233) TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR HOWEVER, THE LOCAL DEALER STATED THAT THE KIA CYBER SYSTEM WAS HACKED AND THE SYSTEM WAS DOWN. THE APPOINTMENT WAS NOT SCHEDULED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHO VERIFIED THE DEALER INFORMATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 16, 2021
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WENT TO MAKE A TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL CAME LOOSE. I ALMOST LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED. THERE'S A LOUD CLICKING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL
Steering, Wheels, Oct 28, 2020
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 70 AND NOTICED THAT MY TIRE WAS GETTING LOW. I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY JUST IN TIME. THE TIRE SHOP. AT 9550 ST CHARLES ROCK RD, BRECKENRIDGE HILLS, MO 63114 AT 5PM. THE TWO YOUNG MEN CAME OUT LAUGHING AND ONE CHANGED MY TIRE. LEFT THE SHOP AND 30 MINS LATER MY TIRE WAS ON FLAT. CAME BACK THE NEXT MORNING. YOUNG MAN SAID HE'LL FIX IT. HE DIDN'T GIVE ME ANOTHER BUT STATED A NAIL WAS IN IT. HE THINK I'M STUPID. HE KNOW HE SOLD ME A BAD TIRE WITH THE NAIL IN IT ALREADY. HE PAINTED THE TIRE THEN PUT IT BACK ON MY CAR. I WAS SUSPICIOUS ABOUT THE PAINT AND PAINT BRUSH. LEFT THE SHOP AND WENT HOME. ON MY WAY TO WORK THE SAME DAY ALMOST HAD TWO ACCIDENTS. TIRE WAS HARD TO STEER AND THE WHEEL DIDN'T TURN. I WAS SCARED TO DEATH. I COULD OF LOST MY LIFE 😔. . PEOPLE NEED GOOD USED TIRES. FINALLY I WENT TO CAR X AND THEY TOOK CARE OF MY PROBLEM AND I FELT SAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN.
Steering, Engine, Jul 28, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 17V608000 (STEERING) AT BENSON KIA OF SPARTANBURG (1100 N PINE ST, SPARTANBURG, SC 29303). UPON RETURN OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RESISTER LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS THE CAUSE OF THE RATTLING NOISE. THE DEALER THEN INFORMED HER THAT THE RESISTER WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND OFFERED HER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,000.
Steering, Jun 22, 2020
THIS USED CAR WAS SOLD TO ME WITH UNFIXED RECALL. RECALL WAS NOT DISCLOSED AT TIME OF PURCHASE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Mar 9, 2020
I TOOK MY 2015 KIA SOUL TO MIAMI LAKES KIA TWICE IN DECEMBER 2019, TO CHECK A CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT, MORE CONSISTENTLY WHEN TURNING RIGHT. I'M NOT SURE BUT I HAVE AN INKLING THAT THIS NOISE MAY BE RELATED TO A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING COLUMN, CV JOINTS OR THE AXLE. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR THE 1ST TIME, AS I MADE A RIGHT TURN, I HEARD THE SAME CLICKING NOISE. I CALLED SERVICE AND LET THEM KNOW THAT I STILL HEARD THE NOISE. I RETURNED MY CAR A WEEK LATER AND TOOK A TEST RIDE WITH TWO TECHNICIANS, ONE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THE THE NOISE NEEDED TO BE LOUDER FOR THEM TO REPAIR IT. HIS CLAIM SEEMS UNREASONABLE, ESPECIALLY SINCE EVERYONE WHO RIDES IN MY CAR HEARS THE CLICKING NOISE, AND THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A MECHANICAL ISSUE WITH THE CARS STEERING OR SOMETHING RELATED. I HAD MY CAR CHECKED AT TIRES PLUS, THE CLICKING NOISE WAS DUPLICATED ON THE TEST DRIVE AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE AND TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER. ALSO, ON FEBRUARY 21, 2020, THE CAR BATTERY THAT I PURCHASED ON JULY 31, 2018, DIED. THIS BATTERY DID NOT LAST 18 MONTHS (36 MONTH WARRANTY).
Steering, Jan 26, 2020
IN STARTING THE CAR, I HAVE HAD A DOZEN INCIDENTS WHERE THE IGNITION IS FROZEN AND I CAN NOT TURN THE KEY. I TRY WIGGLING THE STEERING WHEEL, WIGGLING THE GEARS, REMOVING THE KEY, WAITING, ETC. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS IT HAS BEEN 5 MINUTES BEFORE I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION ON.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Nov 24, 2019, crash
ON THE EVENING OF JULY 22,2019 I WAS LEAVING TARGETS PARKING LOT PUT MY VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND WHEN I PUT IN DRIVE MY 2015 KIA SOUL TOOK OFF. THE RPMS WERE THE HIGHEST IT COULD GO GOING 40 MILES P HOUR IN A BUSY LOT ALL I COULD WAS HONK MY HORN. I TRIED THE BREAKS PUTTING IN PARK AND TURNING THE KEY OFF. MY WIFE AND I WERE IN SHOCK. WE HIT THE CURB FLY ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC THE MEDIAN AND HIT TWO CARS. MY WIFE WAS PINNED THERE WAS WHITE SMOKE IN THE CABIN. PEOPLE GOT HER OUT FIRE DEPT CAME. MY WIFE WAS TRANSPORTED TO UCI TRAMA AND I WENT BACK THE NEXT DAY TO CONCERNED FOR MY WIFE RATHER THAN MYSELF. WIFE HAD 8 BROKEN RIBS SEPARATED AND A BROKEN BACK MYSELF 7 BROKEN RIBS AND BLEEDING OF THE BRAIN. ONE HOUR PRIOR APPROX TO THIS ACCIDENT WE WERE NEXT STORE EATING AND WHEN LEAVING TO GO TO TARGET THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A LOUD CLICKING NOISE I TUNED IT OFF AND WAITED A FEW MINS TRIED AGAIN AND STILL THE SAME NOISE. THEN THE 3RD TIME IT WAS FINE PROCEEDED TO TARGET. ALL MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE AND ON TIME PRIOR TO THIS TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. OUR LIVES HAVE CHANGE DRAMATICALLY
Steering, Sep 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT CALLED SEELYE KIA OF BATTLE CREEK (LOCATED AT 791 W DICKMAN RD, BATTLE CREEK, MI 49037, 269-441-8800, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SQUEAKING NOISE CONTINUED WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN RECENTLY MADE A POPPING SOUND. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO KIA OF JACKSON (LOCATED AT 3500 PAGE AVE, JACKSON, MI 49203, 571-764-4500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR THAT WAS ATTACHED TO THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD PERFORM A GOODWILL REPAIR PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.