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: other or unspecified
108 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2024
My car is not part of the catalytic converter Recall and I don't understand why. My catalytic converter is not functioning properly and I am getting code p0420 and this makes no sense why I am not part of the recall. My engine and everything matches up to all these recalls and I am scared my car is going to explode. I already have a sick child and all I need is something to happen while driving these defective vehicles. Please make me understand why I am not included in the upgrade for that catalytic converter. I am tired of these issues. I want to out this poor company on making poor vehicles like everyone else. They are supposed to be safe and I should not be afraid to drive my car thinking something will happen.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 28, 2023
While driving at 55 miles per hour, the engine suddenly ceased, emitting black smoke, causing components to melt and necessitating the replacement of the short block. Consequently, the catalytic converter is now malfunctioning, likely due to the misfires the engine experienced.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2023
The KIA company is denying me the anti theft software. What can I do?
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.
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/
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
This would be the third time of car breaking down without any warning. When there is a problem with the car there is never no indication that there are any problems. No warning lights, no nothing car just breaks down.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 7, 2023
Engine burning oil so much that it destroys the catalytic converter leaving me stranded middle of a highway.
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2023
The catalytic converter has failed. Even though I got the software update to the converter for the recall, the converter still needs replacement.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 1, 2023
At the inspection & emissions test on 01/10/2023, the vehicle failed with a P0420 cat code & Kia recommended I pay to replace the catalytic converter. The first P0420 was found in Aug '19 at an Auto Zone. The vehicle is available for inspection. My safety & those of others is at risk per the recall number 19V120 dated 04/12/19: "A defect has been identified which relates to motor vehicle safety. The defect may cause damage to the catalytic converter... If this condition occurs, you may hear knocking noise from the engine and/or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate. Kia will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection (COP) logic in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and if necessary replace the catalytic converter and/or engine at no cost to you." This Kia's ECU was upgraded on 04/24/19. About 3 months later, the check engine (CE) light illuminated. Auto Zone found a P0420 code but the Kia dealer found a P0455 & suggested the gas cap was not installed properly. They cleared the code and sent me away. The CE was back on Nov '19. An appointment with Kia on 01/14/20 revealed a P050A code which had no resolution. The dealer "reset engine adaptive values as per techline and released vehicle back" to me. I drove in stress, praying the vehicle doesn't catch fire since it was losing significant oil. I added additional quarts about 1500 miles after each oil change. After a while I got used to the CE being on. In August of '21, AutoZone found a P0420 diag code again. I didn't think Kia would resolve the problem. I finally called Kia in May of '22 & was told of another recall #SA485. I took the Kia in on 05/31/22 with the CE light on. After the ECM upgrade the CE light was off until a few miles were driven. Inspection on 01/10/23, Kia dealer found P0420 Cat Code, failed the vehicle, & told me vehicle is no longer covered under warranty. I think the vehicle should have been recalled for catalytic converter like other 2015 Souls. Please recall this Kia.
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.
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.
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).
Other or unspecified, Nov 5, 2022
The engine light started blinking, I noticed even though I was pushing the gas my car wasn’t accelerating properly, and by the time i stopped & turn my car off I could hear a very low clanking noise. Check oils, everything was at proper levels, no leaks under my hood. I’m being told it could be a number of things and of course all possible issues are $500+ in repairing it. And my car has under 80k miles.
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2022
Catalytic converter causing vehicle not to start
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 19, 2022
Having catalyst system efficiency below threshold issues The engine light is on code is P0420 Autozone gave me the diagnostic Engine light turns on and off
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2022
It doesn’t no shift correctly Catalytic converter problems RMP so hight and delay to shift. I can’t go in the freeway the car no respond and don’t go up to 60 I was driving in the free I almost crash and other people behind me To get off the freeway and now warranty not cover. The pass Ower never took the car to the recall and I have to deal w all this
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 2, 2022
1. The Oil light came on and I thought I just needed an oil change. I was driving when my car started making a knocking noise. I called 4 KIA Dealerships to explain my situation and they all kept trying to push me off on the other, until one of them was finally able to get me an appointment at the other location in Longwood, Fl. Long story short they told me that there were a few recalls on my car and they could be fixed, only to find out later they could not fix my car due to another recall not being done on the car, even though the recall notice that they sent me was said they are to fix Catalytic Converter Protection logic in the Engine Control Unit, and if Necessary Replace the Catalytic Converter and/or Engine at NOT COST TO ME. Yet KIA Dealership called me back to tell me they couldn't fix it and I must speak with the manufacturer of KIA to ask them to fix it only for them to say they would give me a case number and call me back, ONLY NOT to call me back and then the person who said he'd be fixing my car kept giving me the run around and then told me he would speak with the regional manager of KIA and they could possibly GIFT me an ENGINE, for my car. Like how odes that make since. They can GIFT ME AN ENGINE, but they can't fix my car like it states in the letter they sent me. It clearly states my car can stall (which it did) and cause an accident, catch fire or combust due to the recall issues. No matter what was said it's like KIA Dealership was trying to BLAME ME FOR THE ISSUES WITH MY CAR WHEN THEY SENT ME A NOTICE AND THEY TOLD ME ABOUT THE RECALLS WHEN MY SON BROUGHT THE CAR TO THEM. I screen shot all the conversations sent to me via text and chat. LIES AFTER LIES FROM THE KIA DEALERSHIPS so disappointing. My car has been at the dealership for almost 2wks and nothing has been done. They want ME to pay $6,720 for a new/ENGINE replacement when they are supposed to fix it for free regardless the issues and warranty! No one has contacted me for days now!????
Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2022
The KIA Catalytic Converter recall update from 2019 did not work. My check engine light kept coming on after that and KIA did not replace the catalytic converter or car, as they were supposed to, even though my car WAS under the emissions warranty at that time. They said the update to the computer took care of it, but the engine light kept coming on. Now the catalytic converter failed, no surprise, and it has also damage my air conditioner. Kia is paying for NOTHING. The dealership was sold to a new owner and my car is no longer under warranty, but this is not an isolated sequence of events with the Kia Soul catalytic converter recall. Kia should've replace my catalytic converter, or the whole car/engine, at the time I brought it in...but now here I am with 4 grand in repairs (catalytic converter & exhaust manifold, gaskets, a/c blower, and resistor...common issues occuring from a bad catalytic converter)...NOT to mention more than $500 in car rentals, etc. I am furious that Kia did not listen to me about the engine light after the catalytic converter recall, when it turned on my engine light. Additionally, it has caused oil leakage, which can lead to fire. The recall number is SC176, my case number is 14760972
Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2022
I’m not sure what system failed and yes my car is available for inspection. My safety was severely put at risk because something started to let smoke fill the cab of my car and it was so bad that I had to roll all the windows down which still I could barely breath. My hands went purple as well as my arms. I felt very sick and weird. No one has looked at my car but I have an appointment on the 2nd of feb. 2022. There wAs a check engine light on and I took it to Kia and they said it was throwing a partial code for the emissions something.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the engine hesitated and emitted smoke from the tailpipe. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was not diagnosed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2022
I am receiving no alerts from the computer in my vehicle warning me of a malfunction. It is available for inspection upon request. I am having issues accelerating after stopping at any light. As soon as the vehicle gets in 1st gear, a plume of smoke comes out of my exhaust. Five quarts of oil lasts the vehicle for only two days. I have had to replace multiple gas caps and PCV Valves. Lokey KIA claims it did the SC200 test on my vehicle and passed. I have had this issue since before the inspection. Now resulting in my car being a fire hazard.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 12, 2022
The brake hosed per the dealer rusted out at the connection to the brakes and leaked all the brake fluid. Clearly in my mind this is a safety hazard as the car could not be safely driven. I am uncertain as to any other details
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 1, 2022
In the past year my 2015 Kia Soul has been loosing power, burning oil not leaking and if you have to drive more then 2 hours you have to put oil in it. The engine shakes we took it for a recall but the issue was never fixed.