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, Dec 21, 2021, fire
I was driving on the highway when my car started to fill with smoke and stopped accelerating. Shortly after getting out the car started to become engulfed in flames. I believe it had something to do with the engine because that’s where the fire started before it began to spread. My safety was put at risk bc had I not gotten out of the car I could’ve been severely burned or even died. I had to stand in the middle of the highway while cars were flying past me and could’ve easily gotten hit. Kia has not yet determined the cause of the fire. I didn’t have any warning lamps before the fire.
Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2021
Daughters were stranded in middle of road ,, Car Dealer said everything was fixed not the case sent car back nothing was done had to tow to mechanic and they did the repairs as needed car is back in shop needing additional repairs that should have been done with original recall
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2021
I purchased my 2015 Kia Soul in March 2019 and it was stolen from my workplace on November 16, 2021 because it was equipped with a defect that made it incredibly easy to steal. My vehicle was deemed a total loss by my insurance company with over $10,000 in damages (See attached pictures) of which I had to pay a $500 insurance deductible, and I lost 5 days of wages and I am still in process of shopping for a new replacement vehicle. The rental is due to be returned today December 4, 2021. I will have no other choice but to pay out of my pocket additional costs to keep my rental a little longer until I find a replacement vehicle. This whole situation has been a complete nightmare and has negatively impacted my life both financially and emotionally.
Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2021
CONSTITUENT WRITES INQUIRING ABOUT THE STATUS OF A SAFETY RECALL RELATED TO THEIR 2015 KIA SOUL.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 22, 2021
I recieved a notification of an engine recall for my Kia Soul. Took it to the nearest dealership an was told the issue was resolved. This was roughly March 1 2021. My check engine light appeared and was diagnosed as a catalytic converter/engine issue . Had vehicle towed to the dealership and after a week or who was told the issue was related to the recall and good to go Roughly 4-6 weeks later check engine light reappered with the same malfunction code. Vehicle has been towed to the dealer to diagnose and fix. The kia dealerships in my area are quoting serviced appointments months out, with no courtesy cars offered. Some dealerships have refused service altogether,.
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2021
On April 9, 2021, I was driving on the expressway and felt an odd change in the vehicle's handling while I was accelerating. Very shortly after, I exited the expressway and came to a stop at the red light at the end of the exit ramp. At that point, the engine simply stopped functioning. The starter did not turn the engine over at all, though the battery was fully charged and the electrical systems were working. I managed to get the vehicle safely onto the shoulder of the exit ramp, and was able to call for assistance. I had the car towed to Pep Boys who told me the oil pan was empty and the engine had overheated, damaging the connecting rod and pistons. A complete engine replacement was necessary. Knowing that this sounded very much like the issue resulting from a previous recall (ID 297880/sc176), which had supposedly been corrected on 6/4/2019, I had the car towed to Sons KIA in McDonough, GA. Sons gave me a repair estimate to replace the catalytic convertor, along with several other replacement suggestions (bulbs, wipers, tires, battery, etc. NONE of which were actually in need of replacement). No mention was made at all about the engine or the fact that the car was inoperable. I eventually discovered that Sons had lost the key to the car, and had only learned of the converter through the DTC codes, and never even looked under the hood or attempted to start the car. Though they claimed to have performed recall update 370541/sc200, they were not even able to access the cabin or engine compartment without a key. I had the car towed to KIA Atlanta South in Morrow, GA, where it has sat since 5/26/2021 awaiting evaluation and repair. I was told that it may take 6+ months before their staff has a chance to look at the car, and it will take even longer to find a replacement engine to make repairs. The Dealership Manager suggested I sell the car to CarMax as scrap, which would be a loss of $7,000+ in value if I can wait indefinitely for repairs they are responsible for.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 5, 2021
Unknown Consumer stated car broke down on October 29th, car was driven less than a mile, when consumer heard a noise coming from the car. In trying to pull over, car screeched and came to a stop. There was a loud metal knocking. Consumer noticed that the sound was louder when I stepped on the accelerator or started the car. No lights illuminated on the dashboard. Consumer decided that it was not safe to drive and towed it instead. Vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis. KIA Customer Care was contacted to assist with the issue. Consumer was notified that there were 3 recalls on the car. SC-200, SC-155, and PI-2002. At that point, dealer towed consumer's car to a dealership to complete the recalls since it was believed that the car malfunction was due to one of these issues, but no diagnostics were run by the dealership to confirm. On November 2nd, consumer's case was closed without notice. Consumer reached out to KIA customer care and was told that there was nothing they could do to complete the recalls and was not covered under any warranty.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 3, 2021
During the month of March 2021, I received a recall letter from Kia Motors America involving a potential engine fire. The vehicle was taken to the local Kia dealership for service. The problem was the loss of oil. The dealership replaced the pan and I incurred the cost of an oil switch replacement. The next incident, June 2021, was the replacement of catalytic converters. Following this, my check engine illuminated and the car was taken to Kia. They replaced the knock sensor (July 2021). In August 2021, another knock sensor replacement. The vehicle continues to lose power and fail to properly accelerate. October 2021, vehicle taken to dealership and I am informed of the catalytic converter requires replacement. Since they are under warranty, the vehicle was taken to the independent dealership that informed me that this situation with the catalytic converters will be ongoing because the engine is bad. The pistons and valves require replacement. Kia refuses to replace the engine unless the connecting rod barring fails. My concern is the use of the word safety; especially knowing that this vehicle and probably many more will encounter major engine malfunctions.
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2021
Vehicle was equipped with a major default making the vehicle extremely easy to steel. Because of this flaw, my car, along with thousands of other Kias in my neighborhood, are being stolen at an alarming rate. The financial burden this is creating is out of control. Kia and Hyundai must be held responsible and find a way to fix this defect. There is not enough manpower in the police stations to keep up with the 2,500% increase in thefts so far this year. Nor are there enough mechanics and parts to fix these damaged cars. It is out of control and needs to be addressed.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2021
While driving, my 2015 Kia Soul lost all power and I had to coast it into a parking lot. Immediately, I checked all fluids and nothing seemed out of the normal. Had to have my vehicle towed to a garage. Upon a mechanic inspection, cylinders #1 and #4 lost compression. This car is only 6 years old and is welled maintained. I do not know how this happened or know how 2 cylinders lose compression at the same time. Gateway Kia in North Brunswick, NJ told me there is nothing they can do. I find it hard too believe that a 6 year old car with only 95,000 can just die. PLEASE HELP!
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2021
MY STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR STARTED JERKING, THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AT THE REDLIGHT WHEN I STOPPED, I RESTARTED IT AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF, CAR RAN FINE, BUT IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND AGAIN, TOOK TO THE SHOP THEY TOLD ME TRANS WAS FINE, NO CODES ON THE DIAGNOSTIC BUT IT IS STILL HAPPENING, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME I NEED WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED I PAID FOR THAT, NOW THE LIGHT IS STILL COMING ON AND THE CAR DOESNT START UNLESS YOU TURN IT OFF AND TURN IT ON AGAIN.
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2021, fire
I was driving on freeway when another car got my attention a fire had started outside (backside) so I thought I better pull over and my brakes wouldn’t stop. By this time the fire was entering the vehicle. I saw it in my backside so I acted quickly and pulled emergency brakes and jumped out before car went up in flames. I am thankful to be alive and walk away from such a frightening scene. However this is not normal and feel like this could’ve been avoided. I am notifying you so other Kia Soul drivers don’t experience anything like this.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 8, 2021
I purchased my car in March of 2020. A month after I had my car the brake pads wore out with NO indication and the calipers broke. I called Kia and explained what the issue was. They tried to blame my mechanic. I told them that their technicians had to have known the brake pads were low if they did a thorough inspection. I was laughed at. I told the man that I was going to report them to the Better Business Bureau. He then told me to bring it to Kia. I told him it was at my mechanics and I no longer trusted their technicians to do the work on my car. Had my breaks failed I could've had a very serious accident. June 24, 2021. I had my intake gasket repaired by my mechanic. My car drove fine until I was exiting the highway. It started to lose power. I barely made it off the highway when it stopped. I contacted my mechanic and they were able to get it started to get it back to the shop. After he took a further look at it, he advised me to contact Kia to run a diagnostic which I did. They charged me $80. They then confirmed what my mechanic stated the issue was. Kia wanted to charge me over $1000 for the work. I don't trust them to do the work as well as not having the money. My mechanic repaired the vehicle but it was still doing the same thing. He spent hours trying to figure out what the issue was. He told me Kia needed to find the issue. I contacted Kia on July 7th and spoke to Jack in their service department. I asked him to have his technicians call my mechanic so they could figure it out. Jack took my information and my mechanic's information and said he would have them call. No one called. I called back that same day around 3:45pm. First Jack told me they were busy. I told him so was my mechanic. He then said they don't normally have technicians speak to mechanics. I told Jack he should've told me that when I spoke to him previously. By that point i was very angry. I told him they need to fix my car and i wasn't paying for it and i won't.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2021
My 2015 Kia Soul is currently in the repair shop at Jim Marsh Kia,in Las Vegas Nv,awaiting an engine replacement.The vehicles engine light had come on for the 3rd time in apx 4 weeks .The first 2 times I brought the vehicle in the technician told me I probably did not tighten the gas cap and he turned off the engine light and sent me in my way.The only difference the 2nd time the engine light came on was the technician told me if this keeps happening (meaning not tightening my gas cap and causing the engine light to come on)I would need to schedule an appointment.This last time,the 3rd time,I got in the car to pick up my granddaughter and when I started the car it sounded like a bunch of nuts and bolts in a blender. I knew the problem was not anything to do with a gas cap and I had a friend follow behind me and drove very slowly to the dealership repair.I was told the car needed a new engine but the repair and a rent a car had to be authorized.I could not be without a car as I drive my granddaughter to school everyday and this week had band concerts,picnics and graduation events for 8 th grade.I was forced to rent a car in my own however there were no cars available and I spent a day having my friend drive me around trying to find one. The next day I was lucky enough to get a car when someone canceled a reservation.On May 21st,a week later the Kia dealership called and told me that I needed to call the corporate office and speak with them.I called corporate and they asked for my Vin because they wanted to see if I was part of a lawsuit.I had no idea what they were talking about. Then they told me they would fix my car and give me a rental but my car wouldn’t be finished for 3-6 weeks because the parts would be coming from many different places.I also asked the corporate office if they would reimburse me the $600- I had to pay for the rent a car .I was told to contact the dealership as they handled that.So,I contacted the dealership.More information but no space,
Other or unspecified, May 11, 2021, fire
CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN DRIVEWAY FOR 12 HOURS, THEN SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS.
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2021
MY CAR HAS A RECALL ON IT . SERVICE DUDE SAY IT PASSED THE RECALL TEST AND I JUST CHECKED AND IT SAID RECALL INCOMPLETE CAR HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD RATTLING NOISE SINCE I PICKED IT UP THE FIRST THEY " FIXED " MY CAR
Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2021
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A WEEK. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES BEFORE AND WAS TOLD IT HAD A CODE OF P05A. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THEY CAN'T FIX IT. I'VE EVEN SPOKEN TO KIA, AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON A SOLUTION. I DON'T WANT TO BE DRIVING AND SOMETHING MAJOR HAPPENS TO MY CAR AND I GET INJURED.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 30, 2020
MY 2015 KIA SOUL STALLS AND WON'T PASS 45 MPH I WAS AT THE TURNPIKE WHEN IT HAPPEN. I ALSO KNOW PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. BUT WHEN I LOOK UP FOR MY CAR ITS SAYS I DON'T HAVE A RECALL. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL FOR THIS?
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 10, 2020
WHEN I GO TO COME TO A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGH, SOMETIMES THE ENGINE WILL STALL OUT AND ALL POWER IS LOST. THE HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF COMPLETELY AND RESTART IT. THEN IT DRIVES FINE AGAIN UNTIL I COME TO ANOTHER STOP. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME BUT IT HAPPENS ALOT.
Other or unspecified, Dec 8, 2020
DRIVING ~75MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF RANDOMLY EXPLODED OUTWARDS. SMALL PIECES OF GLASS THEN FELL ON MYSELF, MY WIFE, AND OUR TWO KITTENS. THERE WAS NO APPARENT CAUSE. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES CLOSE BY. I HAD TO FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM AND PAY MY $250 DEDUCTIBLE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 22, 2020
FOR OVER A YEAR, I'VE HAD THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATE A DOZEN TIMES AND EVERYTIME I'VE HAD TO VISIT MY DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE SYSTEM SCANNED AND ALWAYS REPORTS ERROR CODE: P050A. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY THE SHOP THAT KIA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND NO FIX IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. HAVING TO CONSTANTLY GO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP SHOP FOR AN ERROR ON KIAS PART IS REDICULOUS AND HAS COST WAY TOO MUCH OF MY TIME AND ADDED MILEAGE. A YEAR OF THE SAME STORY, "AWAITING A FIX" AND NO UPDATES, TIMETABLE OR SIGN THAT KIA ACTUALLY CARES AND IS WORKING ON A RESOLUTION. NOT SURE WHAT THEIR ENGINEERS DO ALL DAY BUT THIS IS REDICULOUS.
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2020
WHEN USING CRUISE CONTROL, CAR WILL RANDOMLY SPEED UP OR SLOW DOWN AND GET VERY LOUD AND ALSO JERK FORWARD. IT WILL ALSO OCCASIONALLY JERK FORWARD OR BACKWARDS WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 24, 2020, fire
WHILE DRIVING 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY, MY KIA SOUL SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES UNDERNEATH A STRANGER STOPPED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER LUCKILY. FIRE DEPT SAYS HAD WE NOT USED THE EXTINGUISHER, MY CAR QUITE LIKELY WOULD HAVE EXPLODED. PRIOR TO INCIDENT, I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS ON, NO OIL LEAK, OIL NEEDED CHANGING SOON BUT WASN'T TOO LOW. THERE WAS NO COLLISION.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2020
WHILE DRIVING IN NEIGHBORHOOD CAME TO A STOP AND WHEN I PROCEEDED TO GO MY CAR WOULDN'T MOVE AND I WAS PRESSING ON GAS PEDAL, 5 SECONDS LATER MY CAR ACCELERATED REALLY FAST AND SUDDENLY AND I ALMOST REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE DELAYED SHIFTING HAS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THREE TIMES NOW! I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY KIA AND I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR 2 MONTHS AGO. ALSO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND CODE READ IS P0420.
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2020
WHILE DRIVING THIS PAST FRIDAY NIGHT, SUDDENLY MY CAR STARTED MAKING A LOUD INTERNAL ENGINE NOISE. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND CHECKED OIL. FOUND OIL LEVEL UNEXPECTEDLY LOW SINCE OIL WAS CHANGED JUST A COUPLE MONTHS AGO AND I CHECK OIL LEVEL MONTHLY. ADDED 1 1/2 QUARTS OF OIL - CLACKING IMPROVED ONLY SLIGHTLY. RETURNED HOME IMMEDIATELY. HAD MECHANIC CHECK THE CAR FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING. WAS INFORMED THE CAR NEEDS A NEW MOTOR. MECHANIC SAID PARTS ARE TYPICALLY GUARANTEED FOR 6 MONTHS; BUT BECAUSE THERE IS LITTLE CONFIDENCE IN KIA MOTORS RIGHT NOW, HIS PARTS SUPPLIER WILL ONLY GUARANTEE IT FOR 30 DAYS. MECHANIC SAID HE HAS PERSONALLY WORKED ON KIAS FROM 2010 AND 2013 WITH THIS VERY SAME ISSUE. MY 2015 MODEL SHOULD ALSO BE UNDER THIS SAME RECALL.