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
904 reports, newest first.
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.
Service brakes, Feb 1, 2023
Last summer I began to experience issues with the Right Rear Caliper. I was told that it was the pin and the caliper needed replaced. I went through no less than 3 mechanics and was told it was a NON-STOCK item and they didn't know when it would be available. This is my only vehicle so they tried whatever they could to keep it drivable. A replacement still hasn't been found as I have been continuously told that the replacement has to made of steel, not aluminum and it is still a non-stocked item and the ones that are available are of aluminum and that they will not work on my vehicle. I was just told yesterday that the Kia is NON-REPAIRABLE just because of the right rear caliper and that my car is basically junk! How is this possible? Not one person can explain to me WHY the aluminum caliper will not work. My family's safety has been at risk since last summer by not having a complete braking system, We have lost time at work due to this issue. How can a repair be made if the necessary part is unavailable due to a manufacturing issue? I have called 3 Kia dealerships and still cannot get an answer as they want me to pay $500.00 for a caliper then "see if it fits". No. I honestly cannot afford ANY repair by a dealer, as they are ridiculous. This isn't right, to make a car and then not have the parts available.
Suspension, Fuel system, Gasoline, Service brakes, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the braking system was erroneously activated, causing the brakes to engage without the brake pedal being depressed. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would drift to the right. The contact stated that there was also an abnormal odor of fuel present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and referred the contact to the local dealer. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 32,000.
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.
Electrical system, Dec 31, 2022
MY KIA SOUL melted down 3 replaced ignitioon coils they melted and were smoking. dealer wont cover sice its electrical --i purchased a 10 year 100k mile extra warranty through fidelity in deerfield beach fl they sad battery caused it and wont even come to look at it , car just turned 57 k miles -- what can i do ?? dealer wants 4 k $ to repair
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Dec 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 85,000.
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.
Engine, Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that engine had developed a fuel leak and was leaking engine oil. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the vehicle did not qualify for an engine replacement. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle shutoff with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was overheated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to the determine the cause of the failure. Prior to the failure, the contact stated that the oxygen sensor, water pump, alternator belt, and battery were all replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000.
Engine, Dec 1, 2022
On 11/14/22 I was driving on the freeway in my 2015 Kia soul, when the acceleration ability began to slowly decrease, eventually to nothing at all. No lights or anything on my dash area indicated what was happening, nor had I ever experienced this before. I was able to safely pull over to the right shoulder of the road. This was around 10pm at night so fortunately not a ton of people on the road to lose acceleration. Then my car would not start. I called AAA. I get 7 free miles of towing with them so I had it towed to the nearest auto mechanic store. The mechanics determined through a series of checks that it was the catalytic converter (not stolen, but congested, so needing to be replaced)— please see the “notes” section from the mechanic invoice. I am not sure if it would be available upon request at this point, likely not, but the mechanic could be called/asked. The mechanic was able to begin repairs the following day, and then I learned Kia might be able to reimburse me based on a catalytic converter recall for my make/model/year of car. My car is only about 7 years old so it seems odd that this significant of a repair would need to take place. I contacted Kia customer service for a reimbursement request via web submission on 11/19/22. On 11/29 I called Kia and spoke to someone on the phone. The representative told me that the catalytic converter recall was not for my exact engine type. He then indicated I report my problem to safecar.gov, and potentially this might be a problem more people with my engine of my make/model/year have experienced. I did not know about this website or that recalls developed from this! Very cool!
Engine, Nov 30, 2022, fire
While driving my father-in-law in his 2015 Kia Soul to ironically get a lube and oil service done on the vehicle, there was a loud "pop," immediately followed by smoke coming out of the engine compartment and rear of the vehicle. Almost immediately, the engine shut down, and I pulled the vehicle over. There were no warning lamps indicating any kind of problem with the engine up to that point. Thankfully, there were two off-duty wild land firefighters that had been traveling the same roadway behind us, and they pulled over to help us. They got us out of the vehicle and immediately called 911. Once we were far enough away from the vehicle, they told us that when they heard the "pop" they saw flames shooting out the back of the vehicle. While waiting for the fire department to arrive, they checked to make sure that the fire was out, which it was. The fire department arrived, and determined that it was safe to have the vehicle towed, which we did, to our local Kia dealership. The service department inspected the vehicle and determined that there was a piston rod that broke and shot out the engine, leaving a "silver dollar size hole." The service department has since said that it was due to customer neglect, and refuses to help. Similarly, the insurance company is no longer willing to cover anything. My father-in-law tried to have the current recall for the overheating catalytic converter, however our local Kia dealership refused the repair saying the car didn't qualify for the recall, and instead tried to charge $1400 to complete the repair. I believe the necessary repair was a software download. Everyone traveling that roadway was in danger. My father-in-law and I were in danger. The residents in the adjacent neighborhood were in danger. Kia needs to stop blaming these issues on their customers and take care of these problems before they get hit with wrongful death lawsuits.
Engine, Nov 18, 2022, fire
As I was driving up a hill close to my house, there was suddenly a loud popping noise from the front of the vehicle and very quickly the cab of the car was filled with thick black smoke. I quickly exited the car and saw that the entire engine was completely engulfed in flames. I initially tried to throw snow on the fire but realized that it was already totally out of control and unable to be put out. I ran away to a safer distance from the vehicle and called 911. The entire car was completely engulfed in the flames by the time the police and fire department responded. It still took about ten minutes for the fire to be extinguished by the fire department. The vehicle is a complete loss including many personal items that I was unable to recover. There was absolutely no warning of any issues with the engine such as a notification from a gauge indicating that the engine was over heating or any other warning lights showing any issues. I maintained the vehicle with regular oil changes and other standard maintenance. It only had 41,000 miles on if at the time of the fire. I expected it to last for many more years. Thankfully my son and our dog was not with me at the time.