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.
Engine, Dec 6, 2021
Engine failure on freeway 2 times in last 9 months. Engine rattles as if coming apart and almost complete loss of power. Had spark plugs replaced after both incidents for temporary fix. Mechanics informed me that 2015 KIA Soul engine have problems/issues. Engine is also burning oil. KIA dealer said it is "normal" for engine to burn oil with high mileage. (130,000 miles)
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.
Exterior lighting, Dec 1, 2021
4 times within 16 months, my passenger side headlamps low and high beam burned out with a melted headlamp connector plug. My 2015 Kia Soul was purchased in June 2016 and now has less than 38,000 miles. I have seen that there was previously (2016) a safety Recall SC149 Halogen Headlamp Low Beam Connector for 2015 Kia Soul but Danbury Connecticut Kia dealership denies this. I am concerned about a fire as well as cost of repairing this dangerous defect. [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds there was heat emerging from underneath the dashboard. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2021
The subject vehicle was take to dealer to address recall SC176. In this recall there is a flow chart instructing the dealer on how to repair the subject vehicle. This flow chart was clearly not followed. The dealer only performed the ECU Logic improvement and did not replace the catalytic converter. The subject vehicle had trouble code P0420 before it arrived. The code was cleared while in the dealers care but returned 6 miles after the vehicle was picked up. Service manager Nick was contacted, He said there were no stored codes however I provided documentation show the code was there and the check engine light was on when dropped off at the dealership. I believe this is a violation of NHTSA. Because the subject vehicle still has a defective Catalytic converter that is manufacture defect.
Engine, Oct 23, 2021
Engine rod bearing failure. Engine failure. Vehicle was consuming more oil than expected and engine just shut off. Vehicle would not shift into gear. Battery was not charged. When fine finally came on after charging there was a knocking sound. Engine would not accelerate and knocking sound became loud. Vehicle would not even stop.
Engine, Oct 16, 2021
Catalytic converter failed. Car can over heat and catch on fire. Took to dealership and has been confirmed catalytic converter failed. Vehicle only has 83,000 miles. No warning engine start rattling really bad and vehicle was struggling to go up bridges and speed up.
Engine, Oct 15, 2021
I towed my car to a Kia Dealership and was told the Engine needs to be replaced
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2021
The engine is leaking oil and got so hot that it melted the inside of the Catalytic converter. This is a recall on 2015 Kia Soul 1.7 liter and not on my 2015 Kia Soul 2.0 liter. I had the car towed to the Kia dealership, Larry Stovesand-Carbondale IL, 5/7/21 to perform 3 recalls: PI2002B (knock sensor), SC200PS (engine inspect/bearing clearance test) and SC155B (pinion gear). The dealership service dept. told me that they had to do the knock sensor and pinion gear recall before they could do the engine inspect bearing clearance test. They kept my car for 3 months, until 8/4/21 and told me about the melted catalytic converter, but still had not performed the engine inspect. I marked the tire with a rock on top to make sure that they did the test. After a week, I went to the dealership. They told me the car passed the engine test. I asked if the test was performed in the garage and I was told yes. I told the service personnel that my car had not been moved because I had marked it with a rock and that the rock was still in the same place on the tire. He said he was going to get the tech and immediately walked out, came back with a tech person that said that he had performed the test but that he had not put it into the system yet. I got the keys to my car and called my local mechanic and had him tow my car to his garage to replace the catalytic converter. The car had the same problems with knocking, hesitation, top speed of 60 mph, and using oil. My local mechanic said the pistons are leaking. I finally got the recalled documentation in the mail from the dealership and it showed they only performed PI 2002B & SC200PS recalls. They did not perform the SC155B recall even though they had the car for 3 months. The car stalled on the highway with my daughter driving. That was terrifying! Now the car is back at Kia for the engine test that I don’t think they did the first time. Now they said it passed the engine test again and only needs a knock sensor. That will not fix it!
Engine, Oct 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that a month after an oil change an abnormal noise was heard coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who added oil to the engine and stated that no oil leaks were present. The failure would occur several times after oil changes. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH the check engine warning light illuminated while the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, no diagnostic was completed due to the diagnostic fees. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as solenoid 1 and 3 misfirings. The independent mechanic recommended an engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched the failure online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE) the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact also stated that the manufacturer informed her that her Kia was not manufactured at the same plant as the vehicles included in the recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 9, 2021, fire
Driving the car up the 101 Cuesta Grade and lost acceleration. The speedometer went to zero and as the car died I pulled to the right side of the freeway / grade. Smoke started to enter my vehicle. A car stopped in front of me and one behind and the people ran from their cars to tell me to get out of my car as my front engine underneath was on fire. I got out of the car and opened the back hatch to remove my belongings as the engine burst into flames. This car has been maintained by KIA and by a personal mechanic and we were up to date on all recalls. We were NOT included in the most recent engine fire recall. The car is completely destroyed.
Engine, Oct 7, 2021
Catalytic converter failed and needed to be replaced.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate. The contact stated that the battery and the oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that since she did not have an extended warranty, they would not service NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) that was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Engine, Oct 6, 2021
I purchased a new 2015 Kia Soul in the summer of 2015. Since then I have had to replace the engine TWICE and the catalytic converter at my expense. Now the engine has failed again! I asked the mechanic at the dealership why this keeps happening with a brand new vehicle. He shrugged his shoulders and responded that Kia had problems with that particular engine. Never in all this time did the dealership EVER mention this and now that the third engine needs to be replaced, they are refusing to cover it under the warranty or recall because it is at 152,000 miles and the warranty extension was up to 150,000 miles. Never mind that they should have replaced the first two engines because it was under the 150k... or that the third engine itself doesn't have 150k miles on it. They also never made me aware of the recall on the catalytic converter when it failed and I paid to replace it. The first time the engine seized was approx August of 2019, the second time was March 2020, and the third was June 2021. I've contacted Kia Customer Service - they tell me to contact the dealership. I've had it inspected by an independent third party mechanic and he is convinced that this should be covered by the recall/extended warranty
Engine, Oct 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to coast the roadside as the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the failure as complete engine failure. The mechanic advised of an open recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the recall was confirmed however, the contact was advised that the repairs would not be covered under the recall. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE). The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The manufacturer confirmed that the recall repair was not covered. The contact stated that the recall repair was denied by the manufacturer as the vehicle was not brought to a dealer for repair in a timely manner. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Vehicle has been diagnosed by Pep Boys.
Engine, Oct 3, 2021
SOMETHING IS CAUSING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO CLOG AND OVERHEAT, REDUCING GREATLY, THE POWER OF THE VEHICLE, PARTICULARLY WHEN TRAVELING UPHILL. I FEAR IT WILL BECOME HOT ENOUGH TO START A FIRE AND/OR DAMAGE THE PISTONS/ENGINE.
Engine, Oct 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss power without warning and failed to restart. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V750000 (Engine) and 17V608000 (Steering) after the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the starter and battery. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The repairs were declined due to a previous update not being performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact stated he only had possession of the vehicle for a year and was unaware of the needed update. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was 134,200.
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.
Engine, Sep 29, 2021
Bought the car from a used car dealership with just under 100k miles, were not made aware of the recall on the vehicle and within 7k miles car engine seized and was found to be 4 quarts short of oil with no leaks. No prior knocking or engine lights appeared, and car stalled on the highway. Luckily, no one was injured and all we did was lose $10K.
Engine, Sep 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the engine started knocking and the vehicle independently shifted into limp mode. The contact also stated that the check engine and tire pressure warning lights started flashing on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where they initially informed her that her vehicle needed an oil change; however, metal shavings were found in the oil reservoir. The contact then called the dealer where she had NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) repair performed. The service advisor linked the failure to the recall. The service manager could not help with the repair and referred her to the manufacturer. The manufacturer has notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would receive a callback. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the mechanic. The failure mileage was 151,112.