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.
Visibility, Apr 23, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Service brakes, Apr 22, 2015, crash
CAR WOULD NOT BRAKE AS IT PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT. ENDED UP STOPPING IN A STOREFRONT. NO SIGNIFICANT VISIBLE DAMAGE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. ALL THREE PASSENGERS (INCL ONE 3 YR OLD) WERE COMPLETELY UNSCATHED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 29, 2015
2015 KIA SOUL SPUTTERED WHEN GOING FROM FIRST GEAR, TO SECOND GEAR AND THEN THIRD. CW ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. A DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FIRING ON ALL FOUR CYLINDERS AND THAT WAS THE REASON THE VEHICLE SEEMED SLUGGISH. THE ENGINE COVER WAS REMOVED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED ALL THE CYLINDERS WERE NOT CONNECTED. *JB
Air bags, Wheels, Seats, Oct 27, 2014, crash
WHILE DRIVING DOWN FAIRMOUNT BLVD. I HIT A POT HOLE, CAUSING MY TIRE TO GO FLAT AND THE AIR BAGS CAME OUT. *TR