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 and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal rumbling sound was coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that there was a defect with the engine. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) which was linked to the failure. The contact then stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where the engine failure was confirmed. The contact was also referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was informed that since a prior unknown recall repair was not performed; the engine recall would not be honored. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2024
The exact issue with the catalytic converter you have in the 1.6 engines my neighbor has it too. You should be replacing these not charging 2500 for repairs.
Engine, Apr 3, 2024
Was driving on the highway I hard a pop sound and I look in my mirror and saw a big white smoke fog and then hard tapping from the hood and pulled over and my car would not start had it towed and had 2 mechanic look at it told me my engine is blown and there is a hole in it that my engine is defective
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine would rev up loudly emitting a vibrating noise. About 3 months after having the vehicle repaired, while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the battery warning light and the oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled shortly afterward. After waiting for a while, the contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the contact was only able to drive for a short while before the failure recurred. The contact stated after having the vehicle inspected, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and the tailpipe intermittently that dissipated while driving. A loud vibrating noise was emitted from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a muffler shop after noticing the loud vibrating sounds and it was determined that the muffler was loosened and needed to be reattached. The contact had also taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic due to the vehicle continuing to run roughly and it was determined that cylinder #1 was misfiring. Additionally, the oil level was extremely low. The mechanic was unable to determine where the leak was coming from. The ignition coils were replaced. The contact stated that a friend diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved a code that cylinder #4 was misfiring after the coils were replaced. The friend also informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 19V120000 (Engine, Engine, and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that VIN was not included in a recall nor covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 178,000.
Engine, Mar 17, 2024
The Kia Soul 2015 model has been under scrutiny due to safety concerns, particularly regarding engine failures that could potentially lead to accidents. This report aims to address a recent incident involving a Kia Soul 2015 experiencing engine failure, putting a family at risk. Incident Description: On [03/15/24], a Kia Soul 2015 experienced a sudden engine failure while being driven with my family onboard, including the my wife and two children. The incident occurred shortly after maintenance was performed by Lokey Kia Clearwater. The sudden engine failure resulted in the vehicle coming to a stop in the middle of the road, posing a significant safety risk to the occupants and other road users. Engine shutdowns while in motion can lead to loss of control over the vehicle, potentially causing accidents, injuries, or even fatalities. In this case, the driver, my wife, and two children were exposed to the danger of being stranded on a busy road, increasing the risk of a deadly accident. The investigation into the engine failure revealed several potential causes, including Mechanical Failure: The engine may have experienced a critical mechanical failure, possibly due to poor maintenance or manufacturing defects. Electrical Malfunction: Electrical issues within the engine control system could have triggered an automatic shutdown, leading to the engine failure. Previous Maintenance: The maintenance performed by Lokey Kia Clearwater could have been inadequate or incorrectly executed, leading to unforeseen complications with the engine.
Engine, Mar 15, 2024
I have had 5 oem and dealership installed catalytic converters fail within 3 years now. The car has had engine failure resulting in the engine being replaced for connecting rod failure (2021).
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2024
Catalytic converter failure despite recall repair (#19v120). Catalytic converters may become damaged due to overheating. This issue can increase the risk of engine stall or fire. Yes. On March 13, 2024 the vehicle was inspected by a certified Kia mechanic and it was determined that the primary catalytic converter and exhaust manifold have failed. Yes. I don't recall whether or not there was a warning light in 2019 before recall repair however there was a warning light in November 2023 continuing to the present.
Electrical system, Mar 12, 2024
Car stalling on highway and blowing smoke out of the exhaust. No warning lamps or messages. Mechanic thinks it’s the catalytic converter.
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 11, 2024
Car just started jerking and turning off while driving showing the engine light and oil light
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 8, 2024
The catalytic converter got pluged up from the oil consumption. The car would no longer accelerate. Yes I still have the catalytic converter.yes the safety was I went to excelrate and I almost got rear ended. It just happened out of nowhere.I took it to the Meineke's shop and they said the cat was pluged but wasn't 100% sure so I had it towed to a kia dealer and they said it was 100% the catalytic converter and it wasn't covered so it would be around $3000.Yes it was inspected by the kia dealer.It had a check engine light on but it said it was the 02 sensor. It had a little less power then normal.It seemed ok when I left the house. I drove about 40 miles. I stoped for about 5 minutes to smoke and it seemed ok in the parking lot. It's when I went to excelrate out to the street it had no power.the original cat starts getting pluged over time and causes the heat to back up on the inside of the engine and puts wear on the piston rings. There for causeing it to burn the engine oil. Inturn almost fully pluging the original cat cause the engine to have no power. I have been a professional machnic for over 24 years. so I understand how engines work. Now because of the internal damage of the engine I am putting 2 quarts of oil every 1500 miles. Which is only one week for me. Thank you for reviewing this. I hope that kia will make this right.
Air bags, Mar 1, 2024, crash
My vehicle was stolen and crashed but the air bags did not deploy.
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul EV. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System) and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. The contact stated that after the repair was completed, the vehicle went into "Reduced Power" and "Power Limp Mode" while driving at various speeds and initially after starting the vehicle. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where the recall repair was completed the recall repair; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,400.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle revved up but failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking engine oil. The contact added oil to the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated and flickering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was due to engine failure and performed unknown repairs. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to another local dealer. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Feb 22, 2024
My problems started October of 2023 on an out of state trip for a memorial for my deceased cousin. I, along with my son and 3 grandchild were on our way to West Virginia when my car wouldn’t accelerate on the freeway. We got off the freeway and found the nearest Kia dealership. They provided me with a rental and told me I needed a catalytic converter that was clogged due to heavy oil consumption and my oil was low, even thought it was 3000 miles from the next scheduled change. I paid for the services and picked my car up approximately 6 days later. In December my cars engine light came on and I started having acceleration issues again. I took it to my local dealership and was told by the service advisor that it was covered under the recall to 150,000 miles for knocking and seizing and to continue driving it. They changed the oil and I went on my way. [XXX] my engine light came on again and I called and scheduled an appointment. I dropped it off on [XXX] After 2 1/2 weeks of calling daily with no return phone calls and paying out of pocket for a rental the dealership called and said it was the camshaft. I work part time for a auto wholesales parts company and the director, who has 40 years automotive experience told me the camshaft would have nothing to do with the oil consumption. After researching on internet and finding numerous videos stating the same, I told them change the oil and I would pick it up. The next day I went to pick it up and the battery was dead. The battery was just replaced in November. They jumped it twice, I expressed my uneasiness leaving with it but was told service is closed and the have no loaners. On the way out of the parking lot, a man that stated he was the sales manager was waving and yelling “bye, don’t come back, get out of my lot”. Needless to say I was appalled. Less than 15 minutes to home, the oil light came on and my engine started marking a horrible sound. I parked in my drive and the car would not restart. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Feb 22, 2024
Transmission leaking after a long drive , fluids replaced in the transmission then car leaked out the fluid after driving the vehicle it doesn’t leak when at rest
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 8, 2024
Starting in summer of 2021, I began to has acceleration problems with my car and a check engine light came on. It was undrivable so I took it to the closest mechanic I could make it to, Firestone. They found the catalytic converter to be the problem and I paid $1100 to replace it. Later in 2021, the catalytic converter went out again and I had to have the engine coil and spark plugs replaced. I took it back to Firestone to replace it under warranty. During 2022, the check engine light came on again and again it was the catalytic converter. I got it replaced under warranty again. During this replacement, Firestone let me know that my engine was the source of why the catalytic converter keeps going out. The compression was too low and the engine was causing the catalytic converter to overheat. I took it to the dealership to have it diagnosed to see what was wrong in the engine. They claimed to have run diagnostics in the entire engine and only found that the engine coil and spark plugs needed replacement. I had both of those things replaced already the year before. They did not identify any problems with the new catalytic converter or any other part of the engine. The check engine light came on and my catalytic converter has gone out again and caused me to lose acceleration on a one lane each way 60mph road on my way to work. I suddenly slowed way down and cars had to swerve around me. I pulled off onto a farm road to let traffic by and then had to hobble to AutoZone nearby with my hazards on to get my check engine light codes read. It came up that the cat converter was having issues. I looked up to see if my car had any recalls and none were found. I did find that there was a major recall for Kia souls 2012-2018s for some piece of the engine that was causing catalytic converters to overheat. Many individuals who had this recall done to their vehicles also had to have engine coils and spark plugs replaced based on a forum regarding this recall.
Engine, Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started losing motive power and decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic and the mechanic retrieved a DTC code indicating an engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Air bags, Feb 7, 2024, crash
I was involved in a head on collision with a F250 truck and the airbags did not deploy. I did hit my head on the steering wheel and have a bruise above my eye and some scratches on my knee. I had pain in my shoulder from seat belt. I took off from work on 2/2 to take care of car getting towed and I went to care now to be checked out and they sent me to the ER for a possible scan, but once doctor checked me out they decided there was no need for a scan. I do not have any more information from my insurance company other than the body shop were car was towed to said it was a total loss and there is no reason they could find that the air bag did not deploy. I have owned the car since may of last year and have been to sent 2 safety recall 1 for the catalytic converter and 1 for try to stop kia soul from being stolen. these are the only one I have received
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that after a software update was completed while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle went into SAFE Mode. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V724000 (Power Train, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that the battery was on backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jan 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was also consuming excessive amounts of engine oil. The check engine light had illuminated. The contact stated the failure persisted after the engine had been replaced. The contact believed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was failing due to the pistons being worn. The engine had been replaced when the vehicle was taken to the dealer after the first failure. The vehicle was then returned to the dealer after the failure persisted and it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 20, 2024
My car lost power going up hill on Interstate 5 and ended up seizing up. I could not bring the car to highway speeds I had to drive home using side roads. A mechanic said the car appears to be consuming oil and degraded the catalytic converter. I had to have my catalytic converter replaced. I had the recall done on my car for the catalytic converter issue identified for 2015 Kia Souls. I attempted to get repair from my dealer, Gweke Kia, under this recall but they refused and said I would be charged for the repair and diagnosis. I asked for an oil consumption study to see if the car qualifies engine repairs or replacement under my warranty but they informed me they would charge me approximately $1200 for an oil consumption study.
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.
Engine, Jan 16, 2024, fire
THE DEFECT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER DUE TO OVERHEATING, RESULTING IN ABNORMAL ENGINE COMBUSTION AND DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE PISTONS. PISTON DAMAGE CAN RESULT IN A STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. IF A PISTON ROD BREAKS AND PUNCTURES THE ENGINE BLOCK, OIL CAN ESCAPE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE. The engine caught on fire while I was driving on the highway. I was sold this car without being told of any recalls. The dealership has refused to take responsibility for not informing me of the recall. Kia cooperate office has minimal contact with me. They are currently having it towed to a Kia dealer for diagnostic testing. Currently I own $400.00 just for the rental.
Engine, Jan 13, 2024
Car lost power and had to be pulled over. Mechanic saw recall for catalytic converter however Kia website claims my VIN is not under recall.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 10, 2024
I have a complaint about my 2015 Kia Soul car service issue. Since I purchased the car in December 2021, my check engine and oil indicator light has been on. I took my car to a car repair shop, and was told that the engine oil is being sucked into the exhaust system and to take my car to a Kia dealership. I scheduled a service appointment on 07/14/2021 and paid about $145.00 for a diagnostic system check. I was told that my catalytic converter is blocked and the cost to replace the catalytic converter and labor would be about $2,000. I would have to pay another $145.00 for another diagnostic system check about the engine oil issue. The overall car issue is that the engine oil is going into the exhaust system and causing blockage in the catalytic converter. The extended warranty that I purchased with my 2015 Kia Soul from Bob Sight Kia does not cover these issues and I don't understand why. I did some research and there was a recall {2019-02-21}, {recall number SC176} on 2015 Kia Souls of the same car issues. I contacted Kia customer service to inquire about the recall. The Kia customer service representative stated that recall number SC176 was done on my Kia Soul in June 2019, but it is not stated anywhere on my car's CARFAX report nor on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) website. On the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website it states, "Whether a manufacturer independently conducts a safety recall or NHSTA orders one, the manufacturer must file a public report describing the safety- related defect or noncompliance." As I am driving, my car will stop running while I am accelerating while driving down a street and/or highway. The car also stop running when I am stopped at a streetlight. I believe that the recall SC176 was not performed on my car.