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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2023
The KIA company is denying me the anti theft software. What can I do?
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 8, 2023
My engine has had many issues stemming from a bad engine Kia of Irvine has avoided fixing they have charged for fixes under warranty and ignored code p0420 since 2018. After much push Catalytic engine was replaced replaced in 2021. I had noticed burning smell from engine along with low oil but was denied an oil consumption and pushed out of extended warranty with minor fixes. Told repeatedly it was all wear and tear. Car is currently in shop with 157000 miles after going limp on the freeway luckily with slow traffic. After being “fixed” on Tuesday 9/05/23 for a bad crank shaft sensor I drove it to pep boys straight out of the shop for scan and found ABS issue 1631 transmission failure and a failed emissions warning not fixed. Took car back right no explanation and asked that I leave my car once again. I have called to No communication from the shop And now I have just been informed they misplaced my key and have not yet inspected it.
Engine, Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and started to vibrate violently. The contact was able to safely reach her destination. Upon visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was extremely low. The check engine and low oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine required an engine flush. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, Service brakes, Sep 4, 2023
Abs and airbags not working!
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 29, 2023
The car stalls constantly and has been going on for years. Kia had claimed to have fixed the problem that they had fixed the problem however they never did because the car has been continuing to stop in the middle of the road. This car is very dangerous and it has no recalls on it. The catalytic converter is a problem and even though it has been a problem for Kia souls mine is not listed in the recall. Needless to say that this has put me and my child in immediate Life-threatening danger multiple times.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 22, 2023
My catalytic converter went out on my Kia while driving unexpectedly and I have heard of a lot of other Kias in my year have the same issue.
Engine, Aug 22, 2023
My engine failed while my wife and I were riding in the vehicle, putting our safety at risk.
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 20V750000 (Engine) and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that coolant had intruded into the engine had caused damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 218,000.
Engine, Aug 21, 2023
I own a 2015 kia soul 2.0 GDI engine, was coming home, the car surged twice and started knocking. I imediatly pulled over and killed the car. Had the car checked, spun the number 3 cylinder connecting rod bearing. Went from running perfict to torn up engine, it's a shame I.ve taken very good care of this car. Synthetic oil every 5 thousand miles. Called kia they said my car isn't on the list. The guy who did the inspection said it's the exact same problem on multiple vehicles, same exact problem, number three cylinder, connecting rod bearing. 136,000 miles.
Engine, Aug 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle had been idling roughly. The contact stated that the engine would vibrate and shake the entire vehicle while stopped at a traffic signal. The contact stated that she was adding amount of engine oil to the vehicle every week. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed and determined the engine had passed a mandatory engine test. The contact was not advised if the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software had been updated. The contact stated that following the recall, the engine failure recurred. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a rattling sound present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle failed to properly accelerate, and the vehicle stalled on several occasions. Additionally, the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was diagnosed at the local dealer and determined that the catalytic converter was clogged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Engine, Aug 12, 2023
3 time same time going 60 and speed drop 40 fast almost some hot from the back in freeway was a miss fire what was fix but the 3 time show a code p1326 Is problem w the motor.
Engine, Aug 11, 2023
The engine has sounded bad for a year or more and it's been consuming oil at a rate of 1/2 to 1 quart per month despite having only 80,000 miles on the vehicle. For the past couple of months the vehicle has increasingly struggled to maintain speed on the highway or to climb hills. The engine has to rev well higher than normal and it's loud. I've also found oil slicks in the garage for the first time. Three weeks ago, on Interstate 64 near Cross Lanes, WV the vehicle lost the capacity to continue down the highway. I had to pull over just after the crest of a hill and was stuck there in a scary situation for about 40 minutes. The dealer there in WV says the catalytic converter has failed and it will be $3500 to fix it. At no time has the check engine indicator activated. The manufacturer says my VIN is not included in NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V120000. The dealership in Columbus, which I has spoken to last summer told me the engine, which has seem troubled to me for a year or more does not, at least yet, qualify for remedy under NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000. At last contact the manufacturer is looking in to authorizing out of warranty assistance, but there are no guarantees and we may very well be on my own when it comes to remedying these serious and expensive problems with the 2015 Kia Soul.
Engine, Aug 11, 2023
Recall for catalytic converter failure not fixed. Dealer claimed to fix but lied. My catalytic converter is failing and Kia refused to fix it with previous recall appointments. Now it could result in major engine or a fire. Took it in multiple times and dealer failed to resolve the issue. A year later and my car won’t go over 40 mph.
Engine, Aug 9, 2023
Vehicle emissions test failure P0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1 this is the 3rd failure for the same reason and the part has been replaced twice. Once under warranty and a second one in December 2022. Kia hasn’t done anything to fix the problem, and is opting for a catastrophic failure and possible harm to myself and family. Please help
Engine, Aug 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle would not properly accelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. The contact waited until the vehicle cooled down and the vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle was not operating normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started overheating and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and saw smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle had experienced engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and the VIN was included; however, the dealer declined the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 112,630.
Electrical system, Aug 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V218000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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. The contact stated that the check "EV System Light" was displayed. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Jul 29, 2023
Kia issued recall 23V218 in relation to the High Voltage Battery being able to short curcut and catch fire. They don't know for sure the cause, nor do they have a remedy in place yet. If my car can randomly catch fire, that sounds like a pretty big saftey recall issue. That recall was issued 4 months ago. I asked about being given a loaner car until there's a fix and I was told no. I asked about them repurchasing the car since they don't have a fix, they said no. I asked about the battery being replaced as a precaution and was told that they don't yet have a way to make sure the replacement battery won't have to same issue. So there are all these ppl driv9ng down the street because we don't have any choice BUT to drive our car and Kia isn't willing to help us in any way shape or form.
Engine, Jul 25, 2023
illuminated check engine and oil pressure warning lights with stalling at higher speeds. Last incident car stalled on freeway while driving up a steep grade. This incident put me at risk for injury due to the traffic and location incident. Afterwards when starting the car again there would be a severe shaking and excessive smoke coming from engine and exhaust pipe. I initially had a mechanic from MIDAS inspect the car. The engine was leaking oil and mechanic had suspicion that there was a fuel leek. do to the danger of these malfunctions the mechanic suggested we have KIA deal with it directly
Seat belts, Service brakes, Jul 18, 2023, crash
This is a supplement to the earlier filed report. The brakes on this Kia Soul did not appear to be working, no matter how hard I pressed on it. Further, I flew forward in this accident, causing me to hit my head. It was like the seatbelt was not working at all. I had to be checked for a potential concussion at the local hospital.
Seat belts, Service brakes, Jul 18, 2023, crash
This vehicle is currently at Lunsford's towing, and will be moved to another location. Potentially this could be my new residence at [XXX] , but I would like to have contact/see if this has any issues first. There were two components of this accident: 1) a multi-vehicle collision, and a single vehicle collision between the Kia and a tree. I do not believe that these potential issues had much to do with the first component. However, I kept going after this accident, and had a large mark on my head. I am unsure about what my head hit, but my seatbelt may have failed to restrain me. Further, there was little braking before the first component of this, but there seemed to be little significant slowdown after the first part. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seat belts, Jul 17, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while her son was driving at 30 MPH, after becoming briefly distracted, the vehicle ahead dramatically reduced speeds, and as a result, he collided with the rear of that vehicle. After this, the seat belt failed to restrain him, and he hit his head on the windshield, causing him to lose consciousness. The force of the impact forced the vehicle off the road and into a ditch, where it came to rest after colliding with a tree, at which point the air bags deployed. No warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, where it remains. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The driver was transported to an area hospital, treated for a concussion, and held in the ER for observation. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Engine, Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle started shaking and inadvertently lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle restarted and driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was notified of the catalytic converter failure and excessive oil consumption. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that there was an unknown recall for the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,500.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 5, 2023
NHTSA RECALL FOR REFERENCE NUMBER 19V120000. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING EXHAUST SYSTEM: EMISSION CONTROL: CATALYTIC CONVERTOR AND MY KIA SOUL 2015 DID NOT HAVE THIS CHANGED OUT. KIA IS SAYING THAT IS IS NOT A RECALL BUT THIS ISSUE IS A RECALL BECAUSE IF MY CAR BLOWS UP AND SOME ONE DIES I AM SUEING KIA FOR THIS ISSUE/