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, Jun 30, 2023
Yes before my car went to limp mode on the interstate it stalled several times and had a flashing gear wrench sign flash several times .I looked for recalls after telling the dealership what happened,and all the did we was update the flash on the ECU . I had a local manager from midas in Decatur tell me that this 2015 model 1.6 liter engine were catching fire from an intake manifold malfunction to the engine and out the exhaust system . I really feel like the dealership should of replaced all of this or gave a total new replacement vehicle and or replaced my engine. They fixed nothing but charged me over 2 thousand dollars to fix the check engine light repair that didn't come on until they flashed my ECU . My vehicle still stalls and makes a funny loud rattling noise every time it starts to ingage in driving or downshifting as I decrease my speed to come to a complete stop . It uses more oil and gets hotter than any other vehicle I've ever owned. I really need this investigated and would like to be reimbursed for the pain and agony of this whole vehicle buyimg.experience.the kia corporate office actually sent me am extended warranty for 150 thousand miles but to be honest I don't think this motor has that much life in it because of the prior damage done by the 3 recalls . Thanks sincerely please help .
Engine, Jun 26, 2023
Catalytic Converter problem
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Jun 26, 2023
2015 KIA SOUL- Email and complaint forwarded from the division of consumer protection of the state of New York on behalf of consumer. Consumer states: "The brake lines rotted away and failed . Kia has already recalled a different model vehicle for the same problem. Dealer had another Kia Soul in the shop for the same problem. KIA SOUL has a severe brake line rot problem in upstate New York. We could have been killed because of this catastrophic brake failure. I asked KIA if they were going to recall this model for this problem and they failed to answer." Consumer is requesting recall on this model vehicle for defective brake lines and reimbursed for the repair expense.
Engine, Jun 16, 2023
My 2015 Kia Soul Plus 2.0L at 97,400 miles has had the catalytic converter fail. This is the exact same problem for the recall of 2015 Kia Soul 1.6L. I have additional engine issues, which the dealership denies are under warranty or engine recall. 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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 13, 2023
This would be the third time of car breaking down without any warning. When there is a problem with the car there is never no indication that there are any problems. No warning lights, no nothing car just breaks down.
Exterior lighting, Jun 7, 2023
I would like to report that my 93,632 2015 Kia Soul headlights flicker. The headlights (both) even go out for seconds and then they come back at the same time. It's an electrical issue, not a matter of changing the bulbs. I contacted Kia Motors to report this and check if there are recalls or extended warranty on this issue and they said no. There are plenty of other users on online forums reporting this same issue. Maybe it's time to investigate if this is a defect since from what other users described, is the same situation as with my own car headlights. Sounds very dangerous having a vehicle losing the headlights suddenly on a highway, I spoke with 2 CSR from Kia on 6/7/23 regarding the headlights and none of them were interested in this specific matter.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 7, 2023
Engine burning oil so much that it destroys the catalytic converter leaving me stranded middle of a highway.
Engine, Jun 2, 2023
My vehicle is a 2015 Kia Soul. I went to a local auto repair shop, at around March 2023, for the check engine warning light being on, which then revealed the P420 code of a defective catalytic converter. No malfunctions or incidents have occurred, while my vehicle had the defective catalytic converter. I notified the closest Kia dealer of the failure and I was informed that my vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure, but no assistance was offered in answering why there are no open recalls under my vehicle’s VIN. My vehicle was repaired and returned to me, but no recall eligibility meant the catalytic converter replacement was payed out-of-pocket. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Service brakes, Jun 2, 2023
I have TWO 2015 Kia Soul's with advanced corrosion on the rear brake lines. One vehicle has already been repaired after a line failed while driving the vehicle on the highway. Luckily I was able to get it to a shop without incident and get them repaired. There was a large pool of brake fluid left where it was parked for a short time and the brake pressure was almost zero when arriving at the shop. I did retain the old brake lines which can be available for inspection if necessary. The other vehicle has not been repaired yet but will need to be done soon. I would like to see some action taken against Kia on these vehicles. Other models have had service campaigns issued for similar issues but not the Soul.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an abnormal, rattling sound was coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure persisted, and the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Power train, Electrical system, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that upon research, he became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V389000 (Power Train, Electrical System) and 23V218000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repair. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2023
The catalytic converter has failed. Even though I got the software update to the converter for the recall, the converter still needs replacement.
Power train, May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact shifted the vehicle into park and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer once again and the crank shaft sensor was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, but no failure was found, and the contact was referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Service brakes, Engine, May 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the off position, the engine was still running. Additionally, the contact stated that while inside her residence with the key, the vehicle erroneously started and move forward with no key in the ignition. The contact also stated that the brake pedal became stiff while depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Engine, May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic who diagnosed that there was no engine oil in the vehicle due to excessive oil consumption. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the knock sensor was replaced. The dealer then added oil in the vehicle and completed the oil consumption test after the contact had driven 1,000 miles. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle failed the oil consumption test because half of the oil that was added had been consumed. Upon performing the second oil consumption test after another 1,000 miles, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle had passed the test. The contact stated that he was concerned and believed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Engine, May 2, 2023
Excessive oil burning causing catalytic converted to be clogged and requiring relacement. No oil leaks, no warning lamps, messages; car is driving sluggish.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 1, 2023
At the inspection & emissions test on 01/10/2023, the vehicle failed with a P0420 cat code & Kia recommended I pay to replace the catalytic converter. The first P0420 was found in Aug '19 at an Auto Zone. The vehicle is available for inspection. My safety & those of others is at risk per the recall number 19V120 dated 04/12/19: "A defect has been identified which relates to motor vehicle safety. The defect may cause damage to the catalytic converter... If this condition occurs, you may hear knocking noise from the engine and/or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate. Kia will upgrade the Catalytic Overheating Protection (COP) logic in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and if necessary replace the catalytic converter and/or engine at no cost to you." This Kia's ECU was upgraded on 04/24/19. About 3 months later, the check engine (CE) light illuminated. Auto Zone found a P0420 code but the Kia dealer found a P0455 & suggested the gas cap was not installed properly. They cleared the code and sent me away. The CE was back on Nov '19. An appointment with Kia on 01/14/20 revealed a P050A code which had no resolution. The dealer "reset engine adaptive values as per techline and released vehicle back" to me. I drove in stress, praying the vehicle doesn't catch fire since it was losing significant oil. I added additional quarts about 1500 miles after each oil change. After a while I got used to the CE being on. In August of '21, AutoZone found a P0420 diag code again. I didn't think Kia would resolve the problem. I finally called Kia in May of '22 & was told of another recall #SA485. I took the Kia in on 05/31/22 with the CE light on. After the ECM upgrade the CE light was off until a few miles were driven. Inspection on 01/10/23, Kia dealer found P0420 Cat Code, failed the vehicle, & told me vehicle is no longer covered under warranty. I think the vehicle should have been recalled for catalytic converter like other 2015 Souls. Please recall this Kia.
Steering, Air bags, Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling noise heard in the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V608000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that after the vehicle was returned, the steering, air bags, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became hot to the touch without the heated steering wheel function being activated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an oil change was needed, and the heated steering wheel fuse was removed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,796.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 27, 2023
I bought this vehicle new (under 3k miles) from the dealer Kiefer Kia. The very next day I brought the car back as there were obvious problems with it immediately. The car would hesitate, almost as if it were about to die, while driving or even sitting at a light. When I took it in the repair person heard the problem but said "that's normal for a new car". I wanted to reopen the car but they said there were no returns. I came in 2 other times. On the 4th time they finally replaced the computer. It did nothing to fix the problem but from that time I had electrical problems. They denied the electrical problems. 2 more visits they replaced the computer again and some other recall. Both problems continued. I've had to replace the battery more than once a year. It still hesitates but covid happened and now I'm in a wheel chair and have problems getting around so brining it in is even more difficult. I don't trust any more repairs they're doing I just want my money back. I stopped driving it on the highway as I'm to afraid of the engine catching fire with how it eats oil. If I want to go out of town I have to rent a car!
Engine, Apr 24, 2023
Engine failed in exact manner described in safety recall SC176, Kia refusing to cover engine under recall extended warranty.
Engine, Apr 20, 2023
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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine, oil, and KSDS sensor warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not responsive and shifted into LIMP Mode. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who determined that there were metal shavings in the oil pan. Additionally, there was and no oil in the engine. The mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The dealer refused to replace the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 11, 2023
got an engine catalytic converter check engine light
Engine, Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road before restarting the vehicle and continuing to drive 5 MPH to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the catalytic converter to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Engine, Apr 5, 2023
My 2015 Kia Soul ! has been losing power upon acceleration for around 6 months now. We have had two different mechanic shops attempt repairs. First repair found a broken spark plug. Kia Soul continued to lose power upon acceleration and a second repair shop found a bent engine valve. All engine valves were repaired/replaced. After the engine valve repairs, around a month later, Kia Soul loses all power upon acceleration over 4,000 rpm or at an incline, absolutely no power when pressing the accelerator and this caused an instant safety issue for the owner/driver. The owner/driver was on the highway driving around 70 mph when the Kia Soul lost power and she had to maneuver onto the side of a busy highway three times to shut off the Kia Soul and re-start it to get power again. (Shutting off the vehicle and re-starting it temporarily fixes the power issue.) The owner/driver was almost hit by other cars twice trying to get to the side of the highway since there was absolutely no power and no way to accelerate. There were and are still no warning lights, no engine lights, no codes, absolutely nothing stating that anything is wrong with this Kia Soul. This Kia Soul also dumps 100% of its oil at random times. It will throw engine codes of O-ring 1 and 3 at random times not at the same time as the oil dumping. The owner has checked the oil level if the Kia Soul right before driving the vehicle and she has had the vehicle dump its oil during a drive and go into "limp mode" where it loses its power and will not go over a certain RPM to protect the integrity of the engine. The owner has had this happen twice since a KIA dealership did computer reprogramming after the latest recall. There is absolutely no warning, engine codes with this as well. The last time happened on a highway as well and safety was also and issue trying to get off the highway at 45 mph. There is no warning for when it loses power putting its driver in danger of getting hit by other cars.
Engine, Apr 5, 2023, fire
Driving down the road and the car caught fire for no reason