CarRecallWatchThe 2015 Kia Soul has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 902 complaints with NHTSA, including 34 crashes, 84 fires, 32 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (631 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2015 Kia Soul recalls
Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair
An engine compartment fire can occur while the vehicle is being driven.
Engine May Stall or Leak Oil, Creating Crash and Fire Risk
Certain 2012-2016 Kia Soul vehicles with a 1.6L gasoline direct injection engine may have excessively high exhaust gas temperatures.
Steering Can Be Lost if Pinion Gear Separates
The pinion plug in the steering gear assembly may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear.
Accelerator Pedal May Bend or Break, Hindering Acceleration
A section of the accelerator pedal in certain 2014-2015 Kia Soul and Soul electric vehicles, built between July 21, 2013 and January 8, 2015, may bend and fracture.
Most common 2015 Kia Soul problems
Problem areas named in the 902 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 631 |
| Unknown Or Other | 108 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 77 |
| Electrical System | 75 |
| Power Train | 61 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 60 |
| Steering | 44 |
| Exterior Lighting | 37 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 30 |
| Service Brakes | 29 |
What owners report
RECALL SC176 INCOMPLETE- WHILE DRIVING IN AN UNINCORPERATED AREA IN [XXX] ([XXX] IN [XXX] COUNTY) THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ENGINE POWER AND DUE TO THE SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STOP ON A DANGEROUS CURVE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START BACK UP. THE CRUVE WAS SITUATED IN SUCH A MANOR THAT IT WAS UNSAFE TO TRY TO PUSH IT INTO THE SIDE AS IT WAS A STEEP DITCH LEAVING THE VHICLE COMPLETELY DISABLED IN THE COMPLETE DARK. EVEN WITH THE FLASHERS ON OTHER MOTORISTS INCLUDING A SEMI TRACTOR TRAILER NEARLY CRASHED INTO THE DISABLED VEHICLE MULTIPLE TIMES. WHILE ESCAPING THE DANGEROUS SITUATION ON FOOT I NOTICED THE MUFFLER WAS EMMITING SMOKE AND A STRONG ODOR. I WAS ABLE TO
An authorized Kia dealership (Car Town Kia in Lexington Ky) refused to complete federal safety recall SC334 after a technician snapped a bleeder screw, instead demanding a $3,022.83 payment for an unauthorized full brake overhaul. Citing rust buildup to deny the mandated safety repair violates federal regulations, prompting a request for an immediate NHTSA investigation.
My husband purchased our 2015 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI in 04/18. It was recalled under the NHTSA 19V120 & Kia SC176 in 04/19. The recommended fix? Update ECU Logic. Completed: 04/24/19. Check engine light came in 07/19. My appointment in 08/19, at #1 Cochran Kia showed a P0455 large leak code. Per invoice, manual leak test found no leak, but found gas cap not installed correctly after adding fuel, codes were cleared, & road test performed; "mileage in": 65582, "mileage out": 65583. Was that a road test? In 01/20, the Soul at the dealer for check engine light; P050A code was found & there was no resolution. They sent me home with the check engine light on. Auto Zone recommended catalytic cleaners.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the engine was inspected and it was determined that there was no failure with the vehicle. The contact was charged for the diagnostic test. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer a second time, but no failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to Pep Boys, who diagnosed that the engine was leaking oil onto the exhaust system and catalytic converter. The vehicle was taken back to
Seatbelt on front passenger side locked up and continued to tighten until passenger had to release. Then seatbelt never returned to function. It locked up completely.
2015 Kia Soul safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Kia Soul SUV FWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (14.7% rollover risk) |
2015 Kia Soul questions
Does the 2015 Kia Soul have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2015 Kia Soul: Engine Fire Risk While Driving: Free Inspection and Repair; Engine May Stall or Leak Oil, Creating Crash and Fire Risk; Steering Can Be Lost if Pinion Gear Separates; Accelerator Pedal May Bend or Break, Hindering Acceleration. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Kia Soul?
Based on 902 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (631), Unknown Or Other (108), Fuel/Propulsion System (77).
How safe is the 2015 Kia Soul?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2015 Kia Soul up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2015 Kia Soul has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.