VehicleVerdict

2015 Kia Soul problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,215 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median Soul year — the 2015 model ranks #1 of 16 Soul years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 59 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 56% of all reports (682 of 1,215), far ahead of other at 106. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,215

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

3

Investigations

59

Crash-involved

112

Fires reported

59

Injuries

2

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Soul years?

Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted1,215 complaints2010: 193 complaints2011: 270 complaints2012: 670 complaints2013: 862 complaints2014: 1,215 complaints2015: 1,215 complaints2016: 1,135 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 284 complaints2019: 189 complaints2020: 480 complaints2021: 297 complaints2022: 132 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 18 complaints
Soul NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Soul years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Kia Soul problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine68256%
Other1069%
Fuel System797%
Electrical System776%
Transmission605%
Steering444%
Lighting373%
Brakes333%
Speed Control302%
Airbags202%
Body & Structure151%
Seat Belts91%
Tires & Wheels71%
Visibility & Wipers71%
Seats30%
Suspension30%
Driver Assistance30%

Does the 2015 Kia Soul have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V750000EngineDecember 2, 2020 · 294,756 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

19V120000EngineFebruary 22, 2019 · 378,967 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

17V608000SteeringSeptember 29, 2017 · 342,381 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the pinion gear separates, steering will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

15V123000Speed ControlMarch 2, 2015 · 208,858 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the vehicle has a bent or broken accelerator pedal, the driver may have difficulty accelerating the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS DRIVING WHEN A PUFF OF SMOKE CAME FROM MY ENGINE. MY CAR BEGAN TO STALL AND I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A PHONE CALL TO MY WIFE WHEN TWO JOGGERS NEARBY YELLED THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I LEFT THE VEHICLE AND RAN ACROSS THE STREET. THE TOW JOGGERS HAD CALLED 911. THEY TOLD ME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 24, 2020 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY, MY KIA SOUL SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES UNDERNEATH A STRANGER STOPPED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER LUCKILY. FIRE DEPT SAYS HAD WE NOT USED THE EXTINGUISHER, MY CAR QUITE LIKELY WOULD HAVE EXPLODED. PRIOR TO INCIDENT, I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS ON, NO OIL LEAK, OIL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 19, 2020 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING WHEN A PUFF OF SMOKE CAME FROM MY ENGINE. MY CAR BEGAN TO STALL AND I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A PHONE CALL TO MY WIFE WHEN TWO JOGGERS NEARBY YELLED THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. I LEFT THE VEHICLE AND RAN ACROSS THE STREET. THE TOW JOGGERS HAD CALLED 911. THEY TOLD ME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 24, 2020 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING 70MPH ON A HIGHWAY, MY KIA SOUL SPONTANEOUSLY BURST INTO FLAMES UNDERNEATH A STRANGER STOPPED WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER LUCKILY. FIRE DEPT SAYS HAD WE NOT USED THE EXTINGUISHER, MY CAR QUITE LIKELY WOULD HAVE EXPLODED. PRIOR TO INCIDENT, I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS ON, NO OIL LEAK, OIL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 19, 2020 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA SOUL. WHILE DRIVING 35-45 MPH, THE MANUAL CLUTCH SLIPPED AND LOST FUNCTIONALITY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PITRE KIA (9640 EAGLE RANCH ROAD, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87114, [PHONE]) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 24, 2018 · fire

2015 Kia Soul — common questions

Is the 2015 Kia Soul reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,215 complaints put the 2015 model at #1 of 16 Soul years. It is one of the Soul years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Soul problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (682 complaints), other (106 complaints), fuel system (79 complaints).

Does the 2015 Kia Soul have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Kia Soul. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Kia Soul under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Soul years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Soul years to avoid are 2015, 2014, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2020, 2011. The cleanest record among Soul years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2015 Kia Soul?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Kia Soul earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.